Packers.com

Packers Help Celebrate Kids' Day

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Jun 2004 15:50:20 CST

In what is quickly becoming a Green Bay tradition, several Packers players Friday gathered with children at Tank Park to celebrate the second annual Kids' Day -- an event Mayor Jim Schmitt implemented last year.

The celebration was originally started within Schmitt's own family, as every June 25 -- exactly six months from Christmas Day -- was a day devoted to family activities.

In just its second year, hundreds of children gathered in the park for lots of food, fun and a message from the mayor himself, plus Packers linebacker Nick Barnett, cornerback Joey Thomas and tackles Joe Hayes and Jason Hilliard were on hand to sign autographs and hang out with the kids.

Residents of Green Bay, ages 17 or younger, were also invited to join Mayor Schmitt for free activities including swimming at city pools, rides at Bay Beach Amusement Park, activities at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, lunch with the mayor at Tank Park and library story time and skits at Washington Com..

Random Questions With Javon Walker

Thu, 24 Jun 2004 16:51:26 CST

Serving as the Packers' No. 3 receiver for much of last season, Javon Walker blossomed into the player drafted 20th overall the year before, making great catch after great catch in the latter half of the season.

Playing in all 16 games for the first time, Walker led the Packers with a career-high 716 yards receiving on a career-best 41 receptions (third on the team).

Among receivers with 25-or-more catches, Walker finished second in the NFL with a 17.5-yard average, behind only the Cowboys' Joey Galloway (19.8).

Entering his third season with the Packers, Walker is looking to improve on last season's performance, hoping that 2004 is the breakout season that both he and the Packers expect from the former Florida State Seminole.

Packers.com recently caught up with Walker to discuss his transition from the college game to the professional level, his offseason schedule and a few other topics in our latest round of Random Questions.

Packer..

Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps Underway

Molly Panure, Packers.com — Wed, 23 Jun 2004 17:50:01 CST
With summer well underway, the Green Bay Packers have officially kicked off their annual Youth Football Camps for 2004.

The second of five summer camps is currently underway in Racine, Wis., with three more to follow in Madison (June 28-July 2), Waukesha (July 12-July 16) and Green Bay (July 19-July 23).

A truly unique experience for children ages 6 to 14, Green Bay Packers Youth Camps offer children the opportunity to learn valuable football skills from experts in the game, including Green Bay Packers alumni.

The weeklong camp allows children to learn the many different positions in football through non-contact instruction, as well as the importance of sportsmanship, self-esteem and fitness.

In addition, two lucky children from each camp will be chosen as the "Packers Camp Leadership Award Winner," an honor that includes a free ticket to a Green Bay Packers preseason home game as well as recognition in front of 70,000 Packers fans.

Fo..

Random Questions With B.J. Sander

Wed, 23 Jun 2004 16:52:21 CST
The first punter selected by the Packers as early as the third round since Ray Stachowicz in 1981 (62nd overall), B.J. Sander is one step closer to fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing professional football.

But football isn't the only goal Sander has set for himself.

Winner of the 2003 Ray Guy Award -- given to the nation's top collegiate punter -- Sander majored in turf and grass science at Ohio State and has plans to one day own a landscaping business in his home town of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Recently, Packers.com put Sander on the hot seat to discuss this and a few other topics in our latest round of Random Questions.

Packers.com: When did you realize you wanted to play professional football?
B.J. Sander: "It was always a dream of mine, even while I was playing pee-wee football. You're always in your backyard talking about your favorite players and everything, so I'd probably say back when I was in grade school."

Are ..

Rivera Amazed By Visit To Middle East

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 22 Jun 2004 17:46:14 CST
Over the past two years, Marco Rivera has enjoyed his share of unique experiences.

The Green Bay Packers offensive guard has twice been to Hawaii to play in back-to-back Pro Bowls, and it was just over two years ago that he and his wife, Michelle, were invited to the White House to meet President George W. Bush.

But compared to all of those events, and all of the Packers' victories in between, nothing stands up to what Rivera is experiencing now, halfway across the world and halfway through a four-day NFL-USO trip to the Middle East to visit U.S. bases in Kuwait and Qatar.

"This ranks top of the list, hands down," Rivera said Tuesday evening from Kuwait. "Meeting the president was nice. Going to the Pro Bowl, that was a great personal accomplishment. But when you get the chance to come over here and meet these American troops who are putting their lives on the line every day, and to make a small difference in their lives, that means more to me than anyth..

Random Questions With Mark Roman

Mon, 21 Jun 2004 17:13:18 CST
Approaching his fifth NFL season, Mark Roman signed with the Packers as an unrestricted free agent in March, after spending four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Originally selected by Cincinnati in the second round from Louisiana State, Roman played in 50 games and made 27 starts for the Bengals, logging 183 tackles and two interceptions in his first four years as a pro.

But in those four years, Roman and the Bengals never saw a winning season.

Now a Packer, Roman is excited about the opportunity to battle for the starting safety position opposite Darren Sharper, and to play for one of the most historic franchises in all of professional sports.

Recently, Packers.com sat down with Roman to discuss these and a few other topics in our latest round of Random Questions.

Packers.com: Where are you from and what is the best thing about your hometown?
Mark Roman: "I'm from New Iberia, La. The best thing about growing up there wa..

Successful Year Helps Packers Make Ground On Fiscal Goal

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sun, 20 Jun 2004 16:33:51 CST
As the Green Bay Packers look back on the 2004 fiscal year, which included the 2003 football season and concluded March 31, there is much to be proud of.

There's the organization's position in the NFL revenue rankings -- 10th for the second straight year, after being 20th as recently as 2002. There's the outstanding performance of the Lambeau Field Atrium businesses, which generated $3.1 million in revenue in less than a year of operation. And there's the $5.3 million increase in after-tax operating profit compared to 2003.

And yet for all the ways the Packers exceeded even their own business expectations over the past year, the organization's most significant obstacle has yet to be overcome.

This week, the Packers will distribute to their shareholders the annual report of the 2004 fiscal year, which will detail that the team's corporate reserve fund -- the equivalent of an organizational rainy day fund -- has grown from $58 million in the 2003 fiscal yea..

Couch Embraces Fresh Start

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 17 Jun 2004 17:26:23 CST
When Tim Couch first joined the NFL as the first overall pick of the 1999 draft, he stepped on the stage at Madison Square Garden and held aloft the number 1 jersey of the expansion Cleveland Browns.

Just over five years later, Couch was in Green Bay, in front of a much smaller crowd at the Lambeau Field media auditorium, holding -- appropriately enough -- the number 2 jersey of the Packers.

Number 2, as in the number Couch wore at the University of Kentucky and with the Browns.

Number 2, as in the spot on the Packers' quarterbacks depth chart that Couch hopes to fill this season.

Number 2, as in a second chance to cash in on No. 1 potential.

"I'm excited about getting a new start," said Couch, who threw 64 touchdown passes and 67 interceptions, while being sacked 166 times in his five seasons with the Browns. "I think I could have made it in Cleveland. We could have made it work. But I am excited now that it's all over. I'm excited ab..

Live Chat To Welcome Tim Couch, Friday At 1 PM CT

Thu, 17 Jun 2004 17:22:07 CST
Ending a courtship that seemed to last all spring, the Green Bay Packers this week signed former Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch to compete for one of the backup spots behind Brett Favre in the season ahead.

Now Couch is Green Bay, beginning his crash course education in the Packers' West Coast offense, and Friday he'll take a break to join Packers fans for a Live Chat on Packers.com starting at approximately 1 p.m. CT.

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 'tough' questions, think about how you want to word them so they will get answered.

Be thoughtful. Among the hundreds of questions submitted, the ones that stand out tend to get the best answers. Anticipate some of the common questions and try to ask something unique. Ch..

Packers Seek Input To Improve Gameday Experience

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:03:47 CST
With results from a recent survey in hand, the Green Bay Packers invited several season ticket holders to the club level at Lambeau Field last week to discuss ways to improve the overall gameday experience.

As a thank you for their input, the Packers provided the ticket holders with a tour of the Packers' facilities, including a walk through the tunnel to the hallowed grounds of Lambeau Field.

"It's a tradition that hasn't taken place here for several years," executive vice president/COO John Jones said. "Our fans are our owners, so it's very important to not only get their input, but it gives us a chance to say directly to them, 'thank you,' not only for what they give us, but what they do to enable us to have this great franchise. You get to meet with your owner at the same time you get to meet with your friends and your fans and that's a great day for us all."

From piping the public address system into the restrooms, to deploying more ushers around t..

Couch Signs For Present, Hopes For Future

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 15 Jun 2004 00:29:25 CST
The contract might be for only one year, but with Brett Favre still going strong approaching his 14th NFL season, it's clear that the deal made Tuesday between the Green Bay Packers and former Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch has as much to do with the future as the present.

Speaking to the Wisconsin media on a conference call from his offseason home in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Couch -- the first overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft -- made it clear that by coming to Green Bay, he's hoping to someday be more than just a backup.

"Green Bay is a unique situation," said Couch, who started 59 games for the Browns over the past five seasons. "Even though the opportunity to play is not there right away, I think they're a great football team, and ... I really want to put myself in a good situation.

"You know, I've been on some bad teams throughout my five years, and I want to be on a team that's competitive and in the p..

Letters To Lee Remmel

Mon, 14 Jun 2004 14:50:47 CST
Lee, I'm sure you get this one a lot, but I've sent e-mails to a lot of NFL "experts" like Dr. Z and Peter King, and have never received a response. In your opinion, how is it that Jerry Kramer was one of the two best guards in the first 50 years of the NFL, but -- at least so far -- hasn't been deemed worthy for the Hall of Fame? Every year, I see another O-lineman inducted, and I keep asking myself, "Was that guy any better than number 64?" Just doesn't make sense to me. - Pat (Waukesha, WI)

As you suggest, why Jerry Kramer has not been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a continuing mystery. Not only was he the ONLY guard named to the NFL's 50th Anniversary team, he also was selected to the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team and the NFL's 1960s All-Decade Team.

Several explanations have been informally advanced to "explain" this glaring omission. One is that the Packers have 10 representatives from the '60s Green Bay teams, of which Number 6..

Power Pack Members Get A Taste of the NFL

Sat, 12 Jun 2004 16:19:58 CST
On Saturday, June 12, over 600 members of the Junior Power Pack Kids Club attended the Junior Power Pack experience at the Don Hutson Center. The inclement weather outside forced the clinic inside at the Packers indoor practice facility. This provided the kids a chance to play in one of the most modern practice facilities in all of professional sports.

The afternoon camp was an exclusive event for Junior Power Pack members. Parents were seated with cameras in hand along the sidelines. Members spent the afternoon running routes, hitting the tackling dummy, doing various agility drills and lining up in the 3-point stance.

Six Packers players, including Paris Lenon, James Lee and Grey Ruegamer, were on hand to guide participants though the different drills. The players provided full speed demonstrations and then instructed the children on the proper techniques for each drill and position.

After almost two hours of fun and drills, the kids and their parents..

Inaugural 'Jerry Parins Cruise For Cancer' A Huge Success

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Sat, 12 Jun 2004 14:10:44 CST
Hundreds of bikers and several Packers players and staff members took to the pavement for the inaugural 'Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer,' Saturday.

A motorcycle ride to benefit cancer patients and families throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, the turnout for the event left Parins, the Green Bay Packers' director of corporate security who himself is currently battling cancer, virtually speechless.

"I really don't have the words to express what I'm feeling right now," Parins said. "Overwhelmed is probably the only word that comes to mind."

Sponsored by the Green Bay Packers, Vandervest Harley-Davidson and Vandervest Custom Cycles, the ride took motorcyclists on scenic Northeastern Wisconsin roads to Vandervest Harley-Davidson in Peshtigo, Wis. There, riders were able to enjoy food, beverages, live music and a 50/50 raffle before returning to Lambeau Field for more food, beverages and live music, in addition to a live auction.

"I don't have enough Tha..

NFL Europe: Berlin Thunder Captures World Bowl XII Title

Sat, 12 Jun 2004 19:29:55 CST
The Berlin Thunder emerged as 30-24 winners of World Bowl XII to thwart Frankfurt's hopes of repeating as champions after breaking a 10-10 deadlock at half-time to score 20 points before the Galaxy got back onto the scoreboard.

The Thunder overcame five turnovers and a furious Galaxy comeback-attempt in the final quarter to hold on and take their third NFL Europe League title in four years.

Philadelphia Eagles allocated running back Eric McCoo was the star of the show for the team as they scored their tenth win of the season. McCoo had a World Bowl record 167 yards on the day, including a 69-yard scoring run, to power the Thunder to victory.

Berlin started fast with a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive end Montique Sharpe three minutes into the game, but really came to life in the second half with a 60-yard touchdown pass from receiver Richard Alston to Chas Gessner to take a lead that they never relinquished.

Berlin's New..

NFL Europe: World Bowl XII Preview

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 11 Jun 2004 13:43:21 CST
Offensive lineman Jason Jimenez will represent the Green Bay Packers in World Bowl XII, when the Frankfurt Galaxy and the Berlin Thunder collide at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Saturday.

Jimenez is one of 59 players from a total of 26 NFL teams that will compete in the championship game.

Berlin swept the regular-season series between the two teams, first in Week 8, 31-27, and later in Week 10, 41-0.

But history indicates that the regular season means nothing when it comes to NFL-E's title games.

The last three times a team has played in the World Bowl against opponents they have swept in the regular-season, the tables have been turned.

Berlin was victorious in 2001 and 2002, having been swept by the Barcelona Dragons and Rhein Fire in those respective years, while the Galaxy upset the Dragons in 1999 after losing twice in the regular season -- including a Week 10 contest.

The 1996 Scottish Claymores, who beat ..

Players' Foundation & Youth Football Camps

Thu, 10 Jun 2004 17:30:56 CST
Many Packers veterans have taken their acts of giving to a higher level by creating their own foundations, which have an impact on hundreds of lives each year in Wisconsin and the players' home states.

Donald Driver, Wide Receiver In the spring of 2001, Donald created 'The Donald Driver Foundation.' Its motto is "Strong Hands, Strong Minds, Loving Hearts". With these elements in mind, the Foundation understands that by accepting the challenge of homeless mothers, it can take steps in minimizing this huge crisis in the Houston and Green Bay areas. In 2003, The Donald Driver Foundation, with the help of the Salvation Army and the women's shelters of Houston and Wisconsin, selected two homeless families as recipients of brand new homes.

Fans can check out Donald's Web sites at www.SundayDriver.net or www.DonaldDriverFoundation.com..

Mini-Camp Report - June 10, 2004

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 10 Jun 2004 17:15:14 CST
The Green Bay Packers wrapped up their final mini-camp of the offseason inside the Don Hutson Center, Thursday, before breaking for the rest of the spring.

The Packers won't get back together again as a team until training camp opens at the end of July.

On their way out of town, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman told his players that how they approach the interim period will play a significant part in the season to come.

"We have a tremendous opportunity," Sherman said. "This is the latest we'll start in comparison to previous years ... and it's a great opportunity to get yourself mentally and physically ready to play this upcoming season.

"I want to take full advantage of that and be prepared to play a full NFL schedule, plus four more games, if necessary, when they come back."

Before the Packers could leave, Sherman had his players open the day by running sprints. Sherman said that the early-practice conditioning was something he'll replicate..

Notebook - Sherman Hopes For McKenzie's Return

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 10 Jun 2004 16:44:43 CST
Since the 2003 football season ended, Green Bay Packers cornerback Mike McKenzie has made trade demands through his agent and boycotted the team's offseason mini-camps.

Yet GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman made it clear Thursday, that if the sixth-year veteran wants to reconsider his stance, there's still a home for him in Green Bay.

"He's played good football here," Sherman said of McKenzie, after the Packers closed their June mini-camp. "He's never been late for a meeting and he's made a lot of great plays for us. It's unfortunate when we get into these situations, people say things through different parties that aren't always communicated directly and so things get skewed a little bit.

"But my hope is that Mike comes back to (training camp). Now, that's my hope. He's under contract with the Packers. And that's my goal -- to get him back into camp."

How realistic it is that Sherman can meet that goal, probably only McKenzie knows for sure.

Mini-Camp Report - June 9, 2004

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2004 17:18:07 CST
Green Bay Packers mini-camp continued Wednesday with a familiar face back on the sideline.

Mississippi State head coach Sylvester Croom, who was the Packers running backs coach from 2001-03, attended the practice along with seven other members of his new coaching staff, including former Packers assistant Stan Drayton.

"I wanted them to see how we do things here (in Green Bay)," Croom said. "We run the same offense (at MSU) that (the Packers) run here. Same terminology and everything.

"We talked about how we practice and the tempo that we want -- particularly on offense, but even on defense. But I thought, hey, rather than me talking about it all the time, I want our coaches to come see the Packers way of doing things, because we intend to do it the exact same way."

If Croom's receivers coach was in attendance, he had to enjoy watching Javon Walker put on a show Wednesday.

With Doug Pederson ..

Bush Joins Battle At Tight End

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2004 17:15:06 CST
He was going on nothing more than three hours of sleep, but that didn't keep tight end Steve Bush from making a few catches in his first mini-camp practice with the Green Bay Packers.

Officially signed by the team Wednesday morning, Bush joined the Packers' 11 a.m. workout after taking a red-eye flight from San Francisco to Minneapolis and then arriving in Green Bay at the start of the workday.

Still, the eighth-year NFL veteran wasn't overly impressed by his performance, even considering his sleep deprivation.

"I had a lot of help," Bush said, referring to tight ends coach Joe Philbin. "Coach (Philbin) was telling me where to go a little bit. But football is football no matter where you are."

Well, almost.

After four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and three with the Arizona Cardinals, Bush hasn't enjoyed a single winning season in his professional career. And after being waived by the Car..

Packers Alter Mini-Camp Schedule

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2004 11:18:21 CST
The Green Bay Packers have altered the remaining schedule for their June mini-camp, the team revealed Wednesday.

As a result, Thursday's practice (June 10) will begin at 8:45 a.m. at Clarke Hinkle Field instead of the original 11 a.m. start time.

Also, Friday's scheduled practice has been cancelled.

The Packers will next get together as a team when training camp opens in seven weeks, first for rookies and first-year players (July 29) and then with veterans (August 2).

For a training camp schedule, click here.

Training Camp Schedule Announced

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2004 06:52:04 CST
Training Camp Schedule Printable (PDF)

What spring training is to baseball, training camp is to the NFL. And never more so than in Green Bay, where the Packers will once again prepare for the upcoming season amidst a fan-friendly environment.

Wednesday, the Packers released their 2004 training camp schedule, which includes 37 open-to-the-public practices that will take place on Clarke Hinkle Field, just across Oneida Street from Lambeau Field.

Practices will get under way July 30, with an afternoon practice for rookies and first-year players, before veterans join the action in coordination with the opening of the regular two-a-day schedule, August 2.

From that point on, morning practices generally begin at 8:45 a.m. and run until 11:15 a.m. Meanwhile, afternoon practices generally begin at either 2:15 p.m. or 2:45 p...

Rookie Corners Making Progress

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 08 Jun 2004 18:38:16 CST
When the Green Bay Packers selected Ahmad Carroll in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting speed.

At the University of Arkansas, Carroll was an All-American sprinter in both the 100 and 200 meters, and he ran a 40-yard dash in 4.26 seconds.

But five practices into his second NFL mini-camp, what's standing out about Carroll isn't so much his quickness on the football field, but his rapid development there.

"Ahmad Carroll has made tremendous progress from the first camp," defensive coordinator Bob Slowik said this week. "He's jumped out."

But he's not the only one.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman, who also credited Carroll, put third-round draft pick Joey Thomas in the same boat.

"Throughout the eight-day opportunity sessions that we had with them as well as this mini-camp, I see a lot of progress there and I'm very pleased at this point," Sherman said of his rookie corners. "But we have a long way to go. ..

Mini-Camp Report - June 8, 2004

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 08 Jun 2004 17:01:48 CST
Mini-camp continued for the Green Bay Packers out on Clarke Hinkle Field, Tuesday, albeit without star running back Ahman Green.

Green failed to attend the practice due to a prior commitment that he couldn't get out of, a team spokesperson said.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman didn't meet with the media after practice, but was said to have been made aware of Green's schedule conflict ahead of time.

Nevertheless, Sherman was said to be "disappointed" by Green's absence, which -- like that of Cletidus Hunt before him -- isn't technically a violation, since the Packers' June mini-camp is voluntary.

Also missing practice was rookie defensive tackle Donnell Washington, who attended the birth of his child.

Five practice days into the camp, the Packers worked on two-minute drill and no-huddle scenarios for much of practice.

During team drills, Michael Hawthorne intercepted a pass from Brett Favre intended for Javon Walker. But Walker had his..

Mini-Camp Report - June 7

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 07 Jun 2004 16:39:19 CST
Almost 200 fans lined the fences today at Clarke Hinkle Field as the Green Bay Packers resumed their mini-camp workouts.

Defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt returned to the team today for the first time since May after missing the first three days of the voluntary June practices.

Hunt expressed apologies to his coaches, teammates and fans for letting them down with his absence.

During the first team session, Aaron Kampman slipped into the backfield to touch down Najeh Davenport for a loss. A few plays later, Nick Barnett sprinted through a gap to get to Dahrran Diedrick in the backfield.

Kampman also made his presence felt during red zone drills, when he pushed his way into the pocket and knocked the ball out of quarterback Doug Pederson's hand.

Later on in the red zone session, Al Harris knocked down a Brett Favre pass as he blitzed the quarterback, and Bhawoh Jue broke up a Craig Nall pass near the g..

Hunt Joins Mini-Camp, Issues Apology

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 07 Jun 2004 17:21:52 CST
Cletidus Hunt didn't want to go into detail about the "personal issues" that caused him to miss three days of the Green Bay Packers' June mini-camp last week.

But after joining the Packers' voluntary workouts Monday, the sixth-year defensive end did express remorse for his absence.

"I want to start by apologizing to my coaches, teammates and my fans out here," Hunt said from Clarke Hinkle Field after the Packers' practice. "(Missing camp) was a letdown. Some last-minute personal issues came up that I had to attend to and to see to it that I got through with it. And I'm not the kind of guy that misses camp at all.

"I just send my apologies out and hopefully everybody accepts them. I'm here and I'm willing to bust my ass to make up for it -- do whatever I have to do."

According to GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman, all Hunt has to do to prove himself is demonstrate his commitment to the team through his behavior on and off the field.

While ple..

NFL Europe: Week 10 Recap

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 07 Jun 2004 10:17:48 CST
Just six days before the two teams will meet in World Bowl XII, the Berlin Thunder (9-1) made history Sunday, capturing their first shutout in team history with a 41-0 victory over the Frankfurt Galaxy (7-3).

In front of a record 19,175 fans, the Thunder equaled the NFL-E record mark with nine wins in a season, while also posting the largest margin of victory since they entered the league in 1999.

Quarterbacks Rohan Davey (New England) and Marc Dunn (Kansas City) combined for 269 yards and three touchdowns, as Berlin outgained the Galaxy's offense 433 yards to 192 yards.

The game wasn't the only thing lost for the Galaxy. Berlin running back Eric McCoo (669 yards), who rushed for 122 yards Sunday, captured the league's rushing title from Frankfurt running back Skip Hicks (661 yards), who had been NFL-E's leading rusher for much of the season but was held to just 50 yards by the league's top run defense.

Frankfurt, after also losing to the Thunder ..

Favre Softball Draws Record Crowd

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Sun, 06 Jun 2004 00:57:18 CST
A record 8,012 fans packed Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton Sunday as the Packers offense topped the defense, 26-25, in the Fifth Annual Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game.

With all proceeds benefiting the Brett Favre Forward Foundation, the event raised nearly $100,000, all of which will be distributed to charities throughout Wisconsin.

"Today we had a record crowd and it seems like each year it gets bigger and better," Favre said. "Hopefully the fans enjoyed it because that's what it's all about. It's a lot of fun for us and the competitive sides of these guys come out, but everyone had a blast."

The scoring frenzy began early in the first inning when Ahman Green and Favre hit back-to-back home runs, followed by homers from Doug Pederson and Javon Walker to give the offense the 5-3 lead.

Mark Tauscher capped off a four-run fifth inning with a towering two-run home run to right field to extend the offense's lead to 18-11.

Sensing that th..

NFL Europe: Week 10 Preview

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 04 Jun 2004 18:07:37 CST
Looking to end the season on a high note, the Cologne Centurions (3-6) will travel to Scotland to face the Claymores (2-7) as NFL-E enters Week 10, Saturday.

Cologne needs just one more win to surpass the three-win total of the 1999 Berlin Thunder -- the last single team expansion franchise in NFL-E history -- while the Claymores need a win to avoid tying for the worst record in franchise history (2-8 in 1995 and 1998).

The Centurions boasts NFL-E's top defense in terms of yards allowed per game (277.9) but rank fifth in points conceded (20.1 per game).

Through nine games, Packers cornerback Erwin Swiney has 30 tackles and three passes defensed, while defensive end Cullen Jenkins has 20 tackles and four passes defensed for the Centurions. Also, defensive end Eric Powell has 17 tackles and two sacks for Cologne.

The game will be broadcast live at 8 a.m. CT on NFL Network, with a tape delay airing at 7 p.m. CT.

The Amsterdam Admirals (4-5) ..

Mini-Camp Report - June 4

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 04 Jun 2004 18:11:08 CST
Over 300 fans lined the fences Friday, as the Green Bay Packers continued mini-camp practices outdoors on Clarke Hinkle Field.

In team drills, Chris Johnson, who is returning from a knee injury that caused him to miss all of 2003, showed his speed as he recovered to break up Brett Favre's pass to Frank Rice along the left sideline.

Johnson was the first of four seventh-round draft picks by the Packers last year after posting a 4.18 in the 40-yard dash.

"The last two days, Chris Johnson has probably made drastic improvement," defensive coordinator Bob Slowik said. "His first day back, you could still detect a little limp. But yesterday and today he made some pretty big strides and hopefully we won't have any setbacks."

Asked if Johnson might be the forgotten man in the midst of Mike McKenzie's absence and the additions of 2004 draft picks Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas, Slowik replied, "He might be, until he starts running. And it's pretty obviou..

Teammates Would Welcome McKenzie's Return

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 04 Jun 2004 16:17:14 CST
It wasn't going to be easy. Not for the guy who has played 210 consecutive games. But Brett Favre did his best anyway.

Standing in the Lambeau Field media auditorium this week, Favre, the man who has always been there for the Green Bay Packers, tried to put himself in the shoes of cornerback Mike McKenzie, the man who has failed to show up for any of the team's offseason workouts this spring.

"Just guessing what Mike McKenzie's going through, he probably feels like even if he wants to come back the hole is getting deeper and deeper," Favre said, in reference to McKenzie's absence and recent trade demands.

"But we'd welcome him back. If he's not (going to return), he's missing out on something good, in my opinion."

And at the same time, so are the Packers.

With starters set to return at almost every position on both sides of the ball, McKenzie's cornerback spot could be one of just two positions with undetermined starters as the Packers ..

Notebook - Teammates Withhold Judgment On Hunt

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Jun 2004 18:19:31 CST
Two days into the Packers' June mini-camp, defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt remained a no-show in Green Bay.

But even though some of his teammates believe Hunt's absence from the voluntary workouts is ill-advised, they stopped short of calling his absence inexcusable. At least for now.

With the reason for Hunt's absence still a mystery, players were hesitant to pass judgment on the sixth-year veteran until they get more information.

"I don't know the reasons he's not here, so it would be wrong to for me today (to speculate)," safety Darren Sharper said. "There could be a higher power that's keeping him from being here, so that's all I know. (Once) I know, then I can react to it. But I don't know right now."

Although the camp isn't technically mandatory, Hunt is one of just two 'unexcused' absences -- the other being cornerback Mike McKenzie who is boycotting the workouts as part of his recent trade demand..

Mini-Camp Report: June 3, 2004

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Jun 2004 16:43:26 CST
Despite sunny skies and nearly 70-degree weather, soggy field conditions forced the Green Bay Packers inside the Don Hutson Center for the second day of mini-camp, Thursday.

After running their two-back offensive sets Wednesday, the Packers worked on single-back offensive sets with Ahman Green, Najeh Davenport, Tony Fisher and Dahrran Diedrick sharing the workload.

In team drills, Diedrick took advantage of a hole opened by his offensive line, carrying the ball up the middle for a big gain. Later he changed directions in the backfield to get around the right side of the line before being forced out of bounds by cornerback Chris Johnson.

Johnson, who was taking part in team drills for the first time since returning from a knee injury that caused him to miss all of 2003, was also one of a handful of players to take reps returning kickoffs during special teams drills.

Other returners Thursday were receivers Antonio Chatman, Robert Ferguson, Carl Fo..

Couch Talks Continue

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 02 Jun 2004 18:46:25 CST
The negotiations between the Green Bay Packers, the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Tim Couch are still ongoing. But might not be for long.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Wednesday that the Packers are still interested in working a deal to bring the sixth-year veteran to Green Bay to back up Brett Favre next season, but if it's going to happen, it might have to happen soon.

"We're winding this thing down one way or the other," Sherman said. "I can't say that it's going one way or the other just yet, but it's winding down."

The Packers have been courting Couch for about two months. In early April, Couch visited the Lambeau Field facilities and met with coaches while expressing a desire to play in Green Bay, but coming to terms on a trade that will please the Browns and a contract that will please Couch has proved difficult.

Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie said the Packers and Browns were close on the former, but haven't seen e..

Hunt A No-Show At Mini-Camp

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 02 Jun 2004 18:20:39 CST
GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman might have suspected that one of his players would be missing when the Green Bay Packers opened their June mini-camp Wednesday, but he didn't expect there would be two no-shows.

Instead, Cletidus Hunt's failure to report to camp made him the second unexcused absence of the eight-practice session, along with cornerback Mike McKenzie, who skipped all of the Packers' post-draft mini-camp last month.

While McKenzie's absence is no doubt tied to his trade demands, the reasons for Hunt's nonattendance have yet to be determined.

"You can ask Cletidus that when he gets here," Sherman said Wednesday, when asked why Hunt didn't participate in the Packers' practice at the Don Hutson Center. "Ask him."

Technically speaking, Hunt's absence is not a violation, as the Packers' June mini-camp isn't a mandatory camp, as was the post-draft mini-camp. Still, Sherman said there was an expectation for Hunt to take part in the camp and he wa..

Mini-Camp Report: June 2, 2004

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 02 Jun 2004 17:46:20 CST
The Green Bay Packers were back together as a team for the first time in a month, as they kicked off their June mini-camp, Wednesday. But, unfortunately, they weren't out for fans to see.

Although the weather in Green Bay was a sunny 64 degrees, heavy rains over the past month have left Clarke Hinkle Field so wet that Packers fields manager Allen Johnson said the team may be forced to hold practices indoors for the rest of the week.

Of course, even though the team was pushed inside the Don Hutson Center, that didn't alter the Packers' work schedule.

Wednesday, the team looked to install much of its two-back offensive sets, with Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport taking the majority of the reps at running back, while William Henderson and Nick Luchey shared the load at fullback.

Meanwhile, the Packers spread the quarterback duties among Brett Favre, Doug Pederson, Craig Nall and Scott McBrien.

In the post-draft mini-camp in late April/early M..

Player Q&A: Donald Driver

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 16:53:28 CST
On the eve of the Green Bay Packers' June mini-camp, wide receiver Donald Driver sat down for an exclusive interview via Packers Cam on NFL Network with NFL Total Access host Rich Eisen.

During the interview, Driver discussed what it's like to play with quarterback Brett Favre, including the emotions of last season's Monday night game against the Oakland Raiders.

He also discussed the Donald Driver Foundation, which, among other charitable pursuits, looks to raise money to benefit the homeless.

The following is a complete transcript of Eisen's interview with Driver.

Rich Eisen: Right now to help put in to his words what Brett Favre means to the Packers and what kind of player he is, we fire up Packers Cam for one of his prime targets, and that would be Donald Driver joining us on Packers Cam. How are you doing Donald?

Donald Driver: I'm good, how about yourself?
..

Packers Aid Local Homeowner Through 'Rebuilding Together'

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Tue, 01 Jun 2004 14:30:51 CST
For most of the year, the work day for Green Bay Packers employees starts and ends at Lambeau Field.

But not so last week for approximately two dozen individuals with ties to the organization, who got out into the community to participate in the annual event known as Rebuilding Together.

Picking up power tools and paint brushes, the Packers employees did their best to spruce up the house of a local homeowner in need.

"She was thrilled," said Sherry Schuldes, Packers manager of family programs, of the 95-year-old homeowner whose house was at the receiving end of the makeover. "She was just so excited and appreciative about the little things that we were able to do for her."

The 'little things' included the installation of new windows throughout the home, a new door and two new air conditioners as well as the application of a fresh coat of exterior paint.

The house was the ninth in as many years to receive some TLC from the Packers, who use..