John Kuhn never looked like a sure bet to make it in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him as an undrafted free agent in April 2005, but they cut him before the regular season. After two years, he joined the Green Bay Packers. That decision then turned a fullback who once struggled to find a roster spot into one of the most recognizable fan favorites at Lambeau Field.
His entire journey was not about big numbers or flashy plays. Kuhn got his place through reliable blocking and a willingness to do the dirty work. Then came the famous “Kuuuuuhn!” chant.
From Shippensburg Records to an NFL Roster Fight
Kuhn built his case at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. He rushed for 4,685 yards and 53 TD during his college career, setting 27 school records. He also earned three Division II All-American selections and two ESPN Academic All-American honors. Still, no NFL team drafted him in 2005.
The Steelers gave him a shot on April 25, 2005. Kuhn even caught a touchdown during the preseason, but Pittsburgh released him on Sept. 3. He nearly left for the Arena Football League’s San Jose SaberCats before the Steelers called him back for their practice squad.
Kuhn stayed there for the rest of the 2005 season and earned another chance in 2006. Pittsburgh promoted him to its active roster on October 31. He played in nine games that season, recording 18 rushing yards and 15 receiving yards. The Steelers released him again after the season.
Green Bay moved quickly. The Packers signed Kuhn to their active roster in January 2007, giving him a fresh start.
How John Kuhn Became a Packers Fan Favorite?
Clubhouse Live season 17 premiere with John Kuhn in the Fox Club at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wisconsin on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Kuhn mainly played special teams during his first season in Green Bay. His role grew in 2008, when he scored his first regular-season touchdown against Seattle on October 12. He added three offensive touchdowns that season.
His big break came in 2010. Ryan Grant suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Packers’ opener. This has opened the door for Kuhn to handle more carries. He scored a rushing TD against Philly and later gave a memorable three-touchdown performance in Green Bay’s 45-17 win over the NY Giants on Dec. 26.
Folks at Lambeau Field began chanting his name whenever he entered the game. Kuhn finished that season with six offensive TDs and helped Green Bay win Super Bowl XLV.
After that, the Packers gave him a new contract in July 2011. And after nine seasons in Green Bay, he last played for the team in 2015. Then he spent 2 seasons with the Saints before hanging up his cleats as a Packer in 2019. Kuhn never needed superstar numbers to win over Green Bay. He earned that loyalty one tough run at a time.
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