Bakhtiari's final act with Packers perhaps his most memorable

David Bakhtiari. Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

David Bakhtiari's final act with the Packers perhaps his most memorable one

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 3/12/24

David Bakhtiari's career with the Green Bay Packers fizzled. It was a tremendous 11 seasons as a whole, but unfortunately, those last few seasons were full of "what ifs?"

To be fair, it wasn't his fault that he tore his ACL in December 2020. It also wasn't his fault that despite extensive rehabs and multiple attempts to make a comeback, he could never truly come back fully healthy.

He underwent five operations on that knee since that fateful day in 2020, two of which happened last fall. In all, he only played in 13 of a possible 51 games during that time period.

It's a sad end for a player who was absolutely dominant for the Packers after being selected by Green Bay in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Being released, rather than leaving on his own terms on top of his game.

A lot of emotion in this. I just want to say THANK YOU Green Bay. Thank you for the last 11 years. It’s been a hell of a run. I always wanted to raise a Lombardi on Lombardi avenue, but I will never complain. I gave it my all. I always gave it my best no matter the circumstance… pic.twitter.com/dnc7gkKSAC
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari) March 11, 2024

When he was healthy, he was one of the best left tackles in the league — to the tune of three Pro Bowl appearances and two first-team All-Pro selections.

Bakhtiari will try to keep playing and there's a great chance he ends up with the New York Jets playing with his old friend Aaron Rodgers again. And while there's also a great chance the Packers will call him back one day to honor his time with the team, his lasting image with the Packers (for now) will be a fitting one.

In just one game played in 2023 — the season opener against the Chicago Bears — Bakhtiari was perfect. He gave up no pressures, hurries, hits or sacks in 30 pass-blocking snaps.

He also left Packers fans with this iconic picture, which one day may be turned into a statue outside of Lambeau Field:

David Bakhtiari’s final game as a Green Bay Packer could not have been more poetic.

A win, and a final salute to the Chicago Bears. pic.twitter.com/Jma4IdVBG2
— CheeseheadTV (@cheeseheadtv) March 11, 2024