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Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy And Team Make Donation To Baker University

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:01:22 CST

Packers Story: Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and the Packers organization have partnered to make a $100,000 donation to Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan., it was announced Thursday. This is the second year McCarthy and the Packers have made a donation to the university.

"It's an honor to be able to continue this support of Baker University," said McCarthy. "To this day I continue to apply what I learned there, both in the classroom and in the college's community. The lifelong lessons have been invaluable."

McCarthy, now in his fourth season as head coach of the Packers, earned a degree in business administration from the school and was an all-conference tight end and senior captain in 1986, helping lead the Wildcats to an NAIA Division II national runner-up finish. He was inducted to the school's hall of fame Oct. 20, 2007.

The donation to Baker University will continue to aid the football program through its support of an endowment for a football schola..

Packers Sign T Meredith

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:26:05 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have signed tackle Jamon Meredith. The signing was announced Thursday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Meredith, the second of the Packers' two fifth-round picks, was a three-year starter at both tackle and guard at South Carolina. He appeared in 49 career games, including 38 starts, for the Gamecocks.

Meredith is the fourth of the Packers' eight draft picks to sign with the team.

Packers Release G McCaskill

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:29:57 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have released G Nevin McCaskill. The transaction was announced Wednesday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

McCaskill was signed by the Packers on Dec. 11 and was inactive for the final three games of 2008. He had previously spent time on the Bills' and Eagles' practice squads.

Statement From Packers Linebacker Aaron Kampman On Death Of Ed Thomas

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:05:37 CST

Packers Story: (Ed Thomas was Kampman's high school coach at Aplington-Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, Iowa. Thomas coached for 37 years and was named the 2005 NFL High School Football Coach of the Year.)

"Coach Thomas was very special to me and many other young men from the Aplington-Parkersburg communities. His legacy for many will be associated with his tremendous success as a football coach. However, I believe his greatest legacy comes not in how many football games he won or lost but in the fact that he was a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He lived his life trying to exemplify this faith and convey those values to those under his influence. His faith in Christ pervaded everything he did and that is why in the midst of the heartache we all feel there is comfort in knowing he is with his Savior."

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - June 24

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:50:47 CST

Packers Story: (If the reports are true, it sounds like Greg Jennings has agreed to a contract extension. What are your thoughts?)
We're excited for Greg Jennings' future here; there is no doubt. I think Greg is a young man that has developed here in Green Bay and I can't say enough about him personally. I like the way he goes about his business, and he is definitely well deserving of this contract. I'm excited for Greg.

(Did you shorten things today because of the heat?)
No, that was the plan all along. We really got a lot of work done in the OTAs. Our participation was outstanding, so really our mini-camp the last three days was about corrections. Every team period that we had, whether it was blitz, third down, red zone, it was clearly just the corrections and the things that we felt like we needed to go back over from the OTAs. I was very happy with the amount of quality work that we were able to accomplish during OTAs, but that was really the plan ..

Packers Sign WR Jennings To Long-Term Contract Extension

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:19:22 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have announced the signing of WR Greg Jennings to a long-term contract extension.

A 25-year-old, fourth-year player, Jennings was the Packers' second of two second-round draft picks in 2006. In 43 career games, including 39 starts, he has caught 178 passes for 2,844 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Last season, he established career highs in receptions (80) and receiving yards (1,292) to go along with nine touchdowns.

Packers Release WR Sam

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:20:07 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have released WR Lorne Sam. The transaction was announced Tuesday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Sam was signed to the Packers practice squad on Dec. 3, 2008. He spent time with the Denver Broncos earlier in the '08 season.

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - June 22

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:47:30 CST

Packers Story: (Did something happen with Justin Harrell since it looked like he dropped out at the end?)
I have not been to the training room yet and I did not get a post-practice report from Pepper, so I do not have that information for you.

(How about Anthony Smith?)
Anthony Smith did not practice because of a groin, medical situation.

(Charles Woodson?)
Excused for a personal (reason). He had something personal he was dealing with today, a charitable event. Will Blackmon was married this past weekend, so he'll be arriving back here tonight.

(Is Breno Giacomini still dealing with an injury?)
Correct.

(How much catching up does Nick Collins have to do and how did he look?)
I did not watch a whole lot of Nick today. I spent most of my time with the offense. But I know, visiting with Nick over the weekend and visiting with our training staff, we put him through the reha..

Johnnie Gray Candidate For Election To Packers Board Of Directors

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:13:24 CST

Packers Story: Johnnie Gray, a former Packers safety and member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, will be presented for shareholder vote to join the Packers Board of Directors, Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy announced today.

The vote will become formal at the organization's Annual Meeting, July 30. Proxies recently were sent to shareholders.

Currently an instructional aid at De Pere's Syble Hopp School, Gray played in 124 games during his career (1975-1983). In addition to his work at the school, Gray has been involved in a variety of community activities since his playing days.

"We're excited to present Johnnie to the shareholders for election to the Board," said Murphy. "As a former player, he has a unique respect and understanding for the game and the franchise. He also brings a great perspective from his years of dedicated work in the community."

One director, John J. Fabry, will be taking on emeritus status at the Annual Meeting.

Green Bay Packers And Head Coach Mike McCarthy Make Donation To Pittsburgh's Greenfield Neighborhood

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:59:59 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have partnered to make a $100,000 donation to the Greenfield Neighborhood, it was announced today. This is the second year McCarthy and the Packers have made a donation to the area.

McCarthy's neighborhood in the Pittsburgh area while growing up, the Greenfield Neighborhood will see three neighborhood organizations receive the benefit of the donation: St. Rosalia Academy, the Greenfield Baseball Association and the Greenfield Organization.

"I'm excited to be able to make another contribution to these fine organizations in the Pittsburgh area," said McCarthy. "Last year's donations helped each group with the great efforts they give in the community. It's an honor to continue to assist their work."

St. Rosalia Academy is a preschool-through-8th grade school from which McCarthy graduated as a youth. The school has a strong association with the McCarthy family as his four siblings al..

Pro Shop's New Warehouse To Enhance Efficiency

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:45:39 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers will be moving the Packers Pro Shop warehouse operations from its current location on Potts Avenue to a larger facility on Ashland Avenue.

A building on the 2200 block of Ashland was purchased in partnership with Jim Strohschein of Management Enterprises Inc. The partnership has been utilized in the past to purchase real estate along Ridge Road and west of the stadium along the Lombardi access road. A similar arrangement will be employed with this purchase as well, with Strohschein managing the property and the Pro Shop warehouse occupying a portion of it.

By giving the Pro Shop more warehouse space, the organization hopes to increase the efficiency of operations to allow for more growth in catalog and online sales.

"The new facility will be a great benefit for both our warehouse operations and our catalog and online sales efforts," said Kate Hogan, Packers director of retail operations. "We've had the need to expand our operations for..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - June 17

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:11:28 CST

Packers Story: (Nick Collins was back today but worked with the rehab group. Is there an injury there or is he kind of on Ryan Grant's program from last year?)
I wouldn't say he is on Ryan Grant's program from last year. He went through the jog-through, and then went with the rehab (group). He obviously hasn't been here, so we'll see how the rehab workout went. I have not had a chance to visit with the trainers and see where Nick is. Once again, these segments are voluntary.

(Has he taken his physical?)
I don't have all of that information for you right now.

(Would it be beneficial for him to be out there watching practice?)
Well, the jog-through is really the most important reps for what we are trying to accomplish on a daily basis. Our jog-through directly reflects the install of the day. This was an install day. Really we have always put medical in front, just from a priority standpoint. All of the other periods are on fi..

Green Bay Packers And St. Norbert College Join Forces For National Sport Conference

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:54:12 CST

Packers Story: DE PERE, Wis. St. Norbert College is teaming up with the Green Bay Packers to co-sponsor a national conference on sport and society next spring, resulting from a first-of-its-kind partnership between an NFL team and an institution of higher education.

The academic conference will be titled "A Mirror of our Culture: Sport and Society in America." Sessions will be offered both on the St. Norbert College campus and at Lambeau Field.

"We look forward to working with St. Norbert College on this very unique conference," said Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy. "The college has been a great partner of the Packers for more than 50 years by hosting our players and coaches at training camp, and now we're excited to work with them in this new endeavor."

Experts from around the world will converge on northeast Wisconsin to present their papers. As well as the academic presentations, the May 26-28, 2010, conference will feature an exhibit area for publ..

Packers Sign Three Draft Picks

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:57:32 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have signed linebacker Brad Jones, cornerback Brandon Underwood and defensive end Jarius Wynn. The signings were announced Tuesday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Jones, a seventh-round selection from Colorado, was a three-year starter for the Buffaloes. He earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors as a senior after leading the team in sacks (7) and tackles for loss (14).

Underwood, the second of the team's sixth-round picks, was named first-team All-Big East in 2008. As a senior, he led Cincinnati in interceptions with four and also earned the club's special teams player of the year award.

Wynn, a sixth-round draft choice from Georgia, played in 26 games in two seasons for the Bulldogs. He began his career at Georgia Military College, where he earned second-team National Junior College Athletic Association honors in 2006.

The team also announced the signing of..

Viewing Of 2008 Packers Highlights Film Set For Wednesday Night, June 17

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:53:02 CST

Packers Story: Free Lambeau Field Atrium Event To Feature Safety Aaron Rouse

The Green Bay Packers will present a premiere viewing of the team's 2008 highlights film in the Legends Club of the Lambeau Field Atrium Wednesday evening, June 17, it was announced today.

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.

Packers safety Aaron Rouse will be on hand to discuss the team's performance last year, preview the upcoming season and answer questions. Rouse also will be available for autographs following the program.

The film tells the story of the Packers' 2008 season through the dazzling cinematography of NFL Films. The film highlights many of the team's big moments, including the defense's record-setting seven touchdowns.

A regular..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - June 10

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:55:32 CST

Packers Story: (Two weeks in, what have you seen during OTAs?)
I'm very happy, pleased with what we have seen so far in our OTAs. I'll just say that the practices we have had, particularly this week so far, being able to hit all of the different situations, two-minute and all of the way down, short yardage, short yardage went into today, goal line, it's just great to get to the situations, the concepts, this early in OTAs. I think it just kind of shows where we are as a football team in Year 4 of our program, even though we do have a new defensive scheme and we're doing some new things on special teams.

(How has Jordy Nelson looked this offseason?)
Jordy is doing a good job. Jordy is a lot like a number of our players; you see the advancement from Year 1 to Year 2, the opportunity to go through an offseason program. I'm sure he feels a lot better about where he is physically and what he has been able to do with his body throughout these workouts the pa..

Tickets For 'Packers Family Night, Presented By Fox 11,' On Sale Saturday

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:33:03 CST

Packers Story: Event, Set For Aug. 8, Will Benefit Wendy's Wonderful Kids Program

Tickets for 'Packers Family Night, Presented by FOX 11,' go on sale Saturday, June 6, at noon. The event, which will take place Saturday evening, Aug. 8, will benefit the Wendy's Wonderful Kids foster care adoption program, a signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Tickets, priced at $10, will be on sale through Ticketmaster and may be purchased in person, over the phone or via the Internet. Tickets also can be purchased at the Packers' ticket office in person from noon to 3 p.m.

A direct link to online sales can be found by clicking here.

Over the phone, tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster toll-free sales number at 800/745-3000. The toll-free Ticketmaster Express number, 866/448-7849..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - June 3

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:21:03 CST

Packers Story: (Now that you have been through five practices, can you see a difference in the way the defense is operating?)
We've had five practices, and then both offensively and defensively you are installing every day. You really don't get a true gauge of where you are when you are involved in installation practices, just to be honest with you. There are going to be days where the offense's installation probably gives them a little advantage and there are days where the defense's may give them a little advantage. But I like what I see on both sides of the ball. I really like the way our players have picked up the system defensively. I like the coaching that is going on. I had an opportunity to spend more time observing the drill work because we have some new coaches on defense, we have new coaches on special teams. The offseason program and OTAs is as much about scheme development, but it's also about making sure your practice environment is in tune. I think the defense is o..

Packers 2009 Training Camp Schedule

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:15:11 CST

Packers Story: 2009 Training Camp Announcement

Printable Training Camp Schedule (PDF)

2009 TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE DATES AND TIMES
All dates and times are tentative.

*Any practices moved inside to the Don Hutson Center due to inclement weather, poor field conditions or for any other reason will be closed to the public due to space limitations. All other practices listed are expected to be open unless listed otherwise. All outdoor practices are expected to be held on Ray Nitschke Field (across from the Resch Center). Type of practice (pads or shells) is subject to change without notice.

DayDatePractice Times SaturdayAugust 12:00 p.m. - full pads SundayAugust 28:45 a.m. - full pads
6:30 p.m. - full pads MondayAugust 32:00 p.m. - full pads TuesdayAugust 48:45 a.m...

Packers Announce Training Camp Schedule

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:19:34 CST

Packers Story: Visit www.PackersTrainingCamp.com for more training camp information!

**

A total of seven two-a-days and nine night practices at the new Ray Nitschke Field highlight the training camp schedule for the Green Bay Packers in 2009.

The camp schedule, announced Wednesday by Head Coach Mike McCarthy, begins with a single practice at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. That is followed on Sunday, Aug. 2, by the first of seven two-a-day workouts, with a morning practice at 8:45 a.m. and an evening workout at 6:30 p.m.

The other two-a-days, all with the same practice times of 8:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., are scheduled for Aug. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18 and 20. The other single workouts at 2 p.m. are slated for Aug. 3, 7, 10 and 17.

The final two night practices are solo workouts on Aug. 24 and 30. Following the second preseason game vs. Buffalo on Saturday, Aug. 22, the team has no mo..

The Game I'll Never Forget: Quinn Johnson

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:29:03 CST

Packers Story: All athletes have that one game, that one contest, that ranks as the most unforgettable of their lives. It can be memorable because of a personal or team achievement, a dramatic finish, a sentimental moment, or any number of other factors.

Continuing an annual summer series, Packers.com caught up with the members of the 2009 draft class to ask them about the game they'll never forget. It could be a game at any level of competition that took place at any time. They're all hoping their new NFL careers will give them new memories and new games to cherish, but for now, these rank at the top.

Winning a championship has never gotten old to Quinn Johnson.

The bruising fullback and fifth-round draft choice out of LSU not only won one in high school, but he followed it up with one at his home-state college, when the Tigers beat Ohio State 38-24 in the BCS National Championship on Jan. 7, 2008, in front of mostly home-state fans at the Louisiana Superdome.

G-Force Invited To Tailgate Party And 3D Screening On Behalf Of Disney's G-FORCE

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:28:56 CST

Packers Story: G-Force - you know who you are Packers fans -- join the fun and celebrate Disney's newest film, G-FORCE at a Tailgate Party at Lambeau Field on Saturday, July 11. Directly following the party will be an advance 3D screening of the film at Bay Park Cinemas.

Hurry to gofobo.com to secure your spot at the G-FORCE Tailgate Party. The event is open to the first 500 fans to enter RSVP code GFFC038762. Be one of the first 250 fans to arrive at Lambeau field on July 11 and receive a wristband to attend the advance 3D screening.

G-FORCE is a comedy adventure about the latest evolution of a covert government program to train animals to work in espionage. Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, these highly trained guinea pigs discover that the fate of the world is in their paws.

Lambeau Field Remains No. 1 In ESPN The Magazine's 'Ultimate Standings'

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:14:32 CST

Packers Story: For the second straight year and the fourth time in the last five years, Lambeau Field is ranked No. 1 in stadium experience in all of professional sports in ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings.

The publication ranks all 122 North American professional sports franchises in stadium experience based on cleanliness, parking, security and promotions. Lambeau Field first hit the top spot in 2005 and stayed there in 2006 before dropping to second in 2007. Last year it climbed back to No. 1 and remained there this year.

"We're proud of the fact that fans continue to enjoy their experiences at Lambeau Field," Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy said. "We're always looking at ways to enhance the fan experience, to keep things fresh while also maintaining the traditions inherent to Lambeau Field. We work hard to make it a great visit for all of our fans."

Stadium experience is one of eight categories ESPN The Magazine uses to create the Ultimate Standi..

Lang's Ready To Shift From Playbook To Pads

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:27:20 CST

Packers Story: Like almost all players in the trenches after five weeks of OTAs and mini-camp practices, rookie offensive lineman T.J. Lang is eager to put the pads on in training camp, so the physical element returns to the game.

But Lang is also looking forward to the mental side of things changing in camp as well. Specifically, knowing what he's doing every snap rather than having to stop and think about it.

"That was the biggest challenge throughout the first couple weeks of OTAs -- every day we'd have a new install, so it was like every day you're learning a new playbook," Lang said during the team's mandatory mini-camp last week. "It definitely will start to slow down a little bit, now that we have all the plays in."

Lang, the fourth-round draft choice out of Eastern Michigan, has been lauded by the coaching staff for how quickly he has picked up the offensive scheme and shown that he belongs at the NFL level. But that doesn't mean the work has been as easy as Lang ..

CB Lee Sharpening His Focus

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:30:09 CST

Packers Story: It's still a little too soon to tell just how much cornerback Pat Lee's performance on the field will improve from his rookie season to his second year. Training camp will be the best barometer there.

But cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr. saw a different Lee in the meeting room during the recently concluded offseason program, and that bodes well for the former second-round draft pick's chances of taking a big step forward in 2009.

"His attention has been better, and he's more professional in the classroom," Whitt said early on during OTAs. "He had a little bit of the college lackadaisical style last year.

"But this year you can see (the change) in his whole approach this offseason. The way he asks questions, and the questions that he asks in meetings. His understanding of what's going on is at a higher-detailed level. He's becoming a professional and he's detailing his work."

There are multiple reasons for Lee's more thorough approach. One is simple ..

The Game I'll Never Forget: Jamon Meredith

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:37:18 CST

Packers Story: All athletes have that one game, that one contest, that ranks as the most unforgettable of their lives. It can be memorable because of a personal or team achievement, a dramatic finish, a sentimental moment, or any number of other factors.

Continuing an annual summer series, Packers.com caught up with the members of the 2009 draft class to ask them about the game they'll never forget. It could be a game at any level of competition that took place at any time. They're all hoping their new NFL careers will give them new memories and new games to cherish, but for now, these rank at the top.

Nearing the end of his first season as a starter for South Carolina, left tackle Jamon Meredith was going to find out just how good he might be.

Facing in-state archrival Clemson on Nov. 25, 2006, Meredith wrapped up the regular season of his redshirt sophomore year going head-to-head with soon-to-be first-round draft pick Gaines Adams, the standout defensive end. <..

Notebook: Team Ready For Training Camp

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:54:11 CST

Packers Story: Judging by how quickly many players packed up their lockers after Wednesday's final mini-camp practice, they were eagerly anticipating the end of their five weeks of on-field work that began with the OTAs back in late May.

But according to Head Coach Mike McCarthy, they got their work done in the meantime.

"I think our football team did a great job of coming in here, learning the systems -- whether it was offense, the changes we made, defense being new, special teams being new -- they took full advantage of their opportunity to have a clear understanding of what we're asking them to do," McCarthy said. "So I am very pleased with that."

The last workout Wednesday was the shortest of all, a 45-minute jog-through that was focused on the last segment of corrections from the OTAs. The players are now off until they report for training camp on Friday, July 31, with the first practice scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1.

McCarthy noted that several players hav..

So Far, So Good For Harrell

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:53:16 CST

Packers Story: Defensive end Justin Harrell nearly made it through all four weeks of OTAs and this week's mini-camp without missing any practice time, until some sort of cold or flu bug struck him the other day, forcing him to sit out Tuesday's afternoon practice in the scorching heat.

But if that's the worst malady to befall Harrell in 2009, he'll take it as a blessing.

Beset by injuries to his bicep, ankle, back and hip throughout his first two seasons in the NFL, the former first-round draft pick finally got to participate in a full offseason program over these last few months. That has put him in the best position of his young career to have a productive training camp and make himself a valuable, contributing member of the defensive-line rotation this season.

"It's been huge, just going through all this," Harrell said. "It's added reps, especially putting in a new defense and things like that. It's one of those things where you want to be out there until you can get c..

Notebook: Little Rest For Rodgers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:49:47 CST

Packers Story: With the players getting five weeks off, after tomorrow, before the start of training camp, they're looking at their last real vacation during this calendar year.

While many will take advantage of the down time to rest, recuperate, spend time with family, and/or visit someplace exotic, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is among those who did that back in January and February. So his focus stays mostly on business in July.

"I've got a group I work out with down in San Diego," Rodgers said as he rattled off a list of NFL players he'll be training with over the next month, including New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson, Tampa Bay tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., and Chicago cornerback Charles Tillman, among others.

"We're all going to start working out together probably about the first of July, and go through about 3 weeks of pretty intense training."

Granted, working out a few hours a day is nothing like traini..

Grant Looks To Reap Benefits From Full Offseason

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:49:28 CST

Packers Story: As he enters his third season with the Packers, running back Ryan Grant is going through his first full offseason of work with the team, and he is hoping that will pay dividends for him and the offense in '09.

Grant, who was acquired by Green Bay at the end of training camp in 2007 in a trade with the New York Giants, attended OTAs and mini-camp last offseason, but his involvement in practice was limited to watching since he had not yet signed his exclusive-rights tender. He then missed the first six days of training camp before agreeing to a long-term contract extension with the Packers on Aug. 3, only to suffer a hamstring injury in practice three days later that sidelined him for much of the preseason.

Compare that to this offseason, one that has seen Grant on the field throughout, and he is eager to be on the field for the first snap of training camp Aug. 1.

"I'm looking forward to it," Grant said. "It will actually be my first real training camp. Guys..

Lambeau Field Concessions/Recipe Contest

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:18:56 CST

Packers Story: Packers game attendees...we're looking for your input on an important part of the Packers' game-day experience -- FOOD! We're interested in your thoughts on what concession items you like best and what you would like to see added to make your game day experience at Lambeau Field more enjoyable. Please take a moment to answer two short questions...and then consider submitting a recipe for consideration as an addition to the 2009 game day menu. Click here to take the concessions survey and submit your recipe.

Recipes will be accepted through July 5, 2009. Recipes will be considered and the top 5 will be selected by July 12, 2009.

Try the top five concession items featured at Curly's Pub. Vote for your favorite! One new item will be featured each week:

Week of 7/20 - Recipe 1
Week of 7/27 - Recipe 2
Week of 8/3 - Recipe 3
Week of 8/10 - Recipe 4 ..

Notebook: Raji Showing Versatility

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:49:55 CST

Packers Story: The learning curve for any newcomer in the NFL is an arduous one, but rookie nose tackle B.J. Raji has had the added responsibility of working at a couple of different spots on the Packers' defensive line.

Throughout OTAs and once again during Monday's first mini-camp workout, Raji worked at left defensive end in Green Bay's No. 1 base defense, opposite defensive end Johnny Jolly and next to veteran nose tackle Ryan Pickett.

"I think B.J. has done a good job at the end position," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "His learning curve is probably a little higher than what you would like. You always would like to take a rookie and establish him in one position, but that's not always the best case to get the young man on the field. He has really trained in three positions. He's got the nose guard and then also the tackle in the sub groups and the defensive end in the base group.

"He has worked his way through it. He's a gifted young man. You can see why everybody..

Collins Begins Catching Up

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:48:33 CST

Packers Story: Safety Nick Collins doesn't feel as behind in the transition to the Packers' new 3-4 defense as some have speculated he might be.

Time will tell in the end, but Monday in his first day of on-field work since the start of the offseason program, Collins said he's comfortable with where he is and doesn't expect it to take long to be fully up to speed.

"I'm pretty up to date," Collins said. "I was in my playbook. I know the terminology. It's just more getting the reps down, the same speed, and doing the right things on the field."

Collins was back to work Monday, the first day of the Packers' three-day mandatory mini-camp to conclude the offseason program. But he wasn't interested in talking about why he stayed away throughout most of the voluntary portion of the offseason workouts and OTAs.

His agent has been quoted in several media reports saying that Collins, who is heading into the final year of his five-year contract signed as a rookie in 2005, wa..

Mini-Camp Open To Public

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:41:52 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers' three remaining mini-camp practices will be open to the public (weather permitting) on Clarke Hinkle Field.

The practices are scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 10:15 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Wednesday, June 24, at 10:15 a.m.

The practice scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, June 22, was cancelled.

Profits Down, But Finances In Good Shape

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:38:27 CST

Packers Story: RISING PLAYER COSTS REMAIN A CONCERN

The rough economic times had a noticeable impact on the Green Bay Packers' latest financial report, as profits from the past fiscal year fell considerably over the previous year - from $23 million to $4 million, a drop of more than 80 percent.

But Packers executives credited the ongoing success of the stadium renovation, the overall fan support, and very disciplined business practices with allowing the franchise to weather the economic storm and keep it in solid financial shape.

"The strength of the organization really gives me confidence for the future," President/CEO Mark Murphy said, as the team gave a preview of its latest financial figures over the weekend. "We are fortunate to have the kind of support we do in terms of season ticket sales and corporate sponsors, and that support has really been helpful in allowing us to make it through a difficult time.

"I think we've managed our resources and our f..

The Game I'll Never Forget: Brandon Underwood

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:13:44 CST

Packers Story: All athletes have that one game, that one contest, that ranks as the most unforgettable of their lives. It can be memorable because of a personal or team achievement, a dramatic finish, a sentimental moment, or any number of other factors.

Continuing an annual summer series, Packers.com caught up with the members of the 2009 draft class to ask them about the game they'll never forget. It could be a game at any level of competition that took place at any time. They're all hoping their new NFL careers will give them new memories and new games to cherish, but for now, these rank at the top.

Brandon Underwood had been to BCS bowl games before with Ohio State, but only as a bit player.

That made it all the more meaningful to get to a BCS game in his final college season with Cincinnati, as a key contributor at defensive back and on special teams in one of the most successful seasons in Bearcats' history, and Cincinnati's home victory over Pittsburgh last..

Matthews, Poppinga Not Settling For Second-String

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:13:56 CST

Packers Story: They've both been working as the outside linebackers on the No. 2 defense throughout OTAs this month, but you can count on Clay Matthews and Brady Poppinga to make their push for a starting job sometime this summer.

And that's not a knock against Jeremy Thompson, the second-year pro who has taken all the reps thus far with the No. 1 unit as the outside linebacker opposite Aaron Kampman. Thompson has made a relatively smooth transition from defensive end and reshaped his body in a way that makes him look fairly natural at his new position.

But it's hard to discount how well the skills of Matthews and Poppinga fit the outside linebacker spot as well. Matthews, a first-round draft pick out of USC, excelled as the Trojans' hybrid end/linebacker with his ability to drop into coverage as well as rush the passer.

Meanwhile Poppinga, now in his fifth year in the NFL, was a defensive end in college who converted to a strong-side linebacker in the Packers' old 4-3 sc..

Notebook: Havner Adds A Position

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:15:32 CST

Packers Story: Any player hoping to earn a spot on the final roster looks for a way to set himself apart from others at a position. Spencer Havner is hoping versatility proves to be his biggest asset as he began working at tight end this week in addition to his normal linebacker spot.

Havner, who played in four games for the Packers in 2008 on special teams, was first approached by the team last Thursday about adding another position to his duties. Head Coach Mike McCarthy said Havner's strong play at tight end on the scout team the past few seasons factored into the decision.

"He has shown the ability to play tight end in our opinion in this league, so to increase his value on our football team, we're going to give him the opportunity to train both at tight end and at linebacker," McCarthy said. "He had the opportunity to play special teams last year. I thought he did a very good job.

"It will give him a chance to once again, increase his value. So we'll train him tomor..

Finley Works On Broadening His Game

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:29:39 CST

Packers Story: As a featured pass-catcher at the University of Texas, tight end Jermichael Finley's college career was focused on, well, catching passes.

But when he got to the NFL as a rookie last year, his job got a lot more complicated. He had blocking assignments in the running game, protection responsibilities in the passing game, and adjustments to make against blitzes, as well as passes to catch against much better defenders and more complex coverage schemes.

That's a lot for any rookie to take in, let alone a then-21-year-old who had played only two seasons in college, redshirting his first year and then entering the NFL Draft with two years of eligibility remaining. And at times it showed.

But entering his second year in the NFL, Finley feels there's a "world of difference" in his adjustment to the pro game. These days he can't stop saying how excited he is for the season to get going, presumably because the confident youngster feels he'll be capable of displayin..

Charity Events Fill Weekend

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:42:06 CST

Packers Story: The annual Jerry Parins Cruise For Cancer and Donald Driver's Charity Softball Game took place this past weekend in northeastern Wisconsin.

Check out Packers.com's photo galleries highlighting the events.

Jerry Parins Cruise For Cancer - Click here for photos!

Donald Driver Charity Softball Game - Click here for photos!

In addition, the Packers hosted a one day 7-on-7 tournament in the Don Hutson Center, featuring eight high school teams from Brown County. - Click here for photos!