Packers.com

Butler: Aggressive Packers Bite Bears

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 30 Sep 2003 20:02:39 CST

I don't mean to brag, but man I'm good!

If you watched the Packers-Bears game on Monday night, then you might have noticed that when Ahman Green broke free on his 60-yard touchdown run, it was center Mike Flanagan making the block on linebacker Brian Urlacher.

I said Flanagan would be a key to the Packers' success against the Bears, and he was. Led by their center, Green Bay's offensive line was like a steel wall. The Packers finished the night with 187 yards rushing and didn't allow a sack.

Flanagan had a tough task in handling Urlacher, but he wasn't the only one that played well. You also have to give credit to the rest of the line: Mark Tauscher, Marco Rivera, Mike Wahle and Chad Clifton.

I know it's hard for fans to see on TV, but the Packers' offensive line looked very athletic in taking it to the Bears. In my mind, they're the players of the game.

But don't forget about Green, who on that..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 30 Sep 2003 19:54:39 CST

LeRoy, I was just wondering why on third-and-short, or any short yardage situation, the defensive backs don't use press coverage to prevent the quick pass to the outside receiver? I know that Al Harris and Mike McKenzie are physical enough to do it, but they always seem to give them a 7-12 yard cushion. -- Mark (River Falls, WI)

That's a good question. Normally if you're blitzing six or seven people, like the Packers did much of Monday night's game against the Bears, the 'book' calls for the defensive backs to play off a little bit.

The reason why is that you don't want play-action, or a quick initial move by the receiver, to result in an easy touchdown. You can still be aggressive, but the general rule of thumb is that when you attack with that many players in the middle of the field, you have to be a little more conservative to the outside of the field.

Remember that if the Packers bring the safeties or the linebackers up to blitz, the corners d..

'Legends' Wallpaper Series Continues With Hutson, Wood

Tue, 30 Sep 2003 13:36:50 CST

In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Having already released free wallpapers of Tony Canadeo, Johnny "Blood" McNally and Bart Starr, among others, this week the series continues with tributes to Don Hutson and Willie Wood.

In future weeks, the series will include wallpapers of greats such as Clarke Hinkle and Ray Nitschke, along with Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi and the rest of the Green Bay Packers enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

Don Hutson --

Credited with inventing pass pa..

Packers Acquire WR/KR Reggie Swinton From Dallas In Trade

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 30 Sep 2003 13:01:35 CST

The Green Bay Packers have acquired third-year wide receiver/kick returner Reggie Swinton from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2004 conditional draft pick, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Tuesday.

Through three games this season the Cowboys had utilized Swinton as a return man, with three kickoff returns for 65 yards (21.7 avg.) and one punt return for 0 yards to go with three fair catches.

In two prior seasons in Dallas, Swinton played 29 games with an 11.1-yard punt return average in 50 tries, compared to a 24.1-yard kickoff return average over 84 attempts.

As a receiver Swinton has 14 receptions for 180 yards and one touchdown in his NFL career.

Swinton has also returned one punt and one kickoff for touchdowns.

A Murray State alumnus, Swinton bounced around the Canadian Football League in 1999 before finding a home with the Cowboys in 2001.

The Packers have until 3 p.m. CT to cut a player to get back under the 53-man roste..

AP Story: Packers Top Bears, 38-23, On Monday Night Football

Mon, 29 Sep 2003 23:42:05 CST

New Soldier Field or old Soldier Field, it makes little difference. Ahman Green, Brett Favre and the rest of the Green Bay Packers just love to play the Chicago Bears.

Green ran for 176 yards on 19 carries, and Favre threw three touchdown passes, leading the Packers past the Bears 38-23.

"I knew we would run the ball well," Favre said. "Before the game, Ahman was fired up. And the offensive line -- you could just tell they were ready to go."

The Packers (2-2) won for the 17th time in the last 19 meetings between the NFL's oldest rivals, building a 24-6 halftime lead against the Bears (0-3).

Favre improved his career record against the Bears to 19-4 and has now directed 10 straight road wins against them. He also reached another milestone, jumping ahead of Dan Fouts to No. 5 on the career passing yards list with a total of 43,089.

Asked why he's been so successful against the Bears, Favre said: "I have no idea. But I'm not complaining...

Green Bay-Chicago Still Packs A Good Punch

Pat Kirwan, special to NFL.com — Mon, 29 Sep 2003 16:55:33 CST

There's no deeper history in the National Football League than the Green Bay Packers playing at the Chicago Bears. Soldier Field may be new and improved for the game, but the ghosts of the past still ring loud and clear. The teams have played each other 164 times, but the Packers are 16-2 in the last 18 meetings against the Monsters of the Midway.

The Bears have been without a home since 2001-- they called Memorial Stadium at Champaign, Ill., their home during the 2002 season. They'll need that home-field advantage, along with better players, to get back on course. The Packers are off to a slow start and are looking forward to the lights and national TV audience on Monday Night Football to jump-start their season. On paper the game shouldn't be close, but with traditions on the line, it should be.

When Chicago has the ball, there's not much offensive production to get excited about. The offense is ranked last in the league in almost all offensive categories, most ..

Packers, Bears Have Love-Hate Relationship

Brian Peterson, special to NFL.com — Mon, 29 Sep 2003 10:12:39 CST

(Editor's Note: This story is reprinted from the September 2000 edition of NFL Insider.)

The rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers began innocently on a mild November Sunday afternoon at Chicago's Wrigley Field (then called Cubs Park) in 1921.

The Bears, then named the Staleys and one of the league's founding teams, were ready to show the ropes to the Packers, who were in their inaugural NFL season (although they had existed as a pro football club since 1919).

Chicago pounded the Packers 20-0, and, for extra measure, Staleys guard John (Tarzan) Taylor threw a sucker punch that broke the nose of Packers tackle Howard (Cub) Buck.

It was the opening bell in the start of a beautiful relationship.

For the past 80 years, the Bears-Packers series has had all the bitterness, intensity and animosity normally associated with rivalries.

Along the way, however, the teams have also developed a deep admiration and ..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Bears

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 27 Sep 2003 14:19:48 CST

When I came to Green Bay in 1990, the Packers-Bears rivalry was the first thing I learned about.

I'd just flown into town and as I was walking off the plane a little old lady came up to me and said, "You know you've got to beat the Bears twice."

She meant twice every season, but at that point the Packers had only defeated the Bears two times over the last five years.

It didn't get much better right away. We lost five in a row to the Bears at the start of my career before beating them on the road in 1992. That was the start of things turning around.

Including that win, the Packers have won 18 of the last 21 meetings.

There's no question that the Bears are the Packers' biggest rival. These two teams will meet for a record 165th time Monday night, making it the longest-standing rivalry in the NFL.

You can throw out the records when these two teams play, because they just don't matter. The fans get into it and the players can't he..

Luchey Practices In Cast

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 26 Sep 2003 18:45:17 CST

Testing out a new protective cast that covers his broken left thumb and much of his wrist and forearm, fullback Nick Luchey returned to the practice field Friday still clinging to the hope that he can be in the lineup Monday night against the Chicago Bears.

"It's sore, but for the most part it's a lot better than what I expected," said Luchey, who broke the thumb at practice Wednesday when a tipped pass deflected awkwardly into his hand.

"If I have to play through pain, it wouldn't really be a problem. We're just worried about those bones moving that's been shattered."

As things are now, Luchey believes he can avoid surgery and let the hand heal naturally. If further damage were done to his thumb however, metal pins would have to be surgically inserted for stability, sidelining him for a matter of weeks.

Because the cast covers so much of Luchey's hand, doing anything beyond blocking could prove problemat..

Hornung Trophy To Be Stadium Tour Stop

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 26 Sep 2003 15:25:21 CST

The Packers have had Heisman Trophy winners in Green Bay before. Now they have the trophy itself.

Friday morning Paul Hornung's 1956 Heisman Trophy was put on display at the Club Level of the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Located just outside the Legends Club ballroom, the trophy will be visible to those who book special events there. Other interested fans can view the trophy by taking a Lambeau Field stadium tour.

Tours were put on hold during the stadium renovation, but are scheduled to resume sometime in mid-October.

In addition to the trophy photo-op, tours will take fans into a private stadium box, through the Lambeau Field concourse and into a few behind-the-scenes locations.

The highlight of the tour is a walk through the Packers tunnel to the edge of Lambeau Field's hallowed ground.

Tours will be approximately 50 minutes in duration. Admission will be $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (63-and-over), $5 for children 5-12 and free fo..

Live Chat To Welcome Josh Bidwell, Friday

Thu, 25 Sep 2003 18:44:29 CST

Now in his fourth NFL season, Packers punter Josh Bidwell has been Mr. Reliable for the Green Bay Packers.

Impressively consistent, even in the frequently nasty winter weather of Lambeau Field, Bidwell is three clean punts away from setting a team regular-season record for unblocked punts.

Last week in Arizona, Bidwell was a bright spot with a 43.3-yard average on four punts, three of which were downed inside the Cardinals' 20-yard line, including one at the 2.

Those punts are significant to more than just the Packers, as this season Bidwell is donating $125 for every punt downed inside the 20-yard line to The Angel Fund, Inc., a Green Bay organization that assists with the medical expenses of children fighting cancer.

Bidwell himself is a cancer survivor, having been initially diagnosed just after the Packers drafted him out of the University of Oregon in 1999.

This Friday, at approximately 1:30 ..

Broken Thumb Could Sideline Luchey

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 25 Sep 2003 18:24:24 CST

Nick Luchey's already frustrating 2003 season has taken a turn for the worse.

Thursday the fullback revealed that he might need to undergo surgery on a broken left thumb suffered Wednesday during practice.

For the moment at least, Green Bay Packers team physician Dr. Patrick McKenzie is trying to get Luchey fitted with a protective cast that would allow him to play as soon as Monday night against the Chicago Bears.

But by playing, Luchey runs the risk of worsening the injury and having to undergo surgery anyway.

"It's kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation we're in right now," Luchey said. "I want to play so bad and it's already been frustrating for me. But I'd really be pissed if I go out there and something happened to it."

Signed by the Packers in March to be the current backup and eventual replacement for ninth-year veteran William Henderson, the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Luchey impressed during the preseason not only wi..

Packers Women's Association Provides Aid To Local Charities

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Thu, 25 Sep 2003 16:38:06 CST

With funds generated by sales of the Green Bay Packers Family Cookbook, the Packers Women's Association donated $35,000 to three local charities, Thursday.

Chris Cann (March of Dimes), Deborah Mertens (Cerebral Palsy Center) and Terri Refsguard (Special Olympics) were on hand to accept the donations for their respective charities.

"We want to thank the Packers organization, and of course the wives, for doing all of this work and selling all of the cookbooks and organizing it," Mertens said. "I truly believe that with the support of the community, and especially the Green Bay Packers organization, I believe that the best is yet to come for people with disabilities in northeast Wisconsin."

Represented by Bethany Bidwell, wife of Packers' punter Josh Bidwell, and Sarah Longwell, wife of Packers' kicker Ryan Longwell, the PWA credited the community for the help that they were able to provide to the charities.

"We were able to raise $35,000 doll..

Injury Update - Recovering Rivera Ribbed By Teammates

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 24 Sep 2003 18:54:49 CST

Marco Rivera wasn't hiding behind a patch, but he was sporting a pair of Nike sunglasses.

The 2002 Pro Bowler was unintentionally poked in the eye Sunday by Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Barron Tanner, and although medical tests conducted Monday found no significant damage to the offensive guard's right eye, the normally white sclera was red with blood Wednesday.

"The eye looks worse than it really is," Rivera said. "I'm just sensitive to the light right now. That's why I have the sunglasses on."

Good thing Rivera's ego isn't as fragile. The sunglasses may have protected his eye, but they invited numerous jabs from his teammates.

"I've been hearing Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder and (Jim) McMahon," Rivera said. "Mike Wahle called me the Puerto Rican Terminator."

The last nickname is the most appropriate, considering that neither broken hand, nor medial collateral ligament tears have been able to..

Packers Make Impact On Off-Day

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Tue, 23 Sep 2003 20:15:25 CST

Normally a day off to relax and recover from the previous week's battle wounds, Tuesday became a day of motivation for three Packers players.

Backup quarterback Craig Nall, offensive guard Mike Wahle and linebacker Marcus Wilkins shared their own life experiences with approximately 90 teen-agers at the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy, Wis.

A high impact, quasi-military style program, the Challenge Academy is designed to offer the cadets -- consisting mainly of high school dropouts or kids who did not perform well in a normal school environment -- the opportunity to develop the strength of character and the life skills necessary to become successful, responsible citizens.

"A lot of them have adopted a strategy of quitting," said Col. Mike MacLaren, who runs the 11-year old program for the state of Wisconsin. "When they quit, they turn to drugs, they turn to alcohol and other dysfunctional behavior."

The academy's intent is..

'Legends' Wallpaper Series Continues With Adderley, McNally

Tue, 23 Sep 2003 16:38:22 CST

In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Having already released free wallpapers of Paul Hornung and Bart Starr, among others, this week the series continues with tributes to Herb Adderley and Johnny "Blood" McNally.

In future weeks, the series will include wallpapers of greats such as Clarke Hinkle and Ray Nitschke, along with Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi and the rest of the Green Bay Packers enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

Herb Adderley --

Herb Adderley was no stranger to the Su..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 23 Sep 2003 15:53:55 CST

LeRoy, first of all it's so great to have you back! We have missed you and look forward to reading your weekly columns here. My question is why do you think that this Packers team is struggling so much and not playing up to its potential right now? What do you think can be done to right the ship before it is too late? Thanks - WE LOVE YOU LEROY!! - Jean (East Troy, WI)

Let me start by saying that it's great to be online and back with the Packers and their fans. I'm really looking forward to each week, and I hope you are as excited as I am.

I think one of the things holding the Packers back is a lack of continuity on defense. They have several new players this year -- or returning players in new spots -- and it might take a while to get comfortable.

But the biggest impact already this season has been injuries. Donald Driver missed a game, Robert Ferguson is injured, Marco Rivera is dinged up, the list goes on and on.

For the offense esp..

Butler: Tough Loss, But Packers Can Bounce Back

LeRoy Butler, Special Packers.com — Tue, 23 Sep 2003 15:51:37 CST

After a loss like the Packers had against the Arizona Cardinals last weekend, I wish I could come back and play.

In times like these everyone needs to band together, because you don't want to let last week's loss distract you from the game coming up against the Chicago Bears.

The Packers didn't play as well as they would have liked in Arizona. The Cardinals had key third-down conversions (8-13 overall and 7-10 in the second half) and kept the momentum going in the second half to grind out a victory in the desert heat.

Overall, the Packers did a good job against the run Sunday. Emmitt Smith broke off a few longer runs of 8 yards or more, but for the most part the defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage. Smith finished the game with only 50 rushing yards and the Cardinals had 81 as a team.

Where the defensive line struggled was pressuring the quarterback.

Jeff Blake was able to go to his third read and wait for his receivers to co..

No Breaks For Black & Blue Rivera

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 22 Sep 2003 17:30:22 CST

Marco Rivera has a shiner that would give Rocky Balboa pause, but nothing to keep him out of the lineup next week against the Chicago Bears.

That's good news for the Packers' starting offensive guard, who as of Sunday evening was experiencing double vision and wearing a patch over his injured right eye.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said there had been some fear among the Packers' medical staff that Rivera might have suffered a fractured eye socket, but Rivera said an MRI conducted Monday didn't reveal any breaks.

"It's all black and blue, and it's still a little blurry," Rivera said, "but I just left the doctor's office and he said that when the swelling goes down and the blood goes away, I'll be back to normal."

The eye wound is just the latest in a long line of maladies for Rivera, who despite being banged up has played in 70 consecutive games including playoffs.

In the preseason Rivera sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left k..

AP Story: Packers Fall To Cardinals, 20-13

Sun, 21 Sep 2003 18:46:28 CST

The big "home crowd" that greeted the Green Bay Packers in the desert went home like melted cheeseheads.

Dexter Jackson, last year's Super Bowl MVP, saved the Arizona Cardinals' 20-13 upset victory by intercepting Brett Favre's pass in the end zone at the finish.

Jeff Blake and the Arizona offense wore out the Packers in record heat that reached 106 degrees by the start of the fourth quarter.

It was a stirring victory for an Arizona team that had lost 10 of 11, the latest a 38-0 home beating by Seattle a week ago.

To add to the embarrassment, most of the 58,784 on hand Sunday were rooting -- loudly -- for the Packers.

"People got their money's worth today," Blake said. "I heard somebody in the stands say last week that we were robbing them. Well, we're even now."

Blake, knocked out of last week's game in the first quarter with a bruised left heel, completed 20 of 31 passes for 273 yards, including a 1-yard pass to James Hodgi..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Cardinals

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 20 Sep 2003 21:29:08 CST

When Sunday's game between the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals kicks off, the temperature at Sun Devil Stadium is supposed to be 102 degrees or more.

People are probably thinking that puts the Packers at a disadvantage since they're coming from Green Bay, the land known for the Frozen Tundra.

But Packers will be well prepared for the heat. All week long the coaches and the training staff will have talked to players about staying hydrated, and these days players know the steps to take in order to be safe in the heat.

Back in 2000, the last time we were in Arizona for a regular season game, the heat wasn't a factor at all. We went in there, took care of business and beat the Cardinals 29-3.

The funny thing about that game is that a few weeks before the Philadelphia Eagles had gone to Dallas and beat the Cowboys 41-14. The Eagles were saying that they prepared for the heat by drinking pickle juice.

Well, we didn't drink any pic..

Injury Update - Driver Could Start

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 19 Sep 2003 17:49:24 CST

For the moment, wide receiver Donald Driver remains questionable for this weekend's game against the Arizona Cardinals, but GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Friday that the 2002 Pro Bowler could be upgraded to probable based on Saturday's walkthrough practice.

If deemed healthy enough to play, there's no reason to think Driver couldn't make the start as well.

"He's practiced all week, so if I decide to go that way, he would start," Sherman said. "There's a chance that could happen. Right now he's listed as questionable ... I'll either upgrade him or keep him at questionable tomorrow. That will be the determining factor."

Driver is looking to come back from a badly sprained neck, which forced him to be removed from the field on a stretcher in the Packers' season opener, September 7.

As recently as last Sunday, Driver was still wearing a neck brace, but he donned pads with the rest of his teammates for practices this week. None of the workouts inc..

Packers Notebook - Ready For A Fight

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 19 Sep 2003 17:18:08 CST

If winning teams always won and losing teams always lost, then there'd be no reason for the Green Bay Packers to travel all the way to Arizona to pick up a victory this weekend.

Over the past decade, the Packers have been among the NFL's best, going without a losing season since 1991. The Arizona Cardinals meanwhile, have been a league doormat for even longer, with only one winning campaign since 1985.

But, as they say, streaks are made to be broken. And even though the Cardinals are 0-2 and coming off their worst loss since 1981 -- a 38-0 drubbing at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks -- the Packers insist they aren't taking their Week 3 opponent lightly.

"Overlooking them?" defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt asked. "You can't overlook anybody. I mean, they haven't been off to a great start, but who's to say when we go down to them Sunday that they're (not) going to come out swinging?"

The Packers don't expect the Cardinals to roll over. They expe..

Packers Preparing For Record Heat

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 18 Sep 2003 19:46:00 CST

The 80s music that played over the sound system in the Green Bay Packers' locker room Thursday smacked of potential. But, alas, no Buster Poindexter.

Instead, the Packers took to the Don Hutson Center for the second straight day in preparation for this weekend's hot, hot, hot meeting with the Arizona Cardinals.

Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 104 degrees in the Valley of the Sun, Sunday.

If that's the case, it will be the hottest regular-season game that any Packers team has ever played, surpassing the 102-degree kickoff-temperature that greeted the Green and Gold at San Diego in 1978.

"It's hot as hell out here," Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis said bluntly this week, "but that's where we live."

And, unfortunately, it's where the Packers will have to play this weekend, in the worst part of the day, wearing their green uniforms that are traditionally used for home games, while the Cardinals dress in white.

"Maybe ..

Live Chat To Welcome Javon Walker, Friday

Thu, 18 Sep 2003 14:32:16 CST

In just his second season as a pro, wide receiver Javon Walker is fast becoming a playmaker in the Packers offense.

Through two games, Walker leads the team with 109 yards receiving, spread out over seven receptions, including one for a touchdown.

With Donald Driver questionable and Robert Ferguson still coming back from injury, Walker promises to be a key player in this weekend's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

But before Walker leaves for the Valley of the Sun, he's going to sit down in the Packers.com hot seat and take questions from Packers fans.

This Friday, at approximately 2 p.m. CT, Walker will be our guest for another exclusive Live Chat on Packers.com.

We've had some excellent chats so far, largely due to the outstanding questions submitted by Packers fans.

If you plan to take part in Friday's chat, please be sure to remember the following tips:

Be courteous and respectful. Packers.com will not post a..

Driver Practices, Moves On From Fall

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 17 Sep 2003 19:28:08 CST

Ten days ago, as he lay motionless on the Lambeau Field turf, Donald Driver's career -- if not also his ability to walk -- appeared in jeopardy.

Now the only thing left to question is whether Driver will play this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

Listed as questionable on the team's injury report, but considered "day-to-day" in terms of his comeback attempt from a badly sprained neck, Driver was back on the practice field Wednesday and looking to move forward.

"I feel pretty good right now," said Driver, who until two days ago was wearing a protective neck brace.

"The biggest thing is I'm up and walking. I just feel like I got a second chance to -- I don't know what it is -- to prove something, I guess."

It's hardly the first time in his life that Driver has faced adversity. Growing up in Houston, his family fell into such poverty that for a while they lived out of a U-Haul trailer.

By comparison, Driver's current situation..

'Legends' Wallpaper Series Continues With Davis, Starr

Tue, 16 Sep 2003 13:25:19 CST

In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Last week, the Legends series debuted with free wallpapers of Tony Canadeo and Paul Hornung. This week it continues with tributes to Willie Davis and Bart Starr.

In future weeks, the series will include wallpapers of greats such as Herb Adderley, Clarke Hinkle and Ray Nitschke, along with Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi and the rest of the Green Bay Packers enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

Willie Davis --

A 17th-round draft choice out of Gramb..

Packers Notebook -- Diggs Probable, Awaiting MRI

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 15 Sep 2003 18:00:39 CST

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Monday that he expects Na'il Diggs to be in the lineup against the Arizona Cardinals this weekend, but not without undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) just to be safe.

The Packers' starting weak-side linebacker, who hasn't missed a game since his rookie season of 2000, sprained his medical collateral ligament (MCL) Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

"We don't think it's significant," Sherman said of the injury. "We're going to do an MRI just to check on it, just to make sure. He'll be listed as probable this week more than likely, unless something comes up with the MRI."

Despite suffering the injury, Diggs is coming off what he considers to be one of his finest performances as a pro, notching eight solo tackles and three passes defensed in the Packers' 31-6 victory.

The only returning starter in the linebacker corps from the 2002 season, Diggs moved to the weak side this season, replacing Nate Wayne. ..

AP Story: Packers Flatten Lions 31-6

Sun, 14 Sep 2003 15:52:07 CST

It took a mere 52 seconds for the Green Bay Packers to rediscover their running game and their home-field advantage.

Ahman Green rushed 23 times for 160 yards, including a 65-yarder for a score on his first carry as the Packers rolled past the Detroit Lions 31-6, snapping a two-game home losing streak.

Green topped 100 yards by halftime, and the Packers (1-1) picked off three of Joey Harrington's passes in the second half to send the Lions (1-1) to their 17th straight road loss.

Green scored when he found a hole in the eight-man front created by guard Mike Wahle, broke a tackle by safety Corey Harris and raced 65 yards for the touchdown on a field drenched by nearly three inches of rain in 48 hours.

"This is our type of weather," Brett Favre said. "When we're running the ball like that, we're tough to beat. Anybody would be."

The play accounted for more yards than Green had in either of his previous two games. He had 53 yards against ..

Packers Notebook -- Ferguson Practices

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 12 Sep 2003 16:39:56 CST

Wide receiver Robert Ferguson took a major step toward suiting up this weekend against the Detroit Lions when he took part in practice Friday.

Playing with knee and ankle sprains sustained in the season opener, Ferguson took part in the entire practice and said he was able to run full speed. He is still listed as questionable on the team's injury report however and GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman called Ferguson a game-time decision.

"We'll see how he recovers," Sherman said. "I'm not going to speculate until I see how he handles (Saturday) and (Sunday)."

With Donald Driver already ruled out with a sprained neck, the Packers would be without both of their starting receivers from Week 1 if Ferguson can't play.

Earlier in the week, the third-year receiver was walking with the assistance of crutches. Friday, he was much improved.

"Little sore, little tender, but other than that pretty good," Ferguson said.

Second-year receiver Javon W..

Player Spotlight: Kenny Peterson

John Raffel, NFLHS.com — Fri, 12 Sep 2003 10:32:20 CST

He was highly touted coming out of McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio, and Kenny Peterson lived up to his billing in the collegiate ranks while playing for the 2002 national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.

And now the draft choice this year of the Green Bay Packers (a third-round pick and No. 79 overall) is ready to embark on a promising football career as a defensive tackle or defensive end.

Peterson came into the Packer camp touted as a well-built player with quick feet, good balance and agility, with a burst of quickness.

He made a quick impression on Packer coaches during spring minicamps.

"A lot of veterans are helping me to get used to new techniques and terminology," Peterson said. "The whole organization is like a family and the older guys educate you on your game. Green Bay is one of those places where it's great to play pro football."

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Peterson also developed the reputation of being an explosive pass rusher..

Walker Poised To Carry Load

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 11 Sep 2003 18:40:38 CST

Only five tandems in NFL history have combined for more touchdowns than Antonio Freeman and Brett Favre, making the Green Bay Packers' newly re-signed wide receiver the top scoring target of the top quarterback in team history.

But it's been two years since that dynamic duo shared the same field, and it took seven years to tally those 57 touchdowns.

Freeman was undoubtedly the go-to guy in the past, but even with Donald Driver out and Robert Ferguson questionable for Sunday, he's not being asked to be The Man of the present.

That responsibility is being placed upon the broad shoulders of Javon Walker, who at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds is the biggest body in the receivers unit.

Walker hasn't been a No. 1 since the Packers made him their No. 1 in the 2002 draft, but GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman is certain that the Florida State alumnus can handle the role.

"I had confidence in him when we drafted him," Sherman said, "and he's really making leaps ..

Wisconsin Cops Armed With Packers Football Cards

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Thu, 11 Sep 2003 13:43:14 CST

Continuing a 21-year tradition, police officers around the state of Wisconsin are once again armed with Green Bay Packers football cards.

Sponsored by the Navigator Planning Group, the program -- which began during the head coaching tenure of Bart Starr -- now distributes over 125,000 sets of cards to kids each year, up from its original number of 11,000 sets in 1983.

"Kid's can wave to police officers, and if they're not busy, they will pull over to talk to them or they can talk to the officers at various special events," said Ashwaubenon public safety captain Chris Madson, who coordinates the program for the entire state. "For safety reasons, we just ask that the kids not approach police officers making traffic stops or while on other calls."

Nearly 100 police departments across the state are participating in the program, including Green Bay and the surrounding areas of Brown County and De Pere, where 17,000 sets of cards will be handed out.

Se..

Ferguson Questionable For Sunday

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2003 20:36:59 CST

Robert Ferguson was getting around on crutches as recently as Monday, but there remains hope that the third-year wide receiver will be able play this weekend against the Detroit Lions despite knee and ankle sprains sustained Sunday against Minnesota.

Ferguson was listed as questionable on the team's injury report Wednesday, meaning there's a 50-percent chance that he'll be in the lineup this weekend.

Although Ferguson didn't practice Wednesday, his injuries are said to have improved.

However, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman suggested that his receiver's confident strut makes it difficult to monitor his progress.

"He came up to my office yesterday," Sherman said, "and it's hard to tell with Robert when he's walking because he kind of has that little walk going on -- chillin', that's what they call it. I don't know what that means. But that's how he normally walks, so it's hard to tell if he's limping.

"I think I saw a little bit of a John Wayn..

Driver At Least A Week Away

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2003 20:36:20 CST

At this point, all the Green Bay Packers know for sure about Donald Driver's return from a sprained neck is that it won't happen this week against the Detroit Lions.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Wednesday that there's a chance Driver could return to the football field in time to play at Arizona, September 21, but that the more realistic bet would be the Chicago game, September 29.

With Driver sidelined, the Packers are without their top receiver from 2002. But after watching Driver land on his head last weekend, before being removed from the field on a stretcher, the Packers are content to get by without him for a while.

"I'm just thankful that he's okay," Sherman said. "Things are coming along better now than they had previously, but certainly this week will not be part of his recovery."

Released from the hospital Tuesday, Driver wore a neck brace Wednesday while visiting with teammates at Lambeau Field.

Quarterback Brett Favre said ..

Freeman Back At Home In Green Bay

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2003 20:35:41 CST

Throughout it all, Antonio Freeman never panicked.

Not when his one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles expired in February. Not when NFL training camps opened in July and he stayed home. Not even when the offseason turned into the regular season last weekend and he still didn't have a team to play for.

From the very beginning, Freeman felt assured that his professional career would see a ninth season. He just didn't figure on moving back to a place he'd previously inhabited for seven years.

"I was confident that something would come along that I was comfortable with," Freeman said Wednesday, just hours after re-signing with the team that drafted him in 1995. "In all of my thinking, it never crossed my mind that it would be Green Bay."

And yet in the end it was.

With at least two and possibly three members of the Packers' receiving corps unavailable this week due to injury, the Packers ..

Packers.com Debuts 'Legends' Wallpaper Series

Tue, 09 Sep 2003 12:21:35 CST

Sunday, September 7, the Green Bay Packers marked the completion of the three-year, $295 million renovation of Lambeau Field by rededicating the hallowed stadium.

In celebration of the 'Rebirth of a Legend,' and in tribute to the Packers' storied past, Packers.com offers a new, exclusive desktop wallpaper series.

Over the 2003 season, fans can log on to Packers.com every Tuesday to download free wallpapers depicting some of the renowned individuals from teams past, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series will highlight greats such as Herb Adderley, Clarke Hinkle, Paul Hornung, Ray Nitshcke, Jim Ringo and, of course, Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi, along with the rest of the Green Bay Packers enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

We begin the series with wallpapers of Canadeo and Hornung.

Packers Will Look To Sign Receiver

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2003 18:08:04 CST

With the injury bug acting as pesky through one game of the 2003 season as it was for all of 2002, the Green Bay Packers are once again looking to mend gaps in the roster.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman indicated Monday that he's in search of at least one receiver to add to the squad after three of the team's five receivers went down against the Minnesota Vikings over the weekend.

"I've been unfortunate enough to experience a lot of different injuries in my tenure as head coach," Sherman said, "but considering what happened the other day at the receiver position, I think that I'm forced to look at all possibilities in regard to receivers."

Sherman said that a few players were being brought into Green Bay for workouts Monday, and although he didn't name names, he did acknowledge that current free agent and former Packers standout Antonio Freeman was among the list of potential candidates.

"He's a possibility, there's no question about that," Sherman sai..

Driver Expected To Be Released From Hospital Tuesday

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2003 13:57:53 CST

A day after he was wheeled off of Lambeau Field on a stretcher, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver remains hospitalized with a severe neck sprain, but is expected to be released Tuesday morning, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said in his Monday press conference.

Driver was injured Sunday in the fourth quarter of the Packers' regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings when he landed headfirst on the turf after leaving his feet to catch a Brett Favre pass.

Although head trainer Pepper Burruss said Driver never lost consciousness or experienced paralysis, the wide receiver lay motionless on the field for several minutes while being tended to by members of the Packers' medical staff, who took every precaution in treating the injury.

The good news is that after an especially awkward fall, Driver's injury isn't as devastating as it may have initially appeared.

As of Monday morning, Sherman said Driver had movement in his extremities and t..

AP Story: Packers Drop Season Opener To Vikings, 30-25

Sun, 07 Sep 2003 15:58:57 CST

Randy Moss turned the Lambeau Field rededication into his own party.

Moss caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown in front of a record crowd of 70,505 at the remodeled stadium.

The Vikings, who snapped a 12-game losing streak outdoors, built a 27-3 lead and then held off Green Bay's furious rally.

Javon Walker's 24-yard touchdown catch pulled Green Bay to 30-25 with 1:55 remaining.

But Ryan Longwell's onside kick went out of bounds, and the Vikings took over thanks to a new NFL rule that doesn't allow a rekick with less than five minutes left. And Minnesota ran out the clock.

In a contrast to last December, when the two got into a shouting match, Brett Favre and Chris Hovan hugged after the game.

Daunte Culpepper threw three touchdown passes and the Vikings' defense forced four turnovers from the out-of-sync Packers in the first half.

The Packers lost starting receivers Donald Driver (neck) and Robert Fergu..

Fans, Former Players Celebrate Lambeau Field's Rebirth

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 06 Sep 2003 22:33:33 CST

On the eve of the stadium's rededication, with fans across the state tuning in to watch live, 33,899 fans came to Lambeau Field to celebrate the Rebirth Of A Legend.

The made-for-TV event included highlights packages of some of the greatest games and plays in the stadium's history, live music from the Rockin' Roadhouse Tour, a laser lights show and a fireworks display. But the main attraction was the most impressive gathering of former Green Bay Packers players ever -- more than 100 in all.

Among them were LeRoy Butler, Paul Coffman, Willie Davis, Lynn Dickey, Paul Hornung, Ezra Johnson, Jerry Kramer, Don Majkowski, Max McGee, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, Reggie White and Willie Wood.

There were multiple standing ovations during the evening, but the loudest and longest was among the last.

With flashbulbs popping, eight members of the 1967 NFL championship team took to the south end zone to reenact Starr's quarterback sneak that won the 'Ice Bowl.'

Locker Room Topics

Sat, 06 Sep 2003 16:33:36 CST

The Green Bay Packers locker room is full of diverse personalities. Recently we asked several players to name their favorite athletes growing up. Here are their replies:

Marques Anderson: Bo Jackson
Karsten Bailey: Michael Jordan
Josh Bidwell: Ken Griffey Jr.
Gilbert Brown: Eric Dickerson/Jerry Ball
Chad Clifton: Herschel Walker
Rob Davis: Dexter Manley
Na'il Diggs: Bo Jackson
Donald Driver: Marvin Driver
Antuan Edwards: Jerry Rice
Brett Favre: Archie Manning
Robert Ferguson: Mike Tyson
Carl Ford: Barry Sanders
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila: Muhammad Ali
Ahman Green: Walter Payton/Michael Jordan
Al Harris: Bo Jackson
William Henderson: John Riggins
Cletidus Hunt: Bruce Smith
Joe Johnson: Frank Novak
Aaron Kampman: Dennis Byrd
Ryan Longwell: Steve Largent
Mike McKenzie: Walter Payton
Hannibal Navies: Jerry Rice
Chukie Nwokorie: Pele
Doug Pederson: Frank Winters
Darren Sharper: Red Grange

Mike Flanagan: Keeping It All In Perspective

Nick Bandoch, Packers.com — Sat, 06 Sep 2003 15:56:40 CST

After eight years in the National Football League, Mike Flanagan knows a thing or two about playing football. And just as importantly to him, he knows a thing or two about enjoying life.

His comedic nature was no more evident than when, on a sunny afternoon in early August, he and fellow Green Bay lineman Mike Wahle highjacked two of the Packers equipment vehicles and proceeded to chase each other around the practice field. Their attempts to "tag" one another with footballs as they haphazardly circled the practice field delighted the fans that had gathered at Clark Hinkle field to watch the team practice. But no one had a bigger smile on his or her face than Flanagan.

In fact, a person would be hard pressed to find Flanagan without a smile on his face. After suffering a career-threatening injury in the preseason of his rookie year, the California native learned how to keep things in perspective.

"After the injury, I just realized how important this game m..

Receivers Among The Leaders

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 05 Sep 2003 17:50:16 CST

A year ago, questions surrounded the Green Bay Packers' receiving corps heading into the season opener.

In 2003 it's sort of the same, except that now the question isn't so much if Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson and Javon Walker can produce, but just how productive can they be?

Coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he increased his career receptions total from 37 to 107, Driver is the undisputed leader of the group.

With Terry Glenn departed to Dallas, Ferguson is slated to assume the other starting role, with Walker featured heavily as well. Karsten Bailey assumes the fourth receiver spot, followed by Antonio Chatman.

Although Driver is the elder of the group approaching his fifth season, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman predicts that the receiving corps will be one of the team's greatest strengths in 2003.

"They're young, but I'm excited about them because of the talent level that we have there," Sherman said. "I believe they're just ..

Injured Starters Rest Friday

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 05 Sep 2003 17:48:40 CST

Offensive guard Marco Rivera and safety Darren Sharper are still listed as questionable for the regular-season opener Sunday at Lambeau Field, but neither participated in the Green Bay Packers' practice Friday.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said that was by design, in part to let the injured veterans rest their wounds, while also providing extra reps to those who might have to step in and replace them.

"We're prepared either way we decide to go," said Sherman, who will make a game-day decision on both players. "We're certainly not going to put them at risk. If we feel like the risk is minimized because of where they are (Sunday), then we'll take a shot at it."

Rivera is less than two weeks removed from spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the Packers' preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, August 23. Darren Sharper injured his groin in the same game.

"It's pretty remarkable what they've done to get to this point," She..

Sporting News Calls Favre No. 1

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 05 Sep 2003 13:32:10 CST

Approaching his 13th professional season, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is the best the National Football League has to offer.

That's not just according to his teammates in the locker room, but also to the latest edition of The Sporting News, which features Favre on the cover, flanked by starting offensive linemen Marco Rivera, Mark Tauscher, Mike Flanagan, Mike Wahle and Chad Clifton.

The magazine's annual list of the top-100 players in the NFL also includes safety Darren Sharper (33), running back Ahman Green (39) and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (86).

Favre was No. 4 on the list last year, behind St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss, respectively.

Of those to precede Favre in 2002, only Moss made the top-15 in 2003, at No. 15.

Of the Packers' entrants, both Sharper and Green dropped a few spots from their 2002 rankings despite Pro Bowl..

Rivera On Target For Opener

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 04 Sep 2003 18:46:10 CST

If he's not careful, Marco Rivera is going to start making this look easy.

Less than two weeks removed from spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, Rivera -- listed as questionable on the team's injury report -- looks to be on target to play in the regular-season opener this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

For the second day in a row Rivera took part in almost all of the Packers' practice Thursday, as the team worked out in shorts. And although Rivera insists he won't know exactly where he stands until he tests the knee in a live contact situation, so far, so good.

"I'm just doing everything possible to try and build some confidence that my knee is going to hold up," said Rivera, who has played 67 consecutive games, including playoffs, despite finishing the 2002 season with MCL tears in both knees.

"I don't want to miss a game. (The season-opener is) so important, it's such a big game .....

Live Chat To Welcome Antonio Chatman, Friday

Thu, 04 Sep 2003 15:31:37 CST

After two seasons in the Arena Football League, Antonio Chatman has made a place for himself in the NFL.

When the regular season gets under way Sunday, Chatman will be the Green Bay Packers' punt returner. But before he meets the Minnesota Vikings, he's going to take on Packers fans.

This Friday, at approximately 2:15 p.m. CT, Chatman will be our guest for another exclusive Live Chat on Packers.com.

Previous guests this season have been defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, wide receiver Carl Ford, president/CEO Bob Harlan and vice president of player finance Andrew Brandt.

We've had some excellent chats so far, largely due to the outstanding questions submitted by Packers fans.

If you plan to take part in Friday's chat, please be sure to remember the following tips:

Be courteous and respectful. Packers.com will not post any profanity, and chat guests are unlikely to answer questions that are rude in nature. If you have 'tou..

Favre, Hovan Avoid The Hype

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 03 Sep 2003 19:10:00 CST

Last season they went facemask to facemask in the Metrodome and exchanged heated words on a chilly night at Lambeau Field, but Wednesday it was nothing but love for Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre and Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Chris Hovan.

Suddenly the two-man rivalry that once had the banter of a prizefight has all the punch of a tea party.

At least for now.

There's nothing to say that Favre and Hovan won't resume their spirited chats this Sunday at Lambeau Field, in the regular-season opener for their respective teams, but mum's the word midweek.

"I'm not giving you any fuel," Hovan told members of the Wisconsin media in a conference call Wednesday afternoon. "I'm not playing into your hands."

Perhaps Hovan feels he's said enough already. Or perhaps he doesn't trust what the media would do with his words.

According to various newspaper reports, this offseason Hovan purchased a Favre jersey to hang in his loc..

Harlan Plaza Dedicated At Lambeau Field

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 02 Sep 2003 19:05:04 CST

On a peaceful summer evening, in front of the stadium he helped save, in the presence of more than 200 fans, friends and family, Packers president/CEO Bob Harlan was honored with a permanent place at Lambeau Field.

Tuesday, the courtyard at the stadium's northeast corner -- which includes the statues of Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi, and leads to the main entrance of the Lambeau Field Atrium -- was dedicated Robert E. Harlan Plaza.

"For someone who gets choked up every Sunday when the Packers run out of the tunnel, this is just a huge, huge occasion for me," Harlan said.

The singular honor recognizes a man whose leadership has not only helped the Packers regain greatness on the football field, as evidenced by two Super Bowl appearances during his tenure, but has taken the organization to unseen heights off the field as well, highlighted by the $295 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field, which not only preserves the stadium, but makes it a year-round tou..