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Packers Re-Sign Curtis Fuller, Waive Hilliard

Fri, 27 Feb 2004 13:07:46 CST

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed safety Curtis Fuller and waived DT John Hilliard, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Friday.

Fuller, 25, due to become a restricted free agent Wednesday, joined the Packers on waivers from the Seahawks, Sept. 1. Green Bay gave him extensive duty at defensive back late in the year after Antuan Edwards went on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Fuller played in nine games as a reserve, and was inactive for the other seven contests. He also saw action in both playoff games.

The 5-foot-10, 191-pound safety out of Texas Christian, enters his fourth NFL season in 2004. Last year, he recorded five tackles and one pass defensed, along with one special teams stop. He added one tackle from scrimmage during the postseason. On Nov. 27 at Detroit, he posted two tackles and one pass breakup, playing his most snaps of the year (44) with Darren Sharper inactive due to a lung contusion and Edwards going to the sideline early in the sec..

Packers Hire Vince Tobin As Special Assistant

Fri, 27 Feb 2004 10:51:06 CST

The Green Bay Packers Friday named Vince Tobin special assistant, adding 35 years of coaching experience to their staff, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced.

"Vince Tobin's reputation in the NFL as a quality football coach speaks for itself," Sherman said. "He has a wealth of experience and knowledge, which we will be able to tap into. As his job unfolds, he will make an extremely valuable contribution to our staff and team."

That contribution will spread Tobin's 24 years of professional coaching experience across the entire team.

"He will assume the newly designated title of special assistant," Sherman said, "bringing his football expertise to all three phases of the game - offense, defense and special teams."

Tobin's new position gives Sherman one of the NFL's most unique coaching staffs. Also Friday, the team promoted Joe Philbin to tight ends coach/assistant offensive line, and hired former Packers center James Campen as assistant offensive li..

James Campen, Team's Former Center, Rejoins Packers As Coach

Fri, 27 Feb 2004 10:49:56 CST

James Campen, the team's starting center in the early '90s, has returned to the Green Bay Packers as assistant offensive line/quality control coach, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Friday.

Campen, who started 42 of 48 Green Bay games from 1990-92, replaces Joe Philbin, promoted Friday to tight ends coach/assistant offensive line. Campen in his new position will primarily assist offensive line coach Larry Beightol.

"James Campen obviously was a former player for the Packers," Sherman said, "and totally understands the high expectations of this organization. He did an outstanding job in his interview of demonstrating his teaching prowess. I am excited to have him join the Packers. He has shown as a player and also in his recent coaching experiences to have a tireless work ethic. I believe he will relate well to our offensive linemen and team."

The 39-year-old Campen, joins the Packers after a successful five-year tenure as a head high school football coa..

Packers Promote Joe Philbin To Tight Ends Coach

Fri, 27 Feb 2004 10:49:13 CST

The Green Bay Packers Friday named Joe Philbin tight ends coach/assistant offensive line, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced.

Philbin, 42, spent the 2003 season as assistant offensive line coach. He helped Larry Beightol field the NFL's top unit, based on combined league rankings in rushing yards per game and sacks allowed per pass play. The line produced two Pro Bowlers - G Marco Rivera and C Mike Flanagan - for the first time since 1967, Vince Lombardi's last year on the Packers sidelines. And, Green Bay allowed just 19 sacks, a franchise-record for a 16-game season.

"Joe has been a valuable addition to our staff and has a solid grasp of our offensive schemes," Sherman said.

Over the last few weeks, several NFL teams had asked the Packers for permission to interview Philbin, but he opted to stay in Green Bay.

"In turning down good opportunities presented to him to leave the Packers, he has demonstrated his loyalty and commitment to our organiza..

Packers Name Eliot Wolf Personnel Assistant

Thu, 26 Feb 2004 16:04:30 CST

The Green Bay Packers Thursday named Eliot Wolf to the newly created position of personnel assistant, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced.

Wolf, 21, will scout both collegiate and professional talent, working mainly at Lambeau Field under vice president of football operations Mark Hatley. Specifically, Wolf will:
* Offer evaluations on pro prospects currently with other teams in the NFL, NFL Europe, the Canadian Football League and the two Arena football leagues.
* Offer evaluations on unrestricted and restricted free agents, and on players involved in potential trades and other roster moves.
* Offer evaluations on collegiate prospects.

"I have literally seen Eliot Wolf grow into this job," Sherman said. "He has an eye for talent as well as a voice to communicate it. He will be an asset."

The son of former Packers general manager Ron Wolf, Eliot's scouting career unofficially began at age 10, when he would join his father in film sessions at La..

Community Event 'Project LEAP' To Land At Lambeau Field Atrium March 14

Thu, 26 Feb 2004 11:57:46 CST

The Green Bay Packers Thursday announced details for Lambeau Field Atrium's third community event, Project LEAP, slated to take place March 14.

Project LEAP! (Lambeau's Exercise and Activity Playground) will take place on the floor of the atrium, with activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free to the public.

"With spring right around the corner and cabin fever affecting many area youth, we've planned a great day of exercise and activity to help families use some of their cooped-up energy," said John Jones, the Packers' executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Parents and their children can enjoy this free event which will feature many exciting activities ranging from testing children's athletic abilities and coordination to simply running, jumping and having fun."

The events, for children 4-and-older, focus on getting kids out of the house to enjoy some non-strenuous physical activity. Inflatable units, a mini-golf course and climb..

McCarren To Present Harlan For Induction In Packers Hall Of Fame

Wed, 25 Feb 2004 17:12:59 CST

Larry McCarren, who has come to be as well known as a TV sports director, emcee and after-dinner speaker as he was as the Packers' longtime center during the 1970s and '80s, will take on another significant role when the Packers Hall of Fame holds its 2004 induction banquet.

McCarren, today sports director of Green Bay's WFRV-TV, has been named to present Packers President/CEO Bob Harlan for induction during this year's event, to be held in the Lambeau Field Atrium Saturday night, July 17. Harlan, the sole inductee, will become the 131st member of the Packers shrine.

Himself a member of the Packers "Hall," McCarren was inducted in 1992, in company with quarterback Lynn Dickey and contributor Al Schneider.

McCarren, who frequently has served as master of ceremonies for the enshrinement banquet over the past decade, earlier enjoyed one of the most distinguished careers of any offensive lineman in Packers annals, starting more games at center than any other..

NFL Europe League Readies For 12th Season As Training Camp Begins

Tue, 24 Feb 2004 16:08:54 CST

With the NFL Scouting Combine now complete, the search for top young talent shifts from Indianapolis to Tampa, as the NFL Europe League begins training camp under the Florida sunshine in preparation for the 2004 season.

The football world will turn its attention to Tampa and the 229 NFL allocated players hoping to make their mark in Europe before returning to their NFL teams. Included in this group is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Chad Hutchinson, who seeks to win the starting job with the Rhein Fire.

"The quarterback position is one of the most difficult in this business, and that's why NFL Europe is so crucial," says Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, who spent 1998 (Amsterdam Admirals) and 1999 (Frankfurt Galaxy) abroad. "You get young players to play in game situations, and you don't get that in practice. My time in Europe was a huge factor in my development."

A look at key dates on the NFL Europe League 2004 calendar:

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Brown County Residents Urged To Sign Up For '04 Ticket Drawing

Tue, 24 Feb 2004 16:00:32 CST

The 2004 NFL season is on the horizon and the Green Bay Packers are reminding Brown County residents to sign up for the chance to purchase single-game tickets.

The registration period is currently underway and will run until March 15. Forms are available at the Packers' ticket office, the Packers Pro Shop and guest services desk in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Fans can fill out the form, and with the proper identification (picture I.D. and proof of Brown County residency), register in person. Residents who have already registered, recently or for the 2003 drawing, do not have to re-register.

The upcoming season will mark the second year that 4,000 seats per game are available to Brown County residents. Last season, 40,000 fans attended games under the program, available for the first time with Lambeau Field's redevelopment.

"We look forward to another season with the program for Brown County residents," said Mark Wagner, the Packers' director of ticket ope..

Packers Designate Clifton Franchise Player

Tue, 24 Feb 2004 13:30:22 CST

The Green Bay Packers on Tuesday designated starting left tackle Chad Clifton a Franchise player, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced.

Under NFL rules, the Packers had until 3 p.m. CST Tuesday to designate a Franchise and/or Transition player.

The Packers continue to negotiate with Clifton regarding a long-term contract. Until such time, as the Packers' Franchise player:

* Clifton has a one-year contract at the offensive-line Franchise tender number set by the NFL;

* The Packers maintain a right of first refusal to match any team's offer received by Clifton;

* In the event another team presents an offer and the Packers elect not to match it, Green Bay would receive two first-round draft choices from the offering club.

If Clifton and the Packers can reach agreement on a long-term contract, that contract will replace the one-year Franchise-tender number.

Clifton, 27, Brett Favre's blind-side shield the last four seasons,..

Packers Name Lee Remmel Team Historian

Thu, 19 Feb 2004 12:36:06 CST

The Green Bay Packers Thursday honored Lee Remmel, one of the longest-serving members in the legendary organization, by naming him Team Historian, President and CEO Bob Harlan announced.

"No one has greater knowledge about the storied history of this franchise than Lee Remmel," Harlan said. "This job is perfectly suited for him, and he'll add a very important element to our total operation."

The newly created position carries several responsibilities, including:

* Regular public appearances, both at Lambeau Field and in the community. Remmel will speak in the Lambeau Field Atrium between training camp practices and year-round at corporate functions on the club level. He also will interact with fans in the Packers Hall of Fame as well as at events to benefit the local community. At some appearances, Remmel will present a historically based presentation program.

* Two regular columns to appear on the team's official website, Packers.com, and in the L..

Packers Sign WR Shockmain Davis, T Mitch White; Allocate Davis To NFLEL

Wed, 18 Feb 2004 16:18:44 CST

The Green Bay Packers have signed wide receiver Shockmain Davis and tackle Mitch White to free-agent contracts, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Wednesday. In addition, the team allocated Davis, who is awaiting his team assignment, to NFL Europe.

Davis, 26, originally signed with New England as a non-drafted free agent, April 25, 2000, and played 12 games for the Patriots his rookie season, with one start, catching two passes for 12 yards and averaging 22.5 yards for two kickoff returns. He returned to training camp in 2001 with the Patriots, who then waived him, Aug. 28. He was out of football for the balance of the '01 season.

Seattle signed the 6-foot, 205-pound receiver as a reserve/future, Jan. 14, 2002, then waived him Sept. 1, as the Seahawks reduced their roster to the regular-season limit. He remained out of football for the rest of 2002. Davis, a second-year NFL player, went to training camp with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts last summer.

In ..

Packers' NFL Europe Players Receive Assignments For '04 Season

Tue, 10 Feb 2004 12:26:32 CST

The Green Bay Packers' 12 allocated players for the NFL Europe League received their assignments for the 2004 season, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Tuesday.

Five of them - fullback Kris Briggs, cornerback Derek Combs, tight end Tony Donald, linebacker Steve Josue and wide receiver Corey Parchman - have been assigned to the Amsterdam Admirals.

Three - cornerback Erwin Swiney and defensive ends Cullen Jenkins and Eric Powell - have been allocated to the Cologne Centurions, and three others - tackle Jason Jimenez, wide receiver Wilson Thomas and linebacker Ralph Turner - to the Frankfurt Galaxy.

Running back Walter Williams has been assigned to the Rhein Fire of Dusseldorf.

They are scheduled to report to the NFLEL's training camp Saturday, Feb. 27. The league will open its '04 season Saturday, April 3.

NFL Teams Allocate 229 Players To NFL Europe

Tue, 10 Feb 2004 10:47:24 CST

Former Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback Chad Hutchinson will be aiming for a World Bowl ring in Europe this spring after being assigned to the Rhein Fire for the 2004 NFL Europe League season.

Meanwhile, Rohan Davey, who has just won a Super Bowl ring as a member of the New England Patrioits, will be bidding for another championship with the Berlin Thunder.

Hutchinson, who started nine games for the Cowboys in 2002, and Davey, who was third-string behind New England's Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady, are among the 229 current NFL players who have been allocated so far to the NFLEL this season.

They hope to follow in the footsteps of quarterbacks Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers), Brad Johnson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Kurt Warner (St. Louis Rams), who have all gone on to start in the Super Bowl after developing their skills in Europe.

A total of 18 NFL quarterbacks, plus one free agent, have been assigned to NFLEL teams for 2004. Among players assig..

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Added To NFC Pro Bowl Squad

Sat, 07 Feb 2004 14:48:33 CST

Green Bay Packers defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila has been added to the NFC Pro Bowl squad, the NFL announced Saturday. It will be the first appearance in the league's annual all-star contest for the fourth-year pro.

Gbaja-Biamila led Green Bay and tied for sixth in the NFC with 10 sacks during the 2003 campaign. In the process, he became the first player in Packers history to post double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons and moved into fourth place on the team's all-time sacks list with 37 in his career. Starting all 16 games for the first time as a professional in '03, 'KGB' additionally contributed 55 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries for Green Bay.

Informed of his addition late Friday, Gbaja-Biamila caught an early-morning flight to Honolulu on Saturday and will suit up for the NFC team in Sunday's Pro Bowl, airing at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Gbaja-Biamila joins four teammates -- running back Ahman Green, offensive guard Marc..

Packers Re-Sign WR Frank Rice As Free-Agent

Thu, 05 Feb 2004 11:10:43 CST

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed wide receiver Frank Rice as a free agent, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Thursday.

Rice, 6-0 and 181 pounds, previously had twice been a member of the team's practice squad during the 2003 season, initially signing Sept. 9 and being terminated Sept. 30, and later re-signing Nov. 25 and being terminated Dec. 30.

The 26-year-old Colorado State alumnus had originally signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent coming out of the college ranks in 2001. He subsequently was injured in training camp and spent the '01 season on injured reserve. Waived April 17, 2002, he signed with Denver and went on to spend the '02 season on the Broncos' practice squad.

Later signed as a reserve/future, Rice was with the Broncos through training camp and the preseason in '03, playing in all four preseason games and catching 3 passes for 73 yards, a 24.3-yard average, before being waived in the team's final roster reduction to the..

Packers Sign Offensive Lineman Steve Morley To Free-Agent Contract

Tue, 03 Feb 2004 16:49:43 CST

The Green Bay Packers have signed offensive lineman Steve Morley, a member of the CFL's Calgary Stampeders in 2003, to a free-agent contract, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Tuesday.

Morley, 6-7 and 336 pounds, appeared in 11 games for the Stampeders in 2003, making nine starts at left tackle. He was the first overall selection in the 2003 CFL Canadian College Draft out of St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a pick acquired in a trade with Edmonton.

The Halifax native and Queen Elizabeth High School graduate enjoyed a successful four-year career at St. Mary's, helping the Huskies win four Atlantic Conference titles and advance to three national championship games, earning the Vanier Cup in two of those contests.

A two-time Atlantic Conference all-star, Morley was named the conference's lineman of the year in 2002.