Allen Lazard has come into his own in second Packers season

[Cheesehead]

That's the difference in Allen Lazard, Year 2. As a first-year player in 2019, the 6-foot-5, 227-pound receiver went from the practice squad to the Packers' No. 2 receiver over the course of three months. He kept his head down, worked to gain Aaron Rodgers' trust and prove he belonged at this level.


In 2020, Lazard has tried to step more out of his comfort zone and show who is, as a player and as a person. He's grown out his hair, adding a shock of blond hair near his hairline.


Lazard does a "Juice of the day" video on his Instagram page. It's meant to promote wellness but also overtly points to Lazard's desire to maintain his energy level and drive.


"I think this year I've kind of grown into who I am and my identity and everything," Lazard said. "Last year was a big year just getting experience, really playing for the first time. It was a lot different than being on the practice squad and my role changed a lot throughout last year, and this year, as well, too. I feel like the past two years, I've just been growing every single day, personally, on and off the field."


That's where the "crown" comes into play. While out of action earlier this season following core-muscle surgery, Lazard was following along with some of the national storylines about the game's best receivers. Davante Adams wasn't mentioned.


What started with the "Top two, not two" social media campaign among Adams' teammates led to Lazard busting out a new touchdown celebration after he returned from injured reserve – symbolically crowning Adams after a TD. It's since spread to the rest of the Packers' skill-position players.


"I've told him many times he's one of my favorite teammates that I've had since I've been here, and that says a lot because there's been a lot of great players and great men," Adams said.


"Everything about him since he's been here has been positive and it's been great for us as a team. I often remind him to remain who you are and keep doing the little things you do to help this football team win, and we're going to end up where we want to be."