Packers.com

Roland: Joining Packers A 'No-Brainer'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 30 Jan 2004 16:26:53 CST

After a quarter-century coaching in the NFL, one can afford to be selective.

And so when Johnny Roland's seven-year tenure as running backs coach of the Arizona Cardinals ended last month, along with head coach Dave McGinnis' termination, he considered walking away from the game.

"Retirement kind of entered my mind, but really just for a fleeting moment," said Roland, who Friday was named the seventh running backs coach in Green Bay Packers history. "I had options. If I had an opportunity to take a job I was going to be selective about who I worked for and the job that I was going to go to.

"I was looking (for coaching positions), but I wasn't actively looking. I was kind of in that nebulous spot of making up my mind. But once I got to Green Bay and was sold on (GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman) and on the rest of the staff it was just a no-brainer."

To say that Rol..

Schottenheimer Excited To Join Packers

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2004 17:19:15 CST

Kurt Schottenheimer's options were many, but his decision was simple.

Removed as defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions after only two seasons, Schottenheimer discussed coaching opportunities with several teams -- including the Lions -- in recent weeks, but knew all the while where he hoped to go.

"If this was going to work out, this was where I really wanted to come," Schottenheimer said Wednesday after being named defensive backs coach of the Green Bay Packers, replacing Bob Slowik who was promoted to defensive coordinator.

"I'm very impressed with (GM/Head Coach) Mike Sherman and the job that he's doing here and obviously the tradition and quality of the football team that they have."

Not that Schottenheimer's own professional history is anything less than impressive.

A three-time defensive coordinator in his 17 years as an NFL coach, Schottenheimer becomes the third coach on the Packers' defensive staff with coordinator experience,..

Favre Regrets Missed Opportunity

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2004 22:22:10 CST

Make no mistake, Brett Favre is coming back in 2004 with every intention of making a run to the Super Bowl.

That's been his mindset throughout his entire NFL career.

But after the Green Bay Packers' disappointing finish to the 2003 season -- letting a 14-point lead slip away in an overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that knocked them out of the divisional playoffs -- it hasn't escaped Favre how close the Packers were to fulfilling their goals in their most recent season. Nor is he blind to the fact that at 34 years of age, he doesn't have many of those opportunities left.

"With each game I play, each season I play, everyone would agree with me, I'm running out of chances," Favre said Wednesday, at a press conference in Houston at which he was named the Snicker's Hungriest Player of the Year.

"This will be 14 years for me. I've been very fortunate. I've already won a Super Bowl. I know at different..

Sherman: Slowik Part Of The Answer For Packers

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 28 Jan 2004 22:13:56 CST

The good thing about new and improved is that it doesn't require starting from scratch.

The Green Bay Packers learned that from the Lambeau Field redevelopment project, which turned one of the NFL's most historic venues into a modern marvel without throwing out the baby along with the bathwater.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman hopes that what worked for the Packers' storied stadium also will work in his efforts to upgrade the defense that plays there.

Wednesday, Sherman promoted assistant head coach/defensive backs coach Bob Slowik to the role of assistant head coach/defensive coordinator, and by doing so suggested that the Packers aren't a team in need of a new defensive foundation, so much as some specific remodeling.

"My goal is for us to continue to do some of the things we do well and to fix some of the things that need to be fixed, as simple as that," Sherman said Wednesday. "I don't think we're that far..

Harris, McKenzie To Appear In Commercial For NFL Network

Wed, 28 Jan 2004 14:04:04 CST

Green Bay Packers cornerbacks Al Harris and Mike McKenzie are two of the dozen NFL stars who will appear in a 60-second commercial for the NFL Network during the broadcast of Super Bowl XXXVIII on CBS.

Appearing on the back of a boat named 'Cheesehead,' Harris and McKenzie take part in singing "Tomorrow," from the Broadway musical "Annie."

Other NFL personalities taking place include Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Bill Parcells, plus players Tony Gonzalez, Dante Hall and Priest Homles of the Kansas City Chiefs, Warren Sapp of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Terrell Owens of the San Francisco 49ers, among others.

In the commercial, the NFL stars - disappointed to not be playing in Super Bowl XXXVIII - take consolation that there's always next season.

But there isn't an offseason for the NFL network, which covers the NFL seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

The NFL Network w..

Packers Press Conference Scheduled For 4 p.m. CT

Wed, 28 Jan 2004 12:32:57 CST

The Green Bay Packers have scheduled a press conference for Wednesday, January 28, beginning at 4 p.m CT.

At that time, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman will name his new defensive coordinator, as well as another addition to the coaching staff.

As always, Packers.com will be your source for team news, so keep checking back to the official website of the Green Bay Packers to get the latest information.

Free audio of the press conference will be available at Packers.com immediately following its conclusion.

Ed Donatell had been the defensive coordinator since 2000, but was relieved of his duties January 16, along with tight ends coach Jeff Jagodzinski.

The Packers also have yet to replace running backs coach Sylvester Croom, who left the Packers following the 2003 season to take the head coaching job at Mississippi State.

Packers Fans Again Lead Way In Campbell's Campaign

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2004 16:55:36 CST

For the second year in a row, football fans have named the Green Bay Packers their favorite NFL team and contributed to Campbell's Tackling Hunger campaign in the process.

As part of Campbell's Click for Cans promotion, during the 2003 season the helmets of all 32 NFL teams were displayed on Campbell's official website. Visitors were invited to select their favorite team by clicking on a helmet.

Campbell's responded by donating one can of soup for each click to corresponding food banks nationwide.

The Packers generated 673,089 clicks this season, a bit down from their 2002 total of 896,762, but still good enough to lead the pack.

The Kansas City Chiefs were second with 501,120 clicks and the Minnesota Vikings were third at 352,701.

As a result of the project, more than 5 million cans of soup will be donated over the next year to a variety of hunger relief charities across the country.

The Green Bay Packers and Campbell's thank yo..

Do You Really Want A First-Round QB?

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2004 16:01:25 CST

It's very hard to resist a first-round quarterback as the college all-star games start to wind down and a few athletes look like 'franchise' players who could take a team to the promised land. But look no further than at the quarterbacks in this year's, and a few recent Super Bowls and you might ask yourself ... why go that route?

Fourteen teams ended the 2003 season with their own first-round pick under center. Of course that also meant 18 teams didn't have a homegrown multi-millionaire first-rounder leading the team. During this postseason, only three of the 12 teams -- Indianapolis, Tennessee, and Philadelphia -- took the field with the guy they believed were the real deal coming out of college.

As we all know, Peyton Manning, Steve McNair, and Donovan McNabb came up short once again and the stars in Houston will be a sixth-round pick Tom Brady (New England) and undrafted free agent Jake Delhomme (Panthers). What's up with that? Brady proved his star status two ..

Can't-Miss Sale Prices At The Packers Pro Shop

Mon, 26 Jan 2004 11:33:07 CST

The football season may have come to a close, but things are still heating up at the Packers Pro Shop.

Always your source for the best selection of Green Bay Packers apparel, accessories and more, the Packers Pro Shop has marked down more than 100 items for sale at PackersProShop.com.

The deals won't last long as items are expected to sell out in a hurry.

From coats to shirts to hats, the selection is wide, including dozens of youth and ladies sizes.

You're just one click away from checking out the sale, so don't waste time. Log on right now and make your selections at the only place where your purchases help the Packers win!

Click here to start shopping at great sale prices!

Henderson Hopes To Stay

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2004 16:33:22 CST

As William Henderson cleaned out his locker last week to head into the offseason, he wasn't blind to the obvious.

With 26-year-old Nick Luchey on the roster, the 32-year-old Henderson is no longer the Green Bay Packers' future at fullback.

But after nine NFL seasons, Henderson isn't ready to be part of the Packers' past either. And although it remains to be seen whether the Packers can afford to keep both players on the roster in 2004, Henderson is hoping to stick around.

"I would never be one to say I'm definitely going to be here (in 2004)," Henderson said. "But if it were an option, I would love to be here. I love playing for this organization and I think everybody knows where my heart is when it comes to football and how I play."

Henderson's current contract doesn't expire until 2005. He's been the Packers' primary starting fullback for the last eight seasons.

But by the end of 2003, Henderson was forced to split reps with the bigg..

Milwaukee Brewers Players Take Behind-The-Scenes Look At Lambeau Field

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2004 17:06:54 CST

As a pit stop from the team's annual Winter Tour around Wisconsin, four members of the Milwaukee Brewers stopped by Lambeau Field Wednesday for a behind-the-scenes look at the Packers' newly renovated stadium.

Accompanied by Brewers director of community relations Leonard Peace, pitchers Chris Capuano and Wayne Franklin, infielder Bill Hall and rookie of the year runner-up outfielder Scott Podsednik saw first hand the Packers' training facilities, locker room, the Lambeau Field Atrium and the frozen tundra itself.

"It's an incredible place," said Podsednik. "It's nice to see behind-the-scenes how these guys go about preparing for a football game, to see the meeting rooms, the lounging rooms and the training rooms. It's first class all the way."

Having recently relocated from Milwaukee's County Stadium to the new Miller Park in 2001, the Brewers also are enjoying first class amenities at their new facility.

"This place is amazing," Peace said of L..

Clifton's Future 'Up In The Air'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2004 15:45:52 CST

Of the Green Bay Packers' starting offensive linemen, Chad Clifton is the most unassuming by far.

During the season when media members flock to the lockers of Mike Flanagan, Marco Rivera, Mark Tauscher and Mike Wahle -- four of the most engaging and quotable players on the team -- Clifton usually remains mum. And that's if he bothers to walk into the locker room at all.

In fact, if it weren't for Warren Sapp's blindside hit that landed Clifton on injured reserve in 2002, it's likely that even the most die-hard of fans wouldn't know much about the Packers' starting left tackle of the past four seasons.

But even Clifton's quiet nature won't keep his name out of the headlines in the coming months, as he enters an offseason in which he'll be the most coveted of the Packers' unrestricted free agents.

True to form, as the 2003 season came to a close Clifton didn't have much to say about the possibility of his returning to Green Bay in 2004. But what he..

Milestones Wallpapers Added To Packers.com

Mon, 19 Jan 2004 12:09:03 CST

The Green Bay Packers may have finished short of their ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl championship, but the 2003 season remains an outstanding success.

In addition to team achievements, like a second consecutive NFC North championship and the 11th winning season in 12 years, there was a handful of outstanding individual accomplishments in 2003.

Honoring the most significant of those achievements, Packers.com is pleased to release four special-edition desktop wallpapers in a Milestones collection.

Individual players honored in the series are Ahman Green, Brett Favre, Ryan Longwell and the members of the Packers' starting offensive line.

In his fourth season with the Packers, Green turned in the best single-season rushing performance in team history. Gaining 1,883 rushing yards, Green passed Jim Taylor's previous record best of 1,474 yards, established in 1962.

Led by Green, the Packers also established the team record for rushing ya..

Donatell: Packers Tenure 'A Tremendous Ride'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 18:07:21 CST

You could argue with his coaching philosophy or his defensive play calling, but it would be difficult to fault Ed Donatell for the way he left the Green Bay Packers organization Friday after being relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator.

Meeting with the Wisconsin media the morning after being informed by GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman that the Packers were going to move on without him, Donatell spoke fondly of his four-year tenure in Green Bay, thanking the organization he worked for and the community that supported him.

"This has been a tremendous ride," Donatell said. "I think this is a unique venue here in Green Bay. The relationship with the community and the team is just (unmatched) anywhere. And that's what I'll hold to me. That's the most cherishing thing from this experience."

Donatell's removal as defensive coordinator comes on the heels of a 20-17 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC divisional playoffs in which the Packers..

Sherman: Staff Decisions In Packers' 'Best Interest'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 18:04:41 CST

The decisions didn't come easily, but in the end were ones Green Bay Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman felt he had to make.

Friday, Sherman relieved defensive coordinator Ed Donatell and tight ends coach Jeff Jagodzinski of their coaching duties, casting aside two men who have been on his staff since his first year as head coach in 2000.

"These decisions were very difficult for me because they not only affect the people involved, the individuals, but their wives and their kids," Sherman said in a press conference Friday morning.

"I don't take that very lightly. I've put a lot of thought into this, I've struggled with it, and have come to this conclusion. But I do feel I have to make decisions that are in the best interest of this football team at this present time."

The changes to Sherman's staff come on the heels of the Packers' second Divisional playoff loss in three seasons. A year ago, the Packers didn't make it past the Wild Card round.

Packers Press Conference Scheduled For 10 A.M.

Fri, 16 Jan 2004 07:35:09 CST

The Green Bay Packers have scheduled a press conference for Friday, Jan. 16, beginning at 10 a.m. (CDT).

As always, Packers.com will be your source for team news, so keep checking back to the official website of the Green Bay Packers to get the latest information.

Free audio of the press conference will be available at Packers.com immediately following its conclusion.

Injury Wrap-Up: No Surgery For Favre

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2004 16:17:56 CST

The worst part of Brett Favre's battle with a broken thumb appears to be behind him.

Wednesday, in his season-ending press conference, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said that the Green Bay Packers quarterback isn't expected to undergo surgery and that the hairline crack in the thumb of Favre's throwing hand is expected to heal naturally.

"He has healing powers beyond all of us," Sherman said. "It's really true. This guy is a freak of nature in regard to his body. That's why I have confidence that he'll play for quite a while."

Favre threw a league-best 32 touchdowns in 2003, despite sustaining a broken thumb in the opening minutes of the Packers' Week 7 contest against the St. Louis Rams.

Meanwhile, he ran his consecutive games played streak to 210 -- including playoffs -- which is an NFL record among quarterbacks, while also establishing the Packers record for consecutive regular season games played, currently at 191.

Favre will look to a..

Sherman: Pain Of Loss Hasn't Gone Away

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2004 18:51:23 CST

When you're the general manager and head coach of a professional football team, losses like the one the Green Bay Packers suffered last Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles will keep you up at night.

Literally.

Addressing the Wisconsin media in his season-ending press conference at Lambeau Field, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman admitted Wednesday that he still hasn't gotten over the 20-17 overtime loss that knocked the Packers out of the playoffs last weekend.

And in the days since, when he has a spare moment, he isn't just replaying the game in his head, he's watching it on film.

"I came in here at 1:30 this morning and had to see it again," Sherman said of the Packers-Eagles game tape. "I couldn't sleep and I just analyzed it over and over again.

"The feeling from that game leaving the field was you got kicked in the gut. And it hasn't gone away."

It probably won't for a while.

Heading into the offseason with all but one..

Butler: Packers Missed Chances In Playoffs

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 17:35:38 CST

In my life, I have only cried over a sporting event three times.

The first was in little league when my team lost the championship game because of a bad call by the umpire. The second was when I was a player and the Green Bay Packers lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII.

The third was Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

There's just no way around it. Sunday's NFC divisional playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was devastating, not just because it knocked the Packers out of the playoffs, but because they had so many chances to win it and let the game slip through their fingers.

Standing on the sideline watching David Akers put in the game-winning field goal, I got tears in my eyes.

A shoulder injury forced me to retire two years ago, but I still care very much about the game of football and the Packers. And so before I start analyzing what happened in Sunday's loss, I want to thank the many Packers fans from around the world ..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

By LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2004 18:11:28 CST

Why didn't head coach Mike Sherman go for it on fourth-and-1, with 2:30 on the clock? The Packers would have won the game if they made it. The Eagles defensive line has more holes than Swiss cheese, the Packers have Ahman Green running the ball. What was he thinking? - Steve (Lansing, MI)

Steve, I received hundreds of emails and many fans are as disappointed as you are that the Packers didn't go for it on fourth-and-1. But it seems all of you have forgotten that in the first half the Packers had an even shorter fourth-and-1, went for it and didn't make it.

True, part of the reason Ahman Green didn't get the first down was because he tripped over Mike Wahle. But it goes to show you that in football there are no guarantees. Either way, Mike Sherman was taking a risk. But just because you think Green would have made the first down -- and he very well might have -- you can't consider that a given when you decide that Sherman made the wrong call.

Wh..

Eight Youngsters Earn Honors At NFL Punt, Pass & Kick National Finals

Tue, 13 Jan 2004 12:02:21 CST

Starting from a field of 3.5 million enthusiastic participants, eight national champions were crowned Sunday in the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick National Finals at the Colts-Chiefs AFC Divisional Playoff in Kansas City.

Thirty-two youngsters from 18 states competed before the game in eight divisions with each participant performing one punt, one pass and one placekick. Scores were based on distance minus accuracy.

The eight first-place finishers were introduced live on CBS-TV between the third and fourth quarters of Sunday's game. Former Buffalo Bills and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly helped present the children with their awards, including his nephew Chad Kelly, who won the 8-9 year-old boys division.

A pair of Detroit Lions team representatives earned National Championships titles Sunday, as Cara Miller won the 8-9 year-old girls and Jacob Santure won the 12-13 year-old boys division honors. Natalie Baumgardt, the 12-13 year-old girls ..

Teammates Stick Up For Silent Favre

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 21:00:57 CST

One could argue that the Green Bay Packers might still be alive in the playoffs if not for Brett Favre's off-target pass to Javon Walker that was intercepted by Brian Dawkins in overtime of the Philadelphia Eagles' come-from-behind 20-17 win Sunday.

But there's another way of looking at it, too. Without Favre, the Packers might not have made it to the NFC divisional playoffs in the first place.

"Everyone is making so much of that one (interception)," center Mike Flanagan said Monday. "You know what? This guy played with a broken thumb the majority of the year. (He's) hands down the team leader. He is the Green Bay Packers and we are him."

That's why there are no hard feelings about Favre's errant pass, which set up the Eagles' final scoring drive and David Akers' game-winning 31-yard field goal.

After all, the game could have very well ended in regulation had the Packers been able to capitalize on any of a number of opportunities, including fo..

Packers Struggle To Stomach Playoff Loss

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 17:06:43 CST

The Green Bay Packers' 2003 season may have ended in an instant -- when Philadelphia Eagles kicker David Akers nailed a 31-yard field goal in overtime -- but the pain of Sunday's 20-17 loss in NFC divisional playoff action will take significantly longer to go away.

Monday, the Packers returned to Lambeau Field for an end-of-the-season team meeting. And as players cleaned out their lockers afterward, the hurt and the frustration and the shock of the previous day's loss was unmistakable.

"I thought we were in Houston," center Mike Flanagan said, referring to the site of Super Bowl XXXVIII, Feb. 1. "The mentality in this locker room and the coaching staff was just what it needed to be, that we were going to win (at Philadelphia), and we were going to win next week (at Carolina) and we were going to be in Houston.

"Usually guys maybe start packing up stuff (before a playoff game). Nobody even thought about it. Nobody had any doubt. We were planning on bein..

AP Story: Packers Fall To Eagles, 20-17, In OT

Sun, 11 Jan 2004 19:37:12 CST

As the clock ticked down in regulation, Donovan McNabb saved Philadelphia's season -- and a city's psyche.

And with one desperation heave, Brett Favre threw away Green Bay's chance at another Super Bowl.

In a battle of two the NFL's elite quarterbacks, McNabb and the Eagles prevailed 20-17 in overtime, as Brian Dawkins ' interception of a high Favre heave set up David Akers ' winning field goal.

The pick was pivotal, but this was really about McNabb.

With the Eagles trailing 17-14 and 1:12 left in regulation, he breathed life into his team with a 28-yard completion to Freddie Mitchell on a fourth-and-26. That, in turn, led to a 37-yard field goal by Akers that sent the game into overtime.

"I just tried to get into a position where Freddie could compete for it," McNabb said. Mitchell weaved his way through a zone defense and caught the ball with Bhawoh Jue and Darren Sharper on each side.

"It was just a great play by Freddie,..

Packers Place LB Marcus Wilkins On I.R., Sign P/K Travis Dorsch

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sun, 11 Jan 2004 15:01:45 CST

The Green Bay Packers have placed second-year linebacker Marcus Wilkins on injured reserve, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Sunday.

Wilkins suffered a calf injury in the Packers' regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, Dec. 28. Primarily a special teams player, Wilkins made three tackles in his second season out of Texas.

In his place, the Packers signed kicker/punter Travis Dorsch, who spent part of the 2002 season with the Cincinnati Bengals and part of the 2003 season on the New England Patriots practice squad.

The 6-foot-6, 227-pound Dorsch gives the team added depth behind kicker Ryan Longwell and punter Josh Bidwell.

A fourth-round draft pick in 2002, Dorsch won the Ray Guy award as a senior at Purdue as the nation's top punter.

Dorsch did not make the trip to Philadelphia and will be among the Packers' inactives for Sunday's playoff game against the Eagles.

The transaction was completed Saturday, Jan. 10.

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Eagles

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 10 Jan 2004 11:23:56 CST

The first time the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles met this season, the Eagles won the game 17-14 on a wet and sloppy night at Lambeau Field.

But the stakes were a whole lot different then than they will be Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. And about the only thing I expect to be similar this time around is that the game might once again come down to the final play.

The Eagles are the NFC's No. 1 seed and history will be on their side. But the Packers are the NFC's hottest team, and there's no reason to count them out.

Defensively, the Packers need to match the performance they had the first time around except for one detail: they can't fold in the final minutes.

The Eagles are led by Donovan McNabb who threw for 198 yards and ran for 26 more in the November meeting. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

McNabb goes through his progressions well and has come a long way in terms of his ability to read defenses. Whe..

Packers: Destiny Has Nothing To Do With It

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 15:04:11 CST

Team Of Destiny.

Certainly, there are worse things to be called than that. But while the label that has been attached to the Green Bay Packers in recent weeks is meant to flatter, there are a good number of players who wish all the talk of predetermined fate and divine intervention would simply go away.

"If we end up winning this thing, then you can say destiny," starting right guard Mark Tauscher said. "I don't think destiny leads to winning the first round of (the playoffs). I think destiny leads you through the whole way.

"I think we've worked very, very hard to get where we're at. I don't think it's a team of destiny until we actually accomplish something."

The problem here is that in the minds of many fans, the Packers have already done that.

A 3-4 team at the bye week, the Packers won seven of their final nine games down the stretch -- including four straight in December -- to clinch their second consecutive NFC North title in th..

Packers Notebook - Nwokorie Optimistic

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 09 Jan 2004 16:26:49 CST

It's not his decision to make, but Green Bay Packers defensive end Chukie Nwokorie feels good enough to play in Sunday's NFC Divisional playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles despite a broken bone in his wrist.

"Most definitely I feel like I'm ready right now," Nwokorie said after Friday's practice. "Now it's up to Coach (Mike) Sherman."

If Nwokorie plays Sunday he'll be significantly handicapped. In order to protect the wrist, he'll have to have his right hand and lower forearm heavily wrapped in a club-like manner similar to the wrap offensive lineman Mike Wahle wore to protect a broken finger last week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Without the ability to grab with that hand, Nwokorie would be limited in his ability to fight off blocks and grasp players to tackle, but that doesn't mean he can't be effective.

Starting power end Aaron Kampman wore a club-like wrap for part of the 2002 season when he had a broken finger.

"We'll have..

Fans Invited To Attend Free Screening Of Super Bowl I Documentary

Fri, 09 Jan 2004 09:52:01 CST

The Emmy Award-winning combination of HBO Sports and NFL Films explores the birth of the extraordinary success of the Super Bowl with an hour-long documentary, The Wild Ride To Super Bowl I, to debut Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), six days prior to Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, on HBO.

Fans are invited to attend a free screening of the documentary Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts in Green Bay.

The Wild Ride To Super Bowl I focuses on the remarkable events leading up to the very first Super Bowl, which wasn't even called the Super Bowl at the time; it was the NFL-AFL World Championship Game when the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers met in their historic showdown -- and it kicked off on Jan. 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Football fans might be surprised to know that tickets to Super Bowl I were priced from $6 to $12; that two broadcast networks (CBS and NBC) televised the ..

Return To Philly Nothing Special For Harris

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2004 18:58:55 CST

For Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about Sunday's NFC Divisional playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

But apparently the opponent isn't one of them.

"Man, it's the playoffs," Harris said with a snicker this week, when asked if he had extra motivation to go up against the organization that traded him away last February. "It doesn't matter who you're playing. You lose, you go home."

If not for Harris, the Packers might be home right now.

Last Sunday, Harris intercepted a Matt Hasselbeck pass in overtime and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown to give the Packers a 33-27 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in their NFC Wild Card game.

It was a play that Harris has since called the best of his career. And, strangely enough, it was a play that Packers fans might not be celebrating if not for the talent of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Drafted in the sixth round by the Tamp..

NFL Punt Pass & Kick National Finals Set To Compete This Weekend

Thu, 08 Jan 2004 17:26:26 CST

Starting from a field of 3.5 million enthusiastic participants, eight national champions will be crowned Sunday in the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick National Finals at the Kansas City-Indianapolis AFC Divisional playoff game in Kansas City.

Mitch Wagner (boys 10-11), son of Packers director of ticket operations Mark Wagner, will be among the 32 youngsters from 18 states competing before the game in eight divisions with each participant performing one punt, one pass and one placekick. Scores will be based on distance minus accuracy (in feet).

The eight first-place finishers will be introduced live on CBS-TV between the third and fourth quarters of Sunday's game.

Both Wagner and Brock Makholm (boys 8-9), grandson of Packers director of corporate security Jerry Parins, took first place in the Team Championships prior to the Packers-49ers game, Nov. 23 at Lambeau Field.

Wagner's score was enough to place him in the top four nationally in his age divis..

Injury Notebook - Favre Does Away With Splint (Again)

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2004 18:56:17 CST

It's becoming an on again, off again relationship between Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre and the splint that protects his broken thumb.

And in Wednesday's practice, the two were once again separated.

A week ago, Favre practiced without the splint for the first time since breaking his right thumb early in the Packers' Week 7 loss to the St. Louis Rams (Oct. 19). But after four splint-free workouts, Favre went back to the support for the Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks.

"I was dead set on playing without it up until Saturday night last week," Favre said. "It's gotten to the point where I don't even really think about it. But that's practice.

"I was sitting in my room Saturday night and I got around to thinking, 'Well, tomorrow won't be practice. It's for real. Everything goes and they can hit the quarterback in the game.' That's what kind of talked me back into it."

At this stage, the decision to play wit..

Packers Set On Upset

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2004 18:17:23 CST

On paper, at least, the Green Bay Packers will head into Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday as the underdog.

After a 12-4 regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles are the NFC's top seed in the playoffs. And while a Packers victory is far from impossible, since 1990 -- when the NFL playoff system was restructured into its current form -- no No. 1 NFC seed has ever lost a divisional playoff game.

Moreover, in that 13-year span, only twice have the top two NFC seeds failed to advance to the conference championship game, most recently when the No. 3 Eagles upset the No. 2 Chicago Bears in 2001, before that when the No. 3 Packers bested the No. 2 San Francisco 49ers in 1995.

All of which goes to show that regular-season success can bring postseason rewards, the biggest of which might be the first-round bye.

"I guess it depends on where you're sitting," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Monday as he analyzed the Packers' playoff positioning.

"If ..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2004 16:41:04 CST

In the Seahawks game the TV commentators kept mentioning that if the Seahawks didn't drop those eight passes the game would have been different. What about the passes the Packers dropped: 1) Antonio Freeman for a first down; 2) David Martin jumping before the ball arrived so that the ball sailed over his head, forcing a punt instead of big gain into the red zone; 3) Ahman Green in overtime -- ball in hands -- and Packers end up punting. These catches could have made a big difference in Packer scores as well, but the announcers forget about that. Why? - Dorothy (Gwinn, MI)

First of all, you have to remember that TV announcers might know a lot about football, but they don't know everything. What they say isn't always fact, it's just their opinion or the way they see things unfold.

Having said that, there's no question that the Seahawks failed to take advantage of some of their opportunities. But the Packers didn't take advantage of all of theirs either. ..

Butler: Wild Card Win Should Build Confidence

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2004 17:26:35 CST

After Al Harris' 52-yard interception return to beat the Seattle Seahawks in overtime, he walked up to me and said, "You called it."

No, I didn't have anything to do with Harris' outstanding decision to jump Alex Banister's route and make the game-winning pick, but I had told him earlier in the game that he would be the one to win it for the Packers.

Boy, did he!

As a former safety, I can't tell you how good it feels to see Harris make a play like that. Really, it's any defensive back's dream. And the play couldn't have been made by a better guy.

But Harris' interception started with a gutsy call made by defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, who saw the formation the Seattle Seahawks were lined up in, called timeout and decided to bring the house.

The 'Thriller' blitz is an overpopulation blitz where you bring more players at the quarterback than the Seahawks have left to block. The result is usually a quick throw.

Being a veteran..

Packers Come Away Injury Free

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 05 Jan 2004 19:37:37 CST

The Green Bay Packers were successful on more than just one front last Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Not only did the Packers defeat the Seattle Seahawks to advance in the NFC playoffs, they did so without sustaining any major injuries.

"We really came out of the game fairly healthy," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Monday. "For the degree of hitting that was going on out there, very healthy."

Although a few players suffered minor injuries, none of the 45 players on the game-day roster was unable to finish.

Wide receiver Javon Walker left the game briefly after suffering a blow to the head at the end of his 44-yard reception midway through the second quarter, but returned after that to make three more catches.

Backup running back Tony Fisher sustained a contusion on his forearm, but also was able to return.

Likewise, cornerback Mike McKenzie and wide receiver Robert Ferguson, who returned to the starting lineup Sunday after time out w..

AP Story: Packers Advance In Playoffs With 33-27 OT Victory Over Seattle

Sun, 04 Jan 2004 16:19:34 CST

Al Harris never got a chance for a Lambeau Leap.

By the time he thought about it, he was buried under an avalanche of teammates.

His long dreadlocks flapping outside his helmet in the frigid wind, Harris streamed down the sideline with a 52-yard interception return in overtime. That touchdown lifted the Green Bay Packers past the Seattle Seahawks 33-27 in a first-round NFC playoff game.

The cornerback picked off Matt Hasselbeck's throw and headed to the end zone -- directly past former Packers coach Mike Holmgren. Only Hasselbeck had a chance to tackle Harris, but he couldn't get there. Harris scored the first defensive touchdown to win an overtime playoff game in NFL history.

"I was just praying that he did throw the ball," Harris said, "because I was going to gamble on that play."

Once he got to the end zone, his teammates tackled him, setting off a wild celebration, including Harris slapping hands with fans in the stands on a 100-y..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Seahawks

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 03 Jan 2004 16:01:14 CST

For a couple weeks now, everyone has been talking about how the Green Bay Packers are peaking at the right time of the season.

I agree with that. But let's not overlook the Seattle Seahawks, who could be peaking as well.

The Seahawks have won two straight heading into the playoffs, including a 24-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers on the road in what was a must-win situation.

The Packers have reason to be confident, but Seattle should be confident, too. And even though the Packers have to be considered the favorite Sunday with a home game at Lambeau Field, former Packers coach and current Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren is an expert at playing the underdog card.

All week he will have reminded his players that they have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain by stepping on to the Frozen Tundra.

The Packers won their regular-season meeting with Seattle, 35-13, in what was an offensive clinic.

Ahman Green had 118 yards rus..

Packers Notebook - McKenzie Makes Case

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 02 Jan 2004 15:32:40 CST

Green Bay Packers cornerback Mike McKenzie, who missed the last two games with a case of turf toe, seems to have proven himself ready for Sunday's Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Returning to practice Friday, McKenzie impressed GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman with his speed and change of direction as the Packers practiced outdoors on Lambeau Field.

"I thought McKenzie had a very good practice," Sherman said afterward. "He was tested on breaking to the ball and changing direction, had a nice interception for a touchdown.

"I thought he looked good running the football, so I think he'll be fine."

McKenzie has been a regular starter for the Packers since his rookie season of 1999, but was replaced in recent weeks by Michael Hawthorne while he nursed his injured foot.

McKenzie's four interceptions this season are second only to safety Darren Sharper's five, while his 20 passes defensed lead the team.

Splint-Free?

Exclusive Video Of Packers' Division-Clinching Celebration Hits Packers.com

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 01 Jan 2004 13:23:56 CST
Getting help from an Arizona Cardinals team half a country away, the Green Bay Packers clinched their second straight NFC North title last Sunday with a 31-3 victory over the Denver Broncos.

Celebration of the division crown started on the field at the 2-minute warning, when word of the Cardinals' come-from-behind victory over the Minnesota Vikings beamed into Lambeau Field via television and radio.

But the Packers' celebration spilled into the locker room after that, with hugs, high-fives and championship hats all around.

Now, as the Packers prepare for a Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, their fans can see part of the division-clinching locker room celebration thanks to the latest video to hit Packers.com.

In an exclusive feature of the Packers' official website, Packers.com now offers uncut video of GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman's post-game address following the team's division-clinching win.

The video clip can be found ..

Receivers Determined To Return

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 01 Jan 2004 13:20:23 CST
The Green Bay Packers injury report lists wide receiver Robert Ferguson as probable, meaning there's a 75-percent chance that he'll play in Sunday's Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks.

But Ferguson himself thinks his odds are even better than that.

"It's a 100-percent chance that I will play," Ferguson said Thursday afternoon. "It's not even a question if I play or not. Just give me time to heal as much as I can before I go out there and play, but I will definitely play, regardless."

Ferguson was held out of last weekend's game against the Denver Broncos with an Achilles tendon contusion stemming from the Oakland game, Dec. 14, and hasn't practiced this week.

Meanwhile, Donald Driver (ankle) and Javon Walker (knee/hamstring) were held out of practice Wednesday, but returned to action Thursday.

All three expect to be in the lineup Sunday.

"It's nothing that's going to hold us back," said Walker, who leads the tea..

Favre Fights Through Emotional Weeks

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 01 Jan 2004 13:19:26 CST
He's faced countless must-win situations, including two Super Bowls among 17 career playoff games.

But in at least one respect, no game in the 13-year career of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has been more emotionally-packed than the one two weeks ago, when the three-time NFL MVP suited up against the Oakland Raiders just over 24 hours after the sudden death of his father.

"I have to be honest," Favre said Wednesday, in only his second meeting with the media since losing his father to a heart attack. "I don't think I have ever been that nervous before in a game."

Leading up to kickoff, outsiders debated whether he would even attempt to participate. But in Favre's own mind there was no concern over if he should play.

The only thing Favre worried about was how he would perform.

"Because of the circumstances, I knew if I played and played okay, or played below average, (and) we win the game, (reporters) write, 'Look what he playe..

Rivera, Tauscher To Host Celebrity Wingshoot, Sporting Clays Pro-Am

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 08:55:38 CST
Green Bay Packers Mark Tauscher and Marco Rivera will be hosting their 1st Annual Great Lakes Celebrity Wingshoot and Sporting Clays Pro-Am from March 7th thru March 10th in Kohler, Wisconsin.

The Wingshoot will provide shooters the opportunity to hunt and shoot with celebrities from the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and various others from the world of professional and college sports.

The base camp for this event is The American Club, the Midwest's only AAA Five Diamond Resort, and River Wildlife, a nationally acclaimed private hunting club. This award winning destination, the "Ultimate Hunter's Goodies Bag" from Gander Mountain and a celebrity in each group are destined to provide the upland experience of a lifetime.

Proceeds benefit at-risk Wisconsin families through "Buckets of Hunger" and the "Marco Rivera Foundation".

For additional information contact the Wingshoot program office at 888.330.7529 ext 14 or wingshoot@playlikethep..