Packers.com

Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman, Don Majkowski Among Alumni Added To Packers Fan Fest Lineup

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:41:50 CST

Packers Story: Event Set For March 12-13, 2010, At Lambeau Field Atrium; Fan Fest Kids Camp New For 2010

Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman and Don Majkowski are among the Green Bay Packers alumni that have been added to the Fan Fest lineup, which includes current players James Jones and Jordy Nelson, as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers James Lofton, Willie Davis and Jan Stenerud.

The sixth annual event is set for March 12-13 in the Lambeau Field Atrium and brings fans together with Packers players for two days of exciting activities, including a new Kids Camp at the Don Hutson Center. Fan Fest is presented by Chevy and Goodwill.

Full lists of players appearing and additional event details are available online.

On Friday, March 12, doors will open at 3:30 p.m., with a kickoff event at 4 p.m. and programming until 8 p.m. On Saturday, March 13, Fan Fest doors will open at 9:30 a.m., with programming from 1..

Deadline Extended For 'Hunting Down Hunger' Donation Applications

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:01:39 CST

Packers Story: More Than $100,000 Available For Hunger Relief Efforts From Sale Of Orange Hats

The deadline for organizations to submit applications for funds from the Green Bay Packers' "Hunting Down Hunger" program has been extended to Feb. 15.

The Packers are targeting 25 to 30 organizations to receive funds for their efforts. Money is available to non-profit organizations with hunger relief programs that primarily serve Wisconsin.

The application process is available online at www.packers.com/community/hunting_down_hunger.

Recipients will be selected and announced by the end of February.

Hats remain available for purchase online at www.packersproshop.com, as well as in person at the Packers Pro Shop. More than $100,000 has been raised thus far through the sale of orange caps.

T..

10 Wisconsin Schools Readying For Packers' 'Play 60 Challenge'

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:56:45 CST

Packers Story: More Than 1,900 Students To Participate Feb. 8 Through March 7

The "Play 60 Challenge," a physical fitness program from the Green Bay Packers and the American Heart Association, gets under way Feb. 8 at 10 schools in Wisconsin.

More than 1,900 students in grades five through eight are using this week to prepare for the event, a six-week program that challenges them to get active and play for at least 60 minutes each day, with the activities able to be broken up and performed either in or out of school.

The students will track their daily totals on classroom scoreboards, and at the end of the program, the school with the highest cumulative participation time per student will receive a trip to Lambeau Field, including a stadium tour, Packers Hall of Fame passes, a chance to meet a Packers player and a $200 gift certificate from U.S. Games. The schools that place second and third will receive U.S. Game gift certificates of $500 and $400, respecti..

11th Annual Safe Kids 'Superbowl Of Safety' Coming To Lambeau Field Atrium Saturday

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:49:56 CST

Packers Story: Bellin Health, Safe Kids Greater Green Bay Superbowl of Safety
Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010
Lambeau Field Atrium, Green Bay
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Bellin Health and Safe Kids Greater Green Bay are teaming up again for the 11th Annual Superbowl of Safety on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010. This free children's safety fair again will be held in the Lambeau Field Atrium and includes many hands-on and interactive displays.

Click here for more information.

Voting For Fan Hall Of Fame Nominees Continues Through Weekend

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:30:55 CST

Packers Story: Honoree Announced At Fan Fest, March 12

Voting continues through Jan. 31 for selection of the 12th member of the Packers FAN Hall of Fame. Ten finalists are vying for the honor.

The first professional football team to have its own hall of fame, the Green Bay Packers enhanced that distinction in 1998 by establishing a Packers FAN Hall of Fame. It was founded for the purpose of annually honoring a devout and longtime Packers fan. FAN Hall of Fame sponsors are Best Buy, Stein Gardens and Gifts, Verizon Wireless and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Packers fans were asked to nominate themselves or a friend for the honor with an essay of 500 words or less, accompanied by a photo, explaining why he or she should be recognized. From those nominations, 10 finalists were selected by the Packers FAN Hall of Fame selection committee.

This year's 10 finalists are:
James Becker, Racine, Wis.
Patrick Chambers, Suamico, W..

Packers Hall Of Fame Art Contest Submissions Due Sunday

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:17:34 CST

Packers Story: Items To Be Judged And Then Displayed During March

Artwork submissions for the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame's art contest to celebrate March's Youth Art Month are due in the Hall on Sunday, Jan. 31, by 5 p.m.

Artwork, which must be relative to Green Bay Packers football, will be judged in four grade-level groupings: K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12, with one winner to be selected from each group.

Winners will be notified by Feb. 15, 2010, and will have their work on display in Hall of Fame and Lambeau Field Atrium display cases. Winners will receive four complimentary passes to the Hall of Fame, plus a $100 gift certificate to the Packers Pro Shop.

Applicants may send in only one original Packers-themed work of art, and can be any style and any medium. The artwork is limited in size to 18"x18"x36." Digital entries, artwork with glitter or artwork framed in glass WILL NOT be accepted. All artwork will be considered, however not all artw..

Packers Foundation, NFL Alumni's Green Bay Chapter Award Grants Of $12,500 Each To American Foundation Of Counseling Services, Rawhide

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:48:41 CST

Packers Story: Proceeds From 2008 NFL Packers Alumni Weekend Golf Outing

The Green Bay Packers Foundation and the Green Bay chapter of the NFL Alumni awarded grants Wednesday of $12,500 each to the American Foundation of Counseling Services and Rawhide Boys Ranch.

The $25,000 total in grants was made possible from the proceeds of the chapter's 2008 golf outing held during the annual Green Bay Packers alumni weekend. The chapter's donation mission, "Caring for Kids," is the guiding principle each year when potential recipients are examined. Rawhide's Youth and Family Counseling Initiative and AFCS's 'Aging Out' program, which helps foster care children transition into their next stage of life, were this year's recipients because of their efforts with youth.

"Rawhide and the AFCS 'Aging Out' program perform great work for our youth and we're very pleased to be able to help them continue their success," said Sam Kluck, committee member for the Green Bay chapter..

Packers Capture Eighth 'Click For Cans' Title

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:33:37 CST

Packers Story: Fans' Clicks Propel Team To Earn 18,000 Cans Of Soup For Wisconsin Hunger Relief

Packers fans demonstrated their passion for the Green and Gold once again as they "clicked" their team to its eighth consecutive title in the annual Campbell's Chunky soup "Click for Cans" online food drive.

Fans voted for the Packers online with more than 137,197 clicks. The opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, received 68,328 votes.

With the win, the club will receive 18,000 cans of soup to be distributed to Wisconsin hunger relief efforts.

"We thank all Packers fans who contributed to the online effort," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Their support of the team is demonstrated in many ways, and through this program we'll be able to make a difference fighting hunger around the state of Wisconsin."

Through the eight titles, Packers fans now have earned approximately 116,000 cans of soup for Wisconsin hunger relief efforts.

Deta..

'Project Leap!' Set For Feb. 27 At Lambeau Field Atrium

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:51:34 CST

Packers Story: Free Event for Kids Focuses on Non-strenuous Physical Activity

The seventh annual 'Project LEAP!' is set for Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at the Lambeau Field Atrium. The free community event is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

'Project LEAP!' (Lambeau's Exercise and Activity Playground) is focused on getting kids out of the house to enjoy non-strenuous physical activity.

In addition to the popular inflatables, climbing walls and face painting, the day will feature entertainment by the Jesse White Tumbling Team. Their acrobatic performances frequently can be seen during halftime shows for the NBA, NFL and Major League Baseball. The Chicago-based team, which was formed in 1959, entertains at business and sporting events year-round, including colleges and universities nationwide.

The group is scheduled to perform three times: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. It also will offer three workshops, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., to teach tumbli..

Clay Matthews Pro Bowl Conference Call Transcript - Jan. 25

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:30:12 CST

Packers Story: (Were you surprised at all by the success you enjoyed so early in your career with it being just your rookie season?)
"I was always confident in my abilities, but to say that I would have been at this point after my first year, I wouldn't have imagined it, I wouldn't have imagined the production that I've had thus far. However, like I said, I was confident in my abilities, and I knew that once I was able to understand the system and was able to play at 100 percent health, I knew I was capable of making plays, and that's what I was able to do. Fortunately our team benefited from that, and we were able to get a few invites to the Pro Bowl. I'm very fortunate for that, I'm very fortunate for the system that I'm in and the players and coaches that are around me, and I think that's what made it such a seamless transition."

(What have your father [Clay Jr.] and uncle [Bruce] told you about playing in the Pro Bowl and what it means?)
"They have..

Packers To Raise Ticket Prices For 2010 Season

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:55:11 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers today announced plans for a price increase on stadium bowl tickets for the 2010 season.

The increase averages $9 per ticket, with a range from $8 to $11, depending on the section in the stadium bowl. It marks the first increase since the 2007 season.

Invoices will be sent next week to season-ticket holders with a letter from Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. In the letter, Murphy explains to ticket holders, "It was a difficult decision to reach, in light of recent economic conditions, but after much consideration we felt it was necessary for the competitiveness of the franchise."

In the letter, Murphy also stresses the importance of the ticket revenues to the overall Packers operations.

"The new pricing strengthens our ability to be competitive both on and off the field with teams in larger markets. With the future landscape regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement unknown, teams will be even more competitive in terms of..

Packers Name Community Quarterback Award Recipients

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:57:23 CST

Packers Story: Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy Thanks Recipients at Recognition Dinner

The Green Bay Packers named 20 Community Quarterback Award winners Thursday and honored the recipients at a dinner in the Legends Club inside the Lambeau Field Atrium.

The recipients were recognized for their work in the community. Each Community Quarterback Award winner received a $1,000 grant for his/her non-profit group.

"These individuals are performing great work in their communities and serve as inspiring examples for everyone across Wisconsin," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "We're honored to recognize them today, and salute their effort and spirit, as well as the great deeds their organizations accomplish in assisting those in need."

Funded by the Green Bay Packers and NFL Charities, the Community Quarterback Award recognizes outstanding volunteers within the state of Wisconsin. Non-profit (501(c)(3) or 509) organizations nominated outstanding v..

Albert Fracassa, Nominated By Packers' T.J. Lang, Is Finalist For NFL High School Football Coach Of The Year Award

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:09:09 CST

Packers Story: Winner to Receive Cash Award, Football Program Grant and Trip to Super Bowl XLIV

As the NFL playoff season unfolds and players use skills they learned on the high school football field, more than 75 players recognized the coaches who helped shape them during their teenage years by nominating them for the 2009 NFL High School Football Coach of the Year Award. Created in 1995, the award honor coaches who profoundly impacted the athletic and personal development of NFL players.

This year's finalists and the NFL players who nominated them are:

Albert Fracassa
Brother Rice High School
Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
T.J. LANG, Green Bay Packers

Robert Johnson
Mission Viejo High School
Mission Viejo, CA
NICK REED, Seattle Seahawks
MARK SANCHEZ, New York Jets

Chuck Kyle
St. Ignatius High School
Cleveland, OH
CHRIS HOVAN, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Raul Lara..

CBA-Related Questions & Answers

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:57:10 CST

Packers Story: Q. When does the CBA expire should there be no extension to the agreement?

A. In March of 2011.

Q. Will there be a college draft in 2011?

A. Yes.

Q. What is the "Final League Year" in the current agreement?

A. The "Final League Year" is the term used in the CBA to refer to the last year of the agreement. Without a further extension of the CBA, the "Final League Year" would be the 2010 League Year, which begins on March 5.

Q. What are the differences between the "Final League Year" and any other "League Year?"

A. The principal differences are that in the "Final League Year" there is no salary cap and there are substantial additional restrictions on player free agency and reductions in player benefits.

Q. Are current player benefits affected in the Final League Year?

A. We expect current player benefits to decline in the Final League Year. The union agreed that in th..

LB Clay Matthews Nominated For NFL Rookie Of Year Honors

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:13:07 CST

Packers Story: Fans To Vote For Winner On NFL.com/rookies

The National Football League announced the five finalists for the 2009 NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award.

2009 NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

JAIRUS BYRD, Safety, Buffalo Bills
BRIAN CUSHING, Linebacker, Houston Texans
PERCY HARVIN, Wide Receiver/Kick Returner, Minnesota Vikings
CLAY MATTHEWS, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers
MICHAEL OHER, Offensive Tackle, Baltimore Ravens

Fans can vote for one of these five players on www.nfl.com/rookies through 6:00 PM EST on February 2 to determine the 2009 NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR.

The winner will be presented the 2009 NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR award during a press conference in South Florida, the site of Super Bowl XLIV, on Thursday, February 4.

The five finalists were selected for their outstanding performances throu..

Packers Battle Jaguars For 'Click For Cans' League Championship

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:39:34 CST

Packers Story: Fans' Clicks Needed Through Jan. 26 To Propel Team To Eighth Straight Title

The annual Campbell's Chunky soup "Click for Cans" league championship is underway and the Green Bay Packers need their fans' support to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars and earn their eighth straight title, and the accompanying 18,000 cans of soup for Wisconsin hunger relief efforts.

Fans are encouraged to vote online at www.clickforcans.com through Jan. 26. Individuals can vote once a day.

The Packers and their fans already have earned 13,000 cans of soup by advancing to the championship matchup. A win this week garners an additional 5,000 cans of soup.

In winning each of the past seven contests, Packers fans have earned approximately 98,000 cans of soup for Wisconsin hunger relief efforts through the virtual food drive.

Amanda Brunngraeber Is Winner Of Pro Bowl Package

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:35:21 CST

Packers Story: Receives Weekend For Two In South Florida For NFL's Annual All-Star Game

Amanda Brunngraeber, from Rock, Mich., was randomly selected as the winner of the Packers' Pro Bowl package and will travel to South Florida, Jan. 29-31, with her husband, Carl, for a weekend of activities involving the NFL's annual All-Star game.

The Packers fans from Michigan's Upper Peninsula will be able to see the four Packers players scheduled to participate in the game: safety Nick Collins, linebacker Clay Matthews, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and cornerback Charles Woodson.

Amanda, 24, and, Carl, 26, are looking forward to the trip - their first to Florida together - and will drive to Green Bay from Rock, about 30 miles north of Escanaba, for their Friday morning flight.

The whirlwind planning began last Friday afternoon with a call from the Packers.

"It sounded almost too good to be true when I got the call," Amanda said. "I had to call my husband..

Packers Accepting Applications For 'Hunting Down Hunger' Donations

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:35:59 CST

Packers Story: More Than $100,000 Available For Hunger Relief Efforts From Sale Of Orange Hats

The Green Bay Packers' "Hunting Down Hunger" program has money available to donate and is inviting non-profit organizations with hunger relief programs that primarily serve Wisconsin residents to submit applications.

The application process is available online at www.packers.com/community/hunting_down_hunger.

The Packers are targeting 25 to 30 organizations to receive funds for their efforts. The application period opened Jan. 18 and will continue through Feb. 8. Recipients will be selected and announced by the end of February.

Hats remain available for purchase online at www.packersproshop.com, as well as in person at the Packers Pro Shop. More than $100,000 has been raised thus far through the sale of orange caps. ..

Packers Hall Of Fame Set For Black History Month In February

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:03:12 CST

Packers Story: Panel Discussion Set For Feb. 25; Autograph Session Feb. 26

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame again will celebrate Black History Month, the February program in which the organization joins the annual celebration of the achievements and contributions African-Americans have made in American history.

Now in its fourth year, the Packers Hall of Fame's Black History Month again will culminate with a panel discussion, and also include a new video about the history of African-American players in the NFL and with the Packers. Highlighted exhibits, booklets to accompany visits and an autograph session are also a part of the festivities.

The annual panel discussion, set for Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame, will feature Packers all-time leading rusher Ahman Green, along with former players Willie Davis and Dave Robinson. Topics will include the contributions of African-Americans to the game of football as a whole, as well as to th..

Packers Sign P Masthay To Reserve/Future Contract

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:13:06 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have signed punter Tim Masthay to a reserve/future contract. The signing was announced Friday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

A 6-foot-1, 197-pound first-year player, Masthay was a four-year letterwinner (2005-08) at the University of Kentucky.

'Favorite Fives' of 2009: Top Run Plays At Home

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:55:47 CST

Packers Story: Continuing an annual series now in its third year, Packers.com has again compiled a series of "Favorite Fives," various Top 5 lists of big plays from this past season.

Each list will be accompanied by a brief description of the context, plus video clips of the plays. The Packers Fan Poll on the left side of the page will allow fans to vote for their favorite. A new "Favorite Five" will appear each week for the next several weeks, with a new corresponding poll.

After all the lists have appeared, votes will be tabulated to compile a final "Favorite Five," and Packers.com visitors can then vote for their favorite play of the year for 2009.

The first installment is the Top 5 running plays in home games. In chronological order, they are:

Aaron Rodgers, 35 yards vs. Minnesota (Nov. 1)
Early in the fourth quarter, with the Packers trailing 31-20, the offense faced second-and-4 from midfield. Rodgers dropped back to pass, took off to h..

Packers Fan Memories

Packers Fan Memories — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:30:49 CST

Packers Story: Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the green and gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition features an extended vacation in Green Bay, a trip back home, and a birthday present to the regular season finale.

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories'.

Rookies Made Their Mark On Defense In '09

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:40:01 CST

Packers Story: Despite the defensive letdown in the NFC Wild Card playoffs, one factor that points to a promising future outlook for the Green Bay Packers' defense is that it achieved what it did in 2009 - ranking No. 1 in the league against the run and No. 2 in total yards allowed - with significant contributions from rookies.

As the season wound down, Clay Matthews and Brad Jones were the two starting outside linebackers, B.J. Raji was filling in at nose tackle for an injured Ryan Pickett, cornerback Brandon Underwood was pressed into duty in the dime package, and Jarius Wynn was getting some snaps as a reserve down lineman in nickel.

"We played a lot of young players," defensive coordinator Dom Capers said in an extended session with reporters after the season ended. "Hopefully the experience those guys gained will make them that much better.

"We're talking about five rookies there that contributed some."

Barring an even worse rash of injuries on the defensive..

Plenty Of Packers Connections To Super Bowl Teams

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:14:23 CST

Packers Story: When the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints take the field this Sunday in Super Bowl XLIV, there will be a handful of players and coaches involved in the game that have ties to the Packers, as well as many members of the Green Bay organization that have links back to the two teams playing in the league's title contest.

Here is a look at some of the Green Bay connections to each team in Super Bowl XLIV:

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
* Saints starting safety Darren Sharper played the first eight seasons (1997-2004) of his career with the Packers, earning Pro Bowl recognition with the team in 2000 and 2002. Sunday will be Sharper's second career Super Bowl appearance, with the first one coming in his rookie season of 1997 with the Packers when they took on Denver in Super Bowl XXXII.

* Saints backup quarterback Mark Brunell began his NFL career with the Packers in 1993 as a fifth-round draft choice. He served as Brett Favre's bac..

Rodgers Throws Two Touchdown Passes In Pro Bowl

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:21:31 CST

Packers Story: Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the NFC with 197 yards passing and two touchdown passes in his Pro Bowl debut, but the NFC fell to the AFC 41-34 on Sunday in Miami.

Rodgers, who started for the NFC in his first Pro Bowl appearance, completed 15-of-19 passes (78.9 percent) for a game-high 197 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions for a 145.0 passer rating. He led the offense for the first three drives and helped the NFC put up points on each one of them.

On the NFC's first possession, Rodgers found 49ers tight end Vernon Davis on a play-action pass to the AFC's 33-yard line for a 36-yard gain. The pass helped set up a 47-yard field goal from Eagles kicker David Akers to narrow the AFC's lead to 7-3.

With the NFC trailing 14-3 the next time he took the field, Rodgers pump faked before finding Giants wide receiver Steve Smith deep down the field for a 48-yard touchdown.

After the NFC defense forced a three-and-out from the AFC, Rodgers ..

Offenses Light Up Soggy Pro Bowl Scoreboard As AFC Comes Out On Top

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:24:10 CST

Packers Story: MIAMI -- In its new role as a warmup to the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl became a series of wind sprints.

Long gains were the rule and hard hitting was the exception as the AFC beat the NFC 41-34 on Sunday night.

Light showers fell for much of the game, stirring memories of a rainy Super Bowl in Miami three years ago. But uniforms remained mostly spotless, with more pushing and shoving than tackling.

"It's different. It was like 7 on 7," NFC linebacker Brian Orakpo said. "Everybody came out here trying not to get hurt and give the fans a good show"

Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans threw for 189 yards and two AFC scores, and was chosen the most valuable player.

"It's a game you watch growing up as a kid and wonder if you could ever be in," Schaub said. "To actually be a part of it is incredible."

Aaron Rodgers also threw two touchdown passes, and NFC teammate DeSean Jackson had two scoring catches.

From the standpoint of tick..

Aaron Rodgers Pro Bowl Diary, Part II

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:47:47 CST

Packers Story: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the NFC squad has wrapped up most of the preparations for Sunday's Pro Bowl at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.

Packers.com caught up with Rodgers on Friday for another update on his week.

Practice has been really laid back for us. A lot of cracking jokes, not a lot of guys going even half-speed. But it's just been more making sure we know what we're doing, we're able to call the plays correctly, and we know when we get on the field on Sunday we have to make some plays.

A lot of veteran guys aren't too excited about practice. Like Asante Samuel, from Philadelphia, he's gone one good rep all week, and it was against me. He knocked the ball away. He's one of the more vocal guys about the length of practice, which really hasn't exceeded an hour all week. But these guys, we're having a lot of fun together. A lot of jokes, and it's fun to be down here.

There were a lot of laughs during the team picture today. It was really..

Packers Fan Memories

Packers Fan Memories — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:27:29 CST

Packers Story: Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the green and gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes fans from New Jersey and Denmark, traveling Packers fans and a 20th birthday present.

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories'.

Lovat Promoted To Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:56:08 CST

Packers Story: In his 11 previous seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Mark Lovat feels blessed to have worked for a number of respected and accomplished strength and conditioning coordinators.

Now Lovat is getting the opportunity to apply everything he's learned.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy has promoted Lovat from assistant strength and conditioning coach to coordinator, swapping titles with Dave Redding, who will remain on the coaching staff as Lovat's assistant in 2010.

McCarthy has indicated that the move was part of his plan when he hired Redding last year at this time.

"I'm very fortunate that Mike has the confidence in me to do it," Lovat said. "I've been here a long time, but it's been awesome. I've had some of the best strength coaches in the league."

Those include Kent Johnston, who was just hired by former Packers head coach Mike Holmgren to head up the strength and conditioning department for the Cleveland Browns; Barry Rubin, now with the Philad..

Clay Matthews Pro Bowl Diary

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:35:20 CST

Packers Story: Packers linebacker Clay Matthews is capping off his impressive rookie season with a trip to the Pro Bowl in Miami. Safety Nick Collins and cornerback Charles Woodson also were selected from the Packers' defense, though Woodson is not attending, while quarterback Aaron Rodgers is representing the offense.

Packers.com got this update from Matthews on how his week is going so far:

The schedule has been very friendly for us. We wake up, have about 30 minutes of meetings, go to practice, no longer than an hour, and call it a day as far as football is concerned. Then we get to come back, enjoy the weather. We have a few activities to do here and there, but for the most part I think we're all enjoying each other's company and just enjoying everything Miami has to offer - hanging out poolside, good weather.

The NFC coaches have me at a range of positions. I'm on all the special teams, and they've got me playing two positions on defense, 'Sam' and 'Will' (st..

Nick Collins Pro Bowl Diary

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:34:22 CST

Packers Story: Packers safety Nick Collins, who lives in Gainesville, Fla., is appearing in his second straight Pro Bowl this week. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback Charles Woodson also were selected for the NFC squad, but Woodson is not in Miami due to injury issues.

Packers.com caught up with Collins for this update on how things are going in Miami:

Everything has been good so far. The best thing about having the Pro Bowl in Florida this year is a lot of my family members get to come to the game and get that experience. It's just been a blessing for me to have another opportunity to play in it, and I'm glad that it's here so everybody can get a chance to see me.

Last year I had around 15 ticket requests, and this year it's more like 50. It's crazy, all the family, friends, ... but I just want them to have a chance to see me. They've been by my side throughout my whole career, so I think it's a great opportunity to give back to t..

Aaron Rodgers Pro Bowl Diary

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:06:29 CST

Packers Story: Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl selections Aaron Rodgers, Nick Collins and Clay Matthews all arrived in Miami on Tuesday and had their first official football activities on Wednesday in preparation for Sunday's AFC-NFC showdown at Sun Life Stadium. (Cornerback Charles Woodson declined to participate, citing injury issues.)

Packers.com will be posting diary updates from all of the players over the next few days as they check in from Miami, a new location for the Pro Bowl. The game has traditionally been in Hawaii the week following the Super Bowl, but this year it's the week prior and at the location of the big game.

Today's first installment is from Rodgers, who was informed earlier this week that he would be the starting quarterback for the NFC after New Orleans' Drew Brees advanced to the Super Bowl and Minnesota's Brett Favre decided not to play.

The NFC is under the tutelage of the Dallas Cowboys' coaching staff, and Rodgers begins this diary entry there ..

Matthews Gets Pro Bowl Jump On Father, Uncle

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:00:43 CST
Packers Story: Clay Matthews III already has a leg up on his lineage.

The Packers rookie outside linebacker, who is the son and nephew of former Pro Bowlers Clay Jr. and Bruce Matthews, respectively, already has done something neither his father nor uncle did in their decorated NFL careers.

He made the Pro Bowl in his first season, and considering the family elders were selected for a combined 18 such honors (Clay Jr. 4, Bruce 14), it's saying something to already have a singular Matthews accomplishment.

"It means a great deal," Matthews said in a conference call late Monday. "I'm very happy, fortunate and blessed to have made it in my rookie season. My dad and uncle were telling me, 'Man, it took me four, six years to make it, and you already made it in your first year.'

"I definitely have big shoes to fill, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I think I'm off to a good start, but it's staying on top, and that's what I look forward to doing, just keeping ..

Transition Complete, Defense Looks To Build

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:01:33 CST
Packers Story: If the first season using defensive coordinator Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme marked the transition year, the Packers are hoping the second will be one of growth.

Unlike 2009, this year when the Packers begin offseason workouts in mid-March they won't be working with a new coaching staff, learning a new scheme, and trying to perfect new techniques. They'll be looking to build on what they accomplished during the transition season, which was significant, but Capers doesn't believe the unit peaked in that first year by any means.

"I think we made an awful lot of progress this year, from Day 1 coming in and putting something brand new in, working our way through a few bumps in the road early in the year, and seeing guys play the second half of the year the way they played," Capers said in an extended Q & A session with reporters after the season ended. "If we can pick up where we left off here and make the same kind of strides next year, which I think we can ...

"The..

Lang Grew Up Under Prep Coach Fracassa

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:41:10 CST
Packers Story: PACKERS ROOKIE NOMINATED MENTOR FOR NFL AWARD

As a high school kid changing schools midway through his football career, T.J. Lang wasn't sure exactly what his future held in the sport.

But Lang said his new coach at the time, Albert Fracassa, at Brother Rice High School near Birmingham, Mich., sensed his potential right away and helped him maximize on it, eventually leading to a college scholarship at Eastern Michigan and a spot on the Green Bay Packers' roster as a fourth-round draft pick.

"He kind of knew that I had a type of future playing college ball," Lang said. "He's just been around the game for so long. He was always telling me the right things to do.

"He's one of those guys when he talks you really listen to him because he knows what he's talking about. He has this feeling to him that you know what he's saying is going to help you out. He taught me a lot about growing up, about dedication and hard work and stuff like that. T..

Packers Fan Memories

Packers Fan Memories — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:21:50 CST
Packers Story: Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the green and gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a Packers bar in Memphis, sitting with Fuzzy Thurston at a game and cheering for the green and gold while living in Minnesota.

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories'.

Wisconsin Girl Wins National Punt, Pass & Kick Title

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:54:10 CST
Packers Story: Brooklyn Wolosyn considers kicking her best football skill, but it turned out to be her punting that won her a national championship in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition.

Last weekend in San Diego, Wolosyn took first place in the 10- and 11-year-old girls division and was presented with her award on national television between the third and fourth quarters of the San Diego Chargers-New York Jets AFC Divisional playoff game.

The 11-year-old Wolosyn, a sixth-grader from Niagara, Wis., a small town of roughly 2,000 residents in far northern Wisconsin, booted her best punt ever in the finals, measured at 101 feet, 6 inches, or just shy of 34 yards.

That was at least 10 yards better than any of the other three national finalists in her division, and it put her in position to win despite a pass (77 feet, 6 inches) and kick (86 feet, 8 inches) that were solid but not great by her standards.

"I had pretty good kicks throughout all of the steps (up to..

Youth On Offense Has Room To Grow

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:59:17 CST
Packers Story: For as productive as the Green Bay Packers were on offense in 2009, they were still very young at several key spots.

That bodes well for the idea that this unit can continue to improve from within, which has been a steady, team-wide theme during Head Coach Mike McCarthy's and General Manager Ted Thompson's tenure in Green Bay.

In his extended season-ending media session last week, offensive coordinator Joe Philbin touched on a handful of players on the offensive side of the ball - all of whom have been regular contributors for two seasons or less - who have the potential to take another significant step forward in 2010.

Here's a quick look at those players:

QB Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers of course made the Pro Bowl this past season, but having started just 32 regular- season games thus far he'd be the first player to say there's still room for growth.

With numbers that nearly eclipsed the franchise record for passing yards (4,..

Packers, Sargento Raise $90,000 For 'Touchdowns For Charity'

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:59:55 CST
Packers Story: Wisconsin Hunger Task Force And Paul's Pantry To Benefit

The Green Bay Packers and Sargento raised a total of $90,000 during the 2009 season for the "Touchdowns for Charity" program to benefit the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee County and Paul's Pantry in Green Bay.

During the regular season, Sargento donated $1,000 to the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force for each touchdown scored by the Packers ($54,000 on 54 TDs), and $500 to Paul's Pantry for each TD scored by the team's wide receivers and tight ends ($13,500 on 27 TDs). Sargento then raised the stakes in the postseason by doubling the contribution for each touchdown ($12,000 on six TDs, and $4,000 on four TDs, respectively).

Totals for each: $66,000 for the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force and $17,500 for Paul's Pantry.

In the end, Sargento is taking it a step further and rounding up their totals, so the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force will receive $70,000 and Paul's Pantry ..

Only Questions On Offense Are Up Front

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:09:04 CST
Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have to like where their offense is headed for the 2010 season.

They have a Pro Bowl quarterback in Aaron Rodgers who looks every bit the part of a franchise signal caller for years to come. They have a deep and talented receiving corps with the ageless Donald Driver, big-play threat Greg Jennings, and productive reserves in James Jones and Jordy Nelson. They have an emerging star at tight end in Jermichael Finley, and they have a feature back in Ryan Grant who has posted back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons.

"A lot of guys stopped by (last week) when they left, and you could feel the disappointment (after the playoff loss), but there's a lot of optimism about the things they can still accomplish," offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said in an extended Q&A session with the media last week. "They feel like this offense has a future. We have good young players and we're heading in the right direction."

So that leaves just one primary question,..