Packers.com

Junior Power Pack Experience Slated For June 11

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:08:25 CST

Kids, here's your chance to practice with the Packers. The annual Junior Power Pack Experience will take place Saturday, June 11, 2005 from 1-4 p.m. at the Packers practice facilities. Reserved exclusively for members of the Junior Power Pack kids fan club (ages 5-14), this event features an afternoon of football skills and drills with up-and-coming Packers players.

Invitations for this year's clinic will go out in the mail to members in mid April. Become a member of the kids club to practice with the PACK, click here.

Need accommodations near Lambeau Field for your stay?

Hilton Garden Inn
1015 Lombardi Ave
920-405-0400
Reference code: FCC

Tundra Lodge Resort & Waterpark
865 Lombardi Ave
(920) 405-8700
Reference code: FAN

Best Western Midway Hotel of Green Bay
780 Packer Drive
920-499-3161 or 800-482-3885
Reference code: 8030 (Packer Jr ..

Tickets On Sale Friday For Second Annual Draft Party

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 15:42:37 CST

Tickets for the Green Bay Packers 2005 Draft Party go on sale tomorrow, April 1, at Mills Fleet Farm locations throughout Wisconsin.

Priced at $20, tickets must be purchased in person.

The event will be held Saturday, April 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the floor of the Lambeau Field Atrium. Two large television projection screens will feature live coverage of the NFL Draft from ESPN, and the Packers' flagship radio station, Newsradio 620 WTMJ, will be on hand to provide coverage and analysis throughout the day.

Ted Thompson, Packers Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, is scheduled to address the fans in attendance during the event.

In addition to ESPN's draft coverage and WTMJ's radio program, including the radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, the day will feature appearances by Packers players Rob Davis, Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas. The players will participate in a question-and-answe..

Sixth Annual Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game Announced

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 14:04:20 CST

The date of the Sixth Annual Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game has been scheduled for Sunday, June 5, 2005. The game will be held at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton beginning at 12:00 noon. Bergstrom Automotive will serve as presenting sponsor of the event that benefits the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation.

The softball game will feature Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers offense against the Green Bay Packers defense. All proceeds will benefit the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, whose mission is to provide aid to disadvantaged or disabled children residing in Wisconsin and Mississippi.

The Brett Favre Fourward Foundation recently distributed more than $100,000 to local charities from last year's softball game. The Foundation was established in 1996 and is a 501(c)3 organization in which all net proceeds raised from each event benefits charities. More than $2 million has been donated between Wisconsin and Mississippi the past nine years.

Premier se..

Green Among NFL Players Enrolled In Programs At Harvard & Wharton Business Schools

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 12:01:55 CST

NFL All-Stars AHMAN GREEN of the Green Bay Packers, DREW BREES of the San Diego Chargers, and BRIAN DAWKINS of the Philadelphia Eagles are among the 66 NFL players who have enrolled in executive education programs at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The National Football League and NFL Players Association worked with the business schools to create the curriculums.

The programs that run from April 6-8 are part of an ongoing NFL- NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for their post-playing careers. Tuition will be covered by the NFL's Tuition Reimbursement Program. Veteran players may be reimbursed up to $15,000 per league year for education expenses at an accredited institution of higher learning.

In addition to Green, Brees, and Dawkins, all of whom will be participating in the workshop at the Wharton School, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker DHANI JONES and wide receiver FREDDIE MITCHELL, and Kansas City ..

Packers Re-Sign Cullen Jenkins

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 15:57:09 CST

The Green Bay Packers Tuesday re-signed exclusive rights free agent Cullen Jenkins. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signing.

A 6-foot-3, 292-pound defensive lineman out of Central Michigan, Jenkins returned from a 2004 stint in NFL Europe to win a roster spot with the Packers in his second attempt to do so. The versatile Jenkins, entering his second year in the NFL, was one of the standout defensive players of training camp. Playing in all 16 regular-season games, with six starts, he contributed 28 tackles (18 solo), 41/2 sacks (tied with Aaron Kampman for second on the team), plus one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and two passes defensed.

Jenkins, 24, started four early-season games (Weeks 3-6) at the 'Eagle' tackle position when the usual starter, Cletidus Hunt, shifted over to nose tackle to replace an injured Grady Jackson.

Originally signed by the Packers as a non-drafted f..

Packers Sign G Matt O'Dwyer

Thu, 24 Mar 2005 15:26:11 CST

The Green Bay Packers Thursday signed unrestricted free agent guard Matt O'Dwyer. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signing.

A 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman out of Northwestern, O'Dwyer's career includes time with the New York Jets (1995-98), Cincinnati Bengals (1999-03) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004). Recognized by scouts for his physical strength, he has blocked on lines that produced a 1,000-yard rusher in seven of his 10 NFL seasons (Adrian Murrell 1996-97, Curtis Martin 1998 and Corey Dillon 1999-2002). He also helped Dillon to break Walter Payton's single-game NFL record, a 278-yard performance vs. Denver, Oct. 22, 2000 (since surpassed by Jamal Lewis in 2003).

Originally selected by the Jets in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft, O'Dwyer started 64 consecutive games at guard for the Jets (1996-98) and Bengals (1999). In 2002, he was Cincinnati's only player on the field..

Bill Jartz To Emcee Packers Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 15:40:09 CST

Bill Jartz, news anchor at WBAY-TV, the ABC affiliate in Green Bay, has been named as the emcee of the 2005 Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, to be held the evening of July 23 in the Lambeau Field Atrium.

No stranger to the Packers, Jartz previously covered the team for the station's sports department from 1983 to 1998. In addition to serving as sports director, he handled the play-by-play call for Green Bay preseason games and hosted the award-winning "Monday Night Kickoff." He became a news anchor at the station in 1998.

Raised in Clintonville, Wis., Jartz was an all-state performer at Clintonville High School and went on to play at Northwestern University, where he earned at B.S. degree in journalism in 1980.

Former running back Edgar Bennett and quarterback Don Majkowski are slated to become the 132nd and 133rd members of the Packers Hall of Fame this summer at the 35th Hall of Fame Induction Banquet.

In addition to Bennett ..

Viewing Of Packers Highlights Film, 'Belief Within,' Set For Tuesday

Thu, 17 Mar 2005 16:31:34 CST

The Green Bay Packers will present its viewing of the team's 2004 highlights film, "Belief Within: The Story of the 2004 Green Bay Packers," in the Legends Club of the Lambeau Field Atrium Tuesday evening, March 22, it was announced Thursday.

The initial public showing of the film, with free admission, will begin at 7 o'clock. Access to the Atrium area will be through the Miller Brewing Company Gate, with film attendees then taking the escalator to the Legends Club on the fourth level of the Atrium.

A second showing will be scheduled in Iron Mountain, Mich., with details to be announced at a future date.

Packers defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who during the 2004 campaign became the first Packers player to post double-digit sack totals four years in a row, will be present to address the team's outlook for the 2005 season, his thoughts on his own contributions and answer questions.

Gbaja-Biamila, who now stands third on the team's all-time s..

Packers Sign G Adrian Klemm

Thu, 17 Mar 2005 09:30:12 CST

The Green Bay Packers Thursday signed unrestricted free agent guard Adrian Klemm to a multi-year contract. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the addition.

Klemm, 27, is a mobile, versatile athlete expected to compete for a starting guard position on the offensive line. A 6-foot-4, 315-pound veteran out of Hawaii, Klemm spent the first five years of his NFL career with the New England Patriots, who won three Super Bowls in that span.

Originally selected by the Patriots in the second round (46th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft, Klemm started four games as a rookie. The first player drafted by Bill Belichick's New England front office, Klemm lined up at tackle and guard, and as an extra tight end with the Patriots.

Demonstrating considerable mental resiliency, he has rebounded from several injuries to be in a position to potentially play an important role in any success the Packers enjoy this ..

Packers Re-Sign David Martin

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 16:24:15 CST

The Green Bay Packers Wednesday re-signed unrestricted free agent tight end David Martin. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signing.

Martin, who turned 26 Sunday, has served as the primary backup to three-time Pro Bowler Bubba Franks most of his career. In nine regular-season games last season, Martin made five receptions for 88 yards and contributed three special teams tackles. He started three contests when the club opened in a double-tight end set. Flashing his speed and athleticism, he hauled in a career-long 35-yard reception in Green Bay's initial victory over Minnesota (Nov. 14). However, a knee injury sustained in that Vikings game prematurely ended his season.

A 6-foot-4, 262-pound tight end out of Tennessee, Martin in four seasons has 39 receptions for 344 yards and four touchdowns. Originally selected by Green Bay in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Martin has played in 47 game..

Preseason National TV Schedule Announced

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 15:20:48 CST

PRESEASON NATIONAL TV SCHEDULE FEATURES PLAYOFF TEAMS; KICKS OFF WITH JAPAN AMERICAN BOWL

It kicks off with an American Bowl in Japan...immediately follows with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game...and showcases every 2004 playoff team.

Those are among the highlights of an 11-game national television preseason schedule that was announced today by the NFL, along with the complete list of 2005 preseason matchups.

Before Kickoff 2005 Weekend, NFL fans will get a preseason national TV glimpse of the Super Bowl XXXIX teams - the champion New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles - a rematch of a 2004 playoff game, and a lineup of 10 games that features at least one 2004 playoff team in every game.

Showing that preseason counts, seven of last season's 12 playoff clubs had .500 or better records in the preseason.

The preseason begins on Saturday, August 6 when the American Bowl returns to Tokyo, Japan for a city-record 12th time ..

Preseason Slate Includes Visit From Super Bowl Champions

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 13:24:29 CST

A Lambeau Field appearance by Super Bowl champion New England highlights the Packers' 2005 preseason opponents, announced Wednesday by the National Football League.

For a second straight preseason, the Packers will open in prime-time on ESPN. Green Bay will host defending AFC West champion San Diego in a Thursday night contest. The schedule also includes road trips to Buffalo and Tennessee.

Packers 2005 Preseason Schedule:

Thurs., Aug. 11
vs San Diego Chargers, 7 p.m., ESPN

Aug. 18-22
at Buffalo Bills, TBA, state

Aug. 25-29
vs New England Patriots, TBA, state

Aug. 31-Sept. 2
at Tennessee Titans, TBA, state

Time indicated is Wisconsin

Once the Packers and their opponents reach agreements on specific game dates for the final three contests, probably by the end of March, the Packers will identify Green and Gold package games. The Green package game, for seaso..

Draft Party Returns To Lambeau Field Atrium

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 17:18:34 CST

Limited Amount Of Tickets Still Available

The Green Bay Packers and Mills Fleet Farm Tuesday announced plans for the team's second annual NFL draft party in the Lambeau Field Atrium.

The event, the Green Bay Packers 2005 Draft Party, will be held Saturday, April 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the floor of the Lambeau Field Atrium. Two large television projection screens will feature live coverage of the NFL Draft from ESPN, and the Packers' flagship radio station, Newsradio 620 WTMJ, will be on hand to provide coverage and analysis throughout the day.

Ted Thompson, Packers Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, is scheduled to address the fans in attendance during the event.

Tickets for the event are priced at $20 and available at Mills Fleet Farm locations throughout Wisconsin, beginning Friday, April 1, and must be purchased in person.

In ..

Brown County Residents Ticket Drawing Registration Ends Thursday

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 17:06:33 CST

The Green Bay Packers Tuesday reminded Brown County residents that registration ends Thursday, March 17, for the first drawing for the chance to purchase single-game tickets for the 2005 season.

Forms are available at the Packers' ticket office (open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the Packers Pro Shop (open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and guest services desk in the Lambeau Field Atrium (open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). 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.

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 or she will be guaranteed to receive tickets to a regular-season contest.

Packers Re-Sign Ruegamer, Franz

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 15:43:07 CST

The Green Bay Packers Tuesday re-signed center/guard Grey Ruegamer and safety Todd Franz. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the moves.

Ruegamer, 28, returns after Green Bay terminated his contract March 2. Last season, he started at center in 11 of the final 13 games as well as the playoff contest, in place of injured starter Mike Flanagan. Originally signed as an unrestricted free agent April 10, 2003, Ruegamer played in 30 Packers games the last two seasons, as the top backup on the interior of the offensive line. A 6-foot-4, 305-pound veteran out of Arizona State, he enters his seventh season in the NFL.

Franz, 28, returns to Green Bay after three stints with the team in 2002. A 6-foot, 202-pound defensive back out of Tulsa, he first joined the Packers off the waiver wire and spent training camp in Green Bay. All told, Franz spent about five weeks on the Green Bay practice squad a..

Fan Fest Lineup Set

Fri, 11 Mar 2005 11:36:40 CST

The inaugural Packers Fan Fest begins tonight and the lineup is set.

The event's kickoff ceremony begins at 7 p.m. in the Lambeau Field Atrium, followed by Bart Starr and Ron Wolf autograph sessions, as well as a reception and entertainment.

Additionally, the Green Bay Packers' 2004 Highlight Film, "Belief Within," will premiere Friday night to kick off Fan Fest. Lambeau Field's TundraVision video boards will broadcast the film. The indoor club seats on the Associated Bank Club Level will be open to view the film. It chronicles the '04 season as the Packers capture a third straight NFC North title. Included are highlights mixed with locker room speeches by Head Coach Mike Sherman and radio calls from the Packers Radio Network. Produced by NFL Films, it is narrated by Robb Webb.

The annual public premiere is planned for later this month.

Packers appearance days, subject to change, are scheduled as follows:

Friday
Brett..

Packers Release Darren Sharper, Sparky Hamilton

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 11:56:44 CST

The Green Bay Packers Thursday terminated the contract of safety Darren Sharper and waived tight end Sparky Hamilton. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, made the announcement.

Sharper, 29, started at free safety the last six seasons. A 6-foot-2, 210-pound veteran out of William & Mary, he ranks fifth on the Packers' all-time interceptions list with 36 and in 2004 became one of four players to lead the team in interceptions at least five seasons, joining Bobby Dillon (seven), Willie Wood (five) and LeRoy Butler (five).

In 2004, Sharper played in 15 regular-season games, with 13 starts, and registered 77 tackles (68 solo). He snared four interceptions among eight passes defensed, forced two fumbles and recovered another. He also started the team's Wild Card playoff game vs. Minnesota.

The Packers' second-round selection in the 1997 NFL Draft, Sharper sustained a sprained left posterior cruciate liga..

Packers Announce Additional Plans For Fan Fest

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 11:55:25 CST

FAN FEST STARTS FRIDAY; MORE DETAILS ANNOUNCED, INCLUDING UNIQUE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

With the inaugural Packers Fan Fest starting Friday, the Lambeau Field Atrium is gearing up for a three-day celebration of Packers football.

Fan Fest is headlined by Pro Football Hall of Famer Bart Starr and three-time NFL MVP Brett Favre, with other Packers appearances to be spread over the three-day event including Nick Barnett, Edgar Bennett, Gilbert Brown, LeRoy Butler, Ahmad Carroll, Najeh Davenport, Lynn Dickey, Donald Driver, Tony Fisher, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Bob Harlan, Paul Hornung, Grady Jackson, Jerry Kramer, Don Majkowski, Larry McCarren, Doug Pederson, Mark Tauscher, Joey Thomas, Frank Winters and Ron Wolf.

The team Thursday announced two changes to the players' lineup: James Lee is filling in for Kevin Barry and Robert Ferguson is filling in for Javon Walker.

Ted Thompson, Packers Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of F..

Packers Re-Sign Brad Bedell

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 14:52:12 CST

The Green Bay Packers Wednesday re-signed tackle/guard Brad Bedell. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, made the announcement.

Bedell, a 6-foot-4, 306-pound offensive lineman from Colorado, served as the primary backup to Chad Clifton at left tackle throughout the 2004 season. Acquired Sept. 5 from Miami for a conditional 2006 draft choice, Bedell ("buh-DELL") saw action in four games, dressed but did not play in two contests, and was inactive for the other 10. He made his Packers debut Dec. 12 vs. Detroit, replacing Kevin Barry (quadriceps) as an extra tackle/tight end in the team's 'U-71' package.

Originally selected by Cleveland in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, Bedell has played in 31 games with four starts. An All-American at Colorado in 1999, he started 22 games in two years after transferring from Mt. San Antonio Junior College.

Packers To Raise Ticket Prices For 2005 Season

Tue, 08 Mar 2005 14:27:29 CST

The Green Bay Packers Tuesday, citing the need to remain in the middle of the pack among fellow NFL franchises, announced plans for a ticket-price increase for the 2005 season.

The increase in all sections of the stadium bowl will be $4 per ticket.

"Each year we examine our prices in relation to the NFL and make adjustments accordingly," said Mark Wagner, the Packers' director of ticket operations. "This increase will take us to the middle range of pricing, where we always try to be.

"We take into account our league ranking in average ticket price and how that relates to our contribution to the shared revenues among visiting teams. We want to make sure we're making our fair contribution to the other teams. We're mindful of our fans, too. They love the value of the game day experience here. We're proud of Lambeau Field and what it offers."

Game day at Lambeau Field, long hailed as one of the best experiences in professional sports, has seen a ma..

Packers Release Michael Hawthorne

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 16:07:09 CST

The Green Bay Packers Friday terminated the contract of defensive back Michael Hawthorne. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, made the announcement.

Hawthorne, 28, played in all 16 games during the 2004 season, tying for the team lead in forced fumbles with two, while adding one fumble recovery for a touchdown. He began the year as the Packers' starter at left cornerback before ceding the position to first-round draft choice Ahmad Carroll in Week 6. Hawthorne also led Green Bay in special teams tackles with 19, in addition to tying his career best with 36 stops from scrimmage and seven passes defensed.

Hawthorne's personal highlights during the '04 season included a 34-yard fumble return touchdown in the Packers' Monday night victory over St. Louis Nov. 29, a pair of forced fumbles Sept. 19 vs. Chicago and a sack of Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper in the NFC Wild Card playoff game against Minnesota Jan. 9.

2005 Free Agency Begins With 483 Free Agents

Wed, 02 Mar 2005 15:23:19 CST

The National Football League announced that 483 players are free agents who now can negotiate with all 32 clubs.

The free agents include 11 players who this year were designated by their clubs as "franchise" players, and one who was named a "transition" player. Franchise and transition players are special categories for restricted and unrestricted free agents. The deadline for making these designations for 2005 was Feb. 22.

Franchise Players
John Abraham, DE, New York Jets
Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle
Drew Brees, QB, San Diego
Donovin Darius, S, Jacksonville
Darren Howard, DE, New Orleans
Edgerrin James, RB, Indianapolis
Rudi Johnson, RB, Cincinnati
Orlando Pace, OT, St. Louis
Julian Peterson, LB, San Francisco
Corey Simon, DT, Philadelphia
Adam Vinatieri, K, New England
Charles Woodson, CB, Oakland

Transition Players
Bubba Franks, TE, Green Bay

In 2004, eight players wer..

Packers Make Several Moves In Advance Of New League Year

Tue, 01 Mar 2005 16:40:34 CST

The Green Bay Packers Tuesday made several roster moves in conjunction with the start of the 2005 League Year. Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson announced that the Packers have:

- Terminated the contracts of guard Mike Wahle and center/guard Grey Ruegamer;

- Re-signed wide receiver/kick returner Antonio Chatman and defensive end R-Kal Truluck to one-year contracts;

- Tendered offers to six restricted free agents: tackle Kevin Barry, running back Najeh Davenport, defensive end Aaron Kampman, linebacker Paris Lenon and quarterbacks Craig Nall and J.T. O'Sullivan;

- Tendered offers to three exclusive-rights free agents: cornerback Jason Horton, defensive tackle/end Cullen Jenkins and tight end Ben Steele.

Wahle, the Packers' starter at left guard the last four seasons, ended the 2004 season having played in 97 straight games (103 including postseason). The only Packers player who..