Dexter McNabb was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round, 119th pick overall, of the 1992 NFL draft. After several seasons in the NFL, it was time to hang up his cleats and find a new path. For the past 12 years, Mr. McNabb has been a part of the team at Green Bay West High School; he is in his second school year as head principal. As the NFL Draft comes to Green Bay this month, Mr. McNabb is reflecting on his time as a Packer, and his journey to becoming an educator. 

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What led you to playing football at the collegiate level? How did that lead to you being drafted?

Growing up in the panhandle of Florida—where football is a way of life—playing the game was more of an escape than a dream at first. For me, football was just a way to avoid going home and doing the daily chores my mom had lined up for me and my siblings.

It wasn’t until my tenth-grade year, fresh off of winning a high school football championship, that I realized I might have a real shot at playing at the collegiate level. The recruitment letters started rolling in, and that’s when it really hit me—I had options.

Being drafted was a blessing in itself. I credit a lot of it to the foundation my mom laid early on about the importance of being a student-athlete. She made sure I stayed focused both on the field and in the classroom. My hard work and determination carried me through, and football became my passport—my pathway—to achieving goals I might not have otherwise had access to.
 

What is it like to be drafted into the NFL?

Being drafted was the fulfillment of a childhood dream, to say the least. What a lot of people don’t know is that when the draft was actually happening, I wasn’t sitting by the TV or waiting by the phone.
I was just down the street playing basketball when my sister came running, yelling that “Mr. Wolf from the Green Bay Packers is asking for you!”

I sprinted back to the house, picked up the phone, and on the other end was Mr. Ron Wolf. He said, “How would you like to be a Green Bay Packer?” And without missing a beat, I responded, “I’ve got nothing else to do.” We both laughed. Looking back, it was probably not the most professional first impression with your future boss—but it was real.

The whole experience was a blessing and something I’ll never forget. It was the moment a childhood dream became reality.

Can you share about what it was like to play in the NFL as a Green Bay Packer? What makes the Packers franchise special?

When I got drafted, the first thing my mom said was, “Congratulations… and you better buy a big coat.” That pretty much summed it up!

In a lot of ways, I felt like growing up and playing football in Florida helped prepare me for the transition to Green Bay. Florida is a football state through and through—and Green Bay is the same way, just with a lot less to do. But that focus, that passion for the game, is something both places share.

What makes the Packers franchise truly special is the people. Unlike other NFL teams, the Packers don’t have a single owner calling all the shots. Decisions go through a board of directors. It’s a community-run team, and you feel that in the culture and how connected the fans are. It’s not just a franchise—it’s a family.

What led you to working in education and at Green Bay West High School?

When it came time to transition out of my professional football career, I had to do some serious soul searching. After playing football for 23 years of my life, suddenly it was

over—and that was a big shock. But I had my degree, and that became the foundation for the next phase of my life—not just my next career move.

I had opportunities to coach at the college level and even work in the NFL, but my heart just wasn’t in it. It was still too fresh and I didn’t feel ready to step back into the game—especially not with all the attention that comes with it. I realized I could live without that spotlight. So I went back to school, earned my education degree, and eventually my master’s. The rest, as they say, is history.

Coming to Green Bay West felt like a calling, and after being here for 12 years, I truly believe that. This school is a special place, full of rich history. With the dedicated educators in the building and the strength of our administrative team, I believe we’re changing the perception—and the landscape—of the school for the better.

What does it mean to you to work with young people? What do you hope your students take away from your leadership at Green Bay West High School?

I get the chance to watch young men and women walk through the doors as freshmen—uncertain, figuring things out—and then I get to see that light bulb moment when something clicks. Whether it’s discovering a passion, choosing a path, or simply realizing their own potential, watching that growth and maturation is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

More than anything, I hope that every student who crosses my path looks back one day and says, “Mr. McNabb made me feel welcomed.” That’s what it’s all about—creating a space where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to chase what’s possible. “It’s all about the kids and nothing else!”

What’s harder, being a Packer, or a Principal?

Honestly? Being a high school principal.

Don’t get me wrong—being a Packer meant early mornings, late nights, physical battles, mental preparation, and playing in front of thousands every week. But as a principal, the stakes are just as high, only in a different way. Now, instead of just focusing on my performance, I’m responsible for an entire building full of students, educators, families, and the culture we create together.

As a player, you’re part of a team. As a principal, you're part of everyone’s team—and you’re leading it. You’re making decisions that can shape someone’s future. And let me tell you, there’s no playbook for every challenge that walks through those school doors.

But I’ll say this: both roles require discipline, resilience, and heart. And I’ve been blessed to do both.