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1st |
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Final |
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3 |
0 |
7 |
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17 |
| Packers |
7 |
14 |
7 |
3 |
31 |
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PACKERS-PANTHERS POST-GAME NOTES & QUOTES
-With today's win, Green Bay improves to 9-1 and marks the team's best start since 1962 when Vince Lombardi led the Packers to a 10-0 start and their eighth world title.
-The Packers now stand 7-3 all-time over Carolina.
-Green Bay has now won 13 of its last 14 games, including seven of its last eight at Lambeau Field.
OTHER POSTGAME NOTES:
-Vinny Testaverde (44 years, 5 days old) and Brett Favre (38 years, 39 days old) combined to make NFL history - the oldest starting QB duo (82 years, 44 days) ever.
-For the 62nd time in his career, Favre threw for at least three touchdowns in a game, tying Dan Marino's NFL record.
-Aaron Rouse made his first career interception on the game's opening drive.
-Tramon Williams returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. His run tied the second-longest punt return in Packers history. (Mark Lee returned a punt 94 yards against the New York Giants on Nov. 8, 1981.) The longest return in team history was a 95-yard return by Steve Odom vs. Chicago on Nov. 10, 1974. Both games were played in Milwaukee, making today's punt return the longest by a Packers player at Lambeau Field.
-Williams' return was his first career touchdown and the first punt return for a touchdown since Antonio Chatman returned a punt 85 yards against Chicago on Dec. 25, 2005.
-Koren Robinson's 67-yard kickoff return to open the second half was Green Bay's longest kickoff return of the season.
-Charles Woodson has intercepted a pass in three consecutive games and in four of his last five.
-Donald Lee recorded the first multi-touchdown game of his career with his two second quarter touchdown catches.
-Corey Williams registered a career-high two forced fumbles, both on sacks.
-Donald Driver surpassed the 50-catch mark on the season for the sixth time in his career, joining James Lofton (seven seasons), Sterling Sharpe (seven) and Antonio Freeman (six) as the only Packers with at least six seasons of 50 or more catches. Driver had five catches today for 83 yards.
-Driver now has caught a pass in 90 consecutive games.
-Mason Crosby's first-quarter field goal attempt was blocked by Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers. The last time the Packers had a field goal blocked was Dec. 21, 2006, a 38-yard attempt by Dave Rayner. Crosby later connected on a 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
-Today's paid attendance was 70,805.
**
HEAD COACH MIKE MCCARTHY:
(on currently holding the best 10-game start in Green Bay since 1962)
"9-1 is impressive, but you have to keep focus on the next opponent. We beat a good football team today. We knew this game would be a challenge for us and I thought we played well in all three areas. With a short week, we don't have much time to enjoy 9-1 because it is time to move on to Detroit."
(on the play of the special teams)
"Our special teams has been very solid and has won a number of match-ups for us this year. We felt like special teams was an area where we needed to win in today's game and we felt like we accomplished that."
(on the depth of the defensive line)
"It is definitely one of the keys to our defense. It is the key to football in my opinion. You have to win at the line scrimmage. I think the defense has been our most consistent position since I have been here. You'd like to have that depth across the board at every position."
(on how proud he is of his team right now)
"I am proud of the way our players are improving and staying focused. We are playing to who we are. We don't get outside of ourselves too often. We need to continue that mindset as we move forward."
QUARTERBACK BRETT FAVRE:
(on playing against 44-year old Vinny Testaverde)
"I thought Vinny played well. He moved around great there at the end. I don't think I could play as well as he does at 44. It is quite a feat."
(on making sense of Green Bay's 9-1 start)
"We are playing well and making plays in all phases. Guys are relaxed and playing confident, and for the most part playing smart. We are making big plays when needed. The defense is playing outstanding. We are just riding the wave. It is a little bit shocking that this is the first time in 45 years that this team has been 9-1 just because of all of the great teams that have played. It just goes to show you how difficult it is to win."
(on the importance of Donald Lee's consistency)
"It has meant a great deal. I don't know if there is a harder worker or a more determined player on this team and that really pays off. I see him work over and over again on things that he feels like he needs to get better at. Most importantly, he catches the ball when the ball is thrown to him. He is determined to be really good."
(on having an abundance of receiving options)
"It is a big challenge for me to lead this team week-in and week-out and to handle this style of offense that we are running right now. Any one of our guys can be the guy each week. It could be a tight end, Ryan Grant, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Koren Robinson or Ruvell Martin. The confidence that I have in those guys is at an all-time high. If I was a defensive coordinator, I don't know who you go in trying to stop. For us that is a good thing because we have enough diversity and that can present its own set of problems."
CORNERBACK TRAMON WILLIAMS:
(on the strategy of his 94-yard punt return)
"We knew their kicker didn't really have that much leg to get it in there, and the wind was kind of blowing. We saw on film that they try to punt it; like they were going to try to kick a field goal and try to punt it. So we kind of adjusted to that at practice. They came out there and did it today and we executed it like we were supposed to."
(on if he thought the it would play out like that when it was practiced)
"No, I didn't think it was going to play out like that, but I'm happy it did."
(on his thoughts when he saw all field in front of him when he turned the corner)
"Run. That's it. Just run."
(on his own teammate being the player who hit him the hardest on the play) "My own man. I was happy I kept my balance though. I saw him coming and when I came back, he hit me and I was like, "stay up." I realized I was still up and I just ran."
(on big plays coming in bunches)
"Definitely. Most definitely, any opportunity they give I'm trying to make a big play."
DEFENSIVE TACKLE COREY WILLIAMS:
(on having a big first half and carrying it over into the second half)
"I think my performance was pretty good. We got out to a quick start and overall I think we had a great game."
(on if he saw anything on film that helped him get so much pressure on the quarterback)
"I watched a lot of film on it and their schemes, where they were weak. We tried to attack it and that's what we did."
(on what it was like playing against a veteran like Vinny Testaverde)
"It was pretty cool. I didn't think he was going to move around that much, but he did. I missed him one time. I never made it to speed, he kind of got outside on me. I didn't realize that an old guy can still move like that."
(on if he's enjoying the role as the unsung hero of the defense)
"Well I don't think about it like that, I just get out there and play. Whether I'm starting or not, it (doesn't) matter. I just get out there and play, week after week."
(on Mike Wahle speaking very highly of the Packers defense unit)
"That (does) mean a lot to us. A guy like Mike Wahle, he's a great offensive lineman. To hear something like that come from him, that's great."
FREE SAFETY AARON ROUSE:
(on if he's getting more comfortable on the field after making his second straight start)
"Most definitely. Last week I said my first start was good, but I wanted to get better. So I came in, watched film, did some extra things after practice, and got better."
(on creating the first turnover of the game)
"I wanted to go out there and show that I belong, make sure our team started fast and got a great victory."
(on if he envisioned being at this point after missing so much time in training camp)
"I just stayed positive the whole time. Obviously missing a lot of time (in training camp), when you come back you want to be on the same page as the other guys. Especially when your team is doing so well and the defense is playing great, when you show up, you don't want to see any difference. You want to come in and take the team to another notch. That's what I want to do, come in and contribute."
(on if his eyes lit up when he saw the ball coming toward him on his interception)
"Oh they (were) huge. You know, they (were) huge. It was something that I watched film and studied their routes. I got a great block on the number one receiver to put him back inside and there it was. It was just a great play for me."
RUNNING BACK RYAN GRANT:
(on how they avoided this as a 'trap game')
"I think it's easy when we stick to our game plan of how we want to play. And that's what the coaches and other players do a great job of, staying consistent of what we want to accomplish and that's one game at a time. Of course we want to get to the Detroit game, but we have to take care of business with Carolina. That's a big team because they've been playing great on the road. No game in this league is an easy one. We knew Carolina was going to come in here fired up and try to take one on the road, like they've been doing all season. We need to handle our business, take care of this and then get ready for the next game."
(on if he's worried about his ankle)
"No I don't think so. I can jump on it. If I can jump on my ankle, that's a good thing. If I can do jump rope right now, that's ok."
TIGHT END DONALD LEE:
(on having a big window in the defense zone on his second touchdown)
"Yeah, they were playing cover two and the linebacker, he didn't get back fast enough. I just got him."
(on the team utilizing five wide outs, but today it was his turn to make plays)
"Well you know, I'm just having fun. Anytime I'm out there on the field, I'm just looking forward to making big plays. That's what I love doing, that's why I'm glad I'm here, because the coaches put me in situations to make big plays."
(on finding a comfort zone with Brett Favre)
"I'm glad he trusts me enough to just throw me the ball. I try to work hard, each and every day in practice so I can earn his trust. I just thank God he's looking towards me."
(on if he's stepping up for the team after they stepped up and extended his contract)
"Right. I felt like that since the first day I got here. Anytime I'm on the field, I want to make plays, whatever I can do to help this team win. By them making a commitment to me with the contract, it just makes it that much more sweeter. I'm just looking forward to making plays every game."
PANTHERS HEAD COACH JOHN FOX:
(on what the difference in the game was)
"I thought our guys fought very hard. I thought the difference in the game was a couple big special teams plays and the fact that we were 0-3 in the turnover margin, which gave them more opportunities. That's a very talented football team that we played today, both offense (and) defense and in a tough venue."
(on how the pooch punt return changed the game's momentum)
"Any time you get a big play that's huge. It wasn't just the fact that it was a pooch punt. If it would have been an interception return or them throwing a big bomb, all those plays are big."
(on whether they can take positives from this game)
"You're always looking at that and I don't think there's any quit in our guys. You could see that today. You never get used to losing and at the end of the day we've lost four in a row. But I saw improvement today and hopefully that will help us moving forward."
PANTHERS DEFENSIVE TACKLE KRIS JENKINS:
(on when the Packers took control of the game)
"We just have had an issue with putting together four solid quarters of football. We feel like we've got to find a way to do that. I don't think that it's just one moment. It's been ongoing for a few weeks now. I'm going to give my hats off to them. Green Bay is a good team and they're playing great right now, but we're our own worst enemy right now."
(on facing Favre and the level he's playing at)
"It's the truth, Favre is getting old. I think Favre was starting to see that light at the end of the tunnel and Favre wants another Super Bowl, and he's playing like it. Favre is not playing to just be out there and you can see it. He's out there leading the team and the team is following him and they're playing together."
PANTHERS QUARTERBACK VINNY TESTAVERDE:
(on his performance in the game)
"We needed some more big plays in the first half. Personally, I didn't have my best ballgame and in order for us to win it starts with the quarterback. The quarterback has to play well and I didn't do that today."
(on what they can take from the loss)
"We had some young guys get experience, did some good things and there's a lot of good things that come out of it. But right now it's just disappointing to get another loss."
PANTHERS WIDE RECEIVER DREW CARTER:
(on how good the offense can be when everyone's healthy)
"I feel like we can be really good. I feel like sometimes people think Steve's (Smith) a one-man show and we don't want that to happen. Steve's by far the best receiver in the NFL, but he also can't win the games by himself."
(on how they're getting more comfortable with Testaverde after all the quarter back changes)
"You don't even know how hard it is until you go through it. You have a starting quarterback, then you have a backup quarterback, then you have a third quarterback, then you switch back. There's timing there. People just want to make plays when the ball's up in the air, but also there's timing. It's just being comfortable with the quarterback and that's the main thing. Right now we feel comfortable with Vinny stepping in and making plays with him."
(on how good the Packers are at 9-1)
"They're good. It's a testament to them. They're definitely a good defense. We feel like we had our chances. We had our shots. We feel like we're just as good as them. Obviously they won today but we played hard with them for the whole game. Nobody was giving up and that's the main thing."
**
SCORING SUMMARY & GAME NOTES:
Fourth quarter
GB 31, CAR 17
GB: Mason Crosby, 47 field goal, 2:46
4 plays, 8 yards, TOP 1:41
Key plays: Brett Favre found Greg Jennings for a 6-yard reception.
GB 28, CAR 17
CAR: Drew Carter, 5 pass from Vinny Testaverde, 4:22
8 plays, 86 yards, TOP 1:40
Key plays: A 49-yard catch-and-run by Carter followed by a 21-yard dump-off pass to DeShaun Foster put the Panthers in goal-to-go.
Third quarter
GB 28, CAR 10
CAR: Christian Fauria, 2 pass from Vinny Testaverde, 3:21
14 plays, 61 yards, TOP 7:41
Key plays: The Panthers ran the ball on 12 of the first 13 plays of the drive, as DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams combined for 55 rushing yards on the march. Brad Hoover converted a fourth-and-1 with a 3-yard run, and the short TD pass came on third-and-goal.
GB 28, CAR 3
GB: Donald Lee, 12 pass from Favre,
4 plays, 28 yards, TOP 2:14
Key plays: Koren Robinson ran the second-half kickoff back 67 yards, and a 9-yard pass to Greg Jennings picked up a first down, leading to Favre’s third TD pass of the day and second to Lee.
Second quarter
GB 21, CAR 3
GB: Donald Lee, 26 pass from Favre, 1:16
7 plays, 73 yards, TOP 3:56
Key plays: A 16-yard run by Ryan Grant and consecutive receptions of 13 and 11 yards by Donald Driver moved the offense into scoring range.
**
GB 14, CAR 3
GB: Greg Jennings, 4 pass from Brett Favre, 11:13
6 plays, 71 yards, TOP 3:34
Key plays: A 47-yard pass from Favre to Donald Driver started the drive, and a 13-yard connection to James Jones converted a third down and put the ball on the Carolina 5. Two plays later, Favre hit Jennings on a short slant for the score.
**
First quarter
GB 7, CAR 3
CAR: John Kasay, 26 field goal, 5:03
6 plays, 53 yards, TOP 2:51
Key plays: A 43-yard pass from Vinny Testaverde to Drew Carter moved Carolina to the Green Bay 14-yard line, but A.J. Hawk’s tight coverage on tight end Jeff King in the end zone on a third-down pass forced the field goal.
**
Injury update:
(First quarter) DT Johnny Jolly left the game with a shoulder injury. His return, following x-rays, is questionable.
**
GB 7, CAR 0
GB: Tramon Williams, 94 punt return, 7:54
Key plays: Lining up for a 52-yard field goal attempt, Carolina’s John Kasay instead pooch-punted the ball. The Packers had Williams back deep for that very possibility, and he scooped up the ball on the 6, got a big block from Johnny Jolly on Justin Hartwig and took off up the right sideline all the way to the end zone.
**
The Panthers won the coin toss and elected to receive.
Weather at kickoff: sunny, 44 degrees.
**
The following Packers are inactive for today's game:
19 WR Shaun Bodiford
27 CB Will Blackmon
36 S Nick Collins
59 LB Tracy White
88 TE Bubba Franks
90 DT Colin Cole
91 DT Justin Harrell
95 DT Daniel Muir
Starting lineup changes:
On offense:
G/C Jason Spitz (72) starts at RG for G/T Junius Coston (62).
**
The following Panthers are inactive for today's game:
3 QB Matt Moore
27 S C.J. Wilson
71 G Evan Mathis
76 T Frank Omiyale
89 WR Steve Smith
92 DT Damione Lewis
95 DE Charles Johnson
97 LB Tim Shaw
Starting lineup changes:
On offense:
WR Drew Carter (18) starts in place of WR Steve Smith (89).
QB Vinny Testaverde (16) starts in place of David Carr (8).
**
PACKERS-PANTHERS PRESS BOX NOTES
-The Packers host their second consecutive home game one week after improving to 8-1 for the first time since 2002.
-Green Bay comes into the contest winners of 12 of its last 13 games and tied for the NFC's best record.
-Sunday marks the 251st consecutive regular-season sellout (264 including playoffs) at Lambeau Field, the league's longest-tenured stadium.
-With a win, the Packers would earn the best start in team history since 1962, when Vince Lombardi led Green?Bay to a 10-0 start en route to their eighth world title.
-A familiar non-divisional foe, the Panthers come to Lambeau Field for the first time since 2002.
-Sunday is the 10th meeting in 12 years between the teams. The Packers hold a 2-1 advantage in the three games played in Green Bay.
-The two clubs first met in 1996 in the NFC Championship game. Antonio Freeman's go-ahead TD catch gave the Packers their first lead of the day, as Green Bay earned its first Super Bowl berth in 29 years.
NOBODY'S BETTER AFTER THE CATCH
-The league's No. 1-ranked passing offense has been bolstered by its receivers' ability to run after the catch.
-Wins over San Diego, Denver and Kansas City have all been highlighted by long touchdowns passes by Brett Favre. Not to be overlooked is who he is throwing to, and what they are able to do once the ball is in their hands.
-Led by wide receivers Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones and tight end Donald Lee, Green Bay has amassed 1,300 yards after the catch, tops in the NFL.
-Behind the Packers at No. 2 is a team with a much more publicized group of receivers - the New England Patriots at 1,157 yards after the catch. The NFL average is 820 yards.
-The big-play ability of the Packers offense shouldn't come as a total surprise. Green Bay finished second in yards after the catch, behind New Orleans, in 2006.
McCARTHY TOPS THROUGH 25
-Head Coach Mike McCarthy's 16-9 record since taking over head coaching duties at the offices on Lombardi Avenue is the best mark through the first 25 games in franchise history.
-Vince Lombardi and Mike Sherman had previously topped the list, as both went 15-10 to open their coaching careers in Green Bay. Mike Holmgren went 14-11 through his first 25.
-According to Elias Sports Bureau, McCarthy ties Joe Gibbs for the best career start of any active head coach over 25 games.
A CHANCE AT NFL HISTORY
-If Panthers QB Vinny Testaverde (44 years, 5 days old) starts against Favre (38 years, 39 days old), they would combine for the oldest starting QB duo (82 years, 44 days) in history.
HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE
-As part of the 'Operation Fan Mail' program, the Packers and Festival Foods will recognize a military family with Wisconsin ties at each home game.
-This week, the Packers and Festival Foods honor Specialist Gregory Manning. A Green Bay, Wis., native and 2001 graduate of Green Bay Preble High School, Manning serves as a medic for Echo Troop 105th Cavalry, a National Guard unit from Antigo, Wis. Manning has served in Iraq since August and is currently on leave for two weeks. Manning is joined at the game today by his father Gerald, brother Gerald Jr., and girlfriend Sally.
WEARING THE STRIPES
Today's officiating crew includes referee Bill Leavy (127), umpire Richard Hall (49), head linesman Gary Slaughter (30), line judge Darryll Lewis (130), field judge Rob Vernatchi (75), side judge Mike Weatherford (116) and back judge Kirk Dornan (6).
NEXT WEEK
The Packers travel to Detroit to play the Lions in a nationally televised Thanksgiving contest while the Panthers return home to host the Saints.
**
WHAT TO WATCH FOR TODAY:
4 BRETT FAVRE
-Has played in 248 straight games (268 including playoffs) and started 246 in a row (266 including playoffs), the NFL's record among quarterbacks and the second-longest recorded streak in NFL history. Only Jim Marshall (270, 1961-79) has been documented to have started more in consecutive fashion.
-Needs 243 passing yards to extend another NFL record - what would become his 16th season with 3,000 yards passing.
-Needs 1,105 passing yards - a number he is on pace to eclipse this season - to break Marino's record (61,361) for career passing yards. Favre enters with 60,257.
-Threw his 200th TD pass at Lambeau Field in Week 10 to extend the league's single-stadium record. He enters with 202.
-Has 61 games with at least three TD passes, one behind Dan Marino's (62) NFL record.
-Has 40 career game-winning comebacks (fourth quarter deficit or tie), including four this season.
-Has 54 career 300-yard passing games.
80 DONALD DRIVER
-Has a reception in 89 consecutive games, the franchise's second-longest streak behind Sharpe's 103 (1988-94).
-Needs 121 receiving yards to surpass No. 5 Antonio Freeman (6,651) and 388 to surpass No. 4 Boyd Dowler (6,918) on the Packers' all-time list. Driver (6,531) enters No. 6 in team history.
-Needs 20 receptions to surpass No. 3 Don Hutson (488) and 62 to surpass No. 2 James Lofton (530) on the Packers' franchise list. Driver enter with 469 catches, having surpassed Boyd Dowler (448) in?Week 5.
-Needs two receptions to become one of four players in team annals to produce as many as six 50-catch seasons, joining James Lofton and Sterling Sharpe (both seven) and Antonio Freeman (six).
-Stands 175 Lambeau Field receiving yards from surpassing No. 2 James Lofton (3,330) and 322 from becoming the stadium's all-time leader ahead of Antonio Freeman (3,477). Driver enters with 3,156.
89 JAMES JONES
-Needs 8 receptions to surpass No. 5 Keith Woodside (39, 1988) on the team's list for most single-season receptions by a rookie.
74 AARON KAMPMAN
-Needs 4 sacks to surpass No. 4 Ezra Johnson (411/2) on the franchise list. He enters with 38 career sacks.
21 CHARLES WOODSON
-Needs two interceptions for 30 career.
31 AL HARRIS
-Has played in 163 straight games (153 regular season, 10 playoffs), a streak that began in Philadelphia in 1998. Since coming to Green Bay in 2003, has started all 76 games (73 regular season, 3 playoffs) as a Packer. |
 | Badger Mutual Family of the Game
Seventh-graders in the state of Wisconsin are eligible to enter an essay contest to see their family named the Badger Mutual Insurance Family of the Game. Winners will receive four game tickets, pre-game VIP on-field passes, recognition on the video board during the game and much more. To enter, Wisconsin seventh-graders should write an essay of 500 words or less that tells "Why Education Is Important to Me." Print out a registration form on packers.com. |
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 | Coldwell Banker "Take it to the House"
Two lucky couples will have a chance to win a house courtesy of Coldwell Banker during halftime at every home game. Visit one of Coldwell Banker's Open Houses to sign up!
"Take it to the House" TV Commercial - Real | Windows |
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 | Crunch Time Catch
The Crunch Time Catch presented by Copps and Pick 'n Save gives two contestants the chance to show their skills catching punts. Both contestants will attempt to catch a thirty yard punt. If they succeed they move on to a sixty yard punt for the chance to win an Ariens® snow thrower or lawnmower. |
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 | Kohl's Fan of the Game
Four randomly selected fans will be selected at every Packer home game to win Kohl's Gift Cards. |
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 | Kraft Best Seats in the House Sweepstakes
Watch the game from the "Best Seats in the House". Winners and a guest will watch the game from recliners in the stands. The area will also include a color TV and a fully catered picnic lunch. Entry forms available at participating retailers. |
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 | MasterCard Fan Photographer
All Associated Bank customers who make a signature-based transaction will automatically be entered into the sweepstakes. You and a guest will receive passes to be on the field for the Packers warm-up to take pictures that will be posted on Packers.com. |
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 | Miller Lite End Zone
Watch for Miller promotions throughout the season for a chance to be part of this exciting section. |
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 | Nicolet Water Boy/Girl Sweepstakes
Win a chance to be the Official Water Boy/Girl of the Green Bay Packers. Children between the ages of 8 and 14 may enter by sending in an official entry form available at participating retailers. |
|
 | Operation Fan Mail
The Green Bay Packers and Festival Foods this season are recognizing military families separated by active duty with a new program, 'Operation Fan Mail.' The families will be recognized on the field during home pregame activities.
To choose families, the Packers and Festival Foods are asking interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted. Essays can be sent to: Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628, or by clicking here. |
|
 | Shopko Kickoff Kid promotion
Packer fans 12 and under can win the opportunity of a lifetime: Packers Honorary Kickoff Kid! One lucky fan will be selected for each 2006 home game to run onto the field after the Packers first kickoff to retrieve the tee. Each winner will receive the opportunity to be on the field during pre-game warm-ups, four (4) game tickets for the winner and his/her family, and a Packers Goodie Bag. Visit participating Shopko stores for your chance to win! |
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 | Verizon Jr. Captain
For every home game one lucky Packers fan between the ages of 7 and 14 is selected to be the Verizon Jr. Captain of the game and join the team captains on the field during the coin toss. Sign up at participating Verizon Wireless locations. verizonwireless.com |
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