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Presidential Candidate George W. Bush Visits Packers Practice
posted 09/28/00
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| TE Bubba Franks gets ready to run a pass pattern for Gov. Bush. |
In what was supposed to be an ordinary Thursday for the Packers as they prepare to meet the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the team was paid a surprise visit by presidential candidate George W. Bush.
Escorted by police cars, campaign officials, Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and two busloads of media, Bush and his wife, Laura, drew all eyes as they walked onto Clarke Hinkle Field early in the afternoon practice.
After Bush shook the hands of several members of the Packers' staff and executive committee, quarterback Brett Favre wasted no time in approaching the Texas governor. The two exchanged pleasantries before Head Coach Mike Sherman made a brief appearance with the presidential hopeful.
Bush then called for tight end Bubba Franks, a fellow native of Texas (Big Spring). Without prior warning, Franks was asked by the governor to "go long."
Twenty yards downfield, Franks caught Bush's workmanlike spiral to the delight of the audience.
Sherman then allowed the team to gather around Bush for a brief pep talk, which was received well by Republicans and Democrats alike.
"Their people just called our offices and said they were going to be in town and can they drop by, that he'd want to see practice," Sherman explained. "I said, 'Yes, it's not a problem.'"
Practice soon resumed, which left kicker Ryan Longwell and punter Josh Bidwell an adequate opportunity to visit with Bush on the sideline before his departure.
At the workout's conclusion, Sherman seemed pleased with the quick change in schedule and the players' response.
"It went well," the coach said. "When you bring out the entourage, it can be a little distracting, but it turned out to be okay. I think the players got a kick out of it."
Coach Sherman on Bush's visit - (Real Audio)
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