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Hall Recall: Reggie White

Gil Brandt, NFL.com Senior Analyst — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:48:54 CST

Legendary coach John Majors and I always have had a great relationship. When he was coaching at Tennessee, I planned one trip each season to see him and scout their talent.

Our annual tradition was to go to "The Orangery," a great restaurant in Knoxville, the night before the game. It was at one of these dinners where I first heard about Reggie White.

Coach Majors hadn't seen this young recruit from Chattanooga play football in high school, but he had recently witnessed him on the basketball court. Majors referred to him as a "man among boys" in that game and determined that he probably could have had an NBA career if that had been the direction he pursued. Fortunately for coach Majors and football fans everywhere, White chose the pigskin.

White was a larger-than-life person, who had been recruited to Tennessee by Bobby Jackson, who now is an NFL assistant.

Majors recalled White, a very religious person who became an ordained minister at age 17..

Training Camp Report: Heat Cuts Practice Short

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 18:30:08 CST

With the sweltering heat taking its toll on the players, Head Coach Mike McCarthy ended Monday's practice about 20 minutes sooner than scheduled.

The players practiced for roughly 2 hours, 10 minutes. In the opening half-hour of practice, the temperature was 98 degrees with a heat index of 111. Nearly 90 minutes later, the heat index had fallen just three degrees to 108.

"We just cut back some of the individual (drills) and I felt the pace kind of dropping off a little bit," McCarthy said. "We really only cut six plays out (of the team drills)."

Defensive tackle Kenderick Allen and offensive guard Junius Coston both struggled with the heat and had to call it quits early, but other than that the players handled the oppressive heat well.

"Frankly I think this is an excellent opportunity for us to practice in the heat," McCarthy said. "In the first four weeks of your season, you may catch a day like this. I thought it was good for our football team. O..

McCarthy's Version Of West Coast Offense Fills Favre With Optimism

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:16:23 CST

Brett Favre may not be able to feel 10 years younger, but he indicated Monday he's going to be running an offense that more closely resembles the one he ran a decade ago.

At his first training camp news conference, Favre said Mike McCarthy's version of the West Coast offense feels a lot like the one Mike Holmgren ran here earlier in his career, with a greater emphasis on short passes and careful selection of when to go for the big play.

"I think we will go down the field, but I think we're reverting back more to when Holmgren was coaching and that philosophy is the 3- and 4-yard passes are like runs," Favre said.

"If you get a 40-yard touchdown pass or run, that's a bonus. They will come, but they only come if you continue to get first downs, so don't try to bite off too much initially. You pick your spots and matchups to take those chances."

Favre didn't specifically say so, but that sounds like an offense that should reduce the career-high 29 int..

Harris Anxiously Awaits Return To Football

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:19:28 CST

As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Bernardo Harris has always been a huge fan of football. He loved to play it and he loved to learn about it by breaking down film and soaking up knowledge from teammates and coaches.

The 6-foot-2, 247-pound Harris enjoyed a nine-year career in the National Football League, including seven years with the Green Bay Packers. He was often in charge of making the calls for the defensive unit and it goes without saying that when you play linebacker in the NFL as long as Harris did, you have to be an intelligent player.

So it should come as no surprise that the North Carolina native is ready to get back into football. Harri..

Training Camp Report: Klemm Out For Season

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 21:58:37 CST

For the second time in the past few months, the Packers have lost an offensive lineman for the season due to injury.

Adrian Klemm, the No. 2 left tackle at the start of training camp, injured his Achilles' tendon Saturday and was placed on injured reserve Sunday, ending his season. During spring workouts, the Packers also lost Kevin Barry for the season to a torn quadriceps tendon.

The Packers signed offensive tackle Todd Williams to help with the depth on the line. The latest injury also will give rookie tackles Josh Bourke and Tony Moll a chance to move up the depth chart.

"Once again it's opportunity," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "Some of the greatest careers in the National Football League have started this way. We're going to go with what we've got and we're excited about them."

The Packers are also very young at guard and have several players competing for spots, but McCarthy indicated he has no plans to move any of the guards to fill the ..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Sun, 30 Jul 2006 19:20:16 CST

Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video of all press conferences and locker room interviews throughout training camp.

***

Live Press Conference Video Schedule
* all times Central and subject to change

Monday, July 31:
Brett Favre: approx. 11:30 a.m.

***

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Be sure to join Packers.com this season as we provide streaming video coverage of the Packers' press conferences in their entirety and free of charge, live from the Lambeau Field media au..

Davenport Getting Back In A Groove

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 12:23:10 CST

It's impossible for Najeh Davenport to know what role he will have when the Packers open the regular season on Sept. 10.

He could be the team's No. 2 tailback backing up Ahman Green, provided Green can fully recover from the torn quadriceps tendon he sustained last season.

If Green isn't back to full strength, Davenport could be starting in his place. Or he could be part of a tailback-by-committee approach along with Samkon Gado and Noah Herron, depending on how the rest of the preseason unfolds.

Whatever the role, which could include returning kicks as well, Davenport is pleased just to be on the field for now after coming back from reconstructive ankle surgery.

"Just getting back in a groove," he said after missing nine months from a broken ankle suffered on Oct. 9 last season against New Orleans. "I'm practicing and that's the most important thing. You make plays and you go from there."

Davenport was held out of the mini-camps and organ..

Two Years Removed From The Game, Freeman Remains Content

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 13:17:02 CST

As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Wide receiver Antonio Freeman keeps his Super Bowl XXXI ring in a safe at a location he declines to disclose. He will wear it for special occasions, but it's a good thing he does not wear it every day.

"None of my knuckles can fit any of the rings," Freeman said. "My knuckles are all blasted."

His mangled appendages are the result of catching Brett Favre fastballs for eight years. The Packers training staff regularly built splints for him during his playing days, and Freeman now has swollen pinkie, middle and index fingers and hyperextended thumbs. But those wounds are not his only memories from a nine-year NFL car..

Training Camp Report: Jennings Taking Advantage Of Opportunity

By Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 17:46:04 CST

Wide receiver and second-round draft pick Greg Jennings may have been drafted by the Packers at the perfect time.

Not only is he joining a team with only one wide receiver spot set in stone, that of No. 1 Donald Driver, but he's making the transition to an offensive system in the pros that resembles the one he learned at Western Michigan.

"I've picked up this scheme pretty quickly," Jennings said. "I had great coaches in college, especially this past year. They threw a new scheme out there, and it's almost identical to this one, so that has helped me a lot and really prepared me for this time. I'm just trying to take what I learned in college and progress and keep learning."

Jennings has made a strong impression early with his athletic ability and good hands. During Saturday's practice, quarterback Brett Favre hooked up with Jennings on a couple of crossing routes and the connections looked smooth.

"He has a nice feel for that, which for a receiver..

Daryn Colledge Training Camp Diary - Part I

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 17:33:25 CST

Daryn Colledge enters his first NFL training camp with as much pressure as any rookie could have.

He's already been penciled into the starting lineup at left guard, and now he's got six weeks to get ready to take on the NFL.

Colledge, one of the Packers' second-round draft picks, grew up in North Pole, Alaska, a town of less than 2,000 people located 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks. He went on to a decorated college football career at Boise State, where he set school records for games played and started with 52.

In April, he became the highest-ever NFL draft choice from the state of Alaska - and the eighth overall - when he was picked 47th overall by the Packers.

Colledge has to work extremely hard to make the impact that's expected of him in 2006, and he'll keep Packers fans updated in this Training Camp Diary.

In this first installment, he discusses getting his contract signed, moving into the dorms at St. Norbert, and practicing unde..

Hawk Finishes Busy Week On Practice Field

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 13:59:20 CST
It's been a busy week for A.J. Hawk, to say the least.

First, he and Laura Quinn got married in a civil ceremony in a downtown Green Bay law office on Monday, which Hawk unsuccessfully tried to keep quiet.

Then he signed his first professional football contract on Saturday morning in time to hit the practice field in the afternoon, the second Packers training camp practice of 2006.

"It's good to get all that stuff in line I think before I come in here, and I can just play football now," Hawk said. "That's what I'm focused on. Now that the whole contract is out of the mix, I can do what I love doing."

Hawk, the Packers' first-round draft pick and the No. 5 pick overall out of Ohio State, nearly was able to practice in the opening workout on Friday night. But the contract, though it had been agreed upon between the team and Hawk's agent during the day Friday, hadn't been finalized and signed.

Hawk, who is slated to start at weak-side linebac..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 09:58:21 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video of all press conferences and locker room interviews.

***

Live Press Conference Video Schedule
* all times Central and subject to change

The Green Bay Packers will hold a press conference to announce the signing of A.J. Hawk, Saturday at 12 noon CT.

***

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In Favre They Trust: Quarterback Leads Team To Best Finish In 30 Seasons

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 13:15:25 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Three-time MVP. Eight Pro Bowls. 52,615 passing yards. 4,678 completions. 396 touchdowns. 139 regular season wins.

In case you were wondering, the aforementioned numbers all belong to Brett Favre. Spectacular accomplishments to be sure, but anyone who has watched the legendary quarterback play -- even for five minutes -- understands that the most important, if not most impressive, feat of his career is the Super Bowl XXXI victory.

Of course, you'd need a dump truck to carry around all of Brett Favre's awards and accomplishments throughout his 15-year career, but make no mistake about it, bringing the Vince Lombardi ..

Packers Open Camp In Prime Time

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 23:33:19 CST
With the first day of training camp consisting primarily of physicals, running tests and meetings in the lower levels of Lambeau Field, former Raiders cornerback and key free-agent acquisition Charles Woodson said it was "kind of like being in a dungeon."

But that all changed at night, when the Packers took the field for the first official practice of the Mike McCarthy era under the lights at Clarke Hinkle Field.

"It's fun, but I'm definitely not used to it," Woodson said of the night practice and somewhat newfangled schedule. "We're usually in meetings at this time, if I'm in Oakland right now. (Here) we're done with practice and now we just go back to the dorm. So it's different in that respect, but it's fun."

Thousands of fans were lined up all along the fence on Oneida Street, with all the sets of bleachers filled to capacity and other fans standing several deep.

"It kind of felt like Monday Night Football," receiver Donald Driver said. "The li..

Reggie White Featured On Commemorative Sports Illustrated Hall of Fame Edition

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 18:06:00 CST
Sports Illustrated Presents has published a special collector's Pro Football Hall of Fame issue commemorating the Class of 2006, which consists of Reggie White, Troy Aikman, Harry Carson, John Madden, Warren Moon, and Rayfield Wright.

The 84-page magazine features an action shot of White in a Green Bay Packers uniform on the cover that hit newsstands in Wisconsin on Thursday. White was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame last Saturday. Induction ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, are slated for Aug. 5.

The special edition, which has a limited press run of 60,000 copies, will be sold at area retailers such as Fleet Farm, Pick N Save, Target, Wal-Mart and Woodmans with a cover price of $6.99.

Additional copies featuring an action shot of White in a Philadelphia Eagles uniform will be available throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Copies available on newsstands throughout Texas will feature an action shot of Aikman on the cover. All three editions will..

Memories of Shurmur, Simmons and "Football Town" Highlight Evans' Time in Green Bay

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 13:13:08 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Doug Evans always loved Green Bay. In fact, he still does. And to this day, it pains him that he didn't finish his career with the Packers.

Evans, who played on both of the Packers' Super Bowl teams in the 1996 and 1997 seasons, played in the NFL for 11 years, but only five of them were in Green Bay. Evans became an unrestricted free agent after the '97 season and regrettably, his time in Green Bay was up.

Of course, Evans was free to sign with any other team, and in the end he made his own decision to leave, but he still wishes it would have worked out to stay in Green Bay.

"It was definitely hard to ..

Packers.com Player Nickname Winners Announced

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 15:57:27 CST
The votes are in. After sifting through more than 4,000 submissions, Packers.com announces the fans' choice for best player nickname.

"Samkon oh my Gado" received 30% of the vote in the final fan poll.

That particular nickname was submitted by ten fans. In a random drawing of those names, Chris Porto of Sarasota, Fla., was selected as the winner.

Congratulations to Chris and our four finalists (also selected in a random drawing when duplicate nicknames were submitted):
Winners will be contacted within 4-6 weeks.

Brett not Favre from Canton
Jason Schindhelm of Eden Prairie, Minn.

Bubba beans and Franks
Mark Schlender of Waunakee, Wis.

Aaron pack your bags, we're going Kampman
Rob Gambsky of Johnson Creek, Wis.

Donald would you like a 3 wood or a Driver?
Brent McClure of Des Moines, Iowa

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Below is a list of some of the funniest nickname submissions..

McCarthy: Run Game Requires Commitment

By Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:46:25 CST
Head Coach Mike McCarthy believes the Packers have the right personnel and scheme to effectively run the football this season.

He also believes they don't have a choice but to make it work in order to be successful over the long haul.

McCarthy intends to be fully committed to the ground game in his first year as head coach in Green Bay, and he knows that's going to mean sticking with it during some of the tougher times.

"They'll boo you when you keep running, but it's a commitment, a long-term commitment," McCarthy said in his pre-training camp news conference on Thursday. "People sometimes have a tendency to get away from the run game early in the game. You need to commit to it. That's not to say you start every game with 10 runs, but you have to make a commitment over the course of the season if you think it's going to work."

Injuries at tailback and youth in the offensive line contributed to the Packers' struggles on the ground last year, and th..

Look of Fear Told Dotson All He Needed To Know In '96

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:10:26 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

In his first season with the Packers in 1996, Santana Dotson was looking forward to having fun playing football again. That's what brought him to Green Bay in the first place.

But it's not necessarily the Super Bowl championship or all of the individual success that Dotson enjoyed during the season that he remembers the most.

Instead, when the 6-foot-5, 290-pound former defensive tackle recalls that unique season in Green Bay, he thinks of a certain look that he hadn't seen in a long time.

And it wasn't the look in his teammates' eyes. Rather, it was the glance opponents gave him upon seeing what they we..

Green Bay Is First Stop On NFL Network's Summer Training Camp Tour

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:52:47 CST
PACKERS CAMP PROFILED MONDAY, JULY 31 AT 7:00 PM CT

HEAD COACH MIKE MCCARTHY WIRED FOR SOUND; GENERAL MANAGER TED THOMPSON INTERVIEWED

NFL Network is planning a summer tour the Rolling Stones would be proud of... 12 NFL training camps in 24 days on the returning series Inside Training Camp.

On Monday, July 31 at 7:00 PM CT, ITC visits Green Bay Packers training camp at St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin. The show features head coach Mike McCarthy wearing a wireless microphone, an interview with Packers general manager Ted Thompson and is be hosted by Derrin Horton with analyst Brian Baldinger.

Inside Training Camp features 12 one-hour shows giving exclusive access to practice sessions as teams prepare for the 2006 season and the journey toward Super Bowl XLI in South Florida.

Placing wireless microphones on players and coaches during each episode, NFL Network offers a rare glimpse of on-the-field a..

Kids Can Meet Players In Special Post-Practice Area

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:07:02 CST
Young fans of the Green Bay Packers will have a new opportunity to see their favorite players up close during training camp.

The new "Future Lambeau Leapers" area will give children ages 12 and younger the chance to meet players, shake their hands, and potentially get autographs after practice.

The new area will replace the formal autograph tables the Packers had used in recent years. It will be located on the south side of the Oneida Nation Gate at Lambeau Field.

General Manager Ted Thompson came up with the idea after seeing young fans struggle to pass items for autographs over the fences near the Packers' facilities, and after noting how such a limited number of people were able to get tokens or tickets to the autograph tables.

"We hope this will be an opportunity for more kids to enjoy the unique experience of Packers training camp, getting up close with players and meeting them," Thompson said.

The more traditional opportunities to in..

Lights For Night Practices To Be Installed Thursday

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 15:42:15 CST
Clarke Hinkle Field needs a little extra work to get ready for Friday evening's opening training camp practice.

It needs lights.

The lights will be installed and tested on Thursday to assure everything is in working order prior to Friday's 6:30 p.m. practice, the first of eight prime-time sessions during the first three weeks of training camp.

The Packers are renting 11 mobile towers from Magnum Products LLC to light the field. Five units will be placed along the Don Hutson Center, five will be spaced out along Oneida Street on the street side of the fence, and an extra unit will be located in the alley behind the field to the player/coach parking lot.

The set-up will force the closing of Oneida Street near the field during the evening practices.

Ted Eisenreich, the Packers' director of facility operations, noted that when the subject of night practices was first broached by new Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the team did explore permanent ligh..

McCarthy's Camp Will Have Its Own Flavor

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 11:20:38 CST
Mike McCarthy's first Packers training camp as head coach won't be dramatically different from that of any other NFL head coach, but it will have three distinct characteristics.

McCarthy emphasized it will be up-tempo, team-oriented, and focused on execution.

Regarding the tempo, look for players to move through drills quickly and for the different practice periods to get through several repetitions in a short time.

"We believe we have three types of environments here - a classroom environment, a practice environment and a game-day environment," McCarthy said. "The practice environment is something we want to get as close to the game-day environment as possible, so the speed and the tempo of getting on and off the field is something we will definitely utilize and maximize every time we hit the field.

"Those are important aspects of how we train. We're taking care of our conditioning within our practice structure."

McCarthy also noted he li..

Unheralded Dotson Helps Packers Achieve Most Important Statistic Of All

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 13:08:12 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Today's NFL has turned into a game of numbers.

At the pre-draft combine workout, for instance, the 40-yard dash and 225-pound bench press garner a great deal of attention. On Sundays, millions of fans spend several hours crunching their favorite players stats for their fantasy football team.

And the box score on Monday morning is often times the only thing fans can hold onto if they don't actually get to watch the game.

In this case, only the die-hard fans would know who Earl Dotson is. After all, offensive linemen don't grab headlines and they certainly don't rack up fantasy statistics. In some ways, wh..

'Sleepers' Are Worth Watching In Camp

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 13:28:07 CST
Aside from the games themselves, training camp is the best proving ground in the NFL.

It's when players who look dynamite running mini-camp drills in shorts can be exposed for their shortcomings. It's also when relative unknowns who have remained under the radar can begin to emerge and find their place on the team.

Longshots do make it every once in a while. Like last year, when the Packers had two non-drafted rookies in linebacker Roy Manning and offensive lineman Chris White earn spots on the 53-man roster by the end of camp. Manning went on to play in 15 games in 2005, while White was activated for one as well.

Who might be the sleepers of training camp in 2006? There's no telling for sure, but here are five guys to keep an eye on as things unfold:

Atari Bigby, safety
There's a glut of defensive backs competing for roster spots, but Bigby is one of the outsiders who improved his chances in the offseason with a strong performance in NF..

Dellenbach: First a Fan, Then a Super Bowl Champion with Green and Gold

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 13:05:41 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Growing up in Wausau, Wis., about an hour-and-a-half from Green Bay, one would think Jeff Dellenbach had plenty of opportunities to attend Packers games.

When that didn't turn out to be the case, Dellenbach had to figure out a way to watch the team he loved.

Well, the 6-foot-6, 295-pound offensive lineman took it a step further when he found a job that allowed him to work at Lambeau Field for three seasons. Instead of watching the organization he grew so fond of as a youngster, Dellenbach was now playing for it as an adult.

He may have gotten older, but Dellenbach still viewed it as a treat to play for the..

Building Roster Is A Numbers Game

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 12:54:06 CST
While the upcoming Packers training camp will focus on getting the team ready for the 16-game season that begins September 10, it will simultaneously build the final roster of the 2006 Packers.

The latter exercise is a numbers game that is likely to have some tough decisions at its conclusion for General Manager Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy.

The Packers currently have 91 players on the roster and will open training camp on Friday. (The team is above the NFL roster limit of 80 for the start of camp because of unsigned draft picks and exemptions for players who participated in NFL Europe.)

The first roster cut, down to 75 players (with no more NFL Europe exemptions) must be made on Aug. 29, the day after the third preseason game. The final cut to 53 players must happen by 3 p.m. on Sept. 2, the day after the fourth and final preseason game.

That's a total of 38 players who will not be on the final roster six weeks from now, and many of t..

Record Crowd On Hand For White's Induction

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:33:27 CST
More than 1,000 people attended Reggie White's induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame on Saturday night at the Lambeau Field Atrium, the largest crowd ever for the team's annual event.

White, the most honored defensive end in NFL history and one of the keys to the team's return to elite status in the mid-1990s, was presented for induction posthumously by former Philadelphia Eagles and Packers teammate Keith Jackson.

Jackson noted that despite White's signature pass-rushing moves, a player of his stature could never be defined by one play because of the sheer volume of impact plays he could make in a game. White will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 5.

"It's like Barry Sanders, one play doesn't define Barry Sanders," Jackson said. "Guys like that just made play after play. That's what made him so great. He came every play full speed, and he made great plays every game.

"You knew if you needed the gam..

Cox Would Like To Make Lambeau Field Return A Permanent One

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:36:05 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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When Ron Cox returned to Green Bay for the Packers' Monday night contest versus the Minnesota Vikings, on Nov. 21 last year, he was like a fish out of water. Cox was experiencing two firsts on the night and he wasn't sure he could handle one of them.

It was the first time Cox -- who now lives in Lake Forest, Ill. with his wife Michelle, Kelsey, 14, Cailin, 12, and Ron Jr., 9 -- had returned to Lambeau Field since it was renovated in time for the 2003 season.

The former outside linebacker, who had played on the Packers' Super Bowl XXXI team, attended the game with his brother-in-law and nephew, who came all the way..

Chmura's Selflessness Allowed Him, Packers to Reach New Heights in '96

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 14:34:22 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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It goes without saying that all NFL teams would love to have an outstanding player at every position.

But while that may be a dream shared by every general manager and coach alike, it's just not reality.

It's not that there aren't enough good players in the league to make it work. It's just that it takes unique individuals to make it work.

That's what made the Packers setup at tight end in 1996 even more remarkable. Forget about having one good player, the Packers had two great players.

With Mark Chmura and Keith Jackson, Green Bay had two playmakers that could have held full-time roles with any..

Loquacious Butler Looks To Become Talking Head While Helping Community

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:31:48 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Having averaged 10 wins per year at Florida State, LeRoy Butler had his doubts when the Green Bay Packers drafted him in the second round of 1990. He joined a team that had gone eight years without making the playoffs.

"When I first got there," Butler said. "I wasn't real sure if the Green Bay Packers were going to win a Super Bowl."

After the Packers finished 4-12 in his first season, the strong safety still had reservations. The Packers, however, continued to make strides, reaching the playoffs three consecutive years from 1993 to 1995, but losing to the Dallas Cowboys each time. Going through that adversity made ..

Retired Or Not, Gilbert Brown Finds His Niche In Auto Racing

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 13:56:37 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Thirty-six tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

Defensive tackle Gilbert Brown's statistics from the 1996 season won't wow anyone, but that's because his blue-collar role -- while important -- lacked glamour. The 345-pounder used his massive girth to occupy blockers and clog up the run for a defensive unit that allowed only 88.5 rushing yards per game.

"I was like the cleanup guy," Brown said. "In between the tackles, there ain't nobody better. They can try to double-team me, triple me. They can't move me."

Brown became an immovable force on a star-studded defensive line, which featured Santana Dotson, R..

It Didn't Take Brooks Long To Embrace Life As A Packer

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:54:08 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Robert Brooks has no problem admitting that he initially wanted nothing to do with the Green Bay Packers.

In fact, Brooks wasn't shy about telling anyone that before the 1992 NFL Draft, either. The 6-foot, 180-pound wide receiver wasn't accustomed to the cold weather or the Midwest, and if he would have had his way at the time, Brooks never would have landed in Green Bay, Wis.

"When people asked me where I would like to get drafted, I said anywhere but Green Bay," Brooks recalled. "And I think I named another team that was a cold-weather team. I mean, I'm a South Carolina guy, but I was living in Arizona, so I'm loo..

Thompson Predicts Intense Training Camp Competition

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 17:06:08 CST
Having drafted 12 players and acquired several free agents this past offseason, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson can't say with too much certainty how the 2006 roster will look at the completion of training camp.

But in his remarks to Packers shareholders at their annual meeting at Lambeau Field on Wednesday, Thompson was sure of one thing - that training camp will include spirited battles for those roster spots at several positions, one of his goals in preparing to rebound from a 4-12 record in 2005.

"Our whole purpose in the offseason was to try to improve the quality of our depth, to try to get as many impact players as we could, and to try to create competition at every position," Thompson said. "We were able to do that for the most part.

"There will be changes in our roster probably prior to training camp, and there will be changes as we go through training camp. We will have a lot of new faces on our Packer team this year. That's the nature of the..

Super Bowl Season a Dream Come True for Bennett

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 13:50:46 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Ever since he was a little boy, Edgar Bennett wanted to be like the football players he saw on TV.

Out on the playgrounds of Jacksonville, Bennett would try his best to trace the moves he had just witnessed from some of his favorite athletes with the thoughts of one day stepping into their place.

Now, several years later, Bennett can proudly reflect on a seven-year career in the National Football League that included a Super Bowl championship with the Green Bay Packers.

To top it all off, Bennett was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame last summer and is now the Packers running backs coach.

Even ..

Coming From Near And Far, Shareholders Tour Lambeau

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 15:43:47 CST
Packers fans came from all over the country on Tuesday for the shareholders' tour of Lambeau Field.

Make that all over the world.

Alan Austin of Brisbane, Australia, was one of thousands of fans getting a peek inside the locker room and other players-only areas in a special tour for Packers' shareholders prior to Wednesday's annual meeting.

"A lot of folk in Australia know the Packers, let me tell you," Austin said.

Austin, 62, came as a guest of shareholder Dennis Schneider of Marinette, Wis., continuing a friendship that was struck discussing the Packers in a taxicab in Australia.

Schneider had just finished watching the Packers' dramatic overtime playoff victory over Seattle on Jan. 4, 2004, (which required him to rise at 3 a.m. Australia time to see) and was getting a ride back to the airport from Austin, a cab driver.

The two were chatting about the local cricket scene and the Packers' big win, and 21/2 years later they were ..

Beebe Becomes Speed And Football Coach Following Redemptive Win

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 13:38:11 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Don Beebe put his hands on his knees and gazed skyward as the final 10 seconds ticked off the clock in the Packers' 35-21 Super Bowl XXXI victory. He crouched 10 yards behind Brett Favre as the quarterback hiked the ball for the final kneeldown. Favre then turned and gave Beebe that game ball, a reward for reaching the top after coming so close four times before.

"I don't think there's anybody on that team that could feel the accomplishment and how hard it is to really win a Super Bowl more than me," Beebe said.

The wide receiver who lost four consecutive Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills before winning one in Gree..

Private Box Holders Sample Delicacies

Stephen Foshee, Packers.com — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 10:11:45 CST
Around 300 Lambeau Field private box holders attended a food tasting event in the Legends Club in the Lambeau Field Atrium, Thursday.

Music was played as the box holders mingled and sampled foods ranging from shrimp and pork tenderloin to the more traditional stadium mix of hot dogs and chicken wings. Levy Restaurants will serve the dishes in these particular suites during the season.

Jennifer Ark, director of guest relations, explains that the event is just as much a business meeting as a social gathering. "We try to provide a wide variety of things to order from depending upon what kind of clients our private suite holders are entertaining and what and the type of clients they have in town," she said.

Ark stated that listening to the needs of each particular private box owner is the key to serving the right food during games. "We listen to all of our clients and we do surveys to ask them questions to understand what they like and don't like," she said...

A View From the Top: Harlan Restructured Packers Organization Into NFL's Finest In 1996

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 11:28:18 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Bob Harlan had heard it all before.

After all, he'd been in Green Bay's front office since 1971 and the Packers' success, or rather lack thereof, sprung many doubts upon the organization's proud franchise.

Since Vince Lombardi last roamed the Packers' sidelines in 1967, the team had only four winning seasons and two playoff appearances, one of which came in the strike-shortened season of 1982.

Needless to say, fans were deprived of the dynasties Lombardi built, and critics were multiplying with every loss.

That's when Harlan, who was elected President and CEO of the Packers on June 5, 1989, de..

Packers Kick Off 'Tailgate Tour'

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:29:29 CST
TICKETS AVAILABLE IN MILWAUKEE, MADISON, LA CROSSE, WAUSAU

READ THE BLOG

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Several members of the Green Bay Packers hit the road Tuesday morning for the first-ever 'Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour' -- a four-day, four-city bus trip across Wisconsin. The tour, taking place July 11-14, will see the team reach out across the state and thank fans in person for their enduring and enthusiastic support of the club through the years.

The tour is taking place aboard a customized motor coach emblazoned with the logo "Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour" and the phrase "Touching Down in Your Community." The tour will make stops in Milwaukee (July 11) Madison (July 12), La Crosse (July 13) and Wausau (July 14).

"We're excited to get started on the 'Tailgate Tour,'" Chairman Bob Harlan said. "The bus looks fantastic. It will be lots of fun to pull up to the different stops in such an eye-catcher. I'..

Catching Up With...Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 13:04:55 CST
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, aka KGB, has built his reputation as a defensive end by terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and frustrating offensive linemen. KGB also has displayed a softer side by participating in activities such as visiting area school, youth and civic groups, as well as attending a variety of public events.

Gbaja-Biamila, now second on the Packers' all-time sack list with 58 1/2, had a string of four double digit sack seasons snapped last year and is looking to start another streak in 2006. Packers.com recently sat down with the man known as KGB to see how he would attack some of our random questions.

Packers.com: What are your plans after you finish your career?
KGB: Wherever the good Lord puts me. Right now I am focusing on being the best husband and the best football player I can be, but whatever God has in store for me is where I'll be.

What is the worst job you've ever had?
I've never really had a bad job before.
..

Letters To Lee Remmel

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:14:22 CST
As a lifelong Packer fan, I have wondered about Indian Jack Jacobs - his background, performance with the Packers, and what happened to him after his football career was over. I seem to remember his throwing seven interceptions in a game I saw after sneaking through the wood fence at the old field shared with East High. I really enjoy your insightful column. - Fred, State College, Pa.

Simply put, Fred, Indian Jack Jacobs was one of the most gifted athletes in Packers history. Yet, candidly, it is unlikely that he will ever be enshrined in the Packers Hall of Fame, in part because he spent only three seasons in Green and Gold (1947-49) with the last two presiding over a 3-9-0 record in '48 and an even more disastrous 2-10-0 reading in '49, which might best be forgotten.

Indian Jack came upon the Green Bay scene in 1947, at a historic time in Packers annals - when Curly Lambeau was reluctantly abandoning his treasured "Notre Dame Box" attack for the "modern" T-..