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Training Camp Notebook: Know When To Hold Them

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 14:19:31 CST

Taking Care Of Sherman's Favorite Player
In order for the Packers to have success on special teams, they must find a sure-handed holder for kicker Ryan Longwell.

"I would not say I'm totally comfortable with any of them. B.J. (Sander) is the one guy that's ahead of the pack," said Longwell, who nailed 24-of-28 field goal attempts last year. "The ball's still not starting exactly where I am aiming."

Longwell has missed only one field goal attempt during training camp, but the perfectionist has not always hit the exact area of the net he targets.

"It's not satisfactory to my standards," he said.

Punter Bryan Baker held for the team in 2004. Although Sander appears to be the odds-on favorite to win the position this year, he must first beat out Bryce Benekos for punter.

Longwell likes Sander's chances in the intense competition.

"There's a lot of pressure on him and he knows that," he said of the second-year punter. "He's..

Rodgers Shows Potential During First Training Camp Practice

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 14:09:27 CST

No one is more elated that Aaron Rodgers reported to Sunday's Green Bay Packers practice than his older brother Luke. Since last Sunday, Aaron has kept his arm in shape by throwing 100 balls-a-day to his 23-year-old sibling in the backyard of his new house.

"My brother's hands have been hurting," said Aaron, now sporting a beard.

The first-round draft pick, who agreed to terms with the Packers on Saturday night, had an auspicious debut. After a few errant throws, his arm warmed up, and he made crisp throws during the first passing drill of the day.

"He looked pretty good," head coach Mike Sherman said. "He looked like he had a good night's sleep. He understands what we were doing."

As one would expect, Rodgers did make some plays typical for a rookie in his first day of training camp. During team drills he scrambled on his first two plays without attempting a pass. Cornerback Chris Day picked off another throw.

Rodgers, however, displayed..

Ben Steele Pushes For Roster Spot

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 14:16:59 CST

One player's absence is another's opportunity.

With two-time Pro Bowl tight end Bubba Franks yet to agree to contract terms, second-year tight end Ben Steele has taken advantage.

"It's huge," Steele said. "The fact that Bubba's not here gives me the chance to get extra reps I normally wouldn't."

One of the stars of Saturday's practice, Steele made several nice grabs, including two in a row down the seam during the afternoon practice.

"He's doing a great job getting open and giving us a chance to get him the ball," quarterback Craig Nall said.

Steele's best catch occurred on a Nall pass that hung in the air. Linebacker Paris Lenon fronted him, but the 6-5 Steele used his body to shield the 6-2 Lenon from the ball.

"I just tried to get up and over him," he said. "Luckily I have that height advantage."

The Packers will likely carry only three tight ends on their active roster. With Franks and David Martin solid bets to make..

Training Camp Notebook: All Eyes On Favre

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 14:16:22 CST

Favre Watch
Brett Favre showed a bit of rust at times but provided a glimpse of why he is destined for the Hall of Fame.

He threw two passes far from his target, and defensive end Aaron Kampman forced the ball out of his hands on another play.

Favre, however, made one of the plays of the day, throwing a long pass to wide receiver Javon Walker, who beat cornerback Ahmad Carroll. During the last play of practice, he threw a sideline pass to running back Tony Fisher that could have resulted in a touchdown in a live scrimmage.

Rookies who have grown up watching No. 4 play on television are still adjusting to the speed and accuracy of his throws. Once Favre sees the slightest separation between his receiver and the defender, he will not hesitate to rifle the ball in.

"No matter how close I am on [the receiver], he'll still throw it" said fifth-round pick Mike Hawkins, who practiced in pads for the first time on Saturday.

The quarterb..

Sherman Institutes 'Packers Ball Kid' Program

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 13:11:20 CST

Head Coach Mike Sherman on Friday instituted the 'Packers Ball Kid' program.

Each day prior to the morning practice, one lucky fan will be selected to assist the Packers' equipment staff on the practice field.

Interested children can line up where the players exit Lambeau Field and ride bikes to practice.

They randomly will receive tickets and the child with the winning ticket will receive a goody bag with a hat, t-shirt, a token for the autograph table and more.

The winner will be announced before each morning practice where the players enter the practice field.

The 'Packers Ball Kid' program will continue until the end of training camp.

Packers Ball Kids
Isaac Hanson
Shannon Gilbertson
Thomas Lang
Jordan Skar
James Stark
..

Packers Players Have Beach-Ready Bods

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 20:52:36 CST

Brett Favre may have received all of the attention, but he is not the only Packers player with a noticeably slimmer figure.

Both running back Najeh Davenport and defensive end Aaron Kampman have shed serious weight.

Davenport, who measured in at 265 pounds during the first organized team activity, now weighs 243. He dropped the pounds through playing offseason basketball at the YMCA in Howard, Wis., and visiting Jenny Craig, Inc. in Green Bay for a month.

He lost the weight so that he could become a quicker back with greater endurance, enhancing his size-speed combination.

"I've got a third gear," Davenport said. "I'm still one of the biggest backs in the league - weight wise. You've got Jerome Bettis, and he's like 250, but he's not as fast as me."

Upon his first visit, the staff there told him that he must exercise for 30 minutes a day.

"I'm going to try," he joked.

Davenport not only increased his cardio but ingested m..

Training Camp Notebook: Packers Begin Full-Squad Workouts

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 18:03:12 CST

Walker Reports And Shines At Practice
Talk about a sight for sore eyes.

After not participating in the offseason activities, Packers pro bowl wide receiver Javon Walker practiced in both training camp sessions despite rumors swirling that he would not show.

"Talking it over with my family and agent, Drew Rosenhaus, it was the best decision to do," Walker said. "I knew I wasn't going to miss any time from football. ... I'm happy to be here in training camp"

On Tuesday night, he decided to report to Friday's practices.

Although he dropped two passes, Walker showed little rust from the time off. Sherman said he arrived in great shape.

In the afternoon practice, he caught a pass from quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan that would have been a touchdown in a live scrimmage.

"I thought he looked good," head coach Mike Sherman said. "He picked up where he left off."

Walker left off with 89 catches for 1382 yards and 12 touchd..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 19:23:14 CST

Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

Each week, Packers.com will post a new feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'

Your first time at Lambeau Field... The first time you met a Packers legend... Your favorite piece of Packers memorabilia...Your family's pre-game tailgating ritual. You name it. We want to hear about it in 'Fan Memories' as Packers fans tell us about some of their most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

I grew up watching Bart Starr (15), Ray Nitschke (66), Paul Hornung (5) and Jim Taylor (31) with my Dad on Sunday afternoons. And on December 31, 1967, I distinctly remember watching the Ice Bowl against Dallas, the city where I live no..

Packers Participate In Welcome Back Luncheon

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 15:12:34 CST

On the eve of the first full training camp practice, the 1100 people attending the welcome back luncheon learned the high expectations head coach Mike Sherman has for this year's Green Bay Packers team as they gun for a fourth-straight division championship for the first time in team history.

"We plan to do that," he said. "We also don't plan on stopping there. We start the season this year in Detroit [the location of this year's Super Bowl], and we hope and plan to end our season in Detroit."

Each player and coach was introduced to the crowd on Thursday as a member of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce escorted them to their seat at circular tables located in the Lambeau Field Atrium. The event allows the business community of Green Bay to celebrate the Packers and become acquainted with their local team.

"It's an opportunity to get out there and mingle with the fans," running back Tony Fisher said.

Each table of guests dined with a player or ..

Packers Showcase Practice Skills For Shareholders

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 19:02:34 CST

Wednesday afternoon's training camp practice may have only featured rookies, first-year players and two quarterbacks, but it had the electricity of regular-season game as more than 14,000 fans (shareholders and their guests) attended the afternoon session in Lambeau Field.

"It was crazy. Just coming out of the tunnel and hearing the greeting was just incredible," said tight end Steve Fleming, an undrafted rookie from the University of Arizona who made several nice grabs during the afternoon practice. "It isn't like anything I've ever been around or ever heard of. This was really fun, and I think it had a little bit to do with today's energy."

Before the practice, head coach Mike Sherman walked out to applause. He signed autographs before and after the practice. The players also stayed to sign afterwards.

"It's a great atmosphere," cornerback Patrick Dendy said. "The fans are great."

Chris Day made a nice deflection for the second day, earning a con..

Packers Deliver Team Report At Annual Shareholders' Meeting

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 18:57:14 CST

He could have been speaking in front of the Microsoft Corporation -- except some members of the audience wore cheeseheads, and the shareholders filled the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wis.

"When I was in Seattle for five years I worked for [Microsoft co-founder and Seahawks owner] Paul Allen, who is a very successful man in many fields, and it was always quite daunting," said general manager Ted Thompson as he addressed more than 9,700 shareholders during the annual stockholders' meeting on Wednesday morning. "But I've never stood in front of a group of bosses like this before."

As one of the most unique stories in all of sports, Green Bay Packers, Inc., has been a publicly owned, non-profit corporation since Aug. 18, 1923, when they filed original articles of incorporation with Wisconsin's secretary of state.

The Packers' seven-member executive committee addressed the status of the team, outlining the current and future status on everything ranging from pers..

Packers Rookies and First-Year Players Return To Work

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 15:54:10 CST

As Packers rookies, first-year players and quarterbacks Craig Nall and J.T. O'Sullivan returned to Ray Nitschke Field for the first time since the organized team activities in June, practice was not about jaw-dropping hits. Instead the players focused on mastering the schemes, honing their technique and working off a bit of rust during the first day of training camp.

"As a rookie it's invaluable because things will slow down to the point where they can really learn and blossom and have some success," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "Once the vets come to camp, things are accelerated and the numbers and reps decrease. So the opportunity to learn is best here."

That learning curve is particularly important to Brady Poppinga, a fourth-round selection from Brigham Young University, who played defensive end before moving to the position he will play in the pros -- linebacker.

He has started to grasp his new responsibilities.

"I just improved a lot in term..

Head Coach Sherman Awaits 2005 Season

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 14:16:26 CST

As Packers head coach Mike Sherman held his first press conference of 2005's training camp, he stressed his eagerness about the start of the season, the return of Brett Favre, additions to the offensive line, among other topics.

"I'm very excited about the upcoming season," he said. "I'm really looking forward to that first Friday practice to get on our new field and get going. It seems like it's been a long offseason, and I'm anxious to see the development of some of our young players."

Much of that excitement is due to an offseason program he cited as the best he has enjoyed as head coach.

"We've had more players - rookies and veterans - involved in our opportunity sessions, and they have definitely benefited from that," he said. "Our minicamps have gone well."

Much of that offseason did not include Favre, who worked out at home instead of attending the organized team activities. The 15-year veteran spent the time tending to his family and wife D..

Rookies & First-Year Players Report To Camp

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 17:38:14 CST

Vacation is over for the Green Bay Packers rookies, first-year players and most quarterbacks as they moved into their training camp dormitory at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis., Monday.

"I'm ready to get back in the swing of things," said quarterback Craig Nall. "It's been fun being back home and coming and going as you please, but at the same time it's always good to get back in a little bit of structure."

He played golf -- one of the few non-football respites he will receive during the next month when they will eat, sleep and drink football -- on Monday morning. With two practices-a-day, mandatory bed checks and conditioning, the players have time for little else.

"It's football all the time," said defensive end Seante Williams, a first-year player allocated to NFL Europe. "I'm here for business."

Nall will room with his good friend, defensive end Aaron Kampman, his roommate during training camp and road games for the last two years. He, how..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 09:56:21 CST

Click Here for archived audio of Head Coach Mike Sherman's season-opening press conference!

Keep checking back for more archived audio and video clips from Tuesday's press conference and player/coach interviews.

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Packers Hall Of Fame Inducts Edgar Bennett And Don Majkowski

Sun, 24 Jul 2005 12:54:26 CST

Former running back Edgar Bennett and quarterback Don Majkowski were inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at the 35th Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, Saturday, at the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Bennett, currently the team's director of player development, stands as one of the best all-around running backs in team history. He ranks ninth among the club's all-time rushers with 3,353 yards on 936 carries. Also a gifted pass receiver, he ranks 15th on the Packers' career list with 242 receptions for 1,920 yards. Over his five-year Packers career he scored 29 touchdowns.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 1992 NFL Draft, Bennett that season became the first Packers rookie to rush for 100 yards since 1979 when he posted 107 vs. the Bears. The Florida State graduate became a starter at fullback in 1993 and, after a switch to halfback in 1995, he responded with a 1,000-yard season, the first for the team since 1978. He was a key component of the Packers' explosive of..

Private Box Holders Sample Delicacies

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 10:31:04 CST

About 225 Green Bay Packers private box holders attended a food tasting and ticket distribution event on the fourth floor of Lambeau Field on Thursday night.

"It's a nice social gathering," said Jennifer Ark, director of guest relations. "It's been a networking event for them. A lot of our box holders have made friends through this event."

A harpist played as the box holders mingled and tasted foods ranging from shrimp and crab cakes to the more traditional stadium fare of hot dogs and chicken wings. Levy Restaurants will serve the dishes in their suites during the season.

Comment cards were placed on each table so that the guests could write down which foods they liked and order accordingly before games.

A cheese sampler was prominently displayed. This year, local dairies will feature a different cheese specialty each month.

"People love when you go local," said private box general manager Allison Hammer.

Hammer cited steak and ..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 22 Jul 2005 11:59:02 CST

Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

Each week, Packers.com will post a new feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'

Your first time at Lambeau Field... The first time you met a Packers legend... Your favorite piece of Packers memorabilia...Your family's pre-game tailgating ritual. You name it. We want to hear about your most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

I have followed the Packers my whole life, but my best memory is when I went to my first game with my son, who is now 8 years old. Having him sit next to me not only made my day, but it also made my life. I hate to think about the day that Brett Favre retires because Brandon cries when we talk a..

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A Look Behind The Team: The Scouting Prodigy

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 16:29:01 CST

You're 23 years-old. Maybe you're experiencing the harshness of the real world for the first time, paying the bills instead of relying on your parents. Maybe you're finishing college, not yet cruising through that senior slide. Maybe you're starting your first full-time job. Maybe you're starting graduate school if you're really ambitious. Whatever you're doing, you're hardly experienced at your craft.

Unless you are Eliot Wolf.

At the age of 23, the Packers' pro personnel assistant has already worked 13 consecutive Packers drafts and eight NFL scouting internships - four with the Packers, three with the Atlanta Falcons and one with the Seattle Seahawks. He filed his first scouting report for the Falcons during the summer before his freshman year of high school.

Wolf learned the intricacies of scouting at an early age by listening intently to his father Ron, the legendary Packers general manager from 1991 to 2001 who constructed the bulk of the Packers rost..

Packers' Green Launches Acting Career

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 16:41:37 CST

Ahman Green began his movie career in the most routine of ways.

During a late afternoon in April, the Packers running back sauntered over to the bar at one of his favorite haunts, KoKo Sushi Bar and Lounge. He ordered his usual -- 15 pieces of tuna and salmon sashimi -- when he overheard Virginia Boren, one of the co-owners and a local actress, discussing her role in a comedic movie. His interest immediately piqued.

"I kind of put it out there that if the director or whoever's doing the casting wants to write me in, I'm game," he said. "I'm a movie guy. I watch tons of movies."

A few days later, writer/director/lead actor Scott Harpt re-wrote the script to give Green a four-line part in his short movie titled "Chester McPhail."

The basic plot of the short ensemble comedy, which the filmmakers will screen for the first time on Aug. 6, revolves around McPhail, a lovable loser who must raise someone else's two-year-old child by himself.

"He..

Packers' Rookies Learn Life Skills

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 18 Jul 2005 15:21:52 CST

Training Camp has not started, but the Green Bay Packers' rookies already have received a preview of the challenges presented by a long career in the NFL.

All 255 drafted rookies, including the 11 members of the Packers' 2005 draft class, attended the Rookie Symposium in West Palm Beach, Fla., from June 26 to June 29. The seminar covered topics including player agents, finances, education, drugs and steroids, alcohol and HIV prevention.

"The goal is to make them aware of all the things that are going to come about in their life as an NFL player and to give them some strategies to change things that may come about in their life," said Turner Gill, the Packers' director of player development, who accompanied the rookies to the symposium. "They hit almost every topic."

The NFL delivered the message through lectures, breakout sessions, skits, player panels and a trivia contest.

Experts in the field lectured on var..

Splash Down: Tony Fisher Plays It Cool At The Zoo

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 18:39:21 CST

Children may look up to the Green Bay Packers, but they also like to submerge them.

And they received their chance on Saturday afternoon as Packers running back Tony Fisher helped the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo in Green Bay, Wis. celebrate it's third annual "Tail"Gate, an event which included a dunk tank, food, music and interactive sports games.

Fisher signed autographs and posed for pictures as an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people attended the zoo's function, according to NEW Zoo director, Neil Anderson.

"It's an opportunity for me to be out in the public and intermingle with the fans," Fisher said. "Just to see the smiles on the kids' face -- that means a lot."

Indeed the children grinned when Fisher perched himself atop the dunk tank. For $1, they received five softball throws and five chances to drench the running back.

Fisher, however, was less enthused about getting dunked at first. He prefers to approach water more cautiously.
..

Breaking Down The Special Teams Depth Chart

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 14:25:03 CST

Packers.com reveals the Green Bay Packers' depth chart heading into training camp, offering an insider's look at key position battles, players to watch and locks to make the opening day roster. We analyze the special teams in the third of a three-part series.

Perhaps no player on the roster is as much of a lock to remain a starter as kicker Ryan Longwell. The Packers' career leader in points scored, the nine-year veteran connected on 24-of-28 field goal attempts last year and scored 120 points.

On the other end of the spectrum, punter should be one of the more hotly contested position battles during training camp. B.J. Sander, a third-round selection in the 2004 draft, initially is listed as the starter. Wanting him to improve his skills and add game experience, the Packers sent him to NFL Europe this spring. Playing for the Hamburg Sea Devils, he finished first in the league with 36.6-yard net average. However, Brooks Barnard, who has had stints with both th..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 11:37:02 CST

Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

The fervor of Packers fans has no limits. One fan flew in to watch the Packers select quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the 2005 NFL draft. A teen from Louisiana and a man from England claim their trips to Lambeau Field as their best vacations. Another drives to work in a vehicle that is an homage to the Packers. A group of fans have attended every Bears vs. Packers game in the last 10 years. These stories make up this week's batch of 'Fan Memories' as Packers fans tell us about some of their most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

This year I flew to New York for the NFL Draft. After seeing Aaron Rodgers walk across the stage, I decided I was going to go find him and get my picture taken with him. With all the security, there was no way that I could find him. ..

Breaking Down The Defensive Depth Chart

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 12:26:04 CST

Packers.com reveals the Green Bay Packers' depth chart heading into training camp, offering an insider's look at key position battles, players to watch and locks to make the opening day roster. We analyze the defense in the second of a three-part series.

While the offensive depth chart should look fairly similar to last year, the defense could feature several changes. The players must adjust to defensive coordinator Jim Bates' new attacking scheme, and training camp will include fierce competition for some starting jobs.

The starting defensive ends seem to be set with Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila occupying the left and right defensive end positions, respectively. They combined for 18 sacks last year, and both anticipate major production after adjustments in this year's scheme. The defensive ends will play a few steps off and at an angle toward the line of scrimmage instead of man-up against offensive linemen. Bates made this change to let them rush ..

Breaking Down The Offensive Depth Chart

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 13:41:00 CST

Packers.com reveals the Green Bay Packers' depth chart heading into training camp, offering an insider's look at key position battles, players to watch and locks to make the opening day roster. We analyze the offense in the first of a three-part series.

As it has been for more than a decade, the quarterback position remains in good shape after Brett Favre announced he would return for his 15th season. Favre did not attend any of the Organized Team Activities. Instead, he spent the time conditioning and strength training, focusing specifically on his core muscle groups. He hopes the new workouts will help him throw for more than 4,000 yards for the fifth time in his career.

Favre's durability is well-documented as he has started an NFL-record 205 consecutive games, but if he does get hurt, training camp likely will determine his backups. Craig Nall, entering his fourth year with the Packers, has the advantage of knowing the offense, and Head Coach Mike Sherman..

P.A. Announcer Hangs It Up After 40 Years

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 12:17:07 CST

As the thermometer read 13 below-zero and Bart Starr snuck in from the 1-yard line behind the daylight-clearing blocks of Jerry Kramer and Ken Bowman, Gary Knafelc made his most memorable call during the Packers' most memorable play.

"Bart Starr. Quarterback Sneak. Touchdown. Champions," he declared after the last play of the famed "Ice Bowl," the 1967 NFL Championship game which propelled the Packers to the first Super Bowl.

Knafelc was there for that call just as he was for nearly every other. After serving as the public address announcer for every Packers home game from 1964 to 2004, he has announced his retirement from the booth.

"He did it because of his feelings for the organization," Packers President and CEO Bob Harlan said. "He was always a very dedicated guy and loved the Green Bay Packers."

Knafelc felt that passion during the Ice Bowl despite offering a succinct description of its penultimate play. But he had learned not add too much c..

Local News Anchor To Serve As New Voice of Lambeau Field

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 12:11:33 CST

The Packers have hired Bill Jartz, a recognized local news figure and a northeastern Wisconsin native, as their public address announcer starting with the 2005 season.

"It's a dream job," he said. "When it comes to football venues, [Lambeau Field] is the gold standard, and to be the so-called voice of that stadium is very much an honor."

Jartz anchors the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts on WBAY-TV and previously performed play-by-play duties for preseason Green Bay Packers football games.

He said he will announce the games in a manner befitting the Packers' historic stadium.

"I don't know if I'm going to be really flashy or anything," he said. "They just want a pretty straight-laced show."

However, he will make the game fun for fans, changing his inflection at the appropriate time, including before the start of games.

"In the starting lineups you can have a little fun with it. The thing is you have 70,000 people backing you up, and th..

Packers To Practice On New Training Camp Surface

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 16:42:28 CST

The Packers ground crew Monday completed installation of a new surface at Clarke Hinkle Field, allowing fans to watch their team practice more frequently and players to practice on a more comfortable surface during training camp.

"It was totally rebuilt from top to bottom," field manager Allen Johnson said. "The organization wanted to improve the drainage and create a softer field."

The old soil could not hold water sufficiently and took a long time to drain, causing the surface to become muddy, slick and unsafe for the players.

The new root zone composed of sand and a few organic materials will eliminate those drainage problems and create a softer playing field.

"The big difference is the moisture-holding capacity," Johnson said.

Last year's soil was made with a high concentration of clay. After a rainy day in training camp, the clay would retain water and create a soggy field, forcing the Packers to practice inside the Don Huston Center..

O-line Has New Faces, Same Expectations

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:31:25 CST

As veteran Mark Tauscher looked to his left during the first organized team activity in late April, something seemed unfamiliar. Both of last year's starting guards, Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle, his neighbors in the trenches for the right tackle's entire six-year career, were no longer there.

"It was weird because you have it so ingrained in your head how you do things, and then you have a guy next to you that's not Marco," he said. "It's a different deal."

Tauscher was out of his comfort zone because Rivera and Wahle left as free agents during the offseason. The Panthers signed Wahle to a five-year, $27-million contract with $10 million in bonuses while the Cowboys signed Rivera to a five-year, $20 million deal with a $9 million signing bonus.

As a result, a franchise built around the success of the offensive line, going back to the Green Bay sweep and Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston clearing holes for Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor to run for daylight, must ..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 08 Jul 2005 10:57:07 CST

Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

The fervor of Packers fans has no limits. A German fan watched Super Bowl XXXI in a Hamburg movie theater, an Ohio resident met Packers great Fuzzy Thurston, another fan has instilled passion in family's fourth-generation and another man roots for the Packers from across the border. A beneficiary of Brett Favre's Fourward Foundation met his idol. These stories make up this week's batch of 'Fan Memories' as Packers fans tell us about some of their most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

In Germany we back the four-time German Bowl champion Hamburg Blue Devils. But we support the Packers since we watched Super Bowl XXXI in 1996 in Hamburg's biggest movie theater. In May 2004, we visited Lambeau Field and the Hall of Fame. Our stay in Green Bay was phenomenal. Hopeful..

Packers Training Camp Earns Sports Illustrated's Accolades

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 07 Jul 2005 15:28:02 CST

Sports Illustrated's Peter King listed the Packers as having one of the best training camps in the NFL and also anointed it one of the "Summer Essentials" -- a list of SI's writers' recommendations for the ultimate sports summer.

King cited the Packers' open practices at the Don Hutson Center and Lambeau Field's Pro Shop, the Packers Hall of Fame and Curly's Pub as reasons why training camp is a must-see. He also mentioned the Packers' bicycling tradition.

To and from training camp practices, local children lend the players their bikes and often ride atop its handlebars. This ritual dates back to 1961 when Vince Lombardi asked his players to ride bikes to practice in an effort to augment the team's relationship with their fans.

The articles about Packers training camp appear..

Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps Underway

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 12:12:02 CST

Aspiring football players can learn from the pros as the Green Bay Packers have officially kicked off their annual Youth Football Camps for 2005.

The second of five summer camps is currently underway in Mequon, Wis., with three more camps to follow in Waukesha (July 11-July 15), Green Bay (July 18-July 22) and Kenosha (July 25-July 29).

A 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 former Packers players.

The weeklong camp teaches children the fundamentals for each position 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 Pack..

From Players To Coaches: Two Packers Prepare For The Future

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 05 Jul 2005 14:32:02 CST

They instructed them on proper warm-up and lifting technique. They ran them through agility drills. They preached becoming bigger, faster and stronger.

However, the "they" were not Packers strength and conditioning coaches Barry Rubin and Mark Lovat but the players themselves.

This role reversal was part of the Packers player development program, which secured internships for running back Chris Robertson and guard/tackle Atlas Herrion. The players served as strength coaches for the first time at Green Bay-area high schools, allowing them valuable experience for life after a career in the NFL.

"I've gone in and talked to schools," said Herrion, who helped out with the strength and conditioning program in March and April at DePere High School. "But I've never had the hands-on experience of going in and actually help out."

Herrion helped the student-athletes with their weightlifting technique, particularly power lifts such as power cleans, power snatc..

'Summer Traditions At Lambeau Field' Set For August 14

Fri, 01 Jul 2005 11:35:59 CST

Packer fans of all ages will enjoy a fun-filled step back in time on Sunday, August 14, at 'Summer Traditions at Lambeau Field.'

The family event will allow everyone who passes through the gates the opportunity to experience some favorite children's activities from 1908, back when Curly Lambeau was just 10 years old.

Tents will be set up in the northeast parking lot outside of Lambeau Field, allowing kids and adults alike to participate in three-legged, gunny sack, wheelbarrow and tractor races, pie-eating contests, face painting or a sawdust treasure hunt.

Complimentary Breyers ice cream, a petting zoo, entertainment from that time period, along with a chainsaw carving demonstration will be an integral part of the day's festivities.

Guests will also have the opportunity to mingle with Heritage Hill employees who will be decked out in their finest 1908 attire.

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 01 Jul 2005 15:28:50 CST

Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

The fervor of Packers fans has no limits. One man hung out in Ahman Green's rec room. Another is part of his family's third generation of devoted supporters. A Californian took a road trip to Brett Favre's hometown, a girl adopted Green's surname as her own and a fan traveled across the world to watch a Green Bay playoff game. These stories make up this week's batch of 'Fan Memories' as Packers fans tell us about their most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

Thanks to a co-worker friend (Scott), one of my best friends (John) and I got to meet Ahman Green in the Family Area after the Packers/Cowboys game in which Green was the Offensive Player of the Week with his 90-yard TD run. And after the game, we went back to Green's house to have pizza and talk about the..