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NFL Europe: Week 3 Preview

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 16:40:10 CST

Week 3 of the NFL Europe season begins with only one undefeated team, the 2-0 Rhein Fire. Packers cornerback Therrian Fontenot is part of an outstanding Fire defense that has given up only six points in its first two games. He leads NFLE with two interceptions -- both made last week -- and earned Defensive Player of the Week honors in his team's 22-0 win over the Berlin Thunder.

On Saturday the Berlin Thunder (1-1) travel to take on the Hamburg Sea Devils (0-2). Hamburg seeks to avoid starting 0-3 for the first time in its two-year history. Berlin and Hamburg are at the bottom of the league in offensive production, averaging 288 and 247 yards-per-game, respectively. The Sea Devils are one of two teams not to allow a sack. The Thunder are tops in the league in run defense, giving up 84.5 yards per game.

The other Saturday game has two 1-1 teams facing off with Frankfurt at Amsterdam. The Admirals team is NFL Europe's offensive juggernaut, leading the league in point..

Brett Favre Aids In Hurricane Katrina Recovery

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 16:19:22 CST

More than seven months after Hurricane Katrina ravaged much of the southeastern United States, Packers quarterback Brett Favre continues to help the relief effort.

Favre along with fellow Mississippi native, Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair, donated 20 checks, totaling $150,000 to help local football programs in south Mississippi purchase equipment and other staples of their programs destroyed during the Hurricane.

"We tried to do what we could to bring some joy," Favre said. "It will not be enough, but we're happy to help get these programs back and running. It will take a while for the coast to get back, but hopefully this will help some."

Their grants ranged between $1,500 and $5,000 with the NFL matching funds up to $5,000 to schools and nonprofit youth football organizations. To register for the grants, schools and youth leagues completed applications with the NFL Youth Football Fund.

The Brett Favre Fourward Foundation gave the money..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 31 Mar 2006 11:20:58 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.'

This week's batch includes special anecdotes from the Green Bay Packers faithful. One lucky person met current quarterback Aaron Rodgers while another met former safety LeRoy Butler. Packers games at Lambeau Field serve as a girls bonding experience for one group of fans while another cherished seeing Brett Favre's 200th consecutive start in person. A rabid fan with a close resemblance to Ray Nitschke has attended Packers games dressed as the legendary linebacker since 1994.

During the season I had an opportunity to meet Aaron Rodgers. From this ..

NFL Europe Diary: Therrian Fontenot, Part II

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 11:28:53 CST

Rhein Fire cornerback Therrian Fontenot writes a diary for Packers.com, logging his NFL Europe venture. He was awarded Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday for his two-interception performance in the team's 22-0- win over the Berlin Thunder. This week he writes about the award, team chemistry, life in Germany and his international teammates.

I found out I won the award on Wednesday. It is definitely a good feeling. Our defense is playing really well (ranked No. 1 in the league). We've been coached really well and we're starting to gel as a team. Day by day we're taking it as a challenge to stop the opposite opponent. Our chemistry is improving, and that's the reason we're making strides. Everybody gets along in practice and off the field, which helps make the team stronger.

I said in training camp that my goal was to not give up a single touchdown and I'm sticking to that. I'm just trying to get better and better as we go. I just take advantage of all the ..

History And Scheme Attracted Two Defensive Free Agents To Green Bay

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 16:00:51 CST

As safety Marquand Manuel walks past the Vince Lombardi trophies on the way to the Packers' locker room, the former Seattle Seahawk knows why he decided to sign with Green Bay.

"The biggest thing was just the tradition," Manuel said.

Titletown's tradition also impressed outside linebacker Ben Taylor, but the main reason he joined the Packers instead of re-signing with the Cleveland Browns was because of Green Bay's defensive scheme.

When new Browns head coach Romeo Crennel installed a 3-4 defense in 2005, the 6-2, 238-pound Taylor had to move inside. In the 3-4, outside linebackers operate more like pseudo-defensive ends, rushing the passer and weighing 260 to 270 pounds while the lighter inside linebackers usually line up against guards. In the Packers defense, however, the interior defensive linemen clog up blockers, leaving the linebackers free to pursue the ball carriers.

"In this system you don't always have to hit an offensive lineman," Tayl..

NFL Enacts 15 Rule Changes For 2006 Season

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 15:58:56 CST

On Wednesday afternoon NFL owners approved 15 rule proposals from the competition committee with most designed to improve player conduct and safety.

The first conduct rule could be called the "Chad Johnson" rule. In 2006 officials will penalize a team 15 yards if one of their players excessively celebrates touchdowns. Last year the Cincinnati Bengals receiver proposed marriage to a cheerleader and used a pylon as a putter among other stunts. The owners passed that measure by a 29-3 margin.

Packers fans, however, can rest easily. The Lambeau Leap was deemed acceptable along with spikes, dunks, spins and other simple celebrations.

Instant replay reviews will change in two ways. In an effort to speed up the game, reviews will be reduced from 90 seconds to 60 this year. Replay challenges also can include down-by-contact plays in which a player fumbled. That rule passed by a 27-5 vote.

As far as the safety measures, a pass rushing defender cannot intent..

Getting To Know... Junius Coston

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 14:03:05 CST

How well do we know the men who make up the Packers roster? Even the most ardent fan - the one who studies every play, knows the 40-yard-dash time of every prospect, is at every practice during training camp - most likely is familiar with what the players of the Green and Gold do on the field.

Packers.com is taking a look at some of the off-the-field interests of the players who you cheer for during the football season. This is a chance to get to know the players through a series of questions and answers, some football-related and others having nothing to do with the gridiron.

It's time to get to know... Junius Coston.

The Packers may have only activated guard/center Junius Coston for 14 games in 2005, but they expect bigger and better things from the second-year player in 2006.

They see Coston as well-suited to the Packers' new offensive scheme, emphasizing zone blocking. At 6-3, 317, Coston has the size, speed and agility to execute doubl..

Tagliabue Discusses Search For Replacement, Schedule For Opening Weekend

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 14:18:49 CST

As the owners meeting began on Monday, the hot topic focused on selecting a replacement for NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

In discussing the matter, Tagliabue met with each of the 32 NFL owners, including Packers President and CEO Bob Harlan, for about an hour.

"He laid out his initial steps on what the process should be," Harlan said.

Tagliabue will not recommend a specific individual but will elect a committee to begin that process. The committee will choose a search firm, which would be responsible for coming up with a list candidates.

Media outlets have listed the names of Roger Goodell, Tagliabue's right-hand man, and Atlanta Falcons general manager Rich McKay as possible replacements once Tagliabue retires in July.

When asked for the attributes that the new commissioner should possess, Tagliabue emphasized vision, intelligence, persuasiveness, work ethic and integrity.

"Those qualities for the next commissioner are pretty ..

NFL Europe: Week 2 Recap

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 11:30:22 CST

The Green Bay Packers players allocated to NFL Europe made game-changing plays during the second weekend of action in NFL Europe.

Packers cornerback Therrian Fontenot's ballhawking ways helped propel the Rhein Fire to a 22-0 victory against the Berlin Thunder. The Frankfurt Galaxy also won by a large margin, defeating the winless Hamburg Sea Devils 31-14.

During the lone Sunday game, the Amsterdam Admirals defeated the Cologne Centurions 20-15. Admirals safety Atari Bigby, allocated by the Packers, made a heady play to preserve the win. As a blocked punt wound up bouncing around in the Admirals endzone, Fontenot kicked the ball out for a safety, surrendering two points to make it 20-15 rather than the six Cologne would have scored by recovering the ball.

Fontenot made just as great an impact for the Fire, intercepting two passes for 10 yards, deflecting three passes and collecting three tackles. Packers lineman Pete Traynor also helped the winning cause by..

NFL Europe Week 2 Preview

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 14:52:31 CST

Week 2 of the NFL Europe season kicks off on Saturday with two games slated that day. All eight Packers represented played in the opening weekend. Five of the eight players started, including three on the Amsterdam Admirals roster.

Action begins with the Rhein Fire taking on the Berlin Thunder. Both teams won their Week 1 openers. Berlin has won 10 of its last 11 games at home and 17 of its last 21 regular season games. Their opening-day win was a 33-29 victory at Amsterdam, the third year in a row the team won their opener. Rhein won a defensive battle in its first game vs. Frankfurt, 10-6. Berlin gained a NFLE-high 350 yards while the Fire enter the weekend with the league's best defense, allowing Frankfurt to gain just 188 total yards. Berlin was among four teams last week not to give up a sack. Rhein allowed a league-high 3 sacks.

The Saturday late game features Hamburg at Frankfurt with both teams having lost their first games. Frankfurt fell 10-6 at Rhein, and..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 24 Mar 2006 11:45:39 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.'

This week's batch includes special anecdotes from the Green Bay Packers faithful. One lucky person met Ahman Green at an airport while another greeted President Bob Harlan at Fan Fest. Two groups of fan journeyed all the way from Oregon and Canada to watch the Packers play in historic Lambeau Field, and a Packers game in Ford Field served as the perfect father-daughter bonding experience.

This was the first Packer Fan Fest we attended, and we hope it's not the last! What a great time it was! It was such a pleasure to meet Bob Harlan and Jerry Par..

Mike Hawkins Bulks Up For His Second Year

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 15:39:18 CST

With the Packers' offseason workout program underway, Mike Hawkins can show off his new muscle-packed frame for the strength and conditioning staff.

The 2005 fifth-round draft pick displayed potential as the nickel cornerback last year, but a combination of ankle, knee and groin injuries caused him to miss four games. Hawkins' added bulk should not only help jam receivers at the line of scrimmage but also ward off those pulls, strains and sprains.

"I learned from the last season," Hawkins said, "that you've got to build up muscle to compete and last through the whole season without getting these injuries."

As a rookie the 6-0 cornerback's weight dipped to 175 pounds. After the season ended, Hawkins hit the weights and reached a peak of 191 pounds -- though he measured in at 187 pounds on Monday. Adding about 15 pounds of muscle is impressive, considering most players add their muscle mass after completing the rigorous offseason workout, which the Pac..

NFL Europe Diary: Chad Lucas, Part II

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 13:44:43 CST

Amsterdam Admirals wide receiver Chad Lucas will write a diary for Packers.com chronicling his NFL Europe experience from training camp to the end of the season. This week, Chad writes about his first week in Europe, including cuisine, practice and the opening home contest against the Berlin Thunder.

We left for Europe from Florida last Tuesday and arrived here late Wednesday night. Out hotel is really nice and I finally have my own room. When we first got here we had a little extra time to walk around Utrecht, the city we live in, which is about 45 minutes outside of Amsterdam. In the past, the players all lived in Amsterdam, but they had some guys who were a little less focused than they should be, so that's why we live outside the city. But the train ride is only 30 minutes to Amsterdam, so it's not that bad. We got some tickets to the wax museum in Amsterdam, so I'm going to try and get down there to see that. Hopefully on one of my off days I can go to Paris, wh..

Owners' Meetings Will Begin Search For New Commish, Investigate Rule Changes

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 16:27:37 CST

The NFL may rank as the most popular sports league in the United States, but its owners will gather in Orlando, Fla. on Monday as part of a three-day meeting to examine ways to improve the league.

"The game remains in very solid shape," Atlanta Falcons president/general manager and Competition Committee co-chairman Rich McKay said. "It has been a great league for a long time. The popularity gets stronger and stronger each year."

That great league, however, will have a new captain guiding its ship as commissioner Paul Tagliabue ends his 16-year tenure in July. On Monday the owners will begin the process of selecting a committee to research candidates to replace the respected Tagliabue.

"He's done a wonderful job of keeping labor peace for us and improving our televison situation and improving our business situation," said President and CEO Bob Harlan, who will attend the meetings. "He was the perfect person for the job at the time he took it."

Woul..

Shareholders Meeting Set For July 19

Tue, 21 Mar 2006 17:03:30 CST

Also see: Packers Shareholders

Important 2006 Meeting Information for Shareholders

***

The annual Packers stockholders' meeting will be held Wednesday, July 19, inside Lambeau Field, starting at 9 a.m.

The event returns to the historic stadium, where it was held the first two years after the 1997-98 stock sale (1998, '99), because more than 5,000 stockholders were turned away from last year's meeting when the nearby Resch Center was deemed to have met its capacity.

The meeting will be open to ticketed shareholders plus a guest.

Packers Eagerly Begin Workout Program

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 16:04:59 CST

The Packers' 13-week offseason strength and conditioning program has proven to be more popular than ever as almost the entire roster has participated since the sessions started on Monday.

"This is the most guys I've seen since I've been here," Aaron Kampman said. "I would imagine if you go back through the annals of Packers offseason, this is probably a record number."

Typically, a handful of veterans attend these 13-week programs, which all 32 NFL teams conduct. The Packers, however, have shown up in droves to meet the new coaching staff. Bouncing back from a 4-12 season has added further incentive to enter minicamps in peak physical condition.

"I'm ready to get this next season going," defensive tackle Colin Cole said. "Last year a lot of expectations weren't met for anybody here. And we want to get back out there and show what Packers football is all about."

For fullback William Henderson, the many participants has him reminiscing about the mid-..

AP Story: Tagliabue To Retire As Commissioner In July

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 11:53:35 CST

Paul Tagliabue is retiring as NFL commissioner in July after more than 16 years on the job.

The 65-year-old league leader has been in charge since 1989, when he succeeded Pete Rozelle, and agreed last March to stay to complete the television and labor deals.

He finally got that done 12 days ago, finishing the most arduous labor negotiations since the league and union agreed on a free agency-salary cap deal in 1992.

"I believe that now is a positive time to make the transition to a new commissioner," Tagliabue said in a statement.

"We have a collective bargaining extension in place, long-term television contracts, and have undertaken many other strong elements in league and club operations," he said. "I am honored to have been commissioner since late 1989 and to have been heavily involved with the league, its owners, clubs, coaches, players, fans and media since 1969."

Roger Goodell, the NFL's chief operating officer, and Atlanta gener..

NFL Europe: Week 1 Recap

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 10:44:59 CST

Several Packers players began their football season during the weekend, but the action took place on a different continent.

NFL Europe's opening week featured a bevy of close games. Each was decided by four points with the Cologne Centurions defeating the Hamburg Sea Devils 14-10, the Berlin Thunder defeating the Amsterdam Admirals 33-29 and the Rhein Fire defeating the Frankfurt Galaxy 10-6.

In those matches the eight Packers participating in NFL Europe made significant contributions. Four Packers players -- wide receiver, Vince Butler, wide receiver Chad Lucas, tight end Tory Humphrey and strong safety Atari Bigby added to Admirals' potent offense.

Skyler Fulton, allocated by the Seattle Seahawks led the Admirals in receptions, but the second, third and fourth leading receivers were Packers. Butler caught three passes for 27 yards, Lucas caught two for 24 and Humphrey caught two for 12. On the defensive side, Bigby tied for the team lead in total tackles ..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 11:09:24 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.'

This week's batch shows the impact the team from Green Bay has on the Packers faithful. One fan's haircut demonstrates his devotion to the Packers. Two groups of people experienced enduring memories at last weekend's Fan Fest. The presence of Brett Favre represented special meaning for two sets of fans, including a group of soldiers who met Favre at their Mississippi base before leaving for Iraq.

I've been a Packers fan since I was a little guy. I always talked about seeing a game at Lambeau Field, but I was sure that it would never happen. Well,..

NFL Europe Week 1 Preview

Adam Woullard, Packers.com — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 09:32:31 CST

Eight members of the Green Bay Packers will be in uniform this weekend when NFL Europe officially kicks off its 14th season, Saturday.

The Packers are represented on four of the league's six teams. The Amsterdam Admirals field four Green Bay players and the Rhein Fire have two.

Four players -- safety Atari Bigby, cornerback Therrian Fontenot, tight end Tory Humphrey and wide receiver Chad Lucas -- spent time on Green Bay's 53-man roster during the 2005 regular season.

Bigby, Humphrey and Lucas all will suit up for Amsterdam, as will '05 Packers practice squad receiver, Vince Butler.

Fontenot, who played the final game of the season for Green Bay after spending the first 16 weeks on the practice squad, will play for Rhein. He will be joined on the roster by Packers newcomer, guard Pete Traynor. Also new to Green Bay are defensive tackle Jerome Nichols and quarterback Brian Wrobel, who will play for the Frankfurt Galaxy and Berlin Thunder, r..

Veteran Kevin Barry Chooses To Re-Up With Packers

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 16:07:18 CST

Offensive lineman Kevin Barry will return to the Green Bay Packers -- the team he has played for since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2002.

"It feels good," Barry said. "Now I can just focus on training and getting ready for this upcoming season."

Barry, an unrestricted free agent, re-signed with the Packers on Wednesday despite receiving interest from "quite a few" NFL teams. The Packers represented the best combination of playing opportunity, appropriate compensation and a winning franchise.

Barry already has talked to both offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski and offensive line coach Joe Philbin and looks forward to the new zone blocking scheme they are installing. That design, which the Atlanta Falcons used to become the top-ranked rushing unit in 2005, focuses on agile linemen who can execute double team blocks and take on the first defender to enter their area.

"It's definitely going to be interesting," Barry said.

Watch the NCAA Tournament at Curly's Pub!

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 14:41:19 CST

It's March Madness at Curly's Pub. With 138 televisions, Curly's Pub is the perfect place to watch all the NCAA tournament action.

Get Packers-sized portions of NCAA excitement and check out this month's fresh fish specials. The wide array of beverage offerings, including the popular yard of beer, makes for excellent basketball companionship, too.

Catch all the hoops hysteria at Curly's Pub inside the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Mills Fleet Farm Presents The 2006 Spring Sports & Outdoors Show

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 14:35:10 CST

April 8 - 9 (Sat. - Sun.)
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lambeau Field Atrium & Concourse

***

Includes:
* Master of Ceremonies, John Gillespie host of "John Gillespie's Waters & Woods"

* Fishing and Hunting Seminars

* Prize Drawings

* Show Only Specials

* Great Deals on Fishing & Outdoor Gear

Get FREE admission tickets at any Mills Fleet Farm Store

Free Parking

Packers Ticket Prices To Remain Unchanged For 2006

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 12:42:14 CST

Lambeau Field stadium bowl ticket prices for Green Bay Packers games will not increase for the 2006 season, President and CEO Bob Harlan said Tuesday.

"Each year we take a very in-depth look at ticket prices around the league," said Harlan. "It's a subject that we consider to be very important. Our current pricing is in the middle range of the league and that's where we like to be. We always consider the market we're in and the loyalty of our fans.

"Game day at Lambeau Field is one of the best experiences in sports. Our ticket prices are a component of that and we'll continue to try to keep our prices in a range that reflects favorably on that experience."

Lambeau Field again ranked as the No. 1 stadium experience in all of professional sports, according to ESPN The Magazine's 2006 Fan Satisfaction Rankings in a survey of 30,000 sports fans nationally. Lambeau ranked No. 1 last year and No. 4 in both 2003 and 2004 in the magazine's annual survey.

Fan Fest '06 Provided Enduring Memories

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 15:59:32 CST

As the second annual Fan Fest wrapped up in the Lambeau Field Atrium on Sunday, the devoted Packers faithful left with indelible recollections.

"(It's) just a wonderful weekend," Executive Vice President and COO John Jones said. "We've had folks from so many different states that are visiting Green Bay."

Michelle Valdez, who sports a Packers "G" tattoo on her lower back, came all the way from Vero Beach, Fla. to attend all three days of Fan Fest. She accompanied her uncle and aunt from Peshtigo, Wis. On Friday Packers legend Jerry Kramer signed a picture from Super Bowl II, owned by Valdez's father. Unable to keep the autograph a surprise, she phoned her father shortly after Kramer signed it.

"I had to call him," Valdez said. "He cried almost. It sounded like he was tearing up."

The 2,982 fans who attended Sunday's events experienced a wide range of emotions as well. Fan Fest offered the unique opportunity for fans to stroll through and take pictu..

As A Backup Or A Starter, Rodgers Looks Forward To The '06 Season

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 14:32:57 CST

As a rookie last season, Aaron Rodgers only played in mop-up duty during three regular-season games, but such limited work may have been the best thing for him as he enters his second year in the league.

"I'm as healthy as I've ever been. A lot of that has to do with because I didn't play last year," Rodgers said. "My body feels good. My knee feels unbelievable, and my arm's great."

He has spent the offseason, focusing on his core strength, flexibility and conditioning in much the same way Brett Favre did last year. Favre repeatedly lauded the results and his consequent ability to become more elusive in the pocket.

Rodgers could follow Favre in more ways than just his conditioning routine. He could supplant the legend as the Packers' starting quarterback in 2006. The Californian, however, takes a pragmatic approach regarding Favre's impending decision on whether to retire or play his 16th season in the NFL

"I worry about the things I control and ..

Kampman Announces Contract Extension In Dramatic Fashion

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 17:38:55 CST

As defensive end Aaron Kampman walked out onto the main stage of the Lambeau Field Atrium during Saturday afternoon's Fan Fest, the throng of fans applauded -- and for good reason.

"I wanted to make this official," Kampman said. "I'm going to be staying in Green Bay."

Kampman's representatives hammered out a four-year contract extension with the Packers' front office late Friday night just before the free agent period was slated to begin.

"It's a deadline league," Kampman said. "Usually things get done in the 11th hour most times. I'm just glad it all worked out."

The Packers are glad too. Coming off a career year when he finished second on the 2005 team with 6.5 sacks and recorded the second most tackles for a defensive lineman in franchise history, Kampman would have become a very coveted unrestricted free agent.

Had the parties not come to terms, Kampman said he would have been on an airplane en route to visit another NFL club instead o..

Friday's Fan Fest Commences Packers' 2006 Season

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 22:10:47 CST

When the clock struck 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Green Bay Packers fans dashed into the Lambeau Field Atrium to take their seats for the first night of the second annual Fan Fest.

Katrina Birling of Appleton, Wis., adorned in a Brett Favre jersey and several green and gold beads around her neck, led the charge.

"This is like fantasy camp for fans," she said.

The first one in the stadium, Birling and her sister Kolleen snared front row seats to hear Packers Hall of Famer Larry McCarren host a 30-minute live television show on Green Bay's CBS affiliate. McCarren introduced many current and past Packers legends, including LeRoy Butler, Don Majkowski, Samkon Gado, Bubba Franks and William Henderson. He also formally presented General Manager Ted Thompson and the new coaching staff, which was met by cheers from the 2,584 in attendance. That ceremony not only jump-started Fan Fest but also another significant occasion in the calendar year.

"I look at this as t..

NFL Europe Diary: Therrian Fontenot, Part I

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 15:58:07 CST

Rhein Fire defensive back Therrian Fontenot will write a diary for Packers.com logging his NFL Europe venture. For his first journal entry, Therrian writes about his NFL Europe training camp experience in Tampa, Fla.

Fontenot In 2005:
Spent each of the season's first 16 weeks on the Packers practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on Dec. 30...Spent training camp in Buffalo after joining the Bills as a nondrafted free agent...Former running back, he made the switch to cornerback after his sophomore year at Fresno State...The Lawndale, Calif., product had a pair of tackles vs. Green Bay in the Bills' preseason win, Aug. 20.
uSaw action in the season finale vs. Seattle (Jan. 1), but did not record any stats.

When I first heard I was going to Europe, I thought, "Wow, how am I going to do this?" I didn't know how my body was going to react to not having much time off after the Packers season was over and jumping right back into cam..

NFL Europe Diary: Chad Lucas, Part I

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 15:53:56 CST

Amsterdam Admirals wide receiver Chad Lucas will write a diary for Packers.com chronicling his NFL Europe experience from training camp to the end of the season. This week, Chad writes about the past month at NFL Europe training camp in Tampa, Fla.

Lucas in 2005
After spending much of the season on the practice squad, Lucas had a two-game stint on the 53-man roster, making his NFL debut at Atlanta (Nov. 13), and didn't catch a pass. Inactive for the following contest vs. Minnesota (Nov. 21), he returned to the practice squad later that week.

I first found out that I would be going to NFL Europe in late December. Some of the Packers personnel guys told me that it would be a good experience for me and I would get more playing time and then come back and try to make the team next year. At first I was a little bit skeptical about traveling to Germany, but then I realized it would be a good experience because I'd probably never go to Germany otherwise. ..

AP Story: Approved Deal Brings More Revenue Sharing

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 16:50:51 CST

NFL owners chose the certainty of a salary cap over the prospect of life without one, and they're paying for it.

The league agreed to the union's proposal, including a revenue-sharing component that will cost owners nearly a billion dollars over the next six years.

The deal will carry the NFL's 32 franchises through the 2011 season. Two low-revenue teams, Buffalo and Cincinnati, cast the only votes against.

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said $850 million to $900 million in players' salary will be added over the life of the deal because of the revenue-sharing component, which the union fought for throughout the on-again, off-again talks.

Now the league's free agency period, put off twice by protracted negotiations, will start either March 10 or March 11 to give teams additional time to get under the newly elevated salary cap.

The spending limit for teams will be $102 million this year, $7.5 million more than it would have been without a ..

AP Story: NFL Labor Deal Satisfies Everyone

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 16:47:50 CST

Regardless of how they were affected by the NFL labor deal accepted March 8, everyone from those hit hardest to those who will benefit most agreed on one thing: They're glad to have it.

"I'm pleased," commissioner Paul Tagliabue said, "and more than pleased, I'm relieved."

After several delays and deadline extensions, owners who'd been fighting among themselves more than with the players union overwhelmingly agreed to extend their collective bargaining agreement through the 2011.

The new parameters include a revenue-sharing formula forcing the 15 highest-grossing clubs to subsidize the other 17, with those making the most also giving the most.

Yet even Dallas' Jerry Jones and Washington's Dan Snyder, two of the owners who will have to fork over the most money, went away pleased with the fact something was worked out.

"We couldn't walk out of this building and not have a deal," said Jones, who helped hammer out the final compromise. "I..

Packers Brass Pleased With New Labor Deal

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 20:53:47 CST

Restoring labor peace to the NFL, the owners Wednesday agreed to the players' union proposal, extending the collective bargaining agreement for six years.

"We're delighted with the new CBA and that a salary-cap system was preserved," said Bob Harlan, Packers president and CEO. "Continuation of the salary cap was our number-one goal because without it the long-term viability of the Packers would be in doubt.

"This has been a very difficult two days of meetings for me, John Jones (Packers E.V.P. and COO) and John Underwood (former Packers treasurer and NFL revenue-sharing committee member). But the resulting new labor deal protects the future of the Green Bay Packers. Dramatic revenue-sharing will enable all clubs to be competitive in this new system. We supported revenue sharing and are very happy to see it continued.

"We have always felt that the National Football League had the best system in professional sports and fortunately we have been able to mai..

AP Story: Owners Make Little Progress As Deadline Nears

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 15:56:39 CST

NFL owners got off to a slow start Wednesday in trying to beat a deadline and decide on accepting the union's proposal to extend the labor agreement.

"We're not even close to a consensus yet," said Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts.

That assessment came a day after commissioner Paul Tagliabue tried to build consensus with a speech to the owners, reminding them of the labor strife that culminated in strikes in 1982 and 1987.

But the good feeling that engendered seemed to wane as the owners discussed expanded revenue sharing. Irsay suggested they needed a consensus builder like the late Wellington Mara of the New York Giants, the last of the NFL's founding generation, who died last October.

"We need the ghost of St. Wellington to appear with some of the forefathers," he said.

The owners were operating under an 8 p.m. EST deadline to get a deal done before the start of free agency. Free agency, twice delayed, is scheduled to beg..

AP Story: Owners Likely To Vote On March 8

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 23:35:35 CST

What is supposed to be the absolutely, positively final meeting to solve the NFL's labor problems began with owners trying to decide whether to accept the union's latest proposal.

A decision on whether to extend the collective bargaining agreement was unlikely to come down until March 8, close to the latest deadline of 8 p.m. ET. It'll take that long for the owners to resolve their differences over internal revenue sharing, the most divisive issue facing them. If they don't get that straight, a deal is unlikely.

Much of the early hours of the meeting was spent simply listening to commissioner Paul Tagliabue go through details of the union's proposal. Then Tagliabue outlined revenue sharing, but there was no discussion before the owners broke for dinner.

"We haven't punched anybody yet," said Pittsburgh owner Dan Rooney, who described Tagliabue's remarks as "Excellent. Super."

"He described how the owners and players should be in this together..

AP Story: Owners To Vote On Latest Labor Proposal

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 10:55:36 CST

The extension of the NFL's labor agreement is now up to the owners. That's exactly what the players have been expecting all along.

The owners meet March 7 at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport to vote whether to accept the latest proposal given them by the NFL Players Association. But to make it financially acceptable, they will have to agree first among themselves on expanded revenue sharing, just what Gene Upshaw, the union's executive director, has been saying in more than a year's worth of talks.

Still, this is the first time it has come up during these negotiations.

"I think it's playing out exactly like we thought it would," said Kevin Mawae, the New York Jets' union representative until he was cut March 4 by the Jets. "We said as a union that in order for free agency to go off without a hitch, the owners would have to figure out how to divide up the revenue. It's not necessarily the percentage that we're asking but how they spread the wealth."

Green To Continue To Wear 'Green And Gold'

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 17:54:01 CST

Running back Ahman Green re-signed with the Green Bay Packers on Monday, and he expressed excitement about returning to the franchise where he established himself in the NFL.

"I'm glad to be back," Green said. "Green Bay pretty much is where everything started for me."

With NFL labor talks pushing back the start of free agency until Thursday, Green became the Packers' first potential unrestricted free agent to re-sign. By signing a one-year extension with the Packers so quickly, he can begin to master the Packers' new zone blocking scheme being installed by offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski.

"For me the sooner the better -- I didn't want to drag it out," Green said. "Now I can focus on rehabbing and getting myself and my head into the playbook."

Green's 2005 season ended when he tore his right quadriceps tendon against the Minnesota Vikings in the Packers' sixth game of the season. Just more than four months removed from surgery, Green claime..

Watch 'The History Of The Green Bay Packers'

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 09:51:38 CST

Watch The Video: 56k 300k

***

More than 30 years after his death, Vince Lombardi remains one of the most recognizable sports figures of all time.

His name graces the Super Bowl trophy. His likeness can be seen in a 14-foot statue at Lambeau Field. A flamboyant figure, his name remains attached to some of the most famous quotes in American sports history.

In his nine-year career as head coach in Green Bay -- part of an 11-year NFL career -- Lombardi coached the Packers to five NFL Championships and victories in Super Bowls I and II. He tallied a career coaching record of 105-35-6 (regular and postseason combined), including a 98-30-4 record in Green B..

AP Story: NFL Delays Start Of Free Agency Again

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 09:36:55 CST

NFL labor negotiations took yet another surprising turn late Sunday when the league and union agreed to postpone free agency another 72 hours, giving the sides more time to try to reach agreement on a contract extension.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the delay would give owners a chance to consider the union's latest proposal during a meeting Tuesday in Dallas.

Talks broke off earlier in the day, leaving dozens of veterans in danger of becoming salary-cap casualties before free agency was supposed to begin Monday at a minute after midnight.

The breakdown in talks was typical of the topsy-turvy negotiations, so far: Just when things seemed darkest, they got back on track; and when it appeared a deal could be struck, talks fell apart.

The union broke off Sunday's session.

"The talks ended after the NFL gave us a proposal which provided a percentage of revenues for the players which would be less than they received over the last 12 year..

AP Story: Talks Break Off Again In NFL Labor Dispute

Sun, 05 Mar 2006 18:50:02 CST

The NFL and its players union broke off talks again, leaving dozens of veterans in danger of becoming salary cap casualties before free agency begins a minute after midnight Monday.

The breakdown was typical of the topsy-turvy negotiations -- just when things seemed darkest, they got brighter. And when it looked optimistic a deal could be struck, as it seemed early Sunday, talks broke down.

"They're off," NFL vice president Joe Browne said after a day of bargaining that seemed to provide hope of an agreement. Earlier, the league had pushed back the deadline for teams to get under the salary cap from 6 p.m. ET to 10 p.m.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the union broke off the talks and had no further explanation. Union officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

One of the endangered veterans went immediately -- center Kevin Mawae was cut by the New York Jets, although he probably would have been gone anyway because he is 35 and misse..

AP Story: No Progress, But Talks Might Resume March 5

Sat, 04 Mar 2006 13:02:20 CST

Talks between the NFL and its players union broke off with no progress, and while the league said the sides would meet again March 5, the union said it wasn't sure.

The stalemate increased the possibility that many high-priced free agents would become available on the market as teams struggled to get under the salary cap by 6 p.m. ET on March 5. Free agency would begin six hours later.

"No progress has been made, but we expect more discussions to take place before Sunday night," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

The league had no further comment.

Troy Vincent of the Buffalo Bills, the president of the NFL Players Association, concurred that there had been little movement. And Gene Upshaw, the union's executive director, flew home to Washington and said he was unaware of any meeting scheduled for March 5, the day of the deadline for free agency.

"I guess we can meet if they want to," Upshaw said after arriving home. "All I know is that t..

AP Story: Labor Talks Between NFL, Players Union Resume

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 16:01:50 CST

Talks between the NFL and its players union resumed the afternoon of arch 3, minus the rhetoric that has characterized earlier discussions.

That was perhaps a sign that the sides take seriously the ramifications of beginning free agency without a new deal -- something that was seven hours away from happening before the league and the union agreed March 2 to extend by three days the start of the NFL's new calendar year.

It now begins at 12:01 a.m. EST on March 6.

The two sides were not talking publicly and wouldn't even reveal the location of the talks -- but they were believed to be in New York, where they broke off earlier in the week after three days.

Owners were under the threat of fines for talking to the media and Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association, and other union officials were equally silent.

But silence sometimes signals hope in labor negotiations. And the best sign may be the decision to resume ta..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 03 Mar 2006 10:36:09 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.'

This week's batch shows how special a trip to Lambeau Field can be. One fan made the journey from 22 hours away while another came from Pennsylvania. Three generations of devoted Packers women gathered in the historic stadium together for the first time. The retirement of Reggie White's jersey represented an overwhelming day for one family. For another family a Packers game in Lambeau created a memory worthy of a MasterCard commercial.

I have been a Green Bay Packers Fan since I was eight and I have always wanted to attend a game at Lambeau Field..

AP Story: Deadline For Free Agency Extended

Thu, 02 Mar 2006 16:33:18 CST

A few hours after NFL owners voted to continue their standoff with the players union, the league extended its deadline for free agency by three days, putting off what threatened to become a mass purge of high-priced players from rosters.

League vice president Joe Browne announced the delay Thursday afternoon, seven hours before the midnight deadline.

The owners' vote after a 57-minute meeting earlier in the day had seemed to end 13 years of labor peace between the league and its union.

Browne did not elaborate on the deadline delay, which gives the union 72 more hours to negotiate a contract extension to the labor agreement that could add about $10 million to the current salary cap of $94.5 million. Many teams spent the day scrambling to get under that figure, and a number of big-name players were expected to be cut.

Free agency will now start at 12:01 a.m. EST Monday instead of Friday.

That move puts off free agency for a class led b..

AP Story: Owners Break Off Talks With Players Union

Thu, 02 Mar 2006 14:50:52 CST

The NFL's 13 years of labor peace are over. Or so it seems after owners needed only 57 minutes Thursday to affirm their standoff with the players union.

The action left the salary cap at $94.5 million for Friday's start of free agency, meaning some players will have to be cut. That will cast more players onto the market, but leave little cap space to sign them -- many teams had assumed a labor agreement would be reached, giving them about $10 million more to spend.

That also will have an impact on the best players in the free-agent class, led by two running backs: NFL MVP Shaun Alexander of Seattle and Edgerrin James of Indianapolis. They will certainly find fewer buyers and less money available, although two of the teams with a lot of cap room are Minnesota and Arizona, who could certainly use them or Baltimore's Jamal Lewis, another running back.

The quick action by the owners -- who affirmed Wednesday's rejection by their Management Council of the uni..

AP Story: Facing Labor Deadline, Owners To Meet In NYC

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 16:19:59 CST

NFL owners will try to find labor peace before the start of free agency, hoping to avoid the mass dumping of veterans for salary-cap reasons.

The owners will meet in New York, seeking to find a way toward an agreement with the players union that could add $10 million to $15 million to a 2006 salary cap that current is projected at about $95 million. Without it, some teams could be forced into wholesale cuts to get beneath the cap by midnight. Free agency will starts March 3.

Three days of talks between the league and the NFL Players Association to extend the agreement that runs out in 2008 ended Feb. 28 with the sides far apart on the percentage of league revenues earmarked for its players. Gene Upshaw, the union's executive director, said the league is offering to 56.2 percent of its total revenue for the players, almost four points lower than the union's.

"Our number has to start with a six," Upshaw said.

But beyond the numbers is an issue th..

Catching Up With Najeh: Davenport Preparing For Oscar Night

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 11:51:19 CST

For running back Najeh Davenport, going to the movies is more than a hobby. It has become a passion and a potential post-football career.

Davenport earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre from the University of Miami (Fla.) He played a nightclub owner involved in an extortion plot in "Full Clip," a DVD released in August of 2004.

Since the season ended, Davenport has written a dramatic screenplay, which he deemed appropriate for an independent film festival. He declined to disclose further details for fear of someone poaching his idea.

Davenport prefers science fiction movies, but he will see just about every movie that comes out on the wide screen.

"You'll find me at the movie theatre at least twice-a-week," he said.

If you're keeping track, he most recently saw "Date Movie," which he deemed "alright" and rates "The Matrix" as his all-time fave.

With the Academy Awards ceremony coming up on Sunday, packers.com decided to ask..

NFL Network To Air 10 Hours Of Packers Programming

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 10:37:13 CST

Can't get enough of the Green and Gold?

Tune in to the NFL Network Friday, March 3 for a smorgasbord of Packers highlights.

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (CT), NFL Network will air 10 hours of Packers programming, including the 1967 and '97 team highlight films, Super Bowl I, XXXI and XXXII highlights, "Holmgren's Heroes," a roundtable discussion with Mike Holmgren and seven of his assistants who became head coaches and "Brett Favre 4-Ever," the one-hour documentary, narrated by Billy Bob Thornton, that is the complete story of a football legend. It features an extensive, emotional new interview with Favre himself which delves into every major moment of the future Hall-of-Famer's roller-coaster life.

Click here for complete schedule information!