In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers made an interesting pick, selecting Duke University’s Jacob Monk as their fifth-rounder. Jacob Monk, a versatile offensive lineman, who played multiple positions at Duke, comes to Green Bay with a unique set of challenges—chief among them, an unusual allergy to cold.
A Chilly Reception in Green Bay Packers?
Known for its notoriously cold winters, Green Bay, Wisconsin, poses a significant challenge for any player, but it is particularly daunting for someone like Monk. The city, where the infamous “Ice Bowl” of 1967 set records with temperatures plunging to -13 degrees Fahrenheit, is no stranger to frigid conditions.
For Jacob Monk, whose experience with cold-induced hives became public during his college career, the prospect of playing in such an environment might seem like a peculiar fit.
During a 2022 interview, Monk recounted his first unpleasant encounter with cold water. “Before we played Alabama my freshman year, I decided it would be a good idea to hop in the cold tub. I was like, ‘This is really cold!’ I didn’t know it would be that cold. I get out of the cold tub and go shower, and I’m just itching. I’ve got a lot of hives everywhere, and then after I get out of the shower, I end up passing out in the locker room,” Monk explained.
Minicamp pictures today:
1 – OL Jacob Monk
2 – OL Jordan Morgan
3 – S Kitan Oladapo
4 – CB Kalon King pic.twitter.com/P0t8On1oBY— Easton Butler (@Easton__Butler) May 4, 2024
Despite this, Monk reassured the media and the Packers‘ fans that he would manage fine in the cold weather. “I can drink cold water,” he said. “I can be in the snow and all that. I think I probably just stayed out there for a little too long. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the snow. I’m not afraid of the cold. I’m not afraid of cold water. I feel like the temperature had to be just right for me to sit there for that long. But I’m not worried about being in the cold at all, honestly.”
Packers’ Confidence in Monk
The Packers’ management seems unfazed by Monk’s allergy. Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Packers vice president of personnel, addressed the concerns with a touch of humor, stating, “I heard about that. Not a concern for us.
Let’s just make sure he doesn’t go ice fishing.” This casual dismissal underscores the team’s confidence in their thorough vetting process, which includes extensive medical checks and background investigations, ensuring that all drafted players are capable of handling the pressures of NFL play, even in extreme conditions.
Looking Ahead
If the Packers can leverage Monk’s talents effectively, they could see significant dividends during the postseason, which often sees games played in very cold conditions. Green Bay has a history of successfully developing late-round draft picks into key players, and Monk’s high Raw Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.76, signaling excellent athleticism and versatility, hints at a promising NFL career.
Despite the initial concerns about his cold allergy, Monk’s determination and adaptability suggest that he could turn this challenge into an opportunity to shine on the professional stage. As the Packers prepare for another potentially deep postseason run, all eyes will be on Monk to see how he handles the icy Wisconsin weather, both on and off the field.
