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Online Diary: Rivera Describes Pro Bowl Experience, Part III

Fri, 31 Jan 2003 17:16:37 CST

This year, in his seventh NFL season, guard Marco Rivera became the first Packers offensive lineman to be voted to the Pro Bowl since Larry McCarren in 1983.

The all-star selection was a much-deserved reward for Rivera, who started all 17 games -- including post-season play -- despite tearing the medial collateral ligaments in both knees.

In addition to protecting Brett Favre, Rivera and his fellow offensive linemen opened holes for the Packers' best rushing season in 17 years.

Sunday, February 2, Rivera will join Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, tight end Bubba Franks, safety Darren Sharper and the rest of the all-stars at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Brett Favre and Ahman Green both were voted into the all-star game, but will not participate because of injuries).

Making his first trip to Hawaii, Rivera offered to share his Pro Bowl experience in an online diary exclusive to Packers.com.

Pro B..

Atrium's Special Events Facilities Will Attract National Business

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 31 Jan 2003 17:12:57 CST
For years fans called the Green Bay Packers asking if it might be possible to hold an event near and dear to their hearts at a place near and dear to their hearts: Lambeau Field. And for years, the Packers had to say no.

Thursday that all changed when the Packers organization announced that it would begin officially accepting special events bookings for the Lambeau Field Atrium, a 365,000-square-foot, five-story structure at the northeast corner of Lambeau Field.

A jewel of the $295 million redevelopment project, when the Atrium becomes fully operational in September it will include meeting and banquet facilities, a brewpub, an interactive fan zone, the Packers Hall of Fame, the Packers Pro Shop (already operational) and other elements.

"It's going to be an incredible hub of activity," said Dee Geurts-Bengtson, the Packers' executive of special events.

If the football team is the first part of attracting visitors to Lambeau Field, opening the Atri..

Pro Bowlers Tour Nuclear Sub, Naval Cruiser

Craig Ellenport, NFL.com — Thu, 30 Jan 2003 14:51:18 CST
It was clear that the Pro Bowl players who toured a nuclear submarine and Navy cruiser Tuesday at the Pearl Harbor U.S. military base in Honolulu appreciate the effort that servicemen and women put into protecting their country. Still, it was even more evident that the feeling was mutual.

"What you guys do means a lot to us," said Captain Scott Anhalt of the USS Lake Erie naval cruiser as he addressed a group of seven NFL players who made the trip.

The sentiment was clear as officers of both the USS Lake Erie and the USS La Jolla nuclear submarine greeted and got autographs from Eagles cornerback Troy Vincent, Ravens defensive end Peter Boulware, Packers guard Marco Rivera, Packers receiver Donald Driver, Jaguars punter Chris Hanson, Jaguars long snapper Joe Zalenka (Hanson's guest) and Bears quarterback Jim Miller (who is in Hawaii as a reward for nominating the NFL Teacher of the Year).

Especially at a time when the threat of war in Iraq is as real as e..

NFLE Provides Unertl A Chance To Prove Himself

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 29 Jan 2003 16:24:48 CST
In his first attempt to make an NFL team, Jeremy Unertl didn't have to go far.

Signing a free agent contract to participate in the Packers' April mini-camp in 2002, Unertl (pronounced YOU-ner-tle) needed only to drive northeast about 200 miles from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to Green Bay.

This time around Unertl finds himself on the verge of a much longer journey as one of seven players on the Packers' expanded offseason roster to be allocated for play in NFL Europe.

"Even before last year I kind of knew this would probably be the route I'd have to go," said Unertl, who was a standout safety and punt returner for the Division III Eagles as a collegian. "Most guys from small schools have to go to NFL Europe to show themselves and get some experience.

"When you come from a smaller conference, a smaller division, you have to prove your ability to play the game. And no matter how hard you try, there's no way to simulate real football in ..

Online Diary: Rivera Describes Pro Bowl Experience, Part II

Tue, 28 Jan 2003 15:33:53 CST
This year, in his seventh NFL season, guard Marco Rivera became the first Packers offensive lineman to be voted to the Pro Bowl since Larry McCarren in 1983.

The all-star selection was a much-deserved reward for Rivera, who started all 17 games -- including post-season play -- despite tearing the medial collateral ligaments in both knees.

In addition to protecting Brett Favre, Rivera and his fellow offensive linemen opened holes for the Packers' best rushing season in 17 years.

Sunday, February 2, Rivera will join Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, tight end Bubba Franks, safety Darren Sharper and the rest of the all-stars at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Brett Favre and Ahman Green both were voted into the all-star game, but will not participate because of injuries).

Making his first trip to Hawaii, Rivera offered to share his Pro Bowl experience in an online diary exclusive to Packers.com.

Pro B..

Bonamego 'Thrilled' To Be In Green Bay

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 27 Jan 2003 18:30:53 CST
John Bonamego grew up an Army brat, which means he grew up all over the place.

He estimates that he's relocated once every three years on average, from Waynesboro, Pa., where he was born, to Paw Paw, Mich., where he went to high school, to a handful of places in between and since.

And after four seasons within the Jacksonville Jaguars' organization, he's on the move again. But this time it's a little like coming home.

Monday, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman named Bonamego the Packers' special teams coordinator, and in doing so brought the 39-year-old to a place right out of his childhood.

"I'm just thrilled to be here," Bonamego said Monday evening from his still-empty office at 1265 Lombardi Ave. "It may sound corny, and I'll say it anyway, but as a kid this was my favorite team.

"I've always been a Packers fan."

Bonamego, 39, replaces Frank Novak, who announced his retirement from the position January 10, and who remains on staff a..

Online Diary: Rivera Describes Pro Bowl Experience, Part I

Sun, 26 Jan 2003 17:07:59 CST
This year, in his seventh NFL season, guard Marco Rivera became the first Packers offensive lineman to be voted to the Pro Bowl since Larry McCarren in 1983.

The all-star selection was a much-deserved reward for Rivera, who started all 17 games -- including post-season play -- despite tearing the medial collateral ligaments in both knees.

In addition to protecting Brett Favre, Rivera and his fellow offensive linemen opened holes for the Packers' best rushing season in 17 years.

Sunday, February 2, Rivera will join Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, tight end Bubba Franks, safety Darren Sharper and the rest of the all-stars at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (Brett Favre and Ahman Green both were voted into the all-star game, but will not participate because of injuries).

Making his first trip to Hawaii, Rivera offered to share his Pro Bowl experience in an online diary exclusive to Packers.com.

Pro B..

Lofton To Be Enshrined In Pro Football Hall Of Fame

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 25 Jan 2003 14:26:25 CST
James Lofton, the Green Bay Packers' all-time leader in receiving yards and the first NFL player to catch a touchdown pass in the 70s, 80s and 90s, has been selected for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the NFL announced Saturday.

The sixth player taken in the 1978 NFL Draft, Lofton played for five different teams over his NFL career, but spent nine of his 16 years in Green Bay.

From 1978-86, Lofton led the Packers in receptions eight times, racking up 530 catches for his Packers career -- second only to Sterling Sharpe's 595 -- and gathering a team-record 9,656 yards receiving.

He made 49 touchdown catches and scored one rushing touchdown, the latter on an 83-yard scamper that stands tied for the third-longest rush from scrimmage in team history. His 300 career points rank him 14th on the Packers' all-time list.

Lofton will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with running back Marcus Allen, defensive end Elvin Bet..

Packers, Chiefs To Meet In Hall Of Fame Game

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 24 Jan 2003 12:14:19 CST
The Green Bay Packers will get an early start on the 2003 preseason.

In a rematch of Super Bowl I, the Packers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, August 4, NFL officials have informed Packers President/CEO Bob Harlan.

The game will kick off at 7 p.m. CT, and be nationally televised on ABC.

"To be selected for the Hall of Fame Game is a tremendous honor for our football team," Harlan said.

"I think football fans will really enjoy seeing a rematch of Super Bowl I. Plus, this gives us an extra week of training camp in Green Bay, which is not only good for the team, but for the fans and the community as well.

"This is just one more exciting event leading up to the dedication of a renovated Lambeau Field, September 7."

The August matchup will mark the Packers' fourth trip to Canton. Previously, the Packers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 38-24 in 1969 and lost to the Los Angeles Ra..

Duffner Excited To Join Staff

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 23 Jan 2003 19:09:53 CST
With almost three decades of coaching experience under his belt, Mark Duffner joined his second NFL staff Thursday when GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman named him the Packers' linebackers coach.

"I'm excited about the opportunity," said Duffner, who spent the previous six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, the last two as defensive coordinator.

"To have the chance to join (the Packers), a franchise that's so steeped in success and tradition, it's something I think that most coaches would love the opportunity to be a part of, so I'm very excited to become part of the Packers organization."

This marks the second time that Duffner and Sherman have joined forces in their coaching careers.

In the mid-80s they coached together at Holy Cross, Sherman joining the staff as an offensive line coach when Duffner was defensive coordinator in 1985, before becoming offensive coordinator in 1988 after Duffner had assumed the head coaching position.

Sherman mo..

New York's Shockey Wins NFL Rookie Of The Year

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 22 Jan 2003 17:47:26 CST
Packers safety Marques Anderson earned three Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Week awards this season, tied for the most of any player, but it wasn't enough to land him the title of 2002 Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Year.

That honor went to New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, the NFL announced with a trophy presentation in San Diego Wednesday.

A two-time Rookie Of The Week winner, Shockey led NFL tight ends with 74 receptions for 894 yards this season.

Anderson meanwhile produced four interceptions -- returning two for touchdowns -- in his inaugural professional season. On a defense that led the league in takeaways, only two-time Pro Bowler Darren Sharper had more picks than Anderson.

Boosted by an 11-tackle effort against the New England Patriots, Anderson finished the season with 41 solo tackles and 61 overall.

More than 350,000 fans voted for five finalists on NFL.com from January 1-20. A breakdown of the voting wasn't released.

In a..

Packers To Allocate 7 For NFLE

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 22 Jan 2003 17:03:35 CST
The Green Bay Packers will allocate seven players to participate in NFL Europe this spring, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Wednesday.

The list is made up of safety Jeremy Unertl, punter Tim Morgan, linebackers Isaac Keys and Jermaine Petty, wide receivers Brian Haugabrook and Travis Williams and return specialist/wide receiver Shawn Mills.

NFL teams are only required to allocate three players to NFLE -- down from six last season -- but Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said the developmental league offers a welcomed chance to evaluate inexperienced players in game situations.

"We think NFLE is extremely valuable," McKenzie said. "It's giving guys a chance to play rather than just practice. If you're a backup, after a while you're just standing there watching everyone else.

"This way guys get to compete. They get to take in a game plan, learn what the coaches are trying to teach them and take it to the field week in and week out...

Driver Will Attend Pro Bowl

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 21 Jan 2003 16:49:34 CST
In the end, Donald Driver's head-turning 2002 campaign will take him to paradise after all.

Tuesday, the NFL said that Driver would replace Minnesota's Randy Moss at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii, February 2. Moss is unable to participate due to a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Having entered the year with 37 career receptions over three seasons, Driver had a breakout year in 2002, leading the Packers with 70 receptions for 1,064 yards and nine touchdowns.

"I'm more surprised than anything," said Driver, who admitted disappointment over not making the team in December. "I feel like I probably should have went to the Pro Bowl without having to wait (as an alternate), but because of that waiting, I think I'm more excited now."

Driver will join Packers tight end Bubba Franks, guard Marco Rivera and safety Darren Sharper on the NFC's all-star team.

Brett Favre was named to the Pro Bowl team, but will be replaced by ..

Packers Named 'Ultimate' Team In Pro Sports

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 20 Jan 2003 17:14:42 CST
Within the world of professional sports, some teams have great players, some have stupendous stadiums and some have fantastic fans, but only a few have all that and more.

According to a survey produced by ESPN The Magazine, the Green Bay Packers aren't just one of those upper-echelon teams, they're the best in the business.

In a project referred to as 'The Ultimate Standings,' this week's edition of ESPN The Magazine places the Packers atop a list of 121 franchises as the overall best in major professional sports (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB) according to fan polling.

"This just shows what I've always said, that this is the greatest story in pro sports," Packers President/CEO Bob Harlan said. "A team in a small city, owned by the fans, 12 championships, 19 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a legendary stadium, and still going strong -- it's simply amazing."

The ranking is the result of fan feedback gathered by Markitecture (Norwalk, C..

Sherman Named Staples NFL Coach Of The Year

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sun, 19 Jan 2003 18:10:10 CST
In astounding fashion, football fans worldwide named Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman the Staples NFL Coach Of The Year.

Online voting at NFL.com closed Sunday, with Sherman receiving a whopping 46.9 percent of 178,730 votes.

Runner-up was Marty Schottenheimer of the San Diego Chargers, who received 11.4 percent of the votes. Tennessee's Jeff Fisher (5.8 percent), Philadelphia's Andy Reid (5.8 percent) and Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden (5.3 percent) rounded out the top-five.

As a result, Staples will present a $25,000 check to the charity of Sherman's choosing.

In only his third year as head coach, Sherman guided the Packers to a 12-4 regular season record and the team's first division title in five seasons.

Green Bay went undefeated at home during the regular season, the only NFL team to accomplish that feat.

The Packers did so despite a wave of injuries that forced 13 of the team's 22 opening day starters to miss at least one game, ..

Vote Marques Anderson NFL Rookie Of The Year

Fri, 17 Jan 2003 18:30:22 CST
Time is running out for Packers fans to support safety Marques Anderson for Pepsi NFL Rookie Of The Year.

Fans are invited to submit votes daily until the polls close Monday, January 20.

A four-time nominee and three-time winner of the Pepsi Rookie Of The Week, Anderson played a vital role in the Packers' 12-4 season, playing in 14 games and making 11 starts.

His four interceptions ranked behind only Pro Bowl teammate Darren Sharper's seven on a defense that forced an NFL-best 45 turnovers. Two of his interceptions went for touchdowns.

Boosted by an 11-tackle performance against the New England Patriots, Anderson finished the season with 41 solo tackles (61 total).

You Asked. Packers.com Answers.

Thu, 16 Jan 2003 17:35:56 CST
With the offseason upon us, the time has returned to sort through the Ask Packers.com mailbag.

This installment of questions and answers includes popular inquiries about official team colors and stadium music. But it also includes unique inquiries regarding a legendary defensive back, the quarterback rating and the infamous Lambeau Leap.

What Green Bay Packers defensive back was blind in one eye? He wore uniform No. 44. -- Brian (New London, WI)

The player you are referring to is Bobby Dillon, who played with the Packers from 1952-59 and indeed wore No. 44. Despite his handicap, Dillon led the Packers in interceptions seven of his eight seasons with the team and remains the Packers' career leader in interceptions with 52.

He's also tied for the NFL single-game record, having made four picks against Detroit in 1953.
In 1957 he made interceptions in five straight games, which is also a Green Bay record.
One of the few Packers inter..

Fans, Community To Benefit From Packers Brick & Tile Project

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 14 Jan 2003 18:08:42 CST
The Packers have always had a special relationship with the community that supports them, but Packers fans hadn't been able to leave their mark on the hallowed grounds of Lambeau Field until now.

Tuesday, the Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District and the Green Bay Packers announced a commemorative brick and tile program that will link team and its fans like never before.

"We're giving Packers fans in this state and across the country a chance to be a permanent part of what I think is the very best stadium in the country," Packers President/CEO Bob Harlan said.

For as little as $75, Packers fans can purchase a personalized brick that will be installed outside the north end of Lambeau Field. Tiles, to be installed within the Lambeau Field Atrium, start as low as $100.

Doing more than add to Lambeau Field experience, revenue from the Packers Brick and Tile Program will help alleviate the tax burden accepted by Brown County res..

Packers Will Search For Favre's Successor

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 13 Jan 2003 18:32:16 CST
Let's stop the rumors before they start. Or, more accurately, before they resume.

Tomorrow the sun is expected to rise, July 4 is predicted to include fireworks and next football season Brett Favre plans to be the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.

Reports to the contrary are just plain silly.

But whether Favre's last season in the NFL is 2003 or 2030, this much is also certain: Someday, someone else will quarterback the Green Bay Packers.

For all the times Favre's 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame has appeared indestructible, his passion and talent for the game everlasting, even the three-time MVP himself says so.

"At some point there will be a different quarterback for the Packers," Favre said January 6 at a press conference in which he quashed retirement rumors. "When that will be, I don't know."

No one does. Not exactly.

Throughout the 2002 season the media constantly questioned Favre about his future playing the game. ..

Novak Announces Retirement

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 10 Jan 2003 17:36:19 CST
After 13 seasons in the NFL, including three in Green Bay, Frank Novak is calling it quits.

Friday, Novak officially announced his retirement as the Packers' special teams coach saying he wants to spend more time with his family and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.

"I have been a blessed man," Novak said. "It's just simply time for me to go on to another stage of my life, but I'm always going to be a Packer and will continue to hold the big 'G' very, very sacred to my heart."

Novak may be leaving his position, but he's not leaving football. At least not any time soon.

The 64-year-old will remain with the Packers for an indefinite period of time, helping the coaching staff prepare for the upcoming draft and 2003 season, while easing the transition of his successor, yet to be determined.

"I'm still going to be involved in athletics," Novak said. "Right now, in the short future, I'm going to be right here. How far it gets extended, we'll s..

Packers Notebook -- Winters Has Surgery, Hopes To Return

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 09 Jan 2003 17:30:56 CST
For all the times Frank Winters endured retirement questions this year, it might have been nice if the majority were in regard to his own career.

You'd think after 16 years in the NFL, he'd have earned that much.

Instead, more often than not, the word 'retire' was coupled with the name 'Brett Favre.'

That's what you get when for 11 years you've been teammate and friend to one of the best quarterbacks in the game.

So it caused considerably less media frenzy when Winters confirmed Monday, as did Favre, that he has every intention of returning to the team in 2003.

Assuming, of course, that there's roster space available for a very-veteran player with still overwhelming amounts of athleticism and drive.

"It all depends on the Packers and what they want to do," Winters said. "We'll just have to see. I want to come back, but I don't make those decisions."

Two weeks away from his 39th birthday, Winters' age would suggest him r..

Sherman Explains Non-Challenge

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Jan 2003 18:08:48 CST
Sometimes your living room couch really is the best seat for watching a football game.

Following the Packers' playoff loss to the Atlanta Falcons, questions abounded as to why GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman didn't challenge the officials' ruling on a second quarter play in which Atlanta recovered what was considered on the field to be a muffed punt and fumble by Packers return man Eric Metcalf.

Television replays of the incident showed that after Metcalf signaled for a fair catch, Atlanta's Kevin McCadam forced blocker Tyrone Williams into Metcalf, preventing him from fielding the punt.

While the officials ruled that the ball then bounced off of either Metcalf or Williams, one camera angle presented several times in ABC's broadcast seemed to indicate that the ball first bounced off of McCadam. If that were the case, the ball would have been considered dead on contact and the Packers would have started their next possession.

Sherman's post-game comment..

Sherman Reviews 2002 Season

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Jan 2003 16:10:06 CST
The Green Bay Packers may not have accomplished all of their goals for 2002, but they were successful in meeting most of them.

Wednesday, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman held the final press conference of a season that saw the Packers go 12-4 en route to their first division title in five years, but come up short of their Super Bowl championship hopes.

Although still frustrated by the Packers' playoff performance, in his opening address Sherman noted that there are many things to celebrate regarding the 2002 campaign. And, as he approaches his fourth year as head coach, the future of the team seems bright.

Final 2002 Season Press Conference - January 8, 2003
GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman's opening statements:

"My feeling about Saturday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons hasn't changed. I thought maybe time would alleviate some of the disappointment that I experienced after the game and in the following days but it hasn't. I fully expected u..

Gbaja-Biamila Among Recipients Of Ed Block Courage Award

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 07 Jan 2003 18:05:33 CST
Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is the Packers' recipient of the 2002 Ed Block Courage Award, the foundation for the award announced Tuesday.

First handed out to Baltimore Colts defensive end Joe Ehrmann in 1978, now the Ed Block Courage Award goes annually to one player on each of the NFL's 32 teams.

Each winner is selected by the votes of his teammates for commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.

Gbaja-Biamila received national attention this season after delivering a standout performance in the Packers' Dec. 8 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, a game played only days after the tragic death of his mother in a car accident.

In his third NFL season, Gbaja-Biamila also became a regular starter and every-down player for the first time as a pro.

Of his 45 tackles, Gbaja-Biamila recorded a team-high 12 sacks in 2002. He also forced four fumbles.

Along with the 31 other winners from around the league, Gbaja-Bia..

Everyone A Winner With Grancare Visit

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 07 Jan 2003 16:45:15 CST
Officially, the Packers' 2002 season ended over the weekend, but that didn't keep wide receiver Donald Driver and offensive lineman Bill Ferrario from getting into some heated competition Tuesday.

Proudly wearing their Packers uniforms, Driver, his wife Betina, and Ferrario surprised residents of the Grancare Nursing Center in Green Bay with a visit, which included multiple games of Packers Bingo.

Ferrario started the afternoon calling the letters and numbers, while Driver kept a sharp eye on several game cards.

"That was a bad one, you're calling the wrong numbers," Driver jokingly yelled at Ferrario whenever he was unable to mark a square.

Winners of Bingo rounds got to choose between Packers shirts and hats, or received surprisingly coveted quarters.

"How come that table over there has won like $500?" Driver asked. "Everyone else has like 50 cents. They must be cheating over at that table."

After Ferrario finished calling a f..

No Surprise: Favre Will Return In 2003

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 06 Jan 2003 17:08:49 CST
Just a few minutes before television and radio stations broadcast live across the state of Wisconsin Brett Favre's Monday morning press conference, Frank Winters was asked if he had a gut feeling about Favre's future in Green Bay.

Considering that the 38-year-old center has been Favre's teammate for 11 years, his roommate for training camps and road trips, you'd think he might have some new inside information.

"He'll be back," Winters said.

Well, of course he would be. After all, hadn't Favre said as much himself this season?

Apparently not loud enough, or at the right times.

Because all it took was Favre failing to speak to the media after Saturday's playoff loss to the Atlanta Falcons to make the most overly hyped story of the football season reach Ben & J. Lo proportions.

Monday, as Favre strode into the media auditorium in the bowels of Lambeau Field, TVs and radios statewide were patched in. Cameras clicked rapidly every ti..

AP Story: Packers Lose To Falcons, 7-27

Sat, 04 Jan 2003 22:22:19 CST
It looked so perfect for Green Bay. Snow falling. Packers in green and gold. Lambeau Field in January.

Only it wasn't Brett Favre making all the plays.

It was Michael Vick.

Undaunted by the storied stadium where his own coach lost in the "Ice Bowl" 35 years ago, Vick made history of his own.

The 22-year-old improvisational genius led the Atlanta Falcons to a shocking 27-7 upset of the Packers in a wild-card playoff before a record crowd of 65,358 stunned souls.

The Packers (12-5) were the only team to go unbeaten at home during the regular season. And they had never lost a home playoff game since the NFL instituted a postseason in 1933 in going 13-0 -- 11 of the victories coming at Lambeau and two more in Milwaukee.

The closest they had come was on New Year's Eve 1967, when Bart Starr knifed into the end zone with 13 seconds left to give Green Bay a 21-17 victory over Dallas in the coldest game in NFL history.

Falcons coa..

Packers-Falcons Notebook - Same Teams, Different Setting

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Jan 2003 15:02:05 CST
Like black and white. Like night and day. Like, well, Lambeau Field in September and Lambeau Field in January.

The first time the Packers and Falcons met this season it was a humid 83 degrees at kickoff and the temperature kept rising.

This weekend, with a 7 p.m. kickoff, the temperature will start in the mid-20s -- without the wind chill -- and continue to drop.

And it might even snow.

Equally difficult, the settings couldn't be any different. In fact, the environment will be altered right down to the footing.

In preparation for the playoffs, the Packers' grounds crew re-sodded the middle of the field with a Bermuda grass. That's a departure from the Kentucky bluegrass hybrid the Packers have used all season.

"It won't have the give in it that was shown in our last ballgame on Lambeau," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said of the Bermuda grass. "They can pack this down a little bit."

Although improved by the new sod, the..

Sharper: Better Than 50-Percent Chance Of Playing

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 02 Jan 2003 16:55:03 CST
Injured safety Darren Sharper went through some rehab and conditioning drills, but did not participate in the Packers' practice Thursday.

The sixth-year pro, who earned his second Pro Bowl nod this season, has been sidelined since tearing his medial collateral ligament (MCL) during an interception return against the Buffalo Bills (Dec. 22).

Sharper is listed as questionable for Saturday's playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons, but said Wednesday that he thinks there's a better than 50-percent chance that he will play this weekend.

The injured knee has healed to the point where Sharper is comfortable running straight ahead, but still lacks the stability necessary to make sharp cuts.

With the Packers looking to fight off playoff elimination Saturday, Sharper said he wants to be on the field, but that he wouldn't try to force his way into the lineup if unready.

"I want to be out there as bad as anyone, but I have to be smart," Sharper said..

Driver Practices, Still Questionable

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 02 Jan 2003 16:53:50 CST
He's still listed as questionable on the injury report, but Donald Driver's probability for Saturday's playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons seemed to increase significantly when he made a brief, but encouraging appearance in Thursday's practice.

After attending the special teams practice in the morning, Driver rejoined the team midway through the full-squad practice later in the afternoon. Appearing with the No. 1 offense, Driver ran several routes, but saw only two passes go his way.

Still, it was a promising development for a guy whose injured right shoulder prevented him from lifting his arm above his head to put on his shirt two days before.

"My shoulder is still hurting, don't get me wrong," Driver said. "But I feel like the treatment I've been getting is great. I'm able now to put my arm over my head. After the (Jets) game, I couldn't even put my arm up, so I'm pretty much happy with the progress I've been making."

Driver sustained th..

Diggs Named NFC Defensive Player Of The Month

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Jan 2003 15:49:34 CST
Packers linebacker Na'il Diggs has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December, Wednesday.

The third-year linebacker out of Ohio State posted 37 tackles (30 unassisted) in the final month, leading the Packers in that category in the last two games of the regular season.

He also had one interception, two pass break-ups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Diggs' biggest game of the season, if not his career, was arguably against the Buffalo Bills, when he helped the Packers' shut down the opposition 10-0.

In addition to his team-high 10 tackles, Diggs forced and recovered a Travis Henry fumble in the first quarter and intercepted a Drew Bledsoe pass late in the second quarter.

Against the Minnesota Vikings, Diggs made only six tackles, but no single play was more important than his one-armed takedown of running back Michael Bennett on a third-down screen pass in the fourth quarter that forced a punt and set up the Packe..

Favre Runner-Up In MVP Voting

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Jan 2003 15:48:47 CST
The quest for No. 4 to win his fourth NFL Most Valuable Player award came up four votes short.

Wednesday, Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon was named the Associated Press MVP, pulling in 19 votes from a nationwide panel of 48 sports writers and broadcasters.

Favre, a three-time winner from 1995-97, finished second in the voting with 15 votes. Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair took third with 11 votes.

In his 12th NFL season, Favre led the Packers to an NFC North title and a share of the league's best record at 12-4, completing 341 of 551 passes (61.9 percent) for 3,658 yards and 27 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions.

Gannon set an NFL record with 418 completions this season on 618 attempts (67.6 percent), accumulating 4,689 yards and 26 touchdowns. He threw only 10 interceptions as the Raiders went 11-5 en route to the AFC West title and earned home-field advantage for the playoffs.

Favre didn't comment on his runner-..