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Packers Donate StubHub Proceeds To Area Boys & Girls Club

Fri, 25 Feb 2005 14:48:22 CST

PACKERS DONATE MORE THAN $12,000 TO BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREEN BAY; PACKERS STUBHUB PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ORGANIZATION'S EFFORTS

The Green Bay Packers Friday donated $12,074.43 to the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay.

The donation represented the team's 2004 proceeds from Packers StubHub, the ticket resale program that allows Green Bay season ticket holders to resell their tickets to members of Packers Partners, the team's official fan club.

John Jones, the Packers' executive vice president and chief operating officer, made the presentation to Erin Carlin, chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay at the organization's west-side facility.

Packers StubHub was introduced near the end of the 2003 season and, after a positive reception, was used for the entire 2004 campaign. A convenient alternative to brokers and vendors, Packers StubHub is a seamless and secure method for ticket holders to sell their tickets to Packers Pa..

Second Annual 'Project LEAP' Set For March 5

Fri, 25 Feb 2005 14:36:00 CST

The Green Bay Packers Friday announced details for the second annual Project LEAP! a free community event in the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Project LEAP! (Lambeau's Exercise and Activity Playground) will take place on the floor of the Atrium, Saturday, March 5, with activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free to the public.

The health-and-fitness based events, for children 4-and-older, focus on getting kids out of the house to enjoy some non-strenuous physical activity.

Information sheets with event details were delivered to area schools this week for students to take home to their parents.

Activities include a jump house, climb-and-slide, mini-golf, obstacle course, climbing wall, stilt walkers, and much more.

Fan Fest To Feature Elements From Packers Broadcast Partners

Wed, 23 Feb 2005 16:31:54 CST

FAN FEST TO FEATURE ELEMENTS FROM PACKERS BROADCAST PARTNERS; NEWSRADIO 620 WTMJ AND CBS 5 WFRV-TV TO HOST PROGRAMMING FROM ATRIUM

The inaugural Packers Fan Fest, scheduled for March 11-13, will feature programming elements from the team's television and radio partners.

The Packers' flagship radio station, Newsradio 620 WTMJ, will have a major presence during all three days of Fan Fest. Beginning Friday afternoon, Bill Michaels will interview Packers personalities during the sports segments of "The Green House" from 3 to 6 p.m. Michaels continues from 6 to 7 p.m. on "Sports Central," with more Packers interviews and Fan Fest preview information.

Saturday and Sunday programming, featuring Michaels and the radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, will include question-and-answer sessions with Packers players and staff.

The Packers' television partner, CBS 5 WFRV-TV, is planning a half-hour kickoff program for Friday, March 11, beginning..

2005 NFL Free Agency Questions & Answers

Wed, 23 Feb 2005 15:57:27 CST

With free agency beginning March 2, here are some answers to free agent terms that will be commonly used during this period:

What are the categories of free agency?

Players are either "restricted" or "unrestricted" free agents. Within the categories are also "transition" and "franchise" players.

What is the time period for free agency signings this year?

For restricted free agents, from March 2 to April 15; for unrestricted free agents and transition players, from March 2 to July 22 (or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later); and for franchise players, from March 2 through the 10th week of the season (November 15).

What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?

Players become restricted free agents when they complete three accrued seasons and their contract expires. Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seaso..

James Franklin Named Wide Receivers Coach

Tue, 22 Feb 2005 15:30:00 CST

Executive Vice President and Head Coach Mike Sherman Tuesday named James Franklin wide receivers coach. The move completes the Packers coaching staff, which remains the same size it was in 2004.

Franklin, 33, is a burgeoning coach who comes to Green Bay highly recommended. Entering his 11th season in the coaching profession, he is no stranger to the NFL, having served minority coaching internships with the Miami Dolphins (1998) and Philadelphia Eagles (1999).

A former quarterback, Franklin joins the Packers from the University of Maryland, where he coached the Terrapins' receivers for five seasons and doubled as recruiting coordinator the last two academic years. In the latter role, Franklin helped the school land consecutive classes ranked among the nation's Top 25 by several prominent recruiting publications.

Ascending through the college ranks, Franklin made stops at five schools in as many years prior to coaching at Maryland. He coached receivers at Ku..

Packers To Name Franks Transition Player

Mon, 21 Feb 2005 10:56:06 CST

The Green Bay Packers will designate tight end Bubba Franks as the team's transition player under terms of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, made the announcement Monday.

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

The Packers will attempt to negotiate with Franks regarding a long-term contract. Until such time, as the Packers' transition player:

- Franks has a one-year contract at the tight end transition tender number set by the NFL;
- The Packers maintain a right of first refusal to match any team's offer received by Franks.

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

The team's No. 1 selection (14th overall) in the 2000 draft, Franks recently completed his fifth season as s..

Packers Add Jackson, Washington Promoted, Miller Shifts To Special Teams

Fri, 18 Feb 2005 13:43:45 CST

Executive Vice President and Head Coach Mike Sherman Friday named Charlie Jackson defensive quality control coach and announced several assignments with regard to defensive and special teams responsibilities:

Joe Baker, who officially joined the Packers Tuesday, was named secondary coach/safeties.

Bob Sanders, named to the staff Feb. 8, will be defensive line coach/defensive ends.

Robert Nunn, who also joined the Packers Feb. 8, will coach defensive tackles.

Lionel Washington, the team's assistant defensive backs coach since 1999, has been promoted to oversee the defensive nickel package as well as coach the cornerbacks.

Mark Duffner remains linebackers coach.

Brad Miller, formerly assistant defensive line coach, is now assistant special teams coach.

And, Frank Novak, special teams consultant, and Vince Tobin, special assistant, are expected to retire. Novak might re..

Packers To Pick 24th In 2005 NFL Draft

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 09:56:10 CST

After a 2004 season that saw them win their third consecutive NFC North title, the Green Bay Packers will select 24th in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft.

The NFL Tuesday announced the official first-round draft order, reflecting the playoff results. The NFL Draft will be held on April 23-24.

Ties in the drafting order are settled by the combined record of the teams' opponents. Teams with the weaker strength of schedule receive drafting priority.

Within a series of tied teams, non-playoff clubs are given priority over playoff clubs. Priority of playoff clubs within a tied series is based on their advancement in the playoffs, but a playoff club cannot drop out of its tied segment unless it participates in the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl champion New England Patriots will select 32nd and the runner-up Philadelphia Eagles 31st.

No.ClubWinLossPercentStrength of ScheduleOpponents Rec..

Three Former Starters In QB Class As NFL Teams Allocate Record 265 To NFLE

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 17:24:57 CST
Three quarterbacks with experience as starters in the NFL are crossing the Atlantic to play in the 2005 NFL Europe League season.

They are joined by a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback making the conversion to defensive back, and the son of an NFL legend

NFL teams have allocated a record 265 players to play in Europe this spring. Of those, 102 were assigned to NFLEL teams, with 141 more selected in the annual NFL Allocated Player draft. Additional players, including kickers and punters, will be assigned later.

Heading for defending World Bowl champion Berlin Thunder is Houston Texans play-caller DAVE RAGONE, a former third-round NFL draft pick from Louisville who started two games for the Texans in 2003.

The Chicago Bears' KURT KITTNER will play for the Amsterdam Admirals after starting four games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2003. Free agent AKILI SMITH, who started 17 games in four seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals after being the third play..

Joe Baker To Join Defensive Staff

Tue, 15 Feb 2005 11:49:53 CST
The Green Bay Packers Tuesday named Joe Baker to their defensive staff. Mike Sherman, Executive Vice President and Head Coach, in announcing the move said that Baker's specific assignment will be announced once the entire defensive staff has been hired.

Baker, 35, has multiple ties to the state. In 1999, he coached outside linebackers and special teams under Barry Alvarez on a Wisconsin team that captured the Rose Bowl. The Badgers with Baker's guidance paced the Big Ten in kickoff-return average and field-goal percentage. Plus, Baker's father, Joe Sr., is the athletic director at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Entering his 14th year in coaching and his 11th in the NFL, Baker joins the Packers from the New Orleans Saints, where he spent the last five seasons. Most recently, over the last two years as secondary coach, he was responsible for the Saints' safeties and shared the overall coordination of the defensive backs. Before New Orleans promoted him, Baker ..

Brown County Residents Reminded To Sign Up For '05 Ticket Drawing

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 15:23:26 CST
The Green Bay Packers are reminding Brown County residents to sign up for the chance to purchase single-game tickets for the 2005 season.

The registration period is currently underway and will run until March 17. 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 2004 drawing, do not have to re-register.

The upcoming season will mark the third year that 4,000 seats per game are available to Brown County residents. In 2004, 40,000 fans attended games at Lambeau Field in the second season of the program.

As was the case last season, if a 2004 selected resident who participated in the program and received tickets for a preseason game is selected again to be able to purchase tickets in 2005, he ..

McBrien, Morley, 17 Others To Represent Packers In NFL Europe

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 10:47:32 CST
Quarterback Scott McBrien and guard Steve Morley are among 19 players the Packers have allocated to the NFL Europe League for its 2005 season. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the list Monday.

Amsterdam Admirals
John Garrett, LB, 6-1, 250, Baylor
Kelvin Kight, WR/KR, 6-0, 209, Florida

Berlin Thunder
Joe Hayes, G, 6-4, 304, San Jose State

Cologne Centurions
Mike Marker, WR, 6-0, 195, Millikin
Wendell Williams, S, 6-1, 215, Louisiana-Lafayette

Frankfurt Galaxy
Jamal Jones, WR, 6-0, 214, North Carolina A&T
Chonn Lacey, S, 6-1, 217, Temple
Seante Williams, DE, 6-6, 252, Jacksonville State

Hamburg Sea Devils
Nick McNeil, LB, 6-2, 245, Western Carolina
Shawn Morgan, LB, 6-2, 235, Fayetteville State
Art Smith, S, 6-1, 204, Northeastern

Rhein Fire..

Turner Gill Named Director Of Player Development/Offensive Assistant

Thu, 10 Feb 2005 15:58:50 CST
The Green Bay Packers Thursday named Turner Gill director of player development/offensive assistant. Mike Sherman, Executive Vice President and Head Coach, announced the addition.

Gill, who replaces Edgar Bennett, will begin his new duties Monday. The Packers promoted Bennett to running backs coach Jan. 28.

"I believe Turner Gill has the class, character and talent to fulfill the demands of director of player development," Sherman said. "His 14 years as a coach at the University of Nebraska has prepared him well for this experience. He assumed multiple roles outside of coaching to help make Nebraska the first-class program it is. I believe he is a perfect fit for the Green Bay Packers.

"As well as being director of player development," Sherman added, "he will also assume some duties on the field, coaching much like Edgar Bennett did in his tenure in the position. I believe that experience with the players on the field only enhances his relationship with th..

Packers Accepting Applications For Junior Volunteer Stars

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 15:47:56 CST
The Green Bay Packers are currently accepting applications for the Junior Volunteer Stars community grant program.

The Green Bay Packers Junior Volunteer Stars is designed to promote community investment and volunteerism in children via small-level donations. These donations must be used to finance a community improvement project, such as playground clean-up, repainting of graffiti-marked walls, planting a garden at a senior center and food and clothing distribution.

Children, 18 years and younger, who attend a school in Brown County are eligible to apply as an individual or a group. The community improvement project requires a sponsoring organization in a form of a school, church or community group or other 501c(3). Ten grants, totaling $500 each, will be awarded to organizations sponsoring the individual or group.

The deadline for the application is March 1. The nomination form is available online at www.packers.com or by contacting Bobbi Jo Eisenreich of..

Packers Sign Linebacker Shawn Morgan

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 14:33:48 CST
The Green Bay Packers have signed linebacker Shawn Morgan to a reserve/future contract. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the move Wednesday.

Morgan, a 6-2, 235-pound rookie out of Fayetteville State, is the cousin of Adrian Murrell, a running back who played nine years in the NFL.

Out of football since his 2002 senior season, Morgan lettered four years for Division II Fayetteville State, playing linebacker, strong safety and running back. On defense, Morgan established the Broncos' single-season school record with 22.5 tackles for loss in 2002, and set their career mark with 35.5 over his four seasons. On offense, he rushed for 114 yards on 40 career carries.

He graduated in 2003 with a business degree.

Packers Fan Fest Tickets Sold Out

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 11:32:15 CST
Tickets for the inaugural Packers Fan Fest sold out in roughly two-and-a-half hours after going on sale at 9 a.m. Wednesday. A total of 3,000 tickets were available.

Tickets were priced at $55 and sold at the Packers ticket office and by phone with a limit of six tickets per household. The ticket includes admission to the Packers Hall of Fame during the event.

"The fans' response to Fan Fest tickets was beyond anyone's expectations. We're very grateful to their response and acceptance to this new event. We look forward to having a great time at Lambeau Field Atrium in March," said Packers executive vice president & COO John Jones.

Scheduled for March 11-13, Fan Fest is a three-day celebration of Packers football for the whole family that will allow fans the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite Packers players, past and present, as well as coaching staff and front office personnel.

The weekend begins Friday evening, with doors..

Sanders, Nunn Named As Defensive Assistant Coaches

Tue, 08 Feb 2005 18:18:45 CST
The Green Bay Packers Tuesday named Bob Sanders and Robert Nunn as defensive assistant coaches. Mike Sherman, Executive Vice President and Head Coach, in announcing the move said that positional assignments for the two new coaches would be determined once the entire defensive staff has been hired.

Both Sanders and Nunn have prior experience under new Packers defensive coordinator Jim Bates, including last season with the Miami Dolphins.

Sanders, who tutored both Jevon Kearse and Kevin Carter in college at Florida, enters his 28th season in the coaching profession, his fifth in the NFL. The Dolphins' linebackers coach under Bates, Sanders helped the club rank fifth in the NFL against the run in both 2002 and '03.

While coaching Miami's linebackers the last four seasons, Sanders was well respected by his players. He assisted Zach Thomas to three Pro Bowl selections (2001-03), helped develop third-round draft choice Morlon Greenwood into a pillar on the Miami ..

Fan Fest Tickets Go On Sale Tomorrow; Butler, Kramer And Tauscher Added To Lineup

Tue, 08 Feb 2005 16:45:52 CST
Tickets for the inaugural Packers Fan Fest go on sale tomorrow, Feb. 9, at 9 a.m. (CST) via telephone at 800/992-5750 and in person at the Packers ticket office.

A total of 3,000 tickets will be sold, priced at $55 and good for all three days of the event. Tickets sold at the Packers ticket office can be paid for with MasterCard, Visa, check or cash. Over the phone MasterCard and Visa will be accepted. A $5-per-order handling fee will be charged as well, with a limit of six tickets sold per household. The ticket includes admission to the Packers Hall of Fame during the event. Children 3-and-under are free.

Scheduled for March 11-13, Fan Fest is a three-day celebration of Packers football for the whole family that will allow fans the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite Packers players, past and present, as well as coaching staff and front office personnel.

Headlined by Pro Football Hall of Famer Bart Starr and three-time NFL MVP Brett Fav..

Fan Fest Tickets To Go On Sale Wednesday, February 9

Fri, 04 Feb 2005 12:52:57 CST
FAN FEST TICKETS GO ON SALE NEXT WEDNESDAY; THREE-DAY CELEBRATION OF PACKERS FOOTBALL SET FOR MARCH 11-13

Tickets for the inaugural Packers Fan Fest go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 9. Scheduled for March 11-13, Fan Fest is a three-day celebration of Packers football for the whole family that will allow fans the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite Packers players, past and present, as well as coaching staff and front office personnel.

Headlined by Pro Football Hall of Famer Bart Starr and three-time NFL MVP Brett Favre, other Packers appearances to be spread over the three days of the event include Kevin Barry, Edgar Bennett, Gilbert Brown, Najeh Davenport, Lynn Dickey, Donald Driver, Tony Fisher, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Bob Harlan, Paul Hornung, Grady Jackson, Don Majkowski, Larry McCarren, Doug Pederson, Joey Thomas, Javon Walker, Frank Winters and Ron Wolf.

The team announced Friday that Nick Barnett and Ahmad Carroll, the Packers' ..