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Inbox: The only source of knowledge is experience

You can’t take anything for granted in this league

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John from La Crosse, WI

When we rented "Eraserhead" from a Minneapolis video store in the '80s, the clerk thought it was so bad, he didn't charge us.

This made my day. No, my week. Good morning!

Jeremy from Flagstaff, AZ

Everyone is so focused on Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, the pass rushers and the No. 3 receiver spot but I am pumped to watch Kevin King play. Last year he was absolutely FEARLESS. He laid the wood a couple times playing against some of the game's best receivers and all with a bum shoulder. If it's true that the game slows down and his shoulder is 100 percent, watch out for this kid.

Everyone saw what King could do in those nine games - even when he wasn't healthy. The Packers took it easy with King during the offseason program, but he didn't have any known setbacks throughout the rehab. King **matched up against the best of the best as a rookie** and will be better for that in Year 2 and beyond. As Einstein said, "The only source of knowledge is experience."

Take a look at photos of Packers fans as we celebrate Fan Friday.

Erik from Bonduel, WI

What is the oddest or most amusing pregame ritual or warmup you have seen a Packers player do besides Rodgers photobombing the captain pictures?

Rodgers and Jordy Nelson ball-spinning is iconic. Jamaal Williams' dancing is up there.

Sue from Tomah, WI

Has any player ever sacked a quarterback against all 31 teams (can include postseason) in the course of their careers?

I don't know of anyone. Reggie White had sacks against 29 of the 30 teams he played. He was shut out by only one team - the Houston/Tennessee Oilers - in three tries.

Greg from Ann Arbor, MI

How many "the Packers should sign LeBron to play tight end" comments have you received?

Don't be ridiculous. LeBron would be an outside rusher.

Matthias from Hartford, WI

The Steelers during their Super Bowl runs had two legitimate 1,000-yard rushers in Appleton native Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris. It's strange to me why coaches still run the Wing-T option offense at the Division I level, but no two-back offense?

I think the reason we don't see any two-halfback offenses in the NFL is because of the emphasis on the passing game. Not only does it present some pass-protection issues, but also most teams would rather have a third or fourth receiver on the field these days.

Mitch from Winston, GA

Does Aaron Rodgers need to show he can make all of the throws in his arsenal before we can truly say he has recovered from his injury? Which throws in his arsenal would provide the best barometer?

I saw everything I needed to see from Rodgers in the three public practices to show me he's back to where he needs to be. He made all the throws whether it was the back-shoulder or deep balls downfield. You'll see it, too, depending on how much he plays in the preseason.

Ross from Hudson, WI

Which of these three do you think would give the Packers the best chance of a trip to the Super Bowl?

1) two 1,000-yard receivers

2) two 800-yard rushers

3) one 800-yard rusher/receiver

Two 800-yard rushers would be nice, but a pair of 1,000-yard receivers is the best sign for an offense. It signals healthy playmakers and consistency on offense. It's not a prerequisite to win a Super Bowl, but it sure helps get there.

Vinny from Arlington, VA

Just curious what your typical reactions and state of mind are when you see rumors posted about the Packers (e.g., Dez Bryant released and good fit for GB, or Owens willing to come out of retirement to play in GB). I can imagine you both cringe when you see these unsubstantiated rumors and look at each other thinking how much Inbox mail you're now going to receive because of it.

I don't mind people asking. It's natural for fans to speculate on players who potentially could be a fit. Heck, sometimes it even works out that way. Jimmy Graham, Jared Cook and Ahmad Brooks are just a few examples of "wish-list" players the Packers had legitimate interest in. I just wish fans would take a second to think about what they're asking before pressing submit when it comes to something like the Terrell Owens situation. The guy is 44 years old for crying out loud.

Steven from Silver Spring, MD

In response to Dean from Leavenworth, IN, comment and Mike's reaction to the defense getting worn down in XXXII. It was yet another example of needing to be multiple on defense. Even if you have the best players, you have to have a scheme with a counterpunch. You can't rely on talent to last 20 games, including a playoff push.

The Packers' defense was multiple enough to win another championship. I mean Green Bay held San Francisco and Tampa Bay to only 17 points in its two playoff wins. The Packers had everything it took to win that game, but the reality is they didn't. It's another reminder of how you can't take anything for granted in this league, especially on the game's biggest stage.

Eric from Fuquay Varina, NC

I've been thinking about Aaron Rodgers' comments that he would like to finish his career with the Packers for his legacy. Do you think there might also be a component where he doesn't want to play for all those teams that passed on him during draft day and is grateful to the Packers for taking him when they already had a future Hall of Famer at QB?

I don't know if it's quite that cerebral. I just think Rodgers looks around the sporting landscape and wants to be one of those icons who finishes where they start. There's something special about the likes of Bart Starr, Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter and Robin Yount all playing for one team throughout their careers.

Darren from Kingston, Ontario

I was intrigued by Spoff's response to Keith from Lincoln, IL's question. I now find myself wondering what Spoff's football scorecard looks like. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I think a picture of Spoff's "scorecard" is worth at least 500 characters. Would our Insiders ever consider uploading photos to bring their answers to life?

Maybe Spoff can send you a photo when he gets back. I'll say this - his scorecard is a helluva lot more legible than mine.

Aaron from Sour Lake, TX

Anybody on the Packers roster have weird skill? Like juggling or something?

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix's ability to ride a bicycle backwards is one of the most impressive things you'll see. He said he's been doing that since he was a kid. Davante Adams also has incredible leaping ability. Ask Alonzo Highsmith about it.

Troy from Myrtle Beach, SC

Why is there a supplemental draft? If these are players that weren't eligible for the draft in April, why are they not free agents? Does every player who enters the league have to go through a draft before becoming a free agent?

The NFL instituted the supplemental draft in 1977 to absorb players into the league who might have had college eligibility issues arise since the actual draft in the spring. Yes, every player who enters the league must be exposed to the draft. If a player isn't taken in the supplemental draft, he can sign with any team.

Rob from Adelaide, Australia

Some years ago there was a player drafted to the NBA that had a huge fear of flying and his career never took off. Are there any Packers players or NFL players with a similar fear?

That was Royce White you're referring to. He played three games in the NBA but actually is playing in Canada now. I don't know of any Packers players who had a fear of flying during my time on the beat.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN

Wes, for future reference, is it acceptable to refer to Brian Gutekunst as BG in Inbox questions?

WH says sure.

Craig from Castle Pines, CO

What's the go-to board or card game for the players during training camp? I recently started playing Settlers of Catan and am addicted.

That was the board game of choice as recently as two years ago. I'm not sure if they still play it. Six years ago, I remember the offensive linemen constantly played backgammon to the point we'd literally interview guys during their games.

Brian from Alta Vista, IA

Wes are you going to get on that Fortnite grind now?

Maybe here and there when I'm bored and Cillian is sleeping. I don't see myself becoming a heavy user.

Jeffeory from Bloomington, IL

Wes, I see "Eraserhead" is one of your favorites. Have you watched "Twin Peaks?" It's a true David Lynch classic!

I've always meant to watch it, but never have. Inexcusable.

Keith from Dearborn, MI

"The Sandlot." "D2: Mighty Ducks." "Rookie of the Year." If you had to make a five-man starting lineup for a Saturday morning basketball league, and can only use players from the above movies, who makes your team?

Charlie Conway, Fulton Reed, Adam Banks, Henry Gardenhoser and "Rocket" Steadman. I can't speak on "Sandlot" characters. I've never seen it. *Ducks*

LJ from Chicago, IL

Wes, shame on ya, pal! Calvin writes Wednesday that the Packers are eight behind the Bears for all-time wins. They are behind 749-737 which unless math changed overnight is equal to 12 wins behind. But you can look up Clay Matthews' sack stats? C'mon, man!

Hey, I sometimes take readers at their word. What can I say? I'm an eternal optimist.

Kevin from Asbury Park, NJ

Wes, since you seem to enjoy epic fantasy such as "Game of Thrones" and "Star Wars," might I suggest another series to put on your bookshelf? "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss is phenomenal. You would appreciate the author's dry humor and sarcasm. A movie and TV series are currently in production if you're not an avid reader.

I'll check it out. The only book I have on my "to-read" list this summer is "Destiny of the Republic" by Candice Millard. I've vowed not to read any of Martin's new books until "The Winds of Winter" is released…and that won't be anytime soon.

Rod from Ephrata, PA

If Kevin started one of his submissions with "Greetings from Asbury Park," would Spoff understand?

I'm sure Spoff would, but it has a different meaning for me. RIP Bam Bam.

Tristan from Aurora, CO

What's your favorite musical?

"Once."

Lori from Brookfield, WI

Wes, what is your favorite M. Spofford quote?

You mean other than, "You have to be freakin' kidding me"?

Brandon from Woodville, WI

Amen on "sucks!" I enjoy a little witty tete-a-tete over sports teams but nothing drives me up the wall more than someone who can only come up with, "Well, your team sucks." Really, that's the best you can do?

I wasn't trying to pull the "holier than thou" card on Zach. I just enjoy a productive exchange of ideas. "Sucks" doesn't promote that. All it's good for is getting people to close their ears and shut down.

Dan from Madison, WI

Did you pack Mike a lunch for his vacation or are you just looking forward to him not stealing your moist maker?

Let's just say Ma Hod is looking forward to only packing one Lunchable instead of two for the next few days. Have a good weekend, folks. To those in the Green Bay area, stay cool.

-16x9

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