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Packers Waive Blackshear, Suttle, 3 Others, Reduce Roster To 68

Sat, 31 Aug 2002 17:06:00 CST

The Green Bay Packers have waived five players, including nine-year veteran guard Jeff Blackshear, on the way to reaching the NFL-mandated 53-player limit for the regular season, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced today.

Two other veterans, third-year pro and former Wisconsin Badger defensive back Jason Suttle as well as second-year offensive tackle Reggie Nelson, also were waived. Joining them on the waiver wire are a pair of first-year players, offensive lineman Tim Stuber of Colorado State and fullback Joey Dozier of New Mexico State.

With 68 players remaining on the Packers' roster, 15 more need to be released to reach the regular-season limit by the 3 p.m. (Wisconsin time) deadline Sunday.

NFL teams may set their five-player practice squads after 3 p.m. on Monday (September 1).

Packers Re-Sign TE Bill Seymour, Waive WR Kerry Hood, RB Jason Brookins

Thu, 29 Aug 2002 17:37:31 CST

The Green Bay Packers, continuing to adjust the roster in preparation for the imminent regular season, have re-signed tight end Bill Seymour and waived wide receiver Kerry Hood and running back Jason Brookins.

Seymour, a 23-year-old University of Michigan alumnus, earlier had been signed as an undrafted free agent April 26,2002, and waived on Tuesday (August 27) in the NFL-mandated roster reduction to 65 players.

The 6-3, 257-pound Mishawaka, Ind., native has been re-assigned jersey number 46.

Hood, a three-year starter at the University of South Carolina, had been signed as a free agent February 5, 2002, after having been in the Carolina Panthers' training camp as a rookie in 2001.

Brookins, a second-year pro and former Baltimore Raven, was waived after first being placed in reserve/left squad status Wednesday in the wake of his leaving camp Tuesday under the mistaken assumption he was about to be released.

Packers Partnership Continues With 5 Area Health Care Providers

Thu, 29 Aug 2002 10:31:41 CST

The Packers are entering the second year of a multi-year agreement with Bellin Health, St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, St. Vincent Hospital, Prevea and Touchpoint Health Plan. In recognizing this continued partnership, the team unveiled a new billboard campaign on the side of the Don Hutson Center, the Packers official training facility.

"When people think of championships and high standards in the NFL they think of the Green Bay Packers. When people think of outstanding health care and high standards in the field of medicine, they think of our health care partners," Bob Harlan, Packers president and chief executive officer, said.

George Kerwin, president and CEO of Bellin Health, noted that all six partners have a common purpose and identity.

"Every one of these partners - each of the health care organizations and the Green Bay Packers - has a storied history of an enduring commitment to this community," Kerwin said. "This partnership exemplifi..

Packers Roundup: T Earl Dotson Returns To Practice, RB Jason Brookins 'Walks,' WR Devin Lewis Claimed On Waivers From Texans

Wed, 28 Aug 2002 18:41:07 CST

Officially bolstering their offensive line Wednesday with the return of veteran tackle Earl Dotson to practice, the Green Bay Packers also expanded their receiver corps, claiming rookie wideout Devin Lewis from the Houston Texans on waivers.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman also announced that veteran running back Jason Brookins has been placed on reserve/left squad status. Under the category, the Packers retain rights to Brookins and also receive a temporary roster exemption from the NFL.

As the result of returning to practice, Dotson was removed from the physically unable to perform/active list on which he had been placed July 26.

The Brookins transaction, stemming from his gratuitous departure from camp, resulted from a misunderstanding. "In our new facility, we have a nice in-house communication process - it's fool-proof," Sherman explained, tongue-in-cheek, "and he misread the foolproof communication on our video monitors. He thought he was cut and he wasn..

Packers Fans Reminded of New Lambeau Field Smoking Policy

Wed, 28 Aug 2002 14:57:25 CST

The Green Bay Packers and the Green Bay Police Department said Wednesday that extra efforts would be made to make sure fans know about the new smoking policy at Lambeau Field.

"In the past, those attending games could smoke anywhere in the concourse area underneath the seating bowl," explained Green Bay Police Commander Al Timmerman. "Now, with all of the changes at Lambeau, there a very limited number of places where people can smoke." Those areas are:
The open areas on the four ramps going to the upper concourse
The south end of the upper concourse (which is not enclosed)
Smoking balconies off the back of the skybox areas

"No smoking will be allowed in the lower concourse or anywhere in the Titletown Atrium," said Timmerman. Despite signage clearly identifying smoking and non-smoking areas, some fans at Monday night's game were unaware of the change in policy. "It was the first game in a substantially different stadium, so we understand that some p..

Packers-Browns Recap

Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:01:07 CST

THE WEEK PAST: Things could hardly have begun less auspiciously than they did for the Packers in their '02 debut in Lambeau Field, no thanks to the enterprising Browns.

The game was only 11 seconds old when the visitors found themselves out front, 7-0. The touchdown came on the wings of Ryan Longwell's opening kickoff, swiftly returned 93 yards down the east sidelines for the score, Phil Dawson adding the conversion.

And, to the discomfiture of the Green and Gold, already embarrassed by that opening contretemps, there shortly was more of the same. The Packers went three-and-out against Cleveland's defense following the succeeding kickoff and the Browns, on their second possession, proceeded to drive 77 yards in 13 plays for a second touchdown, executed by way of a 33-yard Tim Couch pass to wide receiver Quincy Morgan. Dawson's PAT made it 14-0.

And it could have been worse. After the Packers finally began to make inroads, responding with a 28-ya..

Packers-Titans Preview

Wed, 28 Aug 2002 08:57:56 CST

THE GAME: Having reached back for the "big play" to pull out a second straight preseason victory in their first 2002 appearance in renovated Lambeau Field, at the belated expense of the Cleveland Browns, the Green Bay Packers (2-1) will have little time to bask in the memory.

They will take a deep breath instead, then stay right at home to close out their preseason exertions against the Tennessee Titans (2-1) in the 53rd annual Midwest Shrine Game Friday evening (August 30) just three days hence.

Kickoff is set for 7:07, CDT (Wisconsin time).

The outcome of the Green and Gold's ABC "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Browns was happily appropriate to the historic occasion, one which saw the Packers come from behind to dispatch the Ohioans, 27-20, and set an all-time team attendance record in newly-expanded "Lambeau."

A gathering of 62,668 loyalists, who came to enjoy the stadium's spectacular and spacious blend of new ambience with the..

Packers Waive 15 Players, Including Carter And Aguiar, To Reach 65 Limit

Tue, 27 Aug 2002 16:17:41 CST

The Green Bay Packers waived 15 players, including five veterans, in order to reach the first mandated roster cutdown of the preseason to the 65-player limit, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Tuesday.

The veterans released included running back Ki-Jana Carter, a 7-year professional, and 11-year punter/placekicker Louie Aguiar, along with defensive end Aaron Fields, wide receiver Andy McCullough and linebacker Anthony Sessions, all second-year pros.

The ten rookies and first-year players waived included linebackers Algie Atkinson and Kenny Harney, quarterback Marcus Brady, wide receivers Javon Green and Brian Haugabrook, safety Gana Joseph, cornerback Seneca McMillan, defensive tackle Ken Kocher, guard Chris Watton and tight end/fullback Bill Seymour.

The transactions leave the Packers with 73 players on the current roster, including 8 players granted exemptions because they were allocated to the NFL Europe League for the recent '02 season.

All ..

Football Fans Win As Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Wisconsin, Green Bay Packers Ink Exclusive Five-Year Partenership

Tue, 27 Aug 2002 11:59:26 CST

Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Wisconsin and the Green Bay Packers announced Tuesday they have agreed to an exclusive five-year partnership that puts fans in the middle of the action and makes Coca-Cola the "Official Soft Drink of the Green Bay Packers."

The deal gives The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Wisconsin exclusive rights to sell its products in the newly remodeled Lambeau Field. The partnership agreement, which covers carbonated soft drinks, juices and juice drinks, "sports" drinks, energy drinks and other miscellaneous beverages, also offers Coca-Cola the exclusive right to market, advertise and promote non-alcoholic beverages in association with the Packers.

"The passion Green Bay Packers fans have for their team is truly something special," said Chuck Burkhart, Area Vice President of The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Wisconsin. "We can't think of a better place to be than Lambeau Field on a Sunday afternoon, and we're delighted that Coca-Cola will be a ..

Packers-Browns Press Box Notes

Mon, 26 Aug 2002 17:05:56 CST

-THE PACKERS, who have had an extraordinary run in the series over the past decade, tonight will be in pursuit of a twelfth consecutive victory in this 42nd annual Bishop's Charities Game.

They initiated their 11-game winning streak with a 28-7 win over the New England Patriots in the 1991 Charities contest.

The Packers own a 23-17-1 overall record in the series, launched in 1961 through the joint efforts of the late Vince Lombardi and Stanislaus V. Bona, then bishop of Green Bay.

-WITH THE PACKERS' CONTRIBUTION from the proceeds of tonight's game, the Bishop's series will have raised in excess of $2,750,000 for the numerous charities of the Green Bay Catholic Diocese.

-WIDE RECEIVER DONALD DRIVER and DEFENSIVE END KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA will be honored in tonight's pre-game ceremonies as the most valuable players - on offense and defense, respectively - in last year's Charities game, which saw the Packers defeat the Denver Bronc..

Eagles Sign WR Freeman

Philadelphia Eagles Press Release — Sun, 25 Aug 2002 17:27:59 CST

After several weeks of talks, the Eagles have come to terms with free agent wide receiver Antonio Freeman on a one-year contract.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Freeman is en route to Philadelphia and is expected to be at practice on Sunday morning.

To make room on the roster, the Eagles waived wide receiver Na Brown.

"Antonio will be a good addition to our receiving corps," said head coach Andy Reid in a statement. "He'll bring in a good veteran presence. He's someone that's had a lot of success with, and who's very familiar with, our offense."

Freeman was placed on waivers on June 3 after his release by the Green Bay Packers. Several teams immediately showed interest, and the Eagles continued their pursuit of Freeman via telephone. Reid reportedly called Freeman at least once himself.

In the end, it paid off.

Freeman caught 52 passes for 818 yards and 6 touchdowns last season with the Packers. In 2000, he caught 62 passes..

Short Of DBs, Packers Sign CB Jason Suttle, Former Wisconsin Badger

Fri, 23 Aug 2002 12:50:02 CST

With several defensive backs sidelined or hampered by injury at the moment, the Green Bay Packers have re-signed former University of Wisconsin cornerback Jason Suttle, a third-year pro and ex-Denver Bronco, as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Friday.

The 27-year-old Suttle, 5-10 and 182 pounds, had been placed on waivers by the Houston Texans Aug. 2.

A four-year letterman at Wisconsin, where he helped the Badgers earn three bowl bids, Suttle previously was on the Green Bay roster during the 2000 preseason. Claimed on waivers from Denver, he joined the Packers August 23, 2000, and was released August 27.

Originally signed by the Chargers as a free agent April 24, 1999, Suttle was waived by San Diego July 23, 1999, and signed with the Patriots Aug. 4, 1999. Waived Aug. 24, he signed on with Denver and, after spending two weeks on the Broncos' practice squad, went on to play five regular season games for Denver, in both the '99 and 2000 sea..

Limited Number Of Tickets Available For Packers-Browns Game Monday

Wed, 21 Aug 2002 16:17:53 CST

Green Bay Packers fans who are not season ticket holders will have a rare opportunity to see a game in Lambeau Field when the Green and Gold make their first home appearance of the 2002 season next Monday evening.

The Packers announced Wednesday that Packer Fan Tours -- the team's official tour company -- has a limited number of tickets available at face value for Monday night's game against the Cleveland Browns, their opponents in the 42nd annual Bishop's Charities Game.

Cash, money orders and all major credit cards will be accepted for payment. Tickets can be purchased by calling Packer Fan Tours at 920-445-2135, or in person at the Packer Fan Tours office located at 580 Cormier Road, a mile from Lambeau Field.

Packers Re-Sign CB Gana Joseph, Place S George White On Waivers

Tue, 20 Aug 2002 18:48:30 CST

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed cornerback Gana Joseph as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Tuesday.

To make room for Joseph, 6-0 and 212 pounds, the Packers placed former CFL safety George White on waivers.

The leading tackler among defensive backs in University of Oklahoma history, Joseph originally was signed to a two-year contract by New Orleans as an undrafted free agent on April 23, 1999. He subsequently was released August 24, following the Saints' second preseason game.

Out of football in 2000, the 25-year-old Nassau, Okla., native signed on with the Packers February 12, 2001. He later was allocated by Green Bay to the Amsterdam Admirals for the 2001 NFL Europe League season but did not play for the Admirals after being placed on injured reserve for a shoulder injury. He also was out of football for the 2001 NFL season.

As a collegian, Joseph started all 32 games in which he appeared and amassed 297 career stops for th..

Packers-Cardinals Recap

Mon, 19 Aug 2002 18:36:50 CST

THE WEEK PAST: To be fair, the Packers' offensive effort against Arizona was entirely adequate - and, on occasion, swiftly lethal - but the defensive performance bordered on the extraordinary.

Coordinator Ed Donatell's quick-striking marauders, remarkably tightfisted, sacked Cardinals quarterbacks seven times and smothered Arizona's ground game, limiting the Big Red to a lone (one) yard rushing over the first three quarters.

The relentless defenders complimented its bristling pass rush by intercepting three Cardinal throws, recovering two Arizona fumbles and garnishing the performance by scoring a third-quarter safety.

After the Packers had mounted a "safe" 29-7 lead, defensive reserves permitted the Cardinals a pair of consolation touchdowns in the fourth quarter - the second of them with only one minute remaining in the game.

So substantial was the Packers' overall dominance that, despite substituting liberally, they controlled the footba..

Packers-Browns Preview

Mon, 19 Aug 2002 18:33:36 CST

THE GAME: Fortified by their first taste of success in the new preseason, accomplished amid the sweltering heat of southern Arizona, the Green Bay Packers gratefully return from the depths of the desert to make their home debut against the spectacular backdrop of largely renovated Lambeau Field -- and the Cleveland Browns -- next Monday evening (August 26).

And fittingly, the somewhat historic occasion (the renovation process continues for another year) will be showcased on national television, with the Packers (1-1) hosting the Browns (2-0) on ABC's "Monday Night Football."

Kickoff is set for 7 o'clock, CDT (Wisconsin time) before a sellout house of 65,290 (the new capacity of Lambeau Field at the current stage of the renovation project).

The Green and Gold will be coming off a workmanlike, 29-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Tempe's toasty Sun Devil Stadium, where the temperature registered a torrid 105 degrees at the opening kickoff.
..

Packers-Cardinals Press Box Notes

Sat, 17 Aug 2002 10:33:15 CST

HAPPY 'ANNIVERSARY:' Tonight's contest marks the approximate anniversary of the very first preseason meeting between the Packers and Cardinals, a matchup which occurred at Green Bay's former City Stadium on the night of August 16, 1950.

The Packers shaded the Cardinals, then based in Chicago, 17-14 - by way of a Ted Fritsch field goal. A gathering of 20,136 fans sat in on the proceedings.

IT WAS, to be sure, no ordinary preseason game. It was, in fact, highly historic. Making his debut as the Cardinals' head coach on that occasion was none other than E.L. "Curly" Lambeau, the founder and first head coach of the Packers (for 30 years) who had resigned from his Packers responsibilities following the 1949 season to become the vice president, head coach and general manager of the Cardinals.

The winning head coach on that occasion, ironically, was Gene Ronzani, a former Chicago Bears star and longtime Packers enemy, who had signed on as the second..

Packers Claim FB Westbrooks From Dolphins, Put S Frost On I.R.

Wed, 14 Aug 2002 18:58:14 CST

The Green Bay Packers have claimed fullback Jerry Westbrooks on waivers from the Miami Dolphins, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Wednesday.

The 6-2, 230-pound Westbrooks fills the roster vacancy created earlier in the day when veteran safety Scott Frost was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

The 24-year-old Westbrooks, a four-year letterman at Ohio State (1997-2000), originally was signed by Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent in 2001. Subsequently waived August 28, he was signed to the Dolphins' practice squad on December 5, 2001, where he spent the final five regular season games. Released January 8, 2001, he played for the Amsterdam Admirals and Berlin Thunder during last spring's NFL Europe League season.

At Ohio State, the Jacksonville native rushed for 170 yards and 4 touchdowns on 61 attempts in 33 career games. A prep standout at Pope John Paul II High School in Boca Raton, Fla., Westbrooks rushed for 2,968 yards and 41 tou..

Fans Reminded To 'Plan Ahead and Arrive Early' For Games At Lambeau Field

Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:00:18 CST

"Safety and security will be a top priority as another NFL season approaches and construction continues at Lambeau Field." That from Jason Wied, Green Bay Packers Corporate Counsel, who says they are again asking for everyone's cooperation and patience during this football season.

Traffic, parking and stadium entry / exit plans were the main topic of a news conference today hosted by the Green Bay Packers. Representatives from the Brown County Sheriff's Department, Green Bay Police Department, Ashwaubenon Public Safety, Green Bay Fire Department, PMI, Turner Construction and the Packers discussed plans for getting fans to and from the stadium as construction enters its second season on the $295 million Lambeau renovation and expansion project.

Commander Al Timmerman of the Green Bay Police Department says many of the changes that were implemented last season due to the construction project, and in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, will remain in e..

Verizon Wireless To Be Major Gate Sponsor At Lambeau Field

Wed, 14 Aug 2002 13:56:29 CST

The Green Bay Packers announced today that it has entered into a long-term agreement with Verizon Wireless to be one of the major gate sponsors at Lambeau Field. The Verizon Wireless gate will be located on Ridge Road (north), close to Lombardi Avenue

Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan said, "We're pleased that yet another strong and highly recognizable firm like Verizon Wireless has stepped forward to team up with us." Previously announced gate sponsors include Miller Brewing Company (Titletown Atrium entrance on Lombardi Ave.) and the Oneida Nation (grand staircase entrance on Oneida Street).

Features of the seven-year deal with Verizon Wireless include:

Prominent signage throughout Lambeau Field.

Verizon Wireless will be the official wireless service provider of the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field.

Sponsorship of the Junior Captain Program. (Children can register at Verizon Wireless locations. A winner will be selected at ra..

Packers Add Size To Receiving Corps, Sign 6-3 McCullough As Free Agent

Tue, 13 Aug 2002 09:55:15 CST

Adding size to their receiving corps, the Green Bay Packers have signed Andy McCullough, a 6-3, 211-pound free agent and former NFL Europe League standout, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Tuesday.

McCullough, a 26-year-old University of Tennessee alumnus, ranked fourth among NFLEL receivers in 2001, making 41 catches for 460 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Frankfurt Galaxy.

Two years earlier, he led the Galaxy to the league championship, ranking second in the NFLEL in receiving yards with 883, third in touchdowns with 10 and fourth in receptions with 48.

McCullough went on to finish that highly productive '99 season with a flourish, winning Most Valuable Player honors while leading the Galaxy to a 38-24 victory over the Barcelona Dragons in the World Bowl, snaring 6 passes for 151 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Originally selected by New Orleans in the seventh round of the 1998 draft (the 204th player chosen), McCullough was waived by the Saints durin..

Packers-Eagles Recap

Mon, 12 Aug 2002 16:33:47 CST

THE WEEK PAST: Although the record lists it as an "L' rather than the desired "W," the Packers' losing venture at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium over the weekend was hardly cause for alarm.

For example, the offense - without starters Terry Glenn and Mike Flanagan - for example, turned in an acceptable effort, rushing for 164 yards and closing out the evening with 311 total yards as opposed to the Eagles' 291 - in a typical preseason contest where both teams substituted extensively, diminishing the chances for a cohesive performance on either side of the football.

And the first defense, which played only the first two series, gave considerable cause for satisfaction, not permitting the Eagles a first down during its on-field tenure, a presence limited to six plays and consisting of back-to-back "three-and-out" efforts.

The initial defensive effort was particularly impressive because the first unit was missing four starters - power end Vonnie Hollida..

Packers-Cardinals Preview

Mon, 12 Aug 2002 16:29:21 CST

THE GAME: Coming up just short in their first preseason venture of 2002 at Philadelphia, the Green Bay Packers (0-1) hit the road again this weekend, winging west to meet the Arizona Cardinals (1-0) in Tempe's sprawling Sun Devil Stadium Saturday night (August 17).

Kickoff, accompanied by a temperature predicted to be in the low 100s, is set for 9:05, CDT (Wisconsin time).

At a minimum, the Packers came within respectable range of forcing an overtime in their non-league inaugural, falling 20-13 after rookie quarterback Craig Nall's fourth down pass fell incomplete in the Eagles' end zone with 3:19 remaining in the game.

The matchup, which saw both teams substitute liberally in keeping with the customary preseason modus operandi, had been a 10-10 standoff at halftime.

In the Cardinals, the Packers will be facing an opponent that experienced preseason success in its initial outing, outscoring Marty Schottenheimer's Chargers at San Diego's Qual..

Local Charities Win From Packers Pro Shop Opening

Mon, 12 Aug 2002 16:06:42 CST

Green Bay Packers fans turned out by the hundreds, on a daily basis, for the Grand Opening Celebration of the new Packers Pro Shop. As a result, local charities were the big winners.

"We knew we would have a lot of people coming into the Pro Shop for the festivities, especially with training camp going on," said Kate Hogan, Senior Manager of Retail for the Green Bay Packers. "But even we were surprised by the fact that literally, every day, people were lined up outside the doors before we even opened." The Opening Celebration was held from Thursday, August 8 through Sunday, August 11, 2002.

As part of the festivities, fans received a 10% off coupon with each can of food they donated to Paul's Pantry or 20% off with each new or gently used coat they donated to the Salvation Army's Coats for Kids program. In addition, a raffle was held benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs, Cerebral Palsy and Special Olympics.

"The response was wonderful," said Hogan. "..

Packers-Eagles Press Box Notes

Sat, 10 Aug 2002 09:09:17 CST

HE'S EVEN: Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman comes into tonight's contest with a .500 record in preseason openers. He presided at a 37-24 victory over the New York Jets in his NFL debut as a head coach in 2000, staged in Lambeau Field, and last year saw his Green and Gold shaded by the Browns in their 2001 baptismal at Cleveland, 10-3.

Overall, he has compiled a 4-4 record in preseason competition to date, having gone 2-2 in both 2000 and 2001.

**

THE NUMBERS GAME: The breakdown of the Packers' current training camp roster reveals that 60 of their number are veterans and 28 others rookies and first-year players. Of the latter categories, 19 of the 28 are "pure" rookies.

The first mandatory roster reduction, to 65 players, must be made by 3 p.m. (CDT) Tuesday, August 27. The final reduction, to 53 players, must be made by 3 p.m. (CDT) Sunday, September 1.

Six of the veterans are "double-digit" professionals, with center F..

Packers Sign P/K Louie Aguiar; Waive OT Kevin Jordan

Fri, 09 Aug 2002 11:30:42 CST

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed veteran punter/placekicker Louie Aguiar as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Friday.

Aguiar, in his eleventh NFL season, thus returns to Green Bay after a two-year absence. He served as the Packers' punter for 15 games in 1999, signing on as a free agent when rookie Josh Bidwell was sidelined by testicular cancer late in the preseason.

The 36-year-old Utah State alumnus, out of football in 2001, most recently was the Chicago Bears' punter during the 2000 season when he averaged 38.8 yards for 52 punts, depositing 8 of them inside the opponents' 20-yard line.

Aguiar, originally signed by Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 1989 and waived by the Bills in the preseason of both '89 and '90, subsequently launched his NFL career with the New York Jets in 1991 after emerging as the fourth-ranking punter in the World League while with the Barcelona Dragons in the spring of '91. In 1992, his 22 punts inside-t..

Packers Sign LB Kenny Harney As Free Agent; Waive Hollingshed

Thu, 08 Aug 2002 13:07:18 CST

The Green Bay Packers have signed linebacker Kenny Harney, a defensive standout for the University of South Carolina in 2001, as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Thursday.

Harney, 6-3 and 250 pounds, was the third-ranking tackler on the Gamecocks' defense last season, posting 86 stops. He also recorded 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 2 quarterback sacks and 2 tackles for loss.

A starter for 11 of South Carolina's 12 games, he closed out his four-year varsity career with 276 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback sacks, 2 interceptions and 7 fumble recoveries.

Earlier, as a prep at Allendale-Fairfax High School in Allendale, S.C., Harney was chosen South Carolina's "Defensive Player of the Year" by SuperPrep as a senior.

Originally signed by the Houston Texans on June 3, Harney was waived Aug. 3.

The newcomer has been assigned jersey number 41. Linebacker Adrian Hollingshed has been waived/injured (shoulder) to ..

Packers Pro Shop To Hold Grand Opening Events & Activities

Tue, 06 Aug 2002 18:04:53 CST

Celebrate the ultimate Packers shopping experience during the Grand Opening of the Packers Pro Shop August 8-11, 2002. The Packers Pro Shop is the first area open to the public in the new Titletown Atrium, located on the east side of Lambeau Field, at 1265 Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay, WI. The Atrium is part of the $295-million renovation of Lambeau Field.

The new Packers Pro Shop has nearly four times more retail space in its new home. (The Pro Shop moved from 1,750 sq. feet to 6,500 sq. feet of retail space). "This move allowed the Pro Shop to expand in areas we couldn't have before," explained Kate Hogan, Senior Manager of Retail for the Packers Pro Shop. "We have a larger section of women's and children's clothing and a section of home items, which includes bedding and kitchen items. Plus, we have more of the items fans expect, like authentic jerseys and hats."

Fans will be impressed when they enter the new, two-level Pro Shop. It is Packers decor from to..

Ravens Sign LB Harris

Baltimore Ravens Press Release — Tue, 06 Aug 2002 17:14:39 CST

The Ravens' strongest position got even better today, as Baltimore signed eighth-year linebacker Bernardo Harris.

Harris, who will join Pro Bowlers Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware and emerging standouts Edgerton Hartwell, Adalius Thomas and Shannon Taylor in the linebacker rotation, spent his first seven years with the Green Bay Packers.

In Green Bay, he started a total of 79 games, averaging more than 80 unassisted tackles over the past five years.

"Bernardo adds a veteran presence in the middle to back up Ray [Lewis] and Edgerton [Hartwell]," said senior vice president of football operations Ozzie Newsome.

The team also announced late this afternoon that they have waived linebacker Casey Tisdale and safety Chonn Lacey.

Packers-Eagles Preview

Mon, 05 Aug 2002 17:26:05 CST

THE GAME: With the faithful's high expectations swirling about them, the Green Bay Packers subject their own lofty hopes to competitive exposure for the first time Saturday night (August 10) when they launch their 2002 preseason schedule on the road.

Appropriately, it will find Mike Sherman's forces facing a substantial test in their debut, an invasion of Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium to take on last year's NFC Eastern Division champions, the Eagles.

Kickoff is set for 6:35, CDT (Wisconsin time).

More than 60,000 tickets have been sold for the contest, which will see ex-Packers coaching aide Andy Reid hosting his former team for the first time since taking over as the Birds' head coach in 1999.

Although this one will not count in the standings, Sherman will be in a position to mount a 2-and-0 record against Saturday's coaching opponent, having registered the first victory of his NFL head-coaching career at the Eagles' expense - a 6-3 decis..

Packers Sign WR Chris Jackson As Free Agent; Waive Kicker Rob Bironas

Thu, 01 Aug 2002 14:51:56 CST

The Green Bay Packers have signed wide receiver Chris Jackson as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Thursday.

To make room for the newcomer, rookie kicker Rob Bironas of Georgia Southern was placed on waivers.

Jackson, a 6-2, 204-pound Washington State product, originally was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent on April 28, 1998, and spent the majority of the '98 and '99 seasons on the Seahawks' practice squad. Waived September 6, 1999, he signed with the Tennessee Titans October 4, 2000, and played in one game - vs. Pittsburgh October 5 - before suffering a back injury and being placed on injured reserve December 1. He subsequently was released March 1, 2001, and had not been on an NFL roster in the interim.

In the spring of 2000, Jackson played for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League and earned AFL 'Rookie of the Year' honors after leading the team with 91 receptions for 1,325 yards and 26 touchdowns, the lat..

Packers Announce Major Partnership With The Oneida Nation

Thu, 01 Aug 2002 11:28:39 CST

The Green Bay Packers announced at a news conference in Green Bay Thursday that the organization has entered into a long term, exclusive partnership agreement with the Oneida Nation. The agreement will play an integral role in developing the five-story, Titletown Atrium at Lambeau Field as a regional destination.

Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan said, "We're pleased that a very prominent and respected local group like the Oneida Nation, with a great tradition and strong community presence, will be our partner in this venture."

He continued, "Lambeau Field and Titletown will be premier destination for Packers fans from around the world. It will feature restaurants, numerous interactive displays in a Packers "Fan Zone," the Hall of Fame, the Pro Shop and exciting events and activities that will draw numerous fans throughout the year."

The Titletown Atrium is part of the $295 million Lambeau Field renovation project and is located on the east side of ..