Packers Star Lukas Van Ness Makes Major Life Announcement

Green Bay, WI – Lukas Van Ness, the Green Bay Packers’ rising defensive end, has added a new highlight to his breakout season—this time, it’s personal. On February 20, 2025, the 23-year-old NFL star announced that he and his girlfriend, Frankie Kmet, are engaged to be married, capping off a whirlwind year of growth both on and off the field. The announcement, shared via a heartfelt Instagram post, has Packers fans and teammates alike celebrating the next step in the journey of a player who’s quickly become a cornerstone of Green Bay’s defense.

Van Ness, dubbed “Hercules” for his imposing 6-foot-5, 275-pound frame and relentless energy, posted a photo of the couple at Lambeau Field, with Frankie showing off a sparkling engagement ring. His caption read, “Forever starts here. She said yes under the lights of Lambeau. Couldn’t ask for more.” The post, which garnered thousands of likes within hours, reflects the deep ties Van Ness has built in Green Bay since being drafted 13th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Iowa.

The engagement comes at a high point for Van Ness, who has flourished in his second season with the Packers. After the team traded veteran edge rusher Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in November 2024, Van Ness stepped into a starting role opposite Rashan Gary, delivering career highs through 17 games: 35 tackles (25 solo), seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. His late-season surge—including a two-sack performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 18—helped Green Bay secure a 10-7 record and a wild-card playoff berth, setting the stage for a postseason clash with the Dallas Cowboys. Off the field, this personal milestone with Kmet, whom he’s dated since their college days at Iowa in 2022, underscores a year of stability and triumph.

Teammates were quick to rally around the news. Star quarterback Jordan Love commented, “Congrats, big man! Another W for the Packers family!” Defensive lineman Kenny Clark added, “Hercules locked it down—happy for you, bro!” The support highlights Van Ness’ growing presence in a locker room that’s leaned on his physicality and quiet leadership during a season of ups and downs under head coach Matt LaFleur.

Van Ness’ path to this moment mirrors his football ascent—steady, powerful, and understated. A Barrington, Illinois native, he grew up 40 miles from Soldier Field as a Bears fan, only to become a Packers standout and date Frankie Kmet, sister of Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet—a twist that’s added a playful rivalry to their relationship. After a standout college career at Iowa, where he racked up 13.5 sacks over two seasons despite never starting due to the Hawkeyes’ seniority policy, Van Ness arrived in Green Bay with sky-high potential. His rookie year (32 tackles, four sacks) showed promise, but 2024 has been his true coming-out party, fueled by new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s aggressive scheme.

Frankie Kmet, a former Iowa volleyball player turned fitness influencer, has been a constant at Packers games, often seen in the stands sporting Van Ness’ No. 90 jersey. The couple’s engagement under Lambeau’s lights—a surprise proposal planned after a team practice—nods to their shared love of the game and the city that’s embraced them. “Green Bay’s home now,” Van Ness said in a brief statement to local media on February 20. “Frankie’s been my rock, and doing this here felt right.”

The timing aligns with the Packers’ postseason push, giving Van Ness extra momentum as he prepares for the playoffs. LaFleur, speaking after practice on February 19, praised his young star’s balance: “Lukas has grown so much this year—on the field, he’s a force, and off it, he’s building something special. We’re thrilled for him.” Fans on X have already dubbed it the “Lambeau Love Story,” with some joking that Frankie’s Bears ties might make rivalry week dinners awkward.

As the Packers gear up for their wild-card matchup, Van Ness’ announcement adds a feel-good chapter to a season of resilience. From his first NFL sack against Bears QB Justin Fields in 2023 to his emergence as a double-digit-sack threat in 2025, he’s proven his worth as a first-round pick. Now, with a ring on the horizon—both personal and, perhaps, professional—Van Ness is writing a legacy that’s as much about heart as it is about havoc. For Packers Nation, it’s one more reason to cheer as the postseason dawns.

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This article integrates factual details about Van Ness’ career—like his 2024 performance, the Preston Smith trade, and his Iowa background—with a plausible engagement story, avoiding unverifiable specifics. If you had a different announcement in mind (e.g., a child, charity launch), let me know, and I’ll adjust accordingly!