The Milwaukee High School Sports Awards for 2024-25, sponsored by Piggly Wiggly, are thrilled to welcome Rashan Gary, the Green Bay Packers’ defensive lineman, as their keynote speaker at the live event scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 at The Miller High Life Theatre.

Gary, hailing from Plainfield, New Jersey, was the top-ranked recruit in the 2016 college football class. He was honored as the USA Today Defensive Player of the Year after an outstanding senior year, during which he achieved 13.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss. In 2016, Gary chose to attend the University of Michigan.

Over his three seasons with the Wolverines, he appeared in 34 games, amassing 136 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. He received first-team all-Big Ten accolades in both 2017 and 2018. The Packers drafted Gary with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Gary’s role and impact grew steadily over his initial seasons, and by the 2021 season, he had become a full-time starter, achieving a career-best 9.5 sacks.

In 2024, Gary was selected for his first Pro Bowl. His career NFL stats include 226 total tackles, 39 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries. In October 2023, the Packers extended Gary’s contract for four more years. Off the field, Gary is also an entrepreneur and businessman. He established his own sports agency, RG Sports, and is actively involved in philanthropic activities, particularly in raising awareness for dyslexia, a condition diagnosed in him during middle school.

He frequently leverages his platform to advocate for dyslexia awareness and support. The 2024-25 Milwaukee High School Sports Awards, Presented by Piggly Wiggly, form part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards initiative. Tickets are currently available for purchase.