Packers CB Rasul Douglas is one of the best stories in sports

The Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals are the three teams that standout cornerback Rasul Douglas played for before joining the Green Bay Packers in October last season. Little did Green Bay fans know that they were signing a shutdown defender.

Green Bay signed Douglas from the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad on Oct. 6 after cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King sustained injuries. His debut came in a win against the Chicago Bears in Week 6. Arguably the best moment for him and the Packers' defense came on a Thursday night in the desert against the Cardinals. Douglas came up with the game-winning interception when it seemed like all hope was lost. That was one of a career-high five interceptions that the veteran had in 2021. Those included two pick sixes. The former West Virgina Mountaineer also set career highs in solo tackles (52), passes defensed (13), passer rating allowed (44.5) and completion percentage against (50%). It all came in just 12 games.   

Last year was undoubtedly Douglas' best season, and it resulted in Packers GM Brian Gutekunst offering him a three-year, $24M deal. Now, the standout defender is part of arguably the best trio of cornerbacks in the league along with All-Pro cornerback Alexander and second-year cornerback Eric Stokes. This trio played in just one game together last season. It was the team's divisional loss to San Francisco. However, the 49ers scored zero offensive points in the game. Now, they will get to play a full season together. They will be the backbone of a Green Bay defense that appears to be as elite as it has been in a long, long time. 

But the 2021 season that Douglas had is proof that any football player that is forgotten about can make a great comeback. All they sometimes need is a new opportunity or new situation. Douglas took full advantage of his new opportunity and will be a key piece of defensive coordinator Joe Barry's defense for the foreseeable future.