Packers.com

Two Louisville Draft Picks To Join Spitz

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:58:17 CST

It happens rarely, if ever - a player being reunited with a former college teammate in the NFL.

But in Jason Spitz's case, he's suddenly being reunited with two.

The Packers drafted a pair of Spitz's former Louisville teammates in this past weekend's draft, quarterback Brian Brohm in the second round and fellow offensive lineman Breno Giacomini in the fifth round.

The rookies will be here this weekend for their rookie orientation camp, which won't include Spitz, a third-year pro. So the former Cardinals will have to wait until OTAs in mid-May for their first official on-field workout together.

But Spitz already has his own ideas for what the rookie orientation can include this weekend.

"I talked to Brian, and I offered that he could either cut my grass or wash my car," Spitz said. "He kind of laughed, thinking I was joking."

And Breno?

"I'll let Breno slide for now," Spitz said. "All the offensive linemen, we're going to ..

Edwin's Tenure Dates Back To Lombardi

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:10:51 CST

Carol Edwin remembers being extremely nervous every morning coming to work when she was first employed by the Green Bay Packers.

Hired as a receptionist in 1965 after a nerve-racking interview with Head Coach Vince Lombardi, Edwin could never quite tell just what the legendary coach thought of her.

"I couldn't figure out if he liked me or disliked me," Edwin recalled. "He had a hard time figuring out names, he would forget names. He was terrible with names, actually. But he would always remember mine. I didn't know if that was good or bad."

That's just one of many memories Edwin has to draw upon now that she's retiring after five different decades as a Packers' employee. Edwin was a receptionist for Lombardi's final three seasons as coach (1965-67) before taking a break from work to start a family. She returned as a receptionist in 1975, moved into the ticket office in the late 1980s and has been a ticket office supervisor since 1995. Her last official day ..

Packers.com Draft Day Challenge Winners Selected

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:08:22 CST

Packers.com received more than 5,400 entries in the Draft Day Challenge, which came from all 50 states and 26 countries world-wide (Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, Turkey, United States, Virgin Islands (U.S.) and Yugoslavia).

Of that pool, one individual correctly predicted that Kansas State wide receiver Jordy Nelson would be the Packers' first pick.

Congratulations to this year's Packers.com Draft Day Challenge grand prize winner:

DuWayne Fretty of Stanton, ND

In order to distribute all three prize packages, Packers.com randomly selected two additional names from the pool of 298 contestants that predicted QB Brian Brohm would be the Packers' first selection.

Those winners are:

Paul Christenson of San Diego, CA
Bob Reindl of Green..

Draft Comes Together, Accomplishes Goals

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:04:17 CST
Coming off a 13-3 season and a trip to the NFC Championship, and with no glaring holes in the lineup, the Packers weren't going to emerge from the 2008 NFL Draft with a slew of new starters.

But they did accomplish what they needed to with their nine selections, which was to shore up depth at several key spots, find some potential future starters, and add a couple intriguing prospects to what should be a competitive team in 2008.

"I think these guys going to help the team," GM Ted Thompson said. "I think they're good investments in the team, both in the short haul and in the long term. We felt it came together pretty good."

The primary place the Packers added depth was at quarterback, where they did not bring in a veteran behind new starter Aaron Rodgers. Using a second-round pick on Louisville's Brian Brohm and a seventh-rounder on LSU's Matt Flynn, Head Coach Mike McCarthy presumably has his No. 2 and 3 signal callers for the coming year.

McCarth..

WR Swain Shows He Has Speed

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:29:27 CST
Wide receiver Brett Swain wasn't sure how good his chances were of being drafted, but he knew he had little shot if NFL teams thought his 40-yard dash time was in the 4.6s.

He got a chance to change that at San Diego State's pro day, and Swain made the most of it, turning in a 4.41 in the 40, one of the attributes that attracted the Packers to use their second seventh-round pick, No. 217 overall, on Swain.

"A lot of people knocked me on my speed," Swain said. "I was listed at 4.6-something, and I feel like that was something that really bothered me going through this whole situation. I felt speed was a big part of my game that I felt I had to prove to a lot of people.

"At my pro day I got my chance, I was able to run a good time, and my speed is something that's really helping me. A lot of people don't look at me as a guy who's going to blow past them, but ... when I'm able to run by them, then they understand, 'Hey, this guy can run a little bit.' I feel m..

QB Flynn Has Fought For His Chance Before

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:25:37 CST
Matt Flynn, drafted in the seventh round by the Packers on Sunday, will come to Green Bay as the underdog to win the No. 2 quarterback spot as he battles second-round draft choice Brian Brohm.

But Flynn is used to fighting for his spot, having played behind JaMarcus Russell at LSU for a couple of years before finally getting his chance to be a full-time starter in 2007.

Russell ended up being the No. 1 overall draft pick last year, but back at LSU, Flynn never felt he was too far behind Russell in the QB competition.

"It was a tough situation," Flynn said. "I signed (at LSU) with JaMarcus in 2003 and we came in together. Every year it was a tight battle with each other. At the end of each two-a-day it was pretty close between me and JaMarcus. I hope that helps me in the overall scheme of things in the future."

The Packers chose Flynn with the 209th overall pick, one picked up in an earlier draft-day trade with Minnesota, when Green Bay moved down f..

Giacomini Joins Louisville Brethren In GB

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:35:37 CST
Breno Giacomini won't be lacking for friends during his rookie season with the Green Bay Packers.

Giacomini, an offensive lineman from Louisville, will join two college teammates in Green Bay's locker room -- quarterback Brian Brohm, whom the Packers drafted in the second round on Saturday, and fellow offensive lineman Jason Spitz, who was a senior at Louisville when Giacomini was a sophomore.

"He likes playing up there, likes the coaching staff, likes the area," Giacomini said of Spitz, who he figures put in a good word for him with the Packers coaches. "He said all great things about being up there."

The Packers took Giacomini in the fifth round on Sunday, with the 150th overall pick. That pick resulted from two trades, with St. Louis and then Minnesota. Green Bay moved down twice, from No. 128 to 137 and then to 150, picking up two seventh-round picks (Nos. 209 and 217) in the process.

Like another Green Bay offensive lineman drafted in Spitz's ..

Versatile OL Sitton Could Enter Mix At Guard

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:49:46 CST
The Packers' competition at the guard position might have just gotten a new entry.

Offensive lineman Josh Sitton from Central Florida was a fourth-round selection on Sunday with the 135th overall pick, a free agency compensatory selection.

Though Sitton, a three-year starter, played most of his college career at tackle, the Packers have talked to the 324-pounder about playing guard as well as tackle and perhaps even center. But the first decision will be whether to throw him into the competition with Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge, Junius Coston, Allen Barbre and perhaps Tony Moll for playing time at guard in 2008.

"We're going to have a very competitive camp with all the guys we have in our (offensive line meeting) room right now," offensive line coach James Campen said. "Some of the focus was on the guard position as you know, but I think those things solidify themselves through competition, and now we have another guy who's thrown himself in there as a guar..

DE Thompson Handled All Roles At Wake

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:13:02 CST
Whether or not the Packers try to turn Wake Forest's Jeremy Thompson into a pass-rush specialist in his early years in the NFL remains to be seen.

But the Green Bay scout who followed his college career is curious just how good the 264-pound workout warrior could be at rushing the passer if he got to focus on it.

Brian Gutekunst, who scouts the Southeast region for the Packers, said Thompson was asked to play various roles as a starting defensive end for Wake. He'd drop back into coverage as well as play the run and rush the passer, and Gutekunst thinks his modest total of 6 1/2 sacks last season was a reflection of those various duties.

"They didn't let him pin his ears back like at a lot of schools and just go go go," Gutekunst said. "I'll be interested to see when he gets a chance to just pin his ears back. At Wake I thought they asked him to do a lot of things, read-and-react stuff, more than just set him out wide in a stance and come off the corner. I'..

TE Finley's Athleticism Intrigues Packers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:23:51 CST
Tight end Jermichael Finley is young, having spent just three seasons at the University of Texas, including one as a redshirt.

But the athletic ability he displays for such a young player is intriguing to the Packers, who chose him in the third round of the NFL Draft on Sunday, the 91st overall selection.

"When you start watching guys, obviously you look for things you can't coach, and I think he has a few of those qualities," tight ends coach Ben McAdoo said. "He's someone who was intriguing the minute you turned the tape on."

McAdoo said he first watched film of Finley in the week leading up to the scouting combine in late February, and the Packers showed interest in Finley from that point on, according to several media reports.

Offered scholarships in both football and basketball at Arizona, Finley decided to go to Texas and concentrate on football with the goal of making it to the pros.

"He's a very smooth, gifted athlete," McAdoo said..

Packers Like CB Lee's Physical Style

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:09:00 CST
In their search for potential starters to replace Al Harris and Charles Woodson down the road, the Packers can't select just any cornerback.

They need corners who can play the physical, in-your-face, bump-and-run style that Harris and Woodson do, because that's a defensive scheme Head Coach Mike McCarthy likes and has no designs on changing when Harris and Woodson are no longer around.

The Packers feel they've found a player with those skills in Auburn's Patrick Lee, whom they selected late in the second round Saturday, at No. 60 overall.

Lee spent much of his sophomore and junior seasons playing in a cornerback rotation, getting most of his time in nickel and dime packages. But he was a full-time starter last year as a senior and got to put his style on display, and the Packers liked what they saw from the 6-foot, 200-pounder.

"We've seen some of the things on film we're looking for in our particular scheme, and we feel very good about the fit Pat..

QB Brohm Falls Into Packers' Lap

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:57:43 CST
Three years ago, Aaron Rodgers was projected to go much higher in the first round of the NFL Draft than he did, and the Green Bay Packers were thrilled he fell all the way to No. 24 so they could grab their eventual successor to quarterback Brett Favre.

So it seems only fitting that the Packers would get Rodgers' potential backup the same way. Louisville's Brian Brohm was projected by many as a first- or early second-round pick, but he stayed available until late in the second round when the Packers nabbed him at No. 56 overall on Saturday evening.

"We felt very fortunate that he was there," Thompson said. "We feel he adds value to our team. He's a good solid guy to have behind Aaron, and we'll train him up. Just like I talked to him on the phone, we'll get him ready to play, but Aaron is our guy."

As he was before the draft, Thompson was asked repeatedly whether selecting a quarterback this high would put undue pressure on Rodgers, who's already trying to ..

WR Nelson Often Made Big Impact

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:02:52 CST
In the eyes of Packers scout Lenny McGill, Kansas State receiver Jordy Nelson didn't have a signature, standout game at the collegiate level.

He had a whole bunch of them, and his consistent, go-to production led to a high evaluation from the Packers, who drafted Nelson with their first selection, the 36th overall, in Saturday's NFL Draft.

"For me this was one player that there wasn't one game," said McGill, who scouts the Central Plains region for Green Bay. "Week in and week out he was consistently just making plays, on a team that really didn't have a lot of offensive weapons.

"Teams they played against, it was their focus to stop Jordy Nelson. You basically stop him, you beat Kansas State, and in spite of all that, week in and week out he would make plays. Every week he did his thing."

Particularly last year as a senior. In 2007, Nelson earned consensus All-American honors with 122 receptions for 1,606 yards and 11 touchdowns. The reception and..

Second-Day Picks Prove Their Value

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:45:37 CST
First-round draft picks get most of everything - most of the attention, the hype, the money, the interviews.

It's understandable, given that first-round draft picks are among the top three dozen players coming out of the college ranks in any given year.

But as important as that first-round draft pick is for each team, it's players taken in the later rounds that build a team's depth and, in essence, can make or break a roster.

While Pro Bowl-caliber players like running back Dorsey Levens (fifth round, 1994), wide receiver Donald Driver (seventh round, 1999) and offensive tackle Mark Tauscher (seventh round, 2000) are tremendous NFL stories, late-round success goes beyond uncovering the occasional gem. Simply finding productive players in the later rounds who can contribute early in their careers goes a long way towards a team's long-term foundation.

General Manager Ted Thompson and his personnel staff have no doubt established a track record of lat..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:31:11 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 your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes reflections of tailgating before Packers games, a life savings splurge on a Packers Sunday, and a loyal out-of-towner sharing a gameday experience with his son.

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

Draft Day Memories 2007 - Day 2

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:52:23 CST
Players never forget the day they were drafted, and they can remember various moments from that once-in-a-lifetime day, memories that sharpen as a new NFL Draft approaches each year.

Packers.com caught up with all the members of Green Bay's 2007 draft class who are still with the team to share what they remember most from their draft day one year ago.

Excerpts of those thoughts are being presented in a two-part series. The finale here features the players drafted in Rounds 4-7, the second day of the 2007 draft.

Allen Barbre, 4th round, 119th overall (pick acquired in draft-day trade with Pittsburgh, along with 192nd overall selection, for 112th overall pick)
"I was back home, hanging out with my family. I just remember the suspense, never knowing what's going on. Every time the phone rings, not knowing who it is. It's a great memory. I had a great day, and it was a great turning point in my life.

"Atlanta had called me, Ja..

First Training Camp Practice Slated For Monday, July 28

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:38:56 CST
Head Coach Mike McCarthy on Wednesday laid out the schedule for the Packers' on-field workouts between now and the start of training camp.

Two notable changes from past years include the starting date for training camp and the schedule for the mandatory spring mini-camp.

The first training camp practice is slated for the morning of Monday, July 28, with the players reporting to camp the day before. Normally, the Packers open training camp on the final weekend in July, but league rules mandate that players cannot report to camp more than 15 days prior to their first preseason game, and the Packers don't begin preseason play until Monday, Aug. 11.

The mandatory mini-camp also has been moved from mid-May to mid-June and will follow the four weeks of OTA (organized team activity) sessions. The mini-camp will be held from Tuesday, June 17, through Thursday, June 19.

In the past, the full-squad mini-camp preceded the OTAs. The rationale behind the change..

Draft Day Memories 2007 - Day 1

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:28:54 CST
Players never forget the day they were drafted, and they can remember various moments from that once-in-a-lifetime day, memories that sharpen as a new NFL Draft approaches each year.

Packers.com caught up with all the members of Green Bay's 2007 draft class who are still with the team to share what they remember most from their draft day one year ago.

Excerpts of those thoughts will be presented in a two-part series. The first part features the players drafted in the first three rounds, the first day of the 2007 draft.

Justin Harrell, 1st round, 16th overall
"I woke up early that morning and went down to Memphis to pick up my car. I was talking with my agent and we had a pretty good idea where I was going to go, so he told me not to worry too much at first. He told me not to get my hopes up. He was looking at around the 20-something pick on down. So I was just trying to take my mind off it and stay as relaxed as I could.

"Actuall..

Thompson Eyes Adding Competition To Roster

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:14:31 CST
As General Manager Ted Thompson has said many times, a draft pick is a long-term investment for a football team, and that's why he believes in taking the best player available with each selection, not reaching to fill specific needs.

In the short-term, though, there's a key element akin to that philosophy as well. Bringing in the best available players will create the best possible competition for spots in the lineup, or on the roster as a whole. That competition does, or can do, several things for the coming year.

It can reveal which young players have matured enough to take on starting, or prominent, roles. It can push the established starters to perform at a higher level to keep their jobs. And it can accelerate the development of young, quality players who are playing behind, and competing with, seasoned pros.

Any and all of those possibilities makes a team stronger, and the approach certainly paid dividends for the Packers last year as they rose from a..

Gafford Finally Gets His Chance

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:42:29 CST
Thomas Gafford already had two chances to make it in the NFL, but neither could be considered a genuine opportunity.

Which makes it easy for Gafford, a long snapper whose collegiate career finished four years ago, to recognize his second tour of duty with the Green Bay Packers for what it is - the chance of a lifetime.

Two years after getting an extended look in Green Bay during training camp but failing to beat out reliable veteran Rob Davis, Gafford is back with the Packers in 2008. This time, Davis has retired and moved on to a front office position as Director of Player Development, and there's no incumbent long snapper in front of Gafford.

While no one in the organization is handing the 25-year-old University of Houston alum the job, the situation is pretty easy to read. Opportunity is knocking for Gafford louder and clearer than it ever has.

"I thought I did well in '06 when I was here, but it just wasn't in the cards, it wasn't the right si..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:53:15 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 your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a father and son trip to Green Bay, several members of the armed forces taking in the Lambeau experience, and a two day road trip from Ontario.

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

Jr. Power Pack Football Clinic Slated For May 31

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:12:32 CST
Kids, here's your chance to practice with the Packers!

The 11th annual Junior Power Pack Experience will take place Saturday, May 31, 2008, at the Packers' practice facilities. Two separate sessions will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Ray Nitschke Field, across the street from Lambeau Field.

Reserved exclusively for members of the Junior Power Pack kids fan club (ages 5-14), this event features a session of football skills and drills with up-and-coming Packers players. The cost of the event is included with the JPP membership, but registrations are due by May 14.

Members must have an up-to-date membership to participate (expiration date of May 31 or later). New members must sign-up before May 1 to receive an invitation and register for the clinic by the May 14 deadline.

Click here to become a member of the kids club!

Click here to enter!

Hey all you football fans and draft gurus, the NFL Draft will soon be upon us and here at Packers.com we have an exciting way you can get involved in the action.

The official Web site of the Green Bay Packers is pleased to announce the fourth annual Packers.com Draft Day Challenge in which fans can win cool prizes by correctly predicting the team's first pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Here's how it works:

From Wednesday, April 16, through the eve of the draft, Friday, April 25, fans can log on to Packers.com and try and predict the identity of the player the Packers will choose first in the 2007 NFL Draft, held in New York City, April 26-27.

Participants must be at least 13 years old and must fill out the entire entry form to be eligible. Only one entry per person will be accepted, and all entries must be submitted by noon CT, April 25. <..

Packers Maintain National Appeal

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:44:25 CST
As far as the NFL and its schedule-makers are concerned, the Green Bay Packers have not lost their national and primetime appeal despite the retirement of quarterback Brett Favre.

The Packers are scheduled for four primetime games in 2008 plus two games that will serve as national doubleheader games on back-to-back late Sunday afternoons in October. That's six national broadcasts, beginning with the Monday night season opener on Sept. 8 against NFC North rival Minnesota, as Aaron Rodgers takes over at quarterback for the first-ballot Hall of Famer, Favre.

"I think there's a lot of interest in what the Packers are going to look like without Brett Favre," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy, speaking to a group of local reporters in the Lambeau Field Atrium on Tuesday afternoon, a short while after the schedule was released.

"We had a very successful year last year, we were a play away from the Super Bowl, and I think there's a lot of interest in our team...

Catching Up With ... Jon Ryan

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:19:22 CST
The offseason strength and conditioning program is well underway in Green Bay, giving Packers.com a chance to catch up with a few guys to get their thoughts on the past season, next season, and what they've been up to in between.

Punter Jon Ryan followed up a solid first season in the NFL in 2006 with a better year in 2007. While his gross punting average remained steady (44.4 yards, one-tenth of a yard less than the year before), his net punting average improved by nearly two yards, from 35.7 to 37.6. He also booted a career-long 72-yard punt in the regular-season finale, tying him for the sixth-longest punt in team history.

Here's what Ryan had to say ...

How does it feel to be back?
It's good. It was good to have a different offseason. It goes quickly, but at the same time it was kind of a painful offseason, because you wanted to get back here and work toward redeeming ourselves.

What have you been up to during the offseaso..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:57:22 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 your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a 4,000-mile trip to see the Packers, a pair of pregnant fans braving the elements, a bevy of fans in Arrowhead Stadium, and a sit-down meeting with Aaron Rodgers.

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

Catching Up With ... Tramon Williams

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:38:14 CST
The offseason strength and conditioning program is well underway in Green Bay, giving Packers.com a chance to catch up with a few guys to get their thoughts on the past season, next season, and what they've been up to in between.

Cornerback Tramon Williams began 2007 as a longshot to make the roster out of training camp, but he flashed some impressive cover skills early, made the team, and did nothing but improve as the season went along. He has essentially become the defense's nickelback for the stretch run, and he finished the season with 11 tackles (10 solo), one interception and four passes defensed. As a regular return man, he also averaged 22.8 yards on 30 kickoff returns and 19.7 yards on six punt returns, including a 94-yard return of a pooch punt for a TD against Carolina.

Here's what Williams had to say ...

How does it feel to be back?
It feels great. We got a couple months off to relax, hang out with your family. But we know in ou..

Catching Up With ... James Jones

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:29:53 CST
The offseason strength and conditioning program is well underway in Green Bay, giving Packers.com a chance to catch up with a few guys to get their thoughts on the past season, next season, and what they've been up to in between.

Taken in the third round of the 2007 draft, receiver James Jones impressed coaches and fans alike with his maturity, both on and off the field, as a rookie. Thrown into a starting role immediately, with Greg Jennings injured for the season's first two weeks, Jones turned in a strong rookie campaign, catching 47 passes for 676 yards and two touchdowns, including a memorable 79-yarder on Monday Night Football in Denver.

Here's what Jones had to say ...

How does it feel to be back?
It feels good to be back. I wish it was a little warmer. I came from California, and it's about 80 degrees out there right now. So to come back to about 30 degrees, it ain't bad, but I'd rather be out there golfing or something. But it felt ..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:36:58 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 your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a Christmas present from Georgia, a return home from the Air Force, and a nationally scattered family reunited for a game in Lambeau.

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

Barnett Welcomes New Helmet Speaker

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:52:06 CST
Head Coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week that Nick Barnett would be the most likely member of the Packers defense to wear the helmet with the newly approved radio receiver this season.

And the middle linebacker welcomes the change, if for no other reason than to help level the playing field between the offense and defense during a game.

"I definitely think it's a great thing, due to the fact that offense has that in their helmet and they can hear the coaches and they don't waste any time trying to figure out what each signal is," Barnett said.

"That stuff is hard to do when you're tired and it's the fourth quarter and you can't find the coach through the crowd. I think it definitely will eliminate some communication problems as far as what the calls are, and open up lines of communication when we're on the field."

The league's owners approved the new helmet speaker for a defensive player at the NFL annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., this we..

Notebook: Rodgers' Mobility Will Be Asset To Offense

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:59 CST
Three years ago, Mike McCarthy was on the San Francisco 49ers coaching staff that ultimately decided to choose quarterback Alex Smith with the No. 1 overall pick over Aaron Rodgers, who slid all the way down the draft board to the Packers at No. 24.

But McCarthy has admitted he underestimated Rodgers' overall athleticism, and his ability to move out of the pocket and throw on the run. He said so again on Wednesday in a chat with reporters at the NFL annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.

Whether or not that piece of the evaluation puzzle would have convinced the 49ers to take Rodgers instead, McCarthy wouldn't say, but he certainly has no misgivings about Rodgers' ability now.

"Aaron is extremely athletic," McCarthy said. "I've said it before, I did not evaluate him properly in the movement phase at quarterback coming out of college. I did not see the athletic ability that I have been able to witness since we've worked together."

Rodgers showed his scr..

Vote For The 10 Greatest Games In Packers History

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:02:04 CST

Packers Fans, we need your help!

Warner Home Video is producing a series of "NFL Greatest Games" DVDs, and the Green Bay Packers are looking for the fans to help select which games to include for this franchise's installment. The DVD will feature the complete television broadcast, without commercials, of the top 10 games selected from the list of 20 below.

Brief descriptions of the 20 games are available here, and fans are encouraged to vote for their favorites between now and April 18. The "Greatest Games" DVD will be available for retail purchase through the Packers Pro Shop in August of this year.

Click here to vote! Pre-order your copy now!

Note: Only games for which the complete television broadcast is available can be inc..

Murphy Speaks Against Playoff Re-Seeding

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:39:40 CST
One of the hot topics that did not even come to a vote Wednesday on the final day of the NFL owners' annual meeting was the potential re-seeding of playoff teams, and Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy was one attendee who voiced his opinion against the measure.

The proposal would allow for a wild card team with a better record than a division champion to get a higher seed and host a wild card game. Currently, division champions who do not receive a first-round bye are guaranteed to host the wild card game regardless of the opponent's record.

The proposal did not have enough support to even be brought to a vote, and Murphy was among those who expressed his satisfaction with the current system.

"I think it got away from the idea that I think our fans really support and like -- that if you win your division you host a home playoff game," Murphy said, speaking to a group of reporters at the conclusion of the meetings. "I talked about the importance to the l..

Notebook: Defensive Helmet/Radio Passes Despite 'No' Vote From Packers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:25:08 CST
The proposal to allow the defense to have a coach-to-player radio communication system, similar to the one in a quarterback's helmet, passed at the annual meeting of the NFL owners on Tuesday despite a "no" vote from the Packers.

Green Bay was one of seven teams to vote against the measure, which needed 24 votes to pass and got 25 after gaining more support over the past two years.

Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy said the team's objection to the new rule didn't have to do with the helmet/radio itself, but with the fact that how it would actually work and be used during a game wasn't entirely clear.

"I think the intent is excellent, I understand what the committee is trying to do as far as communication," McCarthy said, speaking to a group of reporters at the meetings. "I think the practicality of it is something to question."

The rule would allow one defensive player to have a radio in his helmet to receive play calls from a coach on the sideline...

Murphy Soaking Up Knowledge At First Owners' Meeting

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:50:58 CST
With team chairman emeritus Bob Harlan helping show him the ropes and his own previous experience on the executive committee of the NFL players' association, new Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy isn't at all overwhelmed by what he's encountering at his first annual meeting of the league owners in Palm Beach, Fla., this week.

But he does recognize the importance of the issues being discussed - particularly the collective bargaining agreement that either the owners or players could opt out of this November - and his experience on the players' side of the aisle when it comes to labor issues could make him a valuable resource to the owners in the upcoming discussions and potential negotiations.

"You really need to make sure you understand the issues ... everybody involved, from the league, the teams, the committees, and learn as much as you can," Murphy said, speaking to a group of reporters late Monday. "And to offer help when you can and try to be thoughtful and ..