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Marques Anderson Among NFL Rookie Of The Year Finalists

Tue, 31 Dec 2002 15:44:48 CST

The National Football League announced the five finalists for the 2002 Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Year award Tuesday.

2002 Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Year Finalists

Marques Anderson, S, Green Bay Packers
David Carr, QB, Houston Texans
William Green, RB, Cleveland Browns
Clinton Portis, RB, Denver Broncos
Jeremy Shockey, TE, New York Giants

Fans can vote for one of these five players on NFL.com from January 1 through January 20 to determine the Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Year.

The winner will be presented the 2002 Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Year award during a press conference in San Diego, the site of Super Bowl XXXVII, on Wednesday, January 22, 2003.

The five finalists were chosen after tabulating this season's fan voting. Each week, five nominees were chosen and NFL fans voted for the winner on NFL.com.

Following is a closer look at the five 2002 Pepsi NFL Rook..

NFL Announces 2003 Opponents

NFL Press Release — Tue, 31 Dec 2002 12:44:57 CST

The opponents for all 2003 regular-season games have been determined and a complete list of each team's home and away matchups was issued Tuesday by the NFL.

With the addition of the Houston Texans in 2002, the NFL realigned for the first time since 1970 -- into eight divisions of four teams each - and a new scheduling formula guaranteed for the first time that all teams would play each other on a regular, rotating basis.

Under the new NFL scheduling formula that went into effect in 2002, every team within a division plays 16 games as follows:

* Home and away against its three division opponents (6 games).

* The four teams from another division within its conference on a rotating three-year cycle (4 games).

* The four teams from a division in the other conference on a rotating four-year cycle (4 games).

* Two intraconference games based on the prior year's standings (2 games). These games match a first-place team against the fi..

'Ice Bowl' Waged 35 Years Ago Today

NFL Press Release — Tue, 31 Dec 2002 10:54:34 CST

Great players. Great coaches. Great plays. Arctic weather. They all combined for one of the most memorable games in NFL history.

Thirty-five years ago this New Year's Eve day, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 in the coldest NFL game on record -- the 1967 NFL Championship dubbed forevermore the "Ice Bowl."

What was already a great matchup was made more intriguing by the sub-zero temperature. The official game-time temperature was 13 degrees below zero with the wind chill at minus-48 degrees. It was the coldest game in NFL history.

"The operator said, 'It's 7:30 AM and 19 below,'" said Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan. "I got up out of bed, looked out the window and saw 40 other guys staring out in disbelief. It was cold."

"We weren't prepared for that kind of cold," said Jim Tunney, who served as the alternate referee of the game and patrolled the Packers' sidelines. "We went out that morning and rousted the store ..

Packers-Falcons Playoff Preview

Tue, 31 Dec 2002 20:39:20 CST

Ambushed in the shadow of the "Big Apple," the Green Bay Packers saw their hopes of home field advantage through the playoffs evaporate at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands over the weekend.

But, in the wake of a regular-season ending, 42-17 loss to the New York Jets, there is no time for regrets over what might have been.

As a result of that misadventure, they find themselves hosting the dangerous Atlanta Falcons in a Wild Card playoff in Lambeau Field Saturday in the opening round of the NFL's annual postseason tournament - rather than having the weekend off with a bye.

On the other side of the competitive coin, the Packers - winners of 12 games for the second year in a row - the seventh time in their history - carry a 12-4 regular season record into the playoffs.

The Falcons, meanwhile, enter the postseason with a 9-6-1 record after falling to the Browns in their season finale at Cleveland Saturday (24-16).

Saturday's showdown will be t..

Packers-Jets Recap

Mon, 30 Dec 2002 20:27:58 CST

At halftime in their season finale, the Packers appeared poised to forge a profitable second half, one hopefully to be culminated by a victory that would assure home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

They had, after all, rebounded smartly from a desultory start with a vintage, 76-yard Brett Favre scoring drive to pare the New York Jets' lead to a modest 14-10 at the intermission.

The anticipated turnabout, however, was not to be. To the contrary. The Jets, taking the second half kickoff and profiting from superior field position afforded by a 33-yard runback from Santana Moss to the New York 40-yard line, were in the end zone in 6 plays, running back Curtis Martin bolting over right guard from 5 yards out for the score.

It was, unfortunately, only the beginning of the Packers' second half travail. The Jets proceeded to score three more touchdowns to mount a prohibitive 35-10 lead before Mike Sherman decided it would be wise - under the forbidding c..

Donald Driver Among Finalists For 2002 Walter Payton Man Of The Year Award

Mon, 30 Dec 2002 16:26:25 CST

Thirty-two players are vying for the 2002 title of NFL Walter Payton Man Of The Year, the only league award that recognizes player off-the-field community service as well as playing excellence. This year's finalists-one player from each NFL team have demonstrated an outstanding balance in their lives between civic and professional responsibilities.

The prestigious award was renamed in 1999 for the legendary Chicago Bears Pro Football Hall of Fame running back. The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award has been given annually since 1970.

The winner is selected by an elite panel of judges including NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Sports Illustrated writer Peter King, Connie Payton (wife of the late Walter Payton), and former players Frank Gifford, Jack Kemp, John Mackey, and last year's award winner, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis.

The winner will receive $25,000 to donate to his selected charity. Each finalist will receive a $1,000 contribu..

NFL Wild Card Playoff Schedule Announced

Mon, 30 Dec 2002 09:28:23 CST

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced Monday the schedule of sites, dates and times for the National Football League Wild Card games of January 4-5 (all times Central):

NFL WILD CARD WEEKEND

Saturday, January 4
AFC: Indianapolis (10-6) at NY Jets (9-7) (ABC-TV) -- 3:30 PM CT
NFC: Atlanta (9-6-1) at Green Bay (12-4) (ABC-TV) -- 7:00 PM CT

Sunday, January 5
AFC: Cleveland (9-7) at Pittsburgh (10-5-1) (CBS-TV) -- 12:00 PM CT
NFC: NY Giants (10-6) at San Francisco (10-5) (FOX-TV) -- 3:30 PM CT

The NFL Divisional Playoffs will be played on Saturday and Sunday, January 11-12, AFC and NFC Championship Games on Sunday, January 19, and Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California on Sunday, January 26.

The annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, featuring the NFL All-Stars, will be played in Honolulu, Hawaii on Sunday, February 2.

Once teams are ranked for the playoffs, positions do n..

Packers-Jets Press Box Notes

Sun, 29 Dec 2002 20:55:50 CST

-FINE IN FINALES: The Packers enter this afternoon's game having won eight consecutive regular-season finales, easily the league's longest such streak and one believed to be among the longest in NFL history. Washington owns the second-longest active streak, three years.

The Packers launched their skein of success in their 1994 finale with a 34-19 victory over the Buccaneers at Tampa. In the interim, winning five of eight at home, they have closed out seven more seasons with victories over Pittsburgh, 24-10 in 1995, Minnesota, 38-10, in 1996; Buffalo, 31-21, in 1997; Chicago (away) 16-13, 1998; Arizona, 49-24, in 1999; Tampa Bay, 17-14, in 2000; and the New York Giants (away), 34-25, in 2001.

-BIG 'D:' After allowing 100 points over the first three games of the season, Coordinator Ed Donatell's Packers defenders have engineered a dramatic turnaround. In the 12-game interim, they have held the opposition to an average of 15.5 points per game, climax..

Packers Announce Ticket Plans For Possible Super Bowl Appearance

Fri, 27 Dec 2002 17:45:54 CST

Should the Green Bay Packers advance to Super Bowl XXXVII, and a fifth appearance in pro football's ultimate game, the bulk of their ticket allotment again will be made available to season ticketholders.

Club President Robert E. Harlan reiterated the organization's long-standing policy in addressing ticket allocations for that eventuality - if the Packers would win the National Football Conference championship and the right to meet the American Football Conference champions in the Super Bowl at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, on Sunday, Jan. 26.

"Because our season ticketholders repeatedly have demonstrated their loyalty with annual season-ticket sellouts in Lambeau Field since 1960, we want to make sure Super Bowl tickets are available to as many of them as possible," Harlan said.

"We believe the allocation plan we have in place is fair to all of our season ticketholders. Every account - whether it be Green package, Gold package, club seat or private box ho..

Packers DE Vonnie Holliday Named NFC Defensive Player Of The Week

NFL Press Release — Thu, 26 Dec 2002 16:13:27 CST

Packers defensive end Vonnie Holliday, quarterback Kerry Collins of the New York Giants and kicker Gary Anderson of the Minnesota Vikings are the NFC Defensive, Offensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the 16th week of the 2002 season (December 21-23), the NFL announced Thursday.

Holliday earned defensive honors for his play in the Packers' 10-0 shutout of the Buffalo Bills, who entered the game with the NFL's third-ranked offense, averaging 363.0 yards per game.

Holliday totaled seven tackles, a club-record five sacks and three forced fumbles in the win. His five sacks broke Bryce Paup's club record of 4.5, set on September 15, 1991, and were the most in the NFL since Derrick Thomas had six for the Kansas City Chiefs on September 6, 1998.

With the Packers holding a 3-0 lead midway through the fourth quarter, Holliday sacked Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Green Bay defensive end Jamal Reynolds..

Packers Sign Eric Metcalf, Three-Time Pro Bowl Kick Returner

Wed, 25 Dec 2002 16:43:45 CST

Bidding to bolster their return game, the Green Bay Packers have signed veteran running back/kick returner Eric Metcalf as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Wednesday.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection (1993-94 and 1997) Metcalf had been out of football this season after serving as the Washington Redskins' punt returner in 2001, when he averaged 12.5 yards for 33 runbacks.

Metcalf, 5-10 and 195 pounds, has amassed more than 9,000 return yards over his 12-year playing career -- 5,772 yards via 272 kickoff returns, a 20.8-yard average, and 3,454 yards on 348 punt returns, a 9.9 average, with 10 touchdowns.

Metcalf holds the NFL all-time record for most career punt return touchdowns with 10.

The 34-year-old University of Texas alumnus, originally a first-round draft selection of the Cleveland Browns in 1989, also has accumulated 5,572 yards, on 541 pass receptions, a 10.3-yard average, and 2,385 yards on 628 rushing attempts, a 3.8-yard..

Packers Sign Veteran G Jeff Blackshear To Active Roster; Add RB Reggie White, QB Greg Zolman To Practice Squad

Wed, 25 Dec 2002 14:36:28 CST

Adding depth and quality experience to the offensive line, the Green Bay Packers have re-signed guard Jeff Blackshear to the team's 53-man active roster as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Wednesday.

Sherman also announced the signing of two other free agents, running back Reggie White and quarterback Greg Zolman, to the practice squad.

Blackshear, 6-6 and 323 pounds, has started 96 games over an eight-year NFL career which began with the Seattle Seahawks in 1993 (62 starts at right guard and 32 at left guard).

In the process, the 33-year-old Northeast Louisiana product forged a 57-game starting streak for the Baltimore Ravens, to whom he was traded by the Seahawks (March 12, 1996), and started all 16 games in four seasons overall (1994, 1997, 1998 and 1999). Placed on waivers by the Ravens following the 1999 season (February 22, 2000), he subsequently signed with Kansas City as a free agent ..

Packers-Jets Preview

Wed, 25 Dec 2002 12:07:38 CST

Already one of the most successful teams in club history following a fourth straight victory, the streaking Green Bay Packers (12-3) remain in tantalizing range of home field advantage in the NFC playoffs with one game left on their regular season agenda.

The latter will take the NFC North Division champions to Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., for their '02 finale against the formidable New York Jets (8-7) next Sunday (Dec. 29), with kickoff set for 3:15, CST (Wisconsin time).

In the interim, the Packers keep an eye on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Philadelphia Eagles, the other principals in the drive for home field advantage, who hold tie-breaker edges on Green Bay.

The Eagles, like the Packers, are 12-3, with a final game against the New York Giants on the road next Saturday (Dec. 28).

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, were hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday night (Dec. 23) before closing out their regular season schedule against the Ch..

Franks Among NFL Alumni's Best Of 2002

Tue, 24 Dec 2002 12:41:05 CST

Former NFL players have voted 10 current players and one coach as 2002 NFL Alumni Player of the Year honorees. This is the 21st year the NFL Alumni has held balloting for its Player of the Year awards. The complete 2002 Player of the Year selections are:

OFFENSE
Quarterback-Rich Gannon (Oakland Raiders)
Running Back-Priest Holmes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Wide Receiver-Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts)
Tight End-Bubba Franks (Green Bay Packers)
Offensive Lineman-Jonathan Ogden (Baltimore Ravens)

DEFENSE
Defensive Lineman-Simeon Rice (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Pass Rusher-Jason Taylor (Miami Dolphins)
Linebacker-Derrick Brooks (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Defensive Back-Patrick Surtain (Miami Dolphins)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Special Teams Player- Michael Lewis (New Orleans Saints)
Coach-Andy Reid (Philadelphia Eagles)

These players were honored by a unique voting process in which form..

Packers-Bills Recap

Tue, 24 Dec 2002 12:02:18 CST

It was, clearly, a question of survival...so dominant were the elements in blustery Lambeau Field.

Both the Packers and the Buffalo Bills were battling swirling west winds gusting to 25 miles per hour, in addition to a frigid 13-degree wind chill, in their Sunday matchup in Lambeau, where the resilient and resourceful Packers prevailed, 10-0, in a tightfisted struggle.

But, Brett Favre assured, the wind was the primary culprit. Two weeks earlier against Minnesota on a considerably colder night, it had been "a piece of cake by comparison," he said.

His second pass of the afternoon, he said, had been blown off course before being intercepted by Buffalo cornerback Kevin Thomas.

Fortunately, the Packers shortly were able to return the favor, safety Darren Sharper voiding the opportunity for the Bills by intercepting a Drew Bledsoe pass in the Green Bay end zone and returning it to the 14-yard line.

The unscheduled "exchange" set the tone for ..

'NFL Under The Helmet' Features Sherman

Tue, 24 Dec 2002 11:57:09 CST

When Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was injured against Arizona in Week 11, many were quick to count Philadelphia out of the Super Bowl picture. But the Eagles have won all of their games since McNabb's injury, due in large part to their outstanding defense and running back Duce Staley.

The Eagles' star will be featured on the next episode of "NFL Under The Helmet," Saturday, December 28 at 12:00 p.m. (check local listings) on FOX-TV. "Under the Helmet," the NFL's premiere magazine show, produced by NFL Films, features the best of the NFL and the world of contemporary music.

A career highlight video of Staley, who topped the 1,000-yard rushing mark last week for the first time since 1999, will be featured to THE VINES' song "Outtathaway."

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens, who has put his signature on this season with his league leading 13 touchdown receptions, will also be featured on this week's "Under the Helmet." T.O. b..

Week 17 NFC Playoff Scenarios

updated 12/24/2002 — Mon, 23 Dec 2002 17:41:38 CST

NFC EAST

Philadelphia has clinched the division and a first-round bye. The Eagles can clinch homefield advantage throughout the playoffs with:

1) PHI win, OR
2) PHI tie + GB loss or tie, OR
3) GB loss.

New York Giants can clinch a playoff berth with:

1) NYG win, OR
2) NYG tie + NO loss or tie, OR
3) NO loss.

NFC NORTH

Green Bay has clinched the division. The Packers can clinch homefield advantage throughout the playoffs with:

1) GB win + PHI loss or tie, OR
2) GB tie + PHI loss.

Green Bay can clinch a first-round bye with:

1) GB win or tie, OR
2) TB loss.

NFC SOUTH

Tampa Bay has clinched the division. The Buccaneers can clinch a first-round bye with:

1) TB win + GB loss.

Atlanta can clinch playoff berth with:

1) ATL win or tie, OR
2) NYG loss or tie, OR
3) NO loss or tie.

New Orleans ..

Packers Release Offensive Linemen Alcender Jackson, Pete Campion

Mon, 23 Dec 2002 17:36:45 CST

The Green Bay Packers have waived guard-tackle Alcender "Al" Jackson from the team's 53-man active roster and terminated guard-tackle Pete Campion from the practice squad, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced today.

Jackson, a third-year professional, had most recently been signed to Green Bay's '53' on Dec. 4 to fill the vacancy created when offensive tackle Chad Clifton was placed on injured reserve. The 6-3, 311-pound LSU alumnus previously had been a member of the Packers' practice squad October 2-7.

Campion, 6-4 and 307 pounds, had been signed to the Packers' practice squad for the first time Nov. 27, after being waived from the St. Louis Rams' practice squad Nov. 1. Released Dec. 2, he had been re-signed to the Packers' practice squad Dec. 17. A three-year starter at North Dakota State, he originally had been a seventh round selection of Carolina in this year's draft and later was waived (Aug. 13) after reaching an injury settlement. He subsequently was add..

Packers-Bills Press Box Notes

Sun, 22 Dec 2002 09:48:24 CST

-A VICTORY THIS AFTERNOON would give the Packers - the NFL's only undefeated home team this season coming into today's game - their first unblemished home record (8-0) since 1997 and their 11th in team history. Their previous undefeated home records were forged in 1924-25, 1929-32, 1944, 1962, 1996-1997.

With a win, the Packers would become only the second team in pro football history with 11 undefeated seasons at home. The Chicago Bears are the all-time leaders with 13. The Minnesota Vikings rank third, behind the Packers, with 7, followed by the Detroit Lions with 6 and the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles with 5 apiece.

-QUARTERBACK BRETT FAVRE, with 25 touchdown passes and two games remaining, is within reach of a seventh 30-TD season. If accomplished, he would be extending his own NFL record (1994-98 and 2001).

He also will be making his 172nd consecutive start, extending his NFL record for quarterbacks. It also is the longest cu..

Packers Promote CB Erwin Swiney To Active Roster, Waive RB Moe Smith

Sat, 21 Dec 2002 14:52:29 CST

The Green Bay Packers have promoted cornerback Erwin Swiney from the practice squad to the teams' 53-man active roster, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Saturday.

To make room for Swiney, veteran running back Moe Smith has been placed on waivers.

Swiney, a rookie free agent from the University of Nebraska, had been on the practice squad since Oct. 30. He originally had been signed as a free agent April 26, 2002, and gone through training camp and the preseason before being waived Sept. 1 in the team's final roster reduction for the regular season.

He was signed to the practice squad for the first time Sept. 4, released the following day and then re-signed to the squad Sept. 9, remaining there until advanced to the active roster for the first time Oct. 12. He played against New England the next day and was waived Oct. 15. He was then re-signed to the practice squad Oct. 18, released Oct. 22 and then re-signed the most recent time Oct. 30.

Swi..

Wanda Boggs Named Fifth Honoree For Packer FAN Hall Of Fame

Fri, 20 Dec 2002 09:53:58 CST

Wanda Boggs, a third-grade teacher from Brookfield, Wisconsin, enthusiastically described by her class as "the greatest fan in the whole history of football," has been named as the fifth annual honoree to the Packer FAN Hall of Fame.

In the process, her pupils' testimonial helped her make history, Mrs. Boggs becoming the first woman to be so honored in the five years the FAN Hall of Fame has been in existence.

Her nomination was heartily endorsed in an accompanying essay by her pupils at Brookfield Elementary School, who asserted, "G is for graph. Mrs. Boggs can hardly wait to pull out her graph each Monday morning. She goes crazy when the Packers' side is higher. She goes 'kaplooey' if their opponents' side is higher. She is a Packer maniac.

"O is for obsessed with the Packers. Mrs. Boggs is so obsessed she has green all around her. She has a Packers flag in her classroom and Packers stickers on her door.

"She dreams about Brett Favre and thin..

Packers' Favre, Green, Franks, Rivera, Sharper Named To NFC Squad For Pro Bowl

Thu, 19 Dec 2002 14:14:19 CST

Five Green Bay Packers, the most since 1998, have been named to the NFC squad for the 2003 Pro Bowl, the National Football League announced Thursday.

Headed by quarterback Brett Favre, a seventh-time selection to professional football's all-star contest, his fellow honorees include running back Ahman Green, tight end Bubba Franks, offensive guard Marco Rivera and safety Darren Sharper.

Franks and Green are repeat selections from 2001, when they were so honored for the first time in their NFL career

It also is the second Pro Bowl honor for Sharper, a first time selection following the 2000 season.

Rivera, a seventh-year professional, is the first Green Bay offensive lineman to be chosen since center Larry McCarren was named to the NFC squad in 1983.

The quintet represents the most Packers to be accorded Pro Bowl selection since 1998, when five players were chosen - S LeRoy Butler, TE Mark Chmura, WR Antonio Freeman, KR Roell Preston and DE ..

Fans To Enjoy New Scoreboards At Renovated Lambeau Field

Thu, 19 Dec 2002 09:16:09 CST

Starting with the first game of the 2003 Green Bay Packers season, Packers fans will enjoy new and vastly improved video display scoreboards.

"We believe fans will be excited with the state-of-the-art technology of these scoreboards," said Packers President Bob Harlan. "They will be a great complement to all of the other amenities and improvements being made to Lambeau."

The two new scoreboard structures are the same height as the existing scoreboard but twice the width, measuring approximately 41 feet high by 162 feet wide. One will be located in the north end zone and the other in the south end zone. The scoreboards are being developed by Daktronics Inc. (Nasdaq - DAKT) of Brookings, South Dakota, which has extensive experience in large-screen, full color LED displays for professional sports venues.

Each scoreboard structure will feature:
* A ProStar(r) video display measuring 27 feet high by 48 feet wide
* Two incandescent lamp matrices for gra..

Packers-Bills Preview

Wed, 18 Dec 2002 08:41:19 CST

Though most recently confronted by the pitfalls that inevitably lie on the road, the Green Bay Packers (11-3) are staying firmly on course in their continuing pursuit of playoff priority.

And, having maintained their position with a breathtaking 20-14 victory over the 49ers in rain-soaked and wind-swept San Francisco, they now return to Lambeau Field to close out their regular season home schedule against Drew Bledsoe and the Buffalo Bills (7-7) Sunday (Dec. 22).

They will need to be wary of the Bills, who still have mathematical chance of making the AFC playoffs and are possessors of one of the NFL's most potent offenses, a unit that ranks sixth in the league overall, third in passing.

As a result of the Packers' latest success - their third victory in a row - they remain the third seed in the National Football Conference's postseason pecking order. They are tied in record with both Philadelphia and Tampa Bay at 11-3 but the Eagles own the tie-breaker edg..

Packers-49ers Recap

Wed, 18 Dec 2002 08:36:35 CST

This was one for the memory book...

There was, fittingly, high drama at the suspenseful end. With the Packers holding a vulnerable, 20-14 lead and the 49ers at the Green Bay 11-yard line in the closing seconds of the game, the Packers' defensive pressure harassed quarterback Jeff Garcia into throwing a harmless, fourth-down incompletion, sealing a Green Bay victory.

Along the way, there also was a classic, close-to-the-vest first half, which saw the 49ers leading at the intermission, 6-3 (two field goals to one) on a day when "taking care of the ball" was of the highest priority, swirling 18-to-35 mph winds making the process tricky at best.

Then, in sudden contrast, there was a freewheeling third quarter offensive display by the Packers, quarterback Brett Favre presiding - with a major assist from defensive colleagues Hardy Nickerson, Vonnie Holliday and Na'il Diggs - a collaboration that shot the Packers into a 17-6 lead less than 10 minutes into the per..

Packers Re-Sign T/G Pete Campion To Practice Squad

Tue, 17 Dec 2002 22:40:24 CST

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed guard-tackle Pete Campion to the team's practice squad, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Tuesday.

The 6-4, 302-pound Campion, a three-year starter at right tackle for North Dakota State, was a seventh-round selection of the Carolina Panthers in the 2002 draft, the 213th player chosen. Placed on injured reserve Aug. 8, he was waived Aug. 13 following an injury settlement.

Signed to the St. Louis Rams' 53-man active roster as a free agent Oct. 16, he was inactive for the Rams' Oct. 20 game against Seattle. Waived Oct. 21, he was signed to the Rams' practice squad Oct. 23 and waived Nov. 1.

Campion, subsequently signed to the Packers' practice squad the first time on Nov. 27, was waived Dec. 2.

A Little All-America selection as a senior, Campion was the only lineman selected by Carolina in the '02 draft. He also was named the outstanding offensive lineman in the Cactus Bowl, a college all-star game that featur..

Packers Fans To Get Up-To-Date Team News Via Verizon Wireless Text Messages

Tue, 17 Dec 2002 10:39:00 CST

With interest in the Green Bay Packers reaching peak levels, the team and Verizon Wireless are meeting the demand for more team information by offering fans Coach's Corner, a unique and innovative way to stay on top of all Packers-related news.

Fans can now get up-to-the minute team news directly from the Packers via text messaging to their Verizon Wireless phones. Coach's Corner, officially launched today by the Green Bay Packers and Verizon Wireless, lets fans sign up through www.packers.com to receive the latest team news, scores, game-day traffic reports, game highlights and more.

"Our fans always want more access and more information about the team," said Bob Harlan, president of the Green Bay Packers. "This special service will give it to them quickly and efficiently."

Coach's Corner alerts are sent directly to Packers fans who have Verizon Wireless digital phones and who sign up for the service. The team uses vtext.com, Verizon Wireless' simple-t..

Favre Leads Pro Bowl Voting; Record 51 Million All-Star Votes Cast On NFL.com

Mon, 16 Dec 2002 09:35:53 CST

A record 51 million votes were cast by fans on NFL.com this year and Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (930,270) led all NFL All-Stars in balloting for the 2003 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Monday.

With 13 fewer voting days than last season, NFL.com recorded 51,677,578 total votes, eclipsing last year's record of 43,957,135.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes (747,297) ranked second overall with Buffalo Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe (733,754), Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (673,740), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Mike Alstott (672,947) rounding out the top five.

Packers tight end Bubba Franks was ninth overall in NFC voting (603,753), while safety Darren Sharper was seventh among NFC defenders (224,572). Mike Flanagan led all NFC centers in voting (180,230), and Matt Bowen was the top special teams player (108,814).

Fan voting finished on NFL.com December 13. Players and coaches vote December 16-17. The squad..

Packers-49ers Press Box Notes

Sun, 15 Dec 2002 13:27:48 CST

-MIKE SHERMAN, as both an assistant and head coach, is undefeated (2-0) against the 49ers in regular season competition. He was Green Bay's offensive line coach for the Packers in their 36-22 victory over the Prospectors in 1998 (Nov. 1) and the team's first-year head coach in 2000 when the Green and Gold pulled out a 31-28 win (Oct. 15) on a late Ryan Longwell field goal.

Sherman is 1-1 against the Niners in the postseason. In 1998, when he was an assistant coach, the 49ers shaded the Packers in a Wild Card playoff, 30-27,on Jan. 3, and last Jan. 13, the Packers prevailed in another Wild Card showdown, 25-15.

-QUARTERBACK BRETT FAVRE needs one touchdown pass this afternoon to reach the 25-TD plateau for the seventh time in his career - all seven times in the past nine seasons. With three games remaining to play, he is in position to scale the 30-TD mark for the second year in a row and the seventh season overall.

-WITH RESPECT TO DURABIL..

Packers Sign WR/KR J.J. Moses

Sat, 14 Dec 2002 10:33:56 CST
The Green Bay Packers have elevated wide receiver/kick returner J.J. Moses from the practice squad to the team's 53-man active roster, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Saturday.

The 5-6, 178-pound Moses, who thus becomes available for possible kick return duty in the Packers' game against the 49ers in San Francisco Sunday, had been re-signed to the practice squad Dec. 2.

Moses, earlier a standout wide receiver and kick returner at Iowa State University, led the NFL Europe League in punt returns during the 2002 season while playing for the Scottish Claymores, averaging 11.2 yards for 25 runbacks. He also ranked third in the NFLEL in kickoff returns with 344 yards on 14 returns, a 24.6-yard average.

Seeing action in 10 games with two starts, Moses augmented his return contributions with 11 pass receptions for 94 yards, an 8.5-yard average.

Moses, who entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Kansas City in 2001, had been to training camp with t..

Packers' Furniture On The Move To St. Vincent De Paul & Salvation Army

Thu, 12 Dec 2002 16:50:55 CST
Moving trucks were rolling again today at Lambeau Field; only this time it wasn't the administration and football operations moving into new quarters. This was the first of more than 500 pieces of office furniture items being donated to St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army in Green Bay. The items are no longer needed as a result of the Packers move from their previous administration facility into the new Titeltown Atrium at Lambeau Field. The Atrium is part of the $295 million renovation and expansion of Lambeau Field.

"The Packers, the Green Bay Area Professional Football Stadium District and the City of Green Bay believe this is a good way to use some of the items that are no longer needed by the Packers, and benefit two local organizations and their clients at the same time," said Packers President Bob Harlan. "We're pleased to be able to help these two organizations - especially during the holiday season. We also want to thank Leicht Mayflower Relocation Servi..

Packers Re-Sign Veteran RB Moe Smith

Wed, 11 Dec 2002 11:57:54 CST
The Green Bay Packers have re-signed veteran running back Moe Smith as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Wednesday.

The 6-foot, 235-pound Smith, the Atlanta Falcons' leading rusher in 2001, previously had signed with Green Bay Sept. 19, filling the roster vacancy created by placing offensive tackle Mark Tauscher on injured reserve following knee surgery.

Waived Sept. 25, Smith subsequently re-signed with Atlanta in the interim (Oct. 22) and had been inactive for two games before being released Nov. 22.

The former North Carolina A&T athlete, a third-year professional, had started 12 out of 16 games for the Falcons last season and paced Atlanta's ground game with 760 yards in 237 attempts, a 3.2-yard average, and 5 touchdowns, assuming full-time duties after Jamal Anderson was lost in Week Three with a knee injury. He also was Atlanta's second-leading scorer with 36 points on 6 touchdowns (one receiving) and seventh-leading receiver with 19 c..

Packers-49ers Preview

Wed, 11 Dec 2002 17:37:48 CST
The NFC North Champion Green Bay Packers, 10-3 and very much in the postseason picture after maintaining their playoff status with a second straight victory, resume pursuit of "full" home field advantage on the road this weekend.

Their late-season itinerary will take them to San Francisco Sunday (Dec. 15) for an inter-divisional showdown with the 49ers (9-4), newly-crowned champions of the NFC West, in 49ers Stadium.

Kickoff for the contest is set for 3:15, CST (Wisconsin time).

The Packers, who clinched the NFC North title a week earlier, will be coming off another come-from-behind triumph, having finally taken the lead for the first time in the game with just 1:06 remaining, a 14-yard touchdown run by sealing a 26-22 Green Bay victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

It marked the sixth time in seven Lambeau Field games this season that the Green and Gold have come from behind to win - en route to what remains the league's only perfect home record (7-..

Casey Cuene, Larry Weyers Elected To Packers' Board Of Directors

Tue, 10 Dec 2002 18:00:10 CST
Casey Cuene and Larry L. Weyers, both of Green Bay, were elected to the board of directors of Green Bay Packers, Inc., at the corporation's quarterly meeting Tuesday.

Cuene is the managing partner of Broadway Enterprises and Weyers the chairman/president/CEO of WPS Resources Corp. They fill vacancies on the board created by Richard Dougherty assuming Director Emeritus status and by the death of Fred N. Trowbridge Jr. in 2002.

Packers Put CB/KR Darrien Gordon, RB Jay Graham On Waivers

Tue, 10 Dec 2002 17:43:58 CST
The Green Bay Packers have placed cornerback/kick returner Darrien Gordon and running back Jay Graham on waivers, GM/head Coach Mike Sherman announced Tuesday.

Gordon, signed as a free agent (July 16, 2002) after leading the National Football Conference in punt returns as a member of the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, ranked 14th in the National Conference after 13 games with a 5.1-yard average for 35 runbacks. He had averaged 14.1 yards per return, the second-highest average of his NFL career, last season.

In addition to returning punts, the 10-year veteran also made occasional appearances as an extra defensive back, posting 5 tackles, 4 of them unassisted.

During the season, Gordon moved into third place in NFL history with 3,601 punt return yards, passing Eric Metcalf (3,454) en route.

Graham, a fifth-year professional, had been signed as a free agent Nov. 21 to provide the Packers with a veteran reserve at halfback for the season's stretch run, repl..

Packers-Vikings Recap

Tue, 10 Dec 2002 17:26:23 CST
Beset by injuries throughout the season, the Packers repeatedly have found it necessary to close ranks and muster all available resources, both personnel and psychological, in order to capture a division championship and qualify for the playoffs.

Because of their physical woes, it has been commonplace for them to be missing two or more starters almost any week of the season and Sunday's contest was no exception. Javon Walker started at wide receiver for Terry Glenn, Tony Fisher at running back for Ahman Green, Rod Walker at nose tackle for Gilbert Brown and Tod McBride at cornerback for Tyrone Williams.

Additionally, the latest example of the Packers' depth occurred in Sunday's game-long struggle to overcome the Minnesota Vikings, who mounted an early 3-0 lead and remained out front until the last 66 seconds of the contest, played in conditions more common to ice fishing than performing on the gridiron. The temperature was a frigid 11 degrees at kickoff, which equ..

Troy Tyloch Of The AIDS Resource Center Of Wisconsin Presented With Green Bay Packers Community Quarterback Award

Tue, 10 Dec 2002 17:16:26 CST
Troy Tyloch, a volunteer with the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, was named as the 2002 Community Quarterback Award winner Tuesday by the Green Bay Packers.

A volunteer with the ARCW for the past 11 years, Tyloch, has helped more than 200 infected people cope with the ramifications of having HIV. HIV positive himself, Tyloch decided to turn a negative into a positive by speaking to numerous groups in the area, including high school classes and medical students, about the disease. Since 1991, Tyloch has logged nearly 10,000 hours of volunteer time.

By receiving today's honor, Tyloch and the ARCW were presented with a $10,000 grant from NFL Charities, in addition to $1,000 for being named a finalist for the award. He is now eligible to receive the NFL's national Community Quarterback Award and a $25,000 grant, presented in late December to one of the league's 32 local winners and his/her charity.

In addition to Tyloch's award, Bette Anderson of the Bay..

Tony Fisher Among Candidates For NFL Rookie Of The Week

Tue, 10 Dec 2002 09:09:50 CST
Running back Tony Fisher of the Green Bay Packers, running back William Green of the Cleveland Browns, tight end Doug Jolley of the Oakland Raiders, running back Clinton Portis of the Denver Broncos and tight end Jeremy Shockey of the New York Giants are the finalists for Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week WEEK honors for games played on December 8-9, the NFL announced Tuesday.

Fans can vote for one of these five players on NFL.com from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon to determine the Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week. The Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week will be announced Thursday on NFL.com. It is the first weekly NFL honor to be selected solely by NFL fans.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XXXVII in San Di..

Packers To Present Community Quarterback Awards Tuesday

Mon, 09 Dec 2002 18:06:51 CST
The Green Bay Packers will present the 2002 Community Quarterback Awards during an 11:30 a.m. press conference Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Green Bay Country Club.

Ten deserving finalists will be present at tomorrow's event to honor their work in the community. The Community Quarterback Award winner will be presented with a $10,000 grant for his/her non-profit group. Two runners-up each will be presented with $2,500 grants for his/her group.

Funded by NFL Charities, the NFL Community Quarterback Award recognizes community and youth volunteers who demonstrate leadership, dedication and a commitment to bettering their communities. The nomination process is fulfilled by charitable organizations that nominate their distinguished volunteers, and a selection committee then is appointed by each NFL team to select its finalists and winners.

The finalists for the award and their affiliations are as follows:

Phil Hendrickson - Encompass Child Care, Inc. - Nomi..

Packers Claim T Jerry Wisne On Waivers, Drop Brooks

Mon, 09 Dec 2002 18:02:34 CST
The Green Bay Packers have claimed offensive tackle Jerry Wisne, a third-year professional, on waivers from the St. Louis Rams, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Monday.

To make room for the 6-6, 306-pound Notre Dame alumnus on the team's 53-man active roster, guard-tackle Barrett Brooks was placed on waivers.

Wisne (pronounced wiz-knee), a four-year letterman and two-year starter at Notre Dame, originally was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1999-a fifth-round selection and the 143rd player chosen. He played in seven games as a rookie, with one start, appearing in five of Chicago's last six games.

Waived by the Bears on September 3 in their final roster reduction for the 2001 season, Wisne was signed as a free agent by Minnesota September 6 and waived September 11. Out of football for the balance of the season, he signed with Houston as a reserve/future December 29, 2001, was activated from reserve February 5, 2002, and after spending training camp and t..

Packers-Vikings Press Box Notes

Sun, 08 Dec 2002 16:57:58 CST
-AND NOW THERE ARE...Placekicker Ryan Longwell needs kick only one extra point tonight to become only the fourth player in Green Bay's 81-year NFL history to score 700 points in a career. If and when that (or a field goal) eventuates, he will join Don Hutson, the team's all-time leader with 823 points, Chris Jacke (820) and Paul Hornung (760).

Longwell enters the game with 699 points, via 240 conversions (in 243 attempts, a 98.8 percentage) and 153 field goals (in 189 attempts, an 80.95 percentage).

The 28-year-old Cal-Berkeley alumnus, who owns an exceptional 84.54 field goal success percentage in capricious Lambeau Field (82 of 97), also comes into the contest having made his last 11 consecutive field goal attempts and 47 extra points in succession.

-FAVRE NEARS YET ANOTHER RECORD: Quarterback Brett Favre needs just 43 passing yards tonight to post his eleventh consecutive 3,000-yard season and extend his NFL record. When he does, he wil..

Menomonie's LaBuda Named Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Football Coaches Association High School Coach Of The Year

Thu, 05 Dec 2002 10:16:34 CST
Joe LaBuda, head coach at Menomonie High School, has been selected as the Green Bay Packers' and WFCA High School Coach of the Year the Packers announced Thursday.

LaBuda, who just finished his 14th year as head coach of the maroon and white, began his coaching career in Gainesville, Fla., as an assistant at North Marion High School from 1984-87. He went on to spend the 1988 season as head coach at Marion before accepting the head coaching position at Menomonie in 1989 where he's since earned 5 state titles (1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002) and 12 conference titles.

The maroon and white finished the 2002 season 14-0 and captured the Division 2 State Title defeating Brookfield Central 17-14. This season raised LaBuda's all-time coaching record to 151-23 (.868). Menomonie has reached at least the semi-finals 10 out of the last 11 years.

LaBuda graduated from Berlin High School in 1980, where he played football under coach Steve Stellmacher and also participat..

NFL.com Voters Select RB Tony Fisher Rookie Of The Week

NFL Press Release — Thu, 05 Dec 2002 08:58:14 CST
Voters on NFL.com have made their choice. Running back Tony Fisher of the Green Bay Packers is the Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week for games played on November 28 and December 1-2, the NFL announced Thursday.

Fisher averaged 5.4 yards per carry while rushing for a career-best 91 yards on 17 carries as the Packers scored 24 unanswered points in the second half for a 30-20 win over Chicago. Fisher had 35 yards rushing on Green Bay's 90-yard drive for the go-ahead field goal midway through the third quarter and scored on a two-yard run with 1:14 remaining in the game, giving Green Bay a 30-14 lead. Fisher also caught two passes for 15 yards and had one special-teams tackle.

Fisher is the second Packers rookie to win the honor this season. Safety Marques Anderson is a three-time Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week.

The Cleveland Browns are the only other team to have two players win the honor (Andre' Davis, William Green).

The Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week is..

Favre Continues To Lead Pro Bowl Voting With Two Weeks Remaining

NFL Press Release — Wed, 04 Dec 2002 17:11:10 CST
With more than 42 million votes cast by fans on NFL.com, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (771,562) continues to lead all NFL All-Stars in balloting for the 2003 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Wednesday.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe (628,288) ranks second overall while Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes (609,149), Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Mike Alstott (553,559), and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez (545,414) round out the top five.

Green Bay's Bubba Franks leads NFC tight ends and is ninth among all offensive players in the conference with 494,514 votes. Meanwhile, only six NFC defensive players have more votes than safety Darren Sharper's 182,432.

Mike Flanagan leads all NFC centers with 150,615 votes. Matt Bowen is first in special teams voting at 91,270.

The balloting has totaled 42,587,117 votes and is on pace to break last year's record of 43 million total votes.
Jackson, a 6-3, 311-pound, third-year professional, previously had been a member of the Packers' practice squad Oct. 2-5.

Clifton, who suffered a season-ending sprain to ligaments in the pelvic area during the Packers' Nov. 24 game at Tampa, was placed on injured reserve, making room for Jackson on the 53-man active roster.

The 25-year-old Jackson, a three-year starter as a collegian at LSU, originally was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000. After seeing action at both right and left guard in the preseason as a rookie, he was inactive for the first 10 games of the regular season, then appeared in three of the Cowboys' last six contests. He subsequently was inactive for all 16 regular-season games in 2001.

Packers-Vikings Preview

Wed, 04 Dec 2002 15:17:08 CST
Having formally acquired their first division championship since 1997 and thus been assured of postseason participation for the second year in a row, the Green Bay Packers (9-3) now zero in on their next major goal - assuring themselves of home field advantage in the National Football League playoffs that lie ahead.

This consuming quest begins Sunday night (Dec. 8) when they entertain their NFC North Division rivals from the land of sky blue waters, the Minnesota Vikings, in a prime time matchup on national cable (ESPN).

Kickoff for the contest, a customary season ticket-sellout (66,110), is set for 7:30, CST (Wisconsin time).

The Green and Gold are well aware that the best way of dealing with the home-field issue is to win out in their final four games - against the Vikings, at San Francisco Dec. 15, in Lambeau Field against Buffalo Dec. 22 and at the New York Jets Dec. 29.

To be sure, they should need no special motivation against the Vikings, th..

Packers-Bears Recap

Tue, 03 Dec 2002 15:08:44 CST
Throughout the practice week, Mike Sherman repeatedly cautioned his team about the Chicago Bears and their 3-8 won-lost record, warning, "I assure you that we will see their best."

For the better part of 2-1/2 quarters in Sunday's 164th collision between the neighborhood enemies, his words proved prophetic. Midway through the third period, the Bears - who had stepped out to an early 14-3 advantage - were clinging to a 14-13 lead and in menacing position with a first down at the Packers' 1-yard line.

Then, abruptly, the Green and Gold began to turn the tide. Rod Walker, filling in at nose tackle for the injured Gilbert Brown, recovered Chicago quarterback Jim Miller's fumble at the Green Bay 2 to defuse the Bears threat and accelerate a Packers comeback.

Minutes earlier, the revival had been launched at the start of the second half, quarterback Brett Favre guiding the Green and Gold to their first touchdown of the day, finishing off a 7-play, 62-yard drive..

Tony Fisher Among Candidates For NFL Rookie Of The Week

NFL Press Release — Tue, 03 Dec 2002 09:26:34 CST
Running back Tony Fisher of the Green Bay Packers, running back Clinton Portis of the Denver Broncos, kicker Jeff Reed of the Pittsburgh Steelers, safety Chad Williams of the Baltimore Ravens and safety Roy Williams of the Dallas Cowboys are the finalists for Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week honors for games played on November 28 and December 1-2, the NFL announced Tuesday.

Fans can vote for one of these five players on NFL.com from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon to determine the Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week. The Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week will be announced Thursday on NFL.com. It is the first weekly NFL honor to be selected solely by NFL fans.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XXXVII in San Die..

Packers' Bubba Franks To Face Vikings' Byron Chamberlain Tuesday In Kettle Contest

Mon, 02 Dec 2002 15:05:30 CST
Green Bay Packers tight end Bubba Franks will get a head start of sorts on this weekend's opponent when he faces off tomorrow against fellow Pro Bowl tight end Byron Chamberlain of the Minnesota Vikings in a Salvation Army kettle contest.

Franks will be in the food court at the Bay Park Square Mall on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 12-1 p.m., ringing the bell for the annual Salvation Army holiday fundraiser. Chamberlain, whom Franks befriended at last February's Pro Bowl, simultaneously will be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at the Mall of America in suburban Minneapolis.

The match will determine who can raise the most money for the Salvation Army in one hour.

Packers fans are encouraged to assist Franks in raising money for the Salvation Army, in addition to topping whatever amount Chamberlain collects.