The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. announced today that it will induct former fullback William Henderson, former offensive guard Marco Rivera and contributor Frank Jonet at the 41st Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, to be held the evening of July 23, 2011, in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
Henderson, a third-round selection from North Carolina, spent 12 seasons in Green Bay (1995-2006) and appeared in 188 games with 112 starts. His 188 career games were more than all but three players in team history (Brett Favre, Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke). A bruising blocker, Henderson helped pave the way for seven 1,000-yard rushers. Also a productive contributor with the ball, he caught 320 passes (currently 10th on Packers’ all-time list) for 2,409 yards (7.5 avg.) and 14 touchdowns, and rushed for 426 yards on 112 carries (3.5 avg.) with five scores. A member of the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI and XXXII teams, he earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2004.
Rivera, a sixth-round draft choice from Penn State, played nine seasons (1996-2004) in a Packers uniform, appearing in 125 games with 111 starts, including his final 99 consecutively. He started seven consecutive seasons at guard (1998-2004); just one other Packers guard has started more consecutive years (Jerry Kramer, nine from 1958-1966) since 1958. He also was selected to three Pro Bowls (2002-04). Rivera’s teammates voted him as the Packers' 2004 'Ed Block Courage Award' winner in recognition of his continuing ability to play through injury.
Jonet (pronounced JAHN-et), a native of Tonet, Wis., was involved with the team since 1919 as office manager for the Indian Packing Company, Curly Lambeau’s employer that sponsored the team with funds for uniforms and equipment. Jonet later would be named treasurer in 1935 and then elected to the dual position of secretary-treasurer in 1941, a role in which he served until his death in 1951. Through his association, he was instrumental in helping steer the organization through dire financial situations. In 1920, Jonet was part of a three-man committee that planned a fence to surround Hagemeister Park, allowing the Packers to charge admission and put the organization on sound financial footing. In 1933, he was appointed financial receiver by a local judge when the Packers faced bankruptcy after a fan fell from stadium bleachers and sued the team; Jonet guided the team through the crisis. In 1950 he was one of the main speakers in an organizational meeting that launched a stock drive that again saved the franchise.
Tickets for the banquet, which begins with the doors opening at 4:30 p.m. with a cash bar, and dinner and program to follow at 7 p.m., are $125 each. Tables of 10 also are available for $1,150 and are assigned in the order in which they are purchased. Early reservations are recommended. To purchase tickets, call Gwen Borga at (920) 965-6984, or e-mail her at gborga@packerhalloffame.org. No refunds are available 30 days prior to the event.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. is a non-profit corporation independent of the Green Bay Packers that guides the Hall as a historic national sports venue and educational resource to the Green Bay community and the state of Wisconsin. The Hall raises funds through its annual Induction Banquet, Golf Classic and other events to develop new exhibits and expand its archives. Historic memorabilia donated by individuals to the Hall may qualify as tax-deductible gifts.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. Golf Classic is set for Monday, July 11, 2011, at The Bull in Sheboygan Falls, Wis.
Originally established in 1967 as a temporary display in the concourse of the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena, the Hall moved into its own facility in 1976 near Lambeau Field. In 2003, it was relocated to a spectacular new, 25,000-square foot facility in the Lambeau Field Atrium. The Hall of Fame is open on non-game days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may vary on game days and holidays. For more information, contact the Hall of Fame at (920) 569-7512, or visit the Hall online at www.packershalloffame.org.
Click here to listen to audio from the inductees' conference calls with local media.
