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Training Camp Report - July 31

Wed, 31 Jul 2002 18:07:51 CST

The consistent improvement the Packers have demonstrated during their first week of training camp might be hard to evaluate from behind the wire fence of Clarke Hinkle Field, with several drills often coinciding to create an action-packed football scene, however the changes seen in GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman's daily demeanor demonstrate the progress the team is making day after day.

During Wednesday's practice Sherman directed the team through many routine drills with a quiet confidence representative of a self-assured coach settling into his third season.

Main events of both practices continued to be the 9-on-7 drill, featuring an emphasis on the inside run. The morning practice did not favor either side of the ball, with plays made by both the offense and the defense at different times. This drill has, and will continue to be, a staple to the Packers' practices as they work toward a stingy run defense, as well as an offense that can effectively run the ball wee..

Packers Welcomed Back To Green Bay

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 31 Jul 2002 17:42:32 CST

More than 900 Packers fans ate lunch with their heroes at the 15th-annual Chamber of Commerce Packers Welcome Back Luncheon at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, Wednesday.

The event not only allowed fans to mingle with players and coaches, but also offered the Packers organization a chance to demonstrate its thanks.

"There are a lot of football teams out there, but only in Green Bay is there such a connection with the community," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman told the audience.

Coming off an outstanding performance on the field, third-year defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila was thanked for his efforts off the field as he was honored with the annual Community Service Award.

Random Questions With Mark Tauscher

Wed, 31 Jul 2002 09:19:31 CST

For those of you who have ever wanted to peek inside the mind of a Packers player, here's your chance. For those who wish they knew more about a player than his statistics and position on the depth chart, this is for you.

It was with those desires in mind that Packers.com peppered several Packers players with a series of Random Questions. Here's what happened when we got offensive tackle Mark Tauscher in the hot seat:

What's your favorite movie?
Shawshank Redemption, it just has a little bit of everything to it.

What's your favorite TV show?
"Seinfeld."

What do you like to have for a midnight snack?
"Probably a salad."

What's your favorite opposing city to visit?
"Chicago."

Who were your sports role models growing up?
"Cal Ripken. That's about it. I didn't really have any in football."

Who is the first person you call after a game?
..

Not To Be Forgotten

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 30 Jul 2002 18:24:07 CST

At first, he couldn't hear the question. With hundreds of fans swarming Donald Driver and four of his teammates at the Packers Partners reception Friday, July 26, outside the Packer Hall of Fame, the sound of his fan's question drifted upward from the speakers instead of outward.

So she repeated it into the microphone: "Donald, are you going to be the No. 3 receiver this year?"

"The number-what?" Driver replied, but this time he'd heard her just fine.

It's been the story of Driver's offseason. Every day he comes out to practice, works hard, leads the receivers through drills, and yet even his biggest fans only think to ask, 'Can you be No. 3?'

Such a question would assume, of course, that second-year player Robert Ferguson will hold onto the No. 2 spot that's his to lose, and that rookie Javon Walker may come along quickly, but not quickly enough, to demote a veteran like Driver all the way back to No. 4.

What such a question forg..

Training Camp Report - July 30, 2002

Tue, 30 Jul 2002 18:10:48 CST

Tuesday morning's practice began with a scene that Packers fans wouldn't mind a lot of once the season begins - the offense working in the red zone.

At the north end of Clarke Hinkle Field, quarterbacks Brett Favre and Doug Pederson threw to their receivers, who practiced hauling in over-the-shoulder passes and keeping their feet inbounds in the corner of the end zone.

Appraised GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman of the red zone drill, "I thought it favored the offense today. I thought they were more ready with their routes, and it usually does in the first time because we do so many things in the red zone that it's tough (for the defense) to get matched up on all the different formations and the routes.

"I thought Javon Walker and Donald Driver were two guys that made a difference today in the red zone, made some nice catches, and hopefully that will continue."

Later, the numerous running backs vying for a spot on the team had the opportunity to show ..

Training Camp Report - July 29, 2002

Mon, 29 Jul 2002 18:55:56 CST

Monday marked the third consecutive day consisting of both morning and afternoon practices. It began with a soft drizzle that likely had the loyal fans lining the fences along Oneida Street concerned that practice might be moved inside the Don Hutson Center, but the rain soon let up, giving way to a cool breeze that offered a reprieve from Sunday's sweltering conditions.

The star unit of the day was the Packers defense, which looked solid against the offense's ground attack.

"Today was a very heavy day, there was a lot of hitting going on today," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "This was probably the toughest practice in the entire preseason in regard to contact. I thought . . . our defense really stepped up and played a good solid run defense which is something that they needed to do today and they did it."

Among those stifling the run were veterans Joe Johnson and Vonnie Holliday, who created an intimidating presence that rookie defensive ends Aaron ..

Walker Displays A Head For The Game

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 29 Jul 2002 18:07:31 CST

When the Packers made him their first-round draft choice back in April, the knock on Javon Walker was that the guy was a 'slow learner.' He had to be, didn't he? After all, he only scored a 9 on his Wonderlic test.

And who knows what it's worth the other 364 days of the year, but on Draft Day the Wonderlic is irrefutable. In the case against Javon Walker, it was to be the smoking gun.

So when Walker suggested that he'd 'blown off' the exam, it only seemed proof of the pudding. Blow off a test that could affect your draft status -- and with it, perhaps a few million dollars -- how smart was that?

But that was April, and now it's almost August, and watching Walker go through just a few training camp practices it's clear that there's a learning problem here, because there are two things he seems unable to grasp: Rookie wide receivers aren't supposed to impress, and they're certainly not supposed to contribute, yet Walker is already doing the former and -- ..

Training Camp Report - July 28, 2002

Sun, 28 Jul 2002 18:32:58 CST

The Green Bay Packers caught the attention of the national media Sunday, as ESPN and FOXSports.com visited Clarke Hinkle Field to document the day's activities. They picked a great day to report on the Green and Gold, as there were numerous noteworthy performances despite Sunday's sweltering heat, which prompted the removal of pads for the afternoon session.

Cornerback Antuan Edwards earned the compliments of defensive coordinator Ed Donatell when he made a fingertip catch while managing to stay inbounds. Later, Brett Favre launched a 50-yard completion to wide receiver Robert Ferguson, despite having menacing tackle Gilbert Brown in his face. Ferguson, who was selected in the second round of the 2001 draft, has been acknowledged by GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman for his exceptional hard work throughout the offseason.

The linemen were hard at it in the trenches. The O-line produced several nice holes for the running backs during the first few minutes of the nine-on-..

Packers Notebook

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sun, 28 Jul 2002 18:31:21 CST

Although suited up, defensive end Vonnie Holliday was a relative non-participant in practice Sunday due to insurance technicalities.

"For whatever reason his agents, they don't have his insurance papers in place yet . . . so I'm not going to put him out here and risk injury to him with what's at stake this season for him and what he's in search of," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "He did some conditioning things inside, he was out here working some drills, but I didn't want to put him in a compromising position at this point."

Holliday was a late arrival into Packers camp this week, joining the team Saturday morning despite expressing frustrations over his contract situation. The team's first-round pick in 1998, Holliday is coming up on the final year of his contract, but would like to sign an extension prior to the season.

"I appreciate him being in camp," Sherman said. "I'm excited about this season for him, he's going to have a good year for us."

Packers Fight The Heat

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sun, 28 Jul 2002 18:29:06 CST

It was almost a year ago, July 31, 2001, that a 27-year-old Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman named Korey Stringer collapsed at a training camp practice in Mankato, Minn., only to die from heatstroke a few hours later.

Stringer was the first player in NFL history to suffer such a tragic fate, yet was only one of four football players to die of heat-related causes last year alone, another being Northwestern University defensive back Rashidi Wheeler.

Their deaths brought an increased focus to the dangers of heat exhaustion and dehydration, and are among the reasons the Packers have erected a 'cool tent' in the southeast corner of Clarke Hinkle Field. The tent, equipped with cooling fans and a horse trough filled with ice water, is designed to offer immediate relief for any player who might find himself falling victim to the heat.

"I think you'd have to call it a precaution," said Packers head trainer Pepper Burruss. "We've heard so much about heat prepara..

Holliday Reports To Camp

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 27 Jul 2002 19:15:34 CST

The much talked about 'holdout' by defensive end Vonnie Holliday was over before training camp's first full-squad practice.

Although the dispute over a contract extension has yet to be resolved, Holliday met with GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman and then underwent a routine physical examination before joining the team midway through Saturday's morning practice.

He saw limited action in team drills by the design of Sherman, who said he preferred that Holliday come into practice Sunday with fewer distractions and geared up to go full-speed, but Holliday's mere presence was a relief to both parties.

"It's nice to see Vonnie out here," Sherman said. "Vonnie's a good guy, make no mistake about that. We're excited to have him here on the practice field with our football team, as I'm sure his teammates are as well."

Said Holliday, "It's a difficult situation to be in. I was certainly frustrated and a little disappointed by what didn't happen in the offseason..

Training Camp Report - July 27, 2002

Sat, 27 Jul 2002 17:29:32 CST

Saturday represented the first appearance of veteran players at the Packers' 2002 Training Camp.

A 25-yard completion from Brett Favre to new-arrival Terry Glenn started the team's first practice in pads off on the right foot and gave fans, seated four-deep around the perimeter of Clarke Hinkle Field, something to cheer about.

Shortly thereafter, tight end Tyrone Davis managed a one-handed grab on a ball thrown just behind him by rookie Craig Nall just a few feet in front of a delighted Packers contingent.

Linebacker Hardy Nickerson made his mark early, welcoming running back Herbert Goodman to camp with a punishing hit at the line of scrimmage to the awe of his teammates and linebackers coach Bo Pelini. Later, Nickerson reiterated his presence on the field as he solidly greeted William Henderson immediately upon the fullback's reception of a short pass from Doug Pederson.

But the veterans were not the only Packers putting on a show. First-yea..

Nickerson Makes Packers Debut

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 27 Jul 2002 16:43:48 CST

Linebacker Hardy Nickerson has attended his share of training camps, but none of his veteran experience prepared him for the scene at Clarke Hinkle Field when he arrived for his first practice in a Packers uniform Saturday morning.

What he saw was Packers fans, a few thousand of them, lined so densely at the fences that cars making their way down Oneida Street couldn't be seen from the field.

"This is definitely not what I'm used to," said an amazed Nickerson afterward. "This is a treat, this is something special . . . It's almost like a game atmosphere out here."

When he signed his contract back in June, Nickerson noted the Packers' fan following among his reasons for choosing the Green and Gold, another was the team's ability to challenge for a Super Bowl title. Both of those factors had him happy to be back in yet another training camp prepping for his 16th NFL season.

"I think coming into this camp I was really excited," Nickerson said. "I c..

Packers Partners Reception Draws More Than 2,000

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 26 Jul 2002 15:05:25 CST

Demonstrating why they are considered among the best fans in sports, more than 2,000 Packers-backers attended the first Packers Partners Training Camp Reception Friday, causing the courtyard outside the Packer Hall of Fame to nearly bust at the seams.

The festivities were highlighted by a 30-minute question and answer session with Packers players Donald Driver, Ahman Green, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Javon Walker and Nate Wayne, who mingled with the crowd and did their best to pose for pictures and sign autographs.

Attendees also received posters and admission into the Packer Hall of Fame, as well as food and drink.

Packers Partners, the team's official fan club, which debuted in 2001, has almost 6,000 members to date.

Reynolds Looks To Rebound

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 26 Jul 2002 15:09:10 CST

When training camp kicks into high gear with the start of full-squad two-a-days Saturday, much of the fans' attention will likely be focused on the Packers' 2002 draft class, but GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman hasn't forgotten about the untapped potential of many of the 2001 draftees.

Headlining that group is first-round choice Jamal Reynolds, who entered training camp last season hoping to live up to the credentials that caused the Packers to trade up seven spots to take him with the 10th overall selection in 2001, but who enters camp this year just looking to prove himself after a rookie season marred by injury.

"I'm just so anxious to get out there and make some plays," Reynolds said. "It's been hard being out on the sidelines and watching everyone else have fun, but I'm back in there now so I get a chance to do it."

Last season be began training camp healthy, the reigning Lombardi Award winner as the nation's most outstanding collegiate defensive lineman, ..

Training Camp Report - July 25, 2002

Thu, 25 Jul 2002 17:57:29 CST

A few raindrops and a chilly wind proved to be no match for eager Packers fans, as the 'Railbirds' were out in full force to take in the second day of training camp action Thursday morning at Clarke Hinkle Field.

Today marked the start of two-a-day practices, albeit for rookies, first-year players and select players recovering from injuries only. Players dressed in shorts and are set to don pads in Saturday's practice. Rookie safety Marques Anderson affirmed his third round draft selection position by breaking up the first pass thrown in his direction during the seven-on-seven drills. During the same drill, first-round draft pick Javon Walker caught a quick, Favre-esque pass from fellow rookie and fifth-round pick Craig Nall.

Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell was not surprised by Anderson's level of intensity. When asked about Anderson's chances at filling the big shoes of recently retired LeRoy Butler at safety, Donatell said, "I think everybody, every player, ..

NFC North Preview: Players To Watch

NFL.com — Thu, 25 Jul 2002 10:25:11 CST

Every team has a big-name star or two - players who grab most of the headlines and are expected to propel their clubs to victory. Others, however, fly under the radar and end up surprising. NFL.com has chosen one or two up-and-coming players from each team, and explained why they may become household names before the 2002 season is in the books.

CHICAGO BEARS - WR David Terrell

After catching on late in 2001, Terrell should get a chance to make more of a contribution this season. Standout WR Marty Booker is set to be the key figure in Chicago's receiving corps, but with Marcus Robinson still recovering from an ACL injury, Terrell may become one of QB Jim Miller's main targets if he exhibits more maturity and consistency in his second year. Selected as the team's first-round draft pick in 2001, Terrell possesses size, strength and speed and showed signs of promise last season. Additionally, he has the confidence of head coach Dick Jauron. If the University of..

NFC North Preview: Minnesota Vikings

Brian Peterson, NFL Insider — Thu, 25 Jul 2002 10:23:28 CST

Like a participant in the Federal witness protection program, the Minnesota Vikings emerge this season with a completely new identity.

Familiar Pro Bowl faces such as John Randle, Todd Steussie, Jeff Christy, Robert Smith and Randall McDaniel have gone elsewhere during the past few seasons. That exodus continued after last season's disappointing 5-11 finish, most notably with the departure of head coach Dennis Green, wide receiver Cris Carter and safety Robert Griffith.

The Vikings still are blessed with star wide receiver Randy Moss, and his talents will be needed more than ever. New coach Mike Tice has promised Moss a large role in the offense, but at the same time Tice has made it clear that he won't tolerate laziness. Moss, who has been known to let his intensity wane, will be the focus of considerable attention.

So will quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who enjoyed a spectacular 2000 campaign but struggled somewhat last season before an injury sidelined..

NFC North Preview: Green Bay Packers

Brian Peterson, NFL Insider — Thu, 25 Jul 2002 10:22:17 CST

The pieces seem to be in place for the Green Bay Packers to make a run at their thirteenth NFL title.

Quarterback Brett Favre enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2001, finishing fourth in the league with a 94.1 passer rating and setting an NFL record with his tenth consecutive 3,000-yard season.

While Favre remains a constant (he entered 2002 with 157 consecutive starts), his receivers constantly change. Favre will start over again this season with Terry Glenn, acquired in a trade with the Patriots, and Robert Ferguson, a second-round draft choice in 2001 who played only one game as a rookie.

Running back Ahman Green posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard season by rushing for 1,387 yards in 2001, second most in the NFC. With 62 catches, he also was the team's leading receiver.

Pressure up front helped the Packers force 39 takeaways, tied for the most in the NFC. The addition of former Saints defensive end Joe Johnson may push that total even ..

NFC North Preview: Detroit Lions

Brian Peterson, NFL Insider — Thu, 25 Jul 2002 10:06:51 CST

When William Clay Ford Jr. hired Matt Millen as the club president and CEO before last season, Detroit Lions fans expected the franchise to assume the rugged personality displayed by the former linebacker during his 12-year career.

Too often, however, the Lions resembled the ball carriers Millen had leveled on the field.

The problems began behind center. Ty Detmer and Charlie Batch started as the team's top quarterbacks, but neither excelled. Consequently, Mike McMahon begins 2002 as the starter.

McMahon, a fifth-round draft pick in 2001, offers energy and excitement but not much experience as the Lions move into their new stadium, $315 million Ford Field. How long he will retain his job is anyone's guess, inasmuch as the Lions used the third pick in the 2002 draft on quarterback Joey Harrington.

Running back James Stewart, working behind an offensive line that averages 314 pounds, should be the team's biggest strength. A defense that ranked tw..

NFC North Preview: Chicago Bears

Brian Peterson, NFL Insider — Thu, 25 Jul 2002 10:05:34 CST

The Chicago Bears took a huge leap forward last season, winning the NFC Central title with a 13-3 record after finishing last with a 5-11 record only one year earlier.

Despite the success, there is room for improvement. Last year, they lost twice to division rival Green Bay and were soundly defeated 33-19 by Philadelphia in a divisional playoff game at Soldier Field.

The strength of the team can be found on a defense anchored by Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher. No team surrendered fewer points (203) than the Bears in 2001, in spite of a pass defense that ranked twenty-ninth in the league.

On offense, quarterback Jim Miller posted average numbers (he had a 74.9 rating) but won over fans and teammates with his leadership and toughness. He'll need to make more plays, however, if the Bears are to challenge for the NFC title. That said, running back Anthony Thomas, the surprising rookie star in 2001, likely will carry most of the offensive load.

..

Packers Open Training Camp

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 24 Jul 2002 19:56:47 CST

Pads and veterans won't be entered into the equation until Saturday, but the Green Bay Packers officially opened their 2002 training camp with an afternoon practice for rookies and first-year players Wednesday at Clarke Hinkle Field.

Perhaps the best news for the Packers was that they had five of their six draft choices in uniform, with fourth-round selection Najeh Davenport expected to sign his contract and be available to practice Thursday.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said there was a healthy bit of anticipation for the first workout, even if the intensity level will be tempered until the weekend.

"These guys have been here (in Green Bay) for some time," he said of the rookies. "Since they've been drafted they came to mini-camp, they've been to opportunity sessions and some of these guys have been working with the coaches individually . . .

"There's a lot of teaching going on down there, it's not going to have the intensity of that first practice..

Training Camp Report - July 24, 2002

Wed, 24 Jul 2002 19:51:49 CST

The first official day of the 2002 training camp campaign Wednesday seemed to carry the same goal-oriented theme of growth and improvement displayed just the day before at the annual Stockholders' Meeting.

A confident and informative preview of the 2002 season delivered by GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman to 2,211 eager stockholders at Brown County Arena Tuesday was an appropriate preview to the excitement rippling through Clarke Hinkle Field.

The enthusiasm extended to the 'Oneida Street Faithfuls,' the 'Railbirds,' the fans who loyally park their lawn chairs and fill the bleachers lining the fences to take in the scene of over 30 rookies and first-year players settling into the daunting physical conditioning routine that faces them during training camp.

Wednesday, the players, clad in shorts and helmets, filled up the majority of practice time running through position drills with their appropriate coaches. With the first two-a-days starting Thursday and the fi..

Packers.com Debuts New Look

Wed, 24 Jul 2002 21:44:59 CST

Just like today's afternoon practice for rookies and first-year players ignites the fuse for what looks to be a thrilling 2002 season, in accordance with the beginning of training camp Packers.com is pleased to launch its sharp new look that we hope will provide some excitement of its own.

Although some pages will receive further updates and modifications in the coming days, we hope that you not only find this new design more visually appealing, but also much easier to navigate.

As training camp unfolds, Packers.com will be here with photo galleries, daily coach/player audio clips, practice reports and other team news and analysis. So if you haven't already, make us your homepage...the season has begun!

Sherman Delivers Team Report At Stockholders' Meeting

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 23 Jul 2002 21:01:47 CST

In an event highlighted by GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman's team report, the Green Bay Packers organization conducted its annual Stockholders' Meeting in front of an audience of 2,211 at Brown County Arena, Tuesday morning.

In his nearly hour-long address, Sherman provided a detailed breakdown of how the team has changed over the offseason and where it's headed. While Packers.com has also provided audio of Sherman's entire address, below are some of the highlights.

**

Sherman said his chief offseason goal was to bring in more elite players and cited the acquisition of wide receiver Terry Glenn and defensive end Joe Johnson as major steps in that direction, also noting the recent additions of veteran linebacker Hardy Nickerson and punt returner Darrien Gordon.

Those additions aside, Sherman stressed that to be successful, the Packers will only be as strong as their weakest link.

"The 53rd player on ..

Packers Sign Walker To Multiyear Contract

Tue, 23 Jul 2002 17:33:32 CST

The Green Bay Packers signed first-round draft choice Javon Walker to a multiyear contract today, assuring that the wide receiver will be available to practice when training camp gets underway for rookies and first-year players Thursday.

Walker wasn't the only draftee to pen a contract today, as the Packers also reached a deal with sixth-round draft choice Mike Houghton (San Diego State). The official press release regarding both signings will be available at Packers.com later this evening.

New Facilities Tour

Mon, 22 Jul 2002 11:34:47 CST

While the Lambeau Field renovation project will not be complete until just prior to the 2003 season, the Green Bay Packers football operations staff is now up and running inside the new east wing at Lambeau Field, with the rest of the administration set to move into their offices this week.

Packers.com is pleased to bring you video and still photos of many of the new areas of interest inside the addition. From the weight room, to the training room, to the locker room, this is your inside look...check it out!

Take The Tour -

Photo Gallery
Quicktime Video: Big (3.5M) Small (1.4M)
RealVideo: 56k/100k

Packers Pro Shop Prepares To Open New Facility

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 19 Jul 2002 12:34:04 CST

- Photo Gallery

One week away from the grand opening of the new Packers Pro Shop, to be housed in the northeast corner of the Titletown Atrium at Lambeau Field, Pro Shop employees began unloading freight inside the new two-story, 6,500 square-foot space Friday afternoon.

The old Packers Pro Shop, which is only 1,750 square feet, will enjoy its last day of operation July 26, with the new Pro Shop opening its doors to customers for the first time the following morning, Saturday, July 27.

While some construction still remained to be completed, the improvement was already obvious.

"We want to be the top retailer in the NFL and in all of professional sports," said Kate Hogan, Packers Senior Manager of Retail Operations. "Certainly this provides us with the facility to do that. It's a major improvement in terms of the look, size and space ..

Butler Ends Historic Career

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 18 Jul 2002 19:25:07 CST

Eight months to the day after he left the Packers' home game against the Atlanta Falcons with a fractured left scapula, LeRoy Butler officially announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons in the league, all of them with the Green and Gold.

He made the announcement with the same charisma and class with which he played the game, constantly flashing his trademark smile. While his wife Rhodesia stood to his left, Butler thanked virtually every coach he'd ever played for, from high school through the pros.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone in the Packers organization, from secretaries to security guards. In the end, he said he'd even miss the media.

Butler did everything but look back in regret over a career that was complete, but over too soon.

"I wanted to make sure this wasn't very emotional, because this is a celebration for me," he said. "In the real world I'm a young man, 33, 34 tomorrow. But in dog years and football, you're o..

Packers Getting Situated In Lambeau Addition

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 16 Jul 2002 13:39:51 CST

While much of the administrative staff will move next week, the Packers' football operations staff has relocated to their office spaces inside the new east wing of Lambeau Field. Of course, that doesn't mean they're 'moved in.'

Tuesday morning, the number of boxes waiting to be emptied still outnumbered the flattened ones. As he unpacked, offensive line coach Larry Beightol joked that he was still trying to figure out how to position his office furniture.

With training camp just around the corner, Pepper Burruss and his staff worked feverishly to get the training room in order. Tuesday evening, the equipment staff planned to unpack 400 crates full of team gear.

And this is only the beginning. The rest of the administrative staff will relocate late next week.

In the near future, after things have been put in order, Packers.com plans to provide fans with a video tour of portions of the new building, including player facilities like the locker roo..

Former Packer Rohrig Dead At 84

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 15 Jul 2002 16:22:23 CST

Herman Rohrig, who played three seasons as a defensive back, punt returner and halfback for the Green Bay Packers, died Sunday at the age of 84.

Rohrig played a total of 25 games over seven years and three NFL seasons, his professional football career interrupted by four years of service in the Air Force during World War II.

As a rookie in 1941, he played in what would be a career-high 10 games, making one interception and returning four punts for 46 yards, while gathering only two yards on 21 carries with the offense.

In 1946, after his military tour had ended, Rohrig returned to Green Bay and made a team-high five interceptions, tied for fourth-best in the NFL. He also returned eight punts for 98 yards, but actually finished the season with minus-23 yards rushing on 14 attempts.

In 1947, his final year as a pro, Rohrig had arguably his finest season, playing in only seven games but making five interceptions for the second straight year, returnin..

Questions & Answers With Sterling Sharpe

Sat, 13 Jul 2002 17:57:45 CST

In his accomplished seven-year career, Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe was known for a lot of things, but giving interviews wasn't necessarily one of them.

Yet, a few hours away from the ceremony in which he was to be inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame Saturday, Sharpe was generous enough to sit down with Packers.com to talk about everything from his playing career, to his golf game, to his relationship with the media.

Packers.com: Tonight you're being inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, what does this night mean to you?

Sharpe: "The weekend has given me a chance to go over my career. Because for me, when I stopped playing I had fulfilled my dream, so there was no, 'I could have played four years longer,' 'I could have played six years shorter,' because I had fulfilled my dream and I was extremely happy with that.

"Leading up to this week allowed me to go back over certain games and certain people and certai..