NFL's Tucker Kraft Embraces Pickleball In Offseason Training: "You Can Get This Smoke"
Source: Wisconsin Sports Heroics
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has found a new offseason obsession—and it’s not in the weight room. The 24-year-old athlete is diving headfirst into the world of pickleball, and he's doing it with the same intensity that defines his game on the football field.
When reporters caught up with Kraft earlier this April ahead of the Packers' 2025 Tailgate Tour across Wisconsin, the conversation took a surprisingly sporty detour. Asked about his interest in pickleball, Kraft’s response—equal parts swagger and humor—made waves online.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or an elderly person, you can get this smoke,” he said with a grin. “I’ll take a drop shot on a 90-year-old. I’m not afraid.”
Though he's relatively new to the sport, Kraft has jumped in with serious intent. His first taste of pickleball came just a couple of months ago when he tagged along with his wife and her friends to Pickleball Kingdom in Appleton. What began as casual curiosity quickly turned into something more.
“I was trying to relate it to ping pong at first,” he shared. “Then I realized you’ve got to hit the ball a lot harder. But by the end of the night, I figured out how to hit a decent forehand. Once you learn how to serve with spin and speed, everything just starts to click.”
From Fun To Functional
What started as post-workout fun has now evolved into a core component of Kraft’s offseason training routine. Incorporating pickleball into his weekly regimen, Kraft plays singles twice a week—logging up to six hours on court—for cardio and agility work.
“It began as just something fun to do,” he explained. “But then I realized it could actually be useful for my fitness. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, instead of running or hitting a cardio machine, I’d play singles for two hours. It’s high-paced and nonstop.”
And it turns out, the sport offers more than just a sweat session. The dynamic lateral movement, reflex work, and low stance involved in singles play echo many of the physical demands Kraft faces on the football field.
“There’s so much change of direction. You’ve got to be in a constant athletic position,” he said. “Especially when you’re at the kitchen line, it’s all about strategy and patience. It translates well to football—quick reads, short bursts, and smart positioning.”
A Sport for All—And All-Out Competitors
Kraft's love for the sport isn’t just physical. He’s caught the bug, like so many others in the pickleball boom, and it shows. From the terminology to his watching habits—he’s a fan of Pickleballtv and especially enjoys women’s and mixed doubles—he’s now a full-fledged member of the picklesphere.
And he’s not playing alone. Fellow Packers tight end Luke Musgrave is a regular doubles partner, with the two hitting the courts at The Picklr, just two miles from Lambeau Field.
“Luke’s a good player. Super competitive,” Kraft said. “We try to play clean and fair. But when I’m playing with my buddies, it’s aggressive. Getting hit with the ball is just part of the game. You can’t whine about it. We already play a violent enough sport.”
No Easy Points—Even For The Elderly
Does Kraft stand by his bold declaration about drop-shotting senior citizens? Absolutely, he says—kind of.
“Not every point, obviously,” he joked. “But if someone’s hanging back at the baseline, I’m not just going to lob it to them. I’ve seen 60- and 70-year-olds who can hold the net like a wall. Every opponent’s different, and that’s what makes it fun.”
A Long-Term Love
For Kraft, pickleball is more than a phase. It’s something he sees himself sticking with for years to come.
“It’s just easy to play long-term,” he said. “As long as you’re having fun, it doesn’t really matter who you’re playing with or how competitive the game is. That’s what makes it special.”
With Kraft joining a growing list of professional athletes adopting pickleball as part of their lifestyle, it’s clear the sport has transcended its once-niche roots. And if his competitive mindset is any indication, don’t expect him to go easy—on the court or off.
