Skip to main content
Advertising
Powered by

Inbox: That's a beautiful, beautiful thing

It’s incredible how far a little confidence can go for a young QB, isn’t it?

WR Romeo Doubs and WR Dontayvion Wicks
WR Romeo Doubs and WR Dontayvion Wicks

Keith from Lincoln, IL

Thank you so much for carrying on the Outsider Inbox tradition. The answers to question No. 9 about your favorite person to watch a Packers game with were so touching. Did you have a favorite Q&A from this year's batch?

I felt like these were the best batch of questions we've asked in my time curating Outsider Inbox and that's thanks to all of you. I always enjoy hearing how people became Packers fans. I could – and likely will – ask that question every year. Thanks again to everyone who participated.

Luke from Dubuque, IA

No question, but a heart-warming realization. I read each day of Outsider Inbox and finished the column with a sense of Packer pride, inspiration, and joy. The range of stories, insights, and impact this organization has had on so many people, in so many ways, is phenomenal. This team, the history, the amazing fans, the memories...everything! I know the Packers are one-of-a-kind, but these testimonials really put it all into perspective.

That's why we do it. I'd rather take a week in the heart of the "dead zone" to learn a few new things about our readers than to rehash topics and narratives that haven't changed since the end of minicamp.

Joe from Swansea, IL

I know, no math in the Inbox. But ATMR (wcbw), you received Outsider Inbox submissions in the last four days from 29 states and two foreign countries. Amazing! You can find Packers fans everywhere!

Whoa, Nellie! Next year, I'll do my best to include a submission from all 50 states. This year was by far our best and biggest response to Outsider Inbox, with those six installments totaling more than 16,000 words.

Kenton from Rochester, MN

After reading "Countdown to camp," it occurred to me that by being blessed with such a strong backup in Malik Willis, the Packers are in the enviable position of being able to rest an ailing Jordan Love even if only suffering a minor injury. In other words (excuse the math) if Love is only 90% maybe the smart move is to sit him for the game and start Willis. That way Love gets more time to heal, and Willis gets more time to shine as a potential as a starter next season.

Hopefully, Love stays healthy and that's a hypothetical we need not consider. That said, Willis clearly showed last season he's more than capable of stepping in and driving this offense forward. In the process, Willis changed how I view backup QBs. While I still don't think teams with a franchise QB can afford to pay a backup $8-10 million a year, we have seen how valuable it can be to have a prospect in the pipeline (e.g. Aaron Rodgers' last season as a starter in 2022 and obviously what Willis did behind Love in 2024).

Al from Green Bay, WI

Love the "Countdown to camp" series. It is always a good read as well as a reminder that camp is just around the bend. It appears to be a foregone conclusion that Malik Willis has only one more year with a G on his helmet unless he's traded this year. If you're Gutey, what draft capital would tempt you to trade him this summer?

Nothing at this point. The Packers have high expectations for this year and have already invested significant time and energy into Willis this offseason. They'll get their compensation down the road when Willis gets his deserved opportunity to be a starter again.

Jon from Willmar, MN

How many QBs will make the 53?

That's up to Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma to decide, but we're going on five years since the last time three QBs made the initial 53-man roster.

Ross from Summerville, SC

Gents, the dead season is drawing to a close, thank God for that. What's the position battles we need to look for as camp opens up next week?

Competition is everywhere, but I'd say the highest stakes are at receiver, offensive line, and edge rusher between guys competing for starting jobs and others vying for a roster spot.

Michael from Hammond, IN

Which receiver do you think will make the team this year?

I'd say Matthew Golden has a good shot at it.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

We are on the doorstep of the 2025 season. What is the first thing you will be looking for as training camp opens? The Packers have roughly a month to identify the 70 players who make the team initially. Is that enough time to rack and stack the talent at each position? Do you see the WR position as the stiffest competition of camp? What's the over/under for players not currently on the roster to make the 53?

Historically, there's always a late addition who makes an impression whether it's a veteran who signs during training camp, such as a Cedric Benson or Dennis Kelly, or an undrafted rookie like Chris Banjo who comes out of nowhere to make the 53. But the biggest thing I look for is who separates themselves with consistency. That's how Allen Lazard, Carrington Valentine and Emanuel Wilson all earned their place.

Chris from Ontario, CA

In recent years, the Packers have seen a decline in their division record. What adjustments would be necessary to dominate this division again?

Protect the football. That really was the difference last year. If the Packers can check that box in 2025, they'll be back at the top of the NFC North.

Richard from Caledonia, WI

Good morning! Have the coaches commented on the areas they feel the team has the opportunity to make the most significant difference in the season ahead? It seems the second year of the defense potentially has some gains if the secondary can step up and the void of Jaire Alexander's departure can be filled?

I boil it down to two things – the offense tailoring itself more to Josh Jacobs' power-run style and the defense settling into Jeff Hafley's scheme. The Packers exceeded expectations under Hafley in Year 1. While more will be expected in 2025, Green Bay returns most of its key defensive contributors who now have a full year of experience under their belt.

Tim from Olathe, KS

Insiders, most pundits are naming the Chiefs, Ravens, Bills, Eagles and Lions as Super Bowl contenders. Some mention the Vikings and even the Bucs, but rarely are the Packers noted as serious contenders. What are they seeing or not seeing in the Packers?

Wow. Really going out on a limb there with those picks. I couldn't care less what pundits think. If the Packers beat the Lions and Commanders to start the year, everyone will be propping up Green Bay. Really, those games are all that matter. Focus on the results, not the noise.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Every year there's at least one surprise division winner. Who do you think will flip the tables this season? I'm going with the Panthers stealing the NFC South.

I couldn't agree more, especially with the NFC South again being anyone's for the taking. Bryce Young and the Panthers finished last season with some wind in their sails. It's incredible how far a little confidence can go for a young QB, isn't it?

Adrian from Chula Vista, CA

When he retires, is Davante Adams a first-ballot Packers Hall of Famer? What about Canton?

Absolutely. Adams needs a few more years to solidify his place in Canton, especially with the Pro Football Hall of Fame now tightening its belt on enshrinees. Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro sitting on 957 catches for 11,844 yards. I only point that out because there's another six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro in Reggie Wayne who hasn't gotten into Canton despite catching 1,070 passes for 14,345 yards. Adams has significantly more touchdowns, though (103-82).

Yotam from Israel

Did any of you get to attend the Josh Jacobs youth football camp? The video made it look like a cool event. Hope it becomes another tradition in Green Bay.

I was out of town, unfortunately, but it looked like an awesome event. It's always neat seeing an established player like Jacobs join the Packers and immediately find ways to give back to his new home.

Mark from Mechanicsburg, PA

Do you have an idea when the Packers might be offering more stock? I would like to get one share for each of my grandsons.

The last two stock sales were in 2021 and 2011. So maybe check back in a couple, two, three years?

The Green Bay Packers hosted eight Wisconsin high school football teams at Titletown for a 7-on-7 Tournament and Linemen Challenge on Friday, July 11, as part of the NFL's Nike 11-On Initiative.

Mike from Lake Villa, IL

No question, just a big thanks for all the OI responses. I truly love being a Packers fan! My deepest condolences to Jake from Canada whose dad passed away on June 26, 2025, due to cancer. My dad also passed away on June 26, 2025, due to cancer. I'm sure our dads met each other at the pearly gates with a hearty "Go Pack Go!"

Amen, brother. My deepest condolences to you both.

Zak from Huntington Beach, CA

Last week I was unexpectedly laid off from my job of 13 years. I'm taking some time to recalibrate and am considering a career change along with potentially relocating to a new city/state. If there are any "Cheddar Inspector" (or similar cheese-related positions) available, then please put my name in for consideration. My only experience with cheese is "excessive personal consumption" (pro bono), but I'm hoping one of you gents will give me a good reference!

Anytime, but I am truly sorry to hear that. All the best to you, Zak.

Chase from Diamond Springs, CA

Anything that surprised you with regards to the OI submissions?

How many of y'all mentioned "North Dallas Forty" as your favorite football movie. I didn't even know it existed (and I'm a Nick Nolte fan).

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

It appears getting a question into the Outsider Inbox has eluded me for another year. I know some may say, "You've opened the column, closed the column, and even had two questions make it into one column. What more do you really need?" Not me though. I can't rest till I've checked that final box. I must reach that final summit. It is my destiny. For now, though, I remain just a man, with a keyboard and a dream. Patiently waiting for the 2026 Outsider Inbox and my chance at Inbox glory.

Dustin, my brother, I have an empty "Reminder" card for the 2026 Outsider Inbox questions and all you've given me thus far is 93 words and no question. You can't bemoan missing the pitch when you're not in the batter's box, son.

Anthony from Green Bay, WI

I am very disappointed in the Insiders. Not a single mention of "The 60 Yard Line" for favorite movie.

Again, I can't answer the questions for y'all. This was literally the first time "The 60 Yard Line" was mentioned despite the fact I almost had a guest appearance.

Stephie Rae from Flowery Branch, GA

Thanks Wes and OIers. The best yet! Great stories brought me to tears which still linger making typing hard. Congrats to Jennifer from Middleton for II Fan of the Year! As per Dave from Minneapolis, I'm about to break the first rule of II. I've asked before to no avail, so ATMR WCBW, there is no "infamous" Packers player who wore No. 88. They say Ron Kramer was the best to wear No. 88, Bubba Franks wore it longest, Jermichael Finley was known for athletic ability and yardage. So, why the II ban on No. 88?

The ban on No. 88 goes back to Ty Montgomery switching to running back but keeping his original number in 2016. Little did we know it would be a harbinger for the NFL relaxing its rules on which positions could wear specific numbers.

Jef from Edgerton, WI

Well, here we are. One week from training camp and excitement is in the air for Packer fans worldwide. The sports networks can say the Packers haven't done enough to climb the hurdles, but my heart just thinks we are going to witness a special season. My question for you, are you rested and ready? Very soon the Monday morning critics will be making you pull out your hair. Win Week 1 and we're going to the Super Bowl. Lose Week 1 and it's FIRE EVERYONE! You both need to be on your toes. Good luck!

I am definitely not rested and/or ready, but July 23 is coming regardless…so buckle up.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Wes, great job on the Outsider Inbox. There truly are Packers fans everywhere. I wore a Brett Favre jersey (a Packers one of course) to the Fourth of July parade in Eveleth. I couldn't believe how many people tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Go Pack Go." This is our year. I just got a feeling.

It is great to be back…and we're another day closer to football. That's a beautiful, beautiful thing.

Insider Inbox

Insider Inbox

Join Packers.com writers as they answer the fans' questions in Insider Inbox

Advertising