Packers.com

Former Packers Quarterback Randy Wright Receives Grant From NFL Youth Football Fund

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:39:13 CST

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Randy Wright (1984-88), in his first year as offensive coordinator at Sturgeon Bay High School, has been awarded a grant of $7,000 for the Clippers' football program from the NFL Youth Football Fund.

Wright was a sixth-round draft pick in 1984 from Wisconsin who went on to play in 46 career games for the Packers. He threw for more than 7,100 yards and connected on 31 touchdown passes with the Green and Gold.

The NFL Youth Football Fund (YFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by the National Football League and the NFL Players Association. The YFF seeks to use football as a catalyst to promote positive youth development and also insure the health of grassroots football in future generations.

Through the NFL Player-Coach High School Football Grant Program, the YFF allows former NFL players who currently are registered as official head or assistant high school football coaches to apply for grants to help support..

Statement From Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:28:20 CST

I was in Hattiesburg today and had a nice visit with Brett Favre.

We discussed a number of topics not related to football, including Brett's long-term relationship with the Packers.

I consider our conversation to be confidential and am going to be respectful of Brett and his family and keep the details private.

Ted and Mike are going to continue to work on the football side of this issue. They have my full support.

'Packers Family Night' Tickets Sell Out

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:14:28 CST

NEW ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES ADDED TO THIS YEAR'S OFFERING

All available tickets for the eighth 'Packers Family Night, Presented by FOX 11' were sold out as of Wednesday morning.

This year's event, which will take place Sunday evening, Aug. 3, at Lambeau Field, will mark the fifth time the Packers sold every available seat in the stadium bowl. More than 60,000 fans are expected.

The Packers also announced a handful of new activities and attractions for younger fans attending the evening.

Outside the stadium in the area inside the security barrier, sidewalk chalk will be available for children to create their best sidewalk art.

Inside the concourse, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., several craft areas will be available to younger fans, as well as other attractions, including airbrush tattoos, G-Force tattoos, a chalk graffiti wall, magicians and sign-making opportunities.

Parking for the event will be $5, with 100 perc..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - July 30

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:48:36 CST

(Have you talked to Brett Favre since yesterday?)
No, I haven't. I have not talked to Brett.

(Any thoughts on Mark Murphy going down to Mississippi to visit with Brett?)
I really don't have any thoughts as far as Mark Murphy going to Mississippi. That's really something you would have to ask Mark about. I'm not involved in the specifics of it, so I really have no information for you.

(Aaron Rodgers said he struggled a little yesterday. Did he have a better day today?)
I thought he was pretty sharp. I thought the defense had a good day, particularly in the third-down situations against the first group. Today was a review day. We've got all of our normal down and distance installation in in our first phase of third down. We wanted to review that, and I thought it was good work for everybody. It was distributed throughout the whole 80-man roster, and I thought it was a good day.

(How did Brian Broh..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - July 29

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:17:32 CST
(What is your reaction to Brett Favre reportedly filing for reinstatement?)
Jeff just made me aware of the reinstatement letter. That's obviously the first step in Brett coming back, so we'll deal with that when he is reinstated and we'll definitely have a plan in order.

(Is part of that plan to allow him to compete for the starting job?)
We'll address everything as far as the details of how Brett Favre fits into our future plans when he arrives here in Green Bay.

(Do you welcome it as good news that he is coming to camp?)
Brett Favre is still a very good football player. He is an asset to our football team. Once again, I'm going to answer this question for the last time. The plan for Brett Favre will be discussed with Brett Favre first, and then we'll make it aware to the public.

(Are you concerned about any division in the locker room?)
I'm not concerned about it. We have talked ..

Packers Place Bodiford On Injured Reserve

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:35:42 CST
The Green Bay Packers have placed wide receiver Shaun Bodiford on injured reserve with a back injury. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the move Monday.

Bodiford played in six games with Green Bay last season.

Ted Thompson Press Conference Transcript - July 28

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:21:44 CST
Good afternoon. Welcome to our training camp. We had a great practice this morning, looking forward to the first padded practice this afternoon. A couple of things that I wanted to touch on, and then we'll just do our normal take some questions. There have been a lot of reports throughout all of this, and I understand that, but sometimes things get skewed by the time they get out. I did want to comment that Brett and I had a couple of conversations on Saturday. I think both of them lasted approximately 45 minutes or so. It was very professional. It was very cordial. We talked about a lot of things. We acknowledged, both of us, that this is a unique and at times difficult situation. I think he and I are both aware of that, as all of the parties are, and probably you are too. We talked about different options that were available. I stated my case as to why I thought certain options were better. He certainly had his opinion on his options. At the end of the day, we still have not gotten..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - July 28

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:20:54 CST
(Why was Ryan Pickett limited today?)
Ryan Pickett has a slight hamstring strain. It happened last week working out, so we're just, as I always say, being smart.

(Will either Pickett or Justin Harrell be on the PUP list?)
Oh, no. They are going to be...I think their situations are both in the, I would say Ryan is more day-to-day and Justin would be week-to week.

(Are you still offering 50 dollars for non-Brett Favre related questions?)
I'm broke.

(What have you said to the team as far as handling this situation?)
I just think, number one, they have an opinion. I tell them all of the time to be positive with the media, have a plan of the types of questions that you're probably going to be asked, and just trust your heart.

(How was the first practice?)
I thought it was good. I thought it was a good, solid practice. We had too many pre-snap penalties. We had..

Packers Sign Draft Picks Nelson, Brohm And Lee

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:49:00 CST
The Green Bay Packers have signed wide receiver Jordy Nelson, quarterback Brian Brohm and cornerback Pat Lee. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signings Sunday.

Nelson, the team's first of three second-round selections (No. 36 overall), enjoyed the most prolific single season in Kansas State history with 122 receptions for 1,606 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2007. The 6-foot-3, 217-pound player returned two punts for scores and threw two touchdown passes as a senior. He was a consensus All-America selection and one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award.

Brohm, a 6-foot-3, 223-pound signal caller, was selected No. 56 overall. A three-year starter at Louisville, he finished his career as the Big East's all-time leader in passing yards (10,775) and completions (780). He led the Big East in total offense and passing for three straight seasons (2005-07) and was awarded all-conference honors e..

Packers' 2008 Training Camp Opens Monday

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:54:08 CST
WWW.PACKERSTRAININGCAMP.COM IS ONLINE GUIDE TO ALL ACTIVITIES

The Green Bay Packers open the 63rd edition of training camp Monday, and along with players, coaches and staff taking the field, more than 100,000 fans are expected to visit between the first practice, July 28, and the final open practice, Aug. 26.

In addition to Packers practices, followers of the Green and Gold will take in the new Tundra Tailgate Zone, the Lambeau Field Atrium, the Packers Hall of Fame, Lambeau Field Stadium Tours and the Packers Pro Shop.

For visitors to training camp, an all-encompassing guide, www.packerstrainingcamp.com, is available online with daily practice schedules, activities schedules and other important information.

According to the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, training camp will attract an estimated 115,000 visitors from across the nation and as many as 20 foreign co..

Packers Sign Draft Picks Finley, Thompson; Waive Peterson

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:35:36 CST
The Green Bay Packers have signed tight end Jermichael Finley and defensive end Jeremy Thompson and waived tight end Mike Peterson. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the transactions Saturday.

Finley, a 6-foot-5, 247-pound player, was the team's third-round selection (No. 91 overall). He ranks third in University of Texas history for career receptions by a tight end with 76, despite playing only two seasons. Finley earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from the league's coaches this past season.

Thompson, one of the club's fourth-round selections (No. 102 overall), was a three-year starter at Wake Forest. In his final collegiate season, he led the Demon Deacons with 61/2 sacks. A 6-foot-4, 270-pound player, Jeremy joins his older brother, Orrin, an offensive tackle, with the Packers.

The Packers have now signed six of their nine draft picks.

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - July 26

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:26:02 CST
OK, first thing because I know it's been a while since we have been together, I want to give you a roster update and a schedule update. We currently have 76 players on our roster. We have six players that we have tenders and Russ Ball will continue to work on that as we move forward into training camp tomorrow. The schedule for players today is our travel day. That will go on throughout the day. Tomorrow they are required to be here starting at 7:30. We'll have physicals and the run test in the a.m. We'll have our administrative meetings in the afternoon, and then we'll start with our football meetings tomorrow night. Obviously our first practice is Monday at 8:45. With that, I can see all of the excitement in the room for the 2008 season, so let's get started.

(Where do things stand with Brett Favre?)
I really don't have anything to update with Brett beyond where he is with what options that are left in front of him. I know Mark Murphy spoke Thursday at l..

Packers 2008 Training Camp Dope Sheet

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:50:11 CST
TRAINING CAMP ARRIVES IN GREEN BAY
-The most anticipated family event of the summer - Green Bay Packers training camp - begins its 63rd year Monday on Clarke Hinkle Field. A tradition that first began under Curly Lambeau in 1946, it remains one of the most intimate preseason settings in the NFL.

-Even with EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh bringing the world's greatest avaiation celebration to the area and the Milwaukee Brewers in the heat of a division race, no event in the state creates the same buzz as training camp in Green Bay. This summer brings increased national attention to the practices at Lambeau Field as the team begins its summer camp with a new starting quarterback.

-Newer traditions - such as night practices under the lights and the team's intra-squad scrimmage in Lambeau Field - blend with the old as players continue to ride kids' bicycles to practice, a tradition started under Vince Lombardi, and live in the dorms at nearby St. Norbert College, ..

Packers and Dave Thomas Foundation Partner For 'Family Night'

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:02:23 CST
'Packers Family Night,' coming up Sunday, Aug. 3, has become a great family football tradition, and the Packers are supporting families with the event by partnering with the Dave Thomas Foundation and Wendy's Wonderful Kids, Jockey Being Family and Adoption Resources of Wisconsin.

"Family Night is a wonderful experience for children and their families," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Every child deserves a family and this event is a natural setting for us to demonstrate our proud support of our partners' comprehensive commitments to adoption and foster care."

The Dave Thomas Foundation created Wendy's Wonderful Kids to move thousands of children into supportive and comforting adoptive homes. Understanding that adoptive families need critical support after an adoption takes place, Jockey International launched its corporate citizenship initiative, DiGiorno as an official partner of the Packers and Lambeau Field," said Bill Hawker, Packers manager of corporate sales. "It's a great product manufactured in nearby Little Chute, Wisconsin. A lot of hometown pride and hard work goes on behind the scenes to create their product, much in the same manner the Packers go to work each day. We know Packers fans will enjoy the pizzas here at Lambeau Field, just as they do already around the state and beyond. We think this is a great partnership between two organizations that are both driven to win by the passion and action of their people."

Produced by Kraft Pizza Company, DiGiorno is made primarily..

Packers Sign Three Draft Picks

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:03:41 CST
The Green Bay Packers have signed tackle Breno Giacomini, quarterback Matt Flynn and wide receiver Brett Swain. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signings Wednesday.

Giacomini, a 6-foot-7, 311-pound player from Louisville, was a fifth-round selection (No. 150 overall). He started all 12 games at right tackle in 2007 for the nation's No. 6-ranked offense.

A 6-foot-2, 222-pound signal caller, Flynn was the Packers' first seventh-round pick (No. 209 overall). He capped his collegiate career by leading LSU to the 2007 BCS National Championship.

Swain, a 6-foot, 203-pound player from San Diego State, was Green Bay's second selection in the seventh round (No. 217 overall). He earned second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2007 after leading the team with 58 catches for 973 yards and five touchdowns.

Shareholders Meeting Set For Thursday

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:17:33 CST
Between 10,000 and 12,000 shareholders and guests are expected at the Green Bay Packers' Annual Meeting of shareholders Thursday, July 24, at Lambeau Field. Doors to the Lambeau Field Atrium open at 8 a.m., with the meeting to start at 10 a.m. in the stadium bowl.

For shareholders' comfort and convenience, the Lambeau Field Atrium will be open only to shareholders and their guests for a portion of the day of the meeting, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., the Atrium then will be open to the general public. The Packers Pro Shop will be open to the general public from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Packers Hall of Fame (complimentary visit for shareholders and their guest) will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Parking will be free in the Lambeau Field lot, and due to the high number of shareholders attending, will be limited. The lot will open at 7 a.m. and people attending the meeting are asked to arrive early.

Reports to Shareholders: Packers President/CEO Mark ..

Packers' New Leadership Structure Announced

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:33:11 CST
Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy Wednesday announced two promotions and a new senior leadership structure for the organization.

Promoted in the organization were Betsy Mitchell, to vice president of organizational/staff development, and Jason Wied, to vice president of administration/general counsel.

The senior staff now consists of, in addition to Mitchell and Wied, Russ Ball, vice president of football operations/player finance, newly hired Laura Sankey, senior vice president of marketing and sales, and Vicki Vannieuwenhoven, vice president of finance.

"I'm excited about the new senior leadership staff," Murphy said in making the announcement. "The structure reflects the growth the organization has experienced in the past five years and gives us broader coverage across the organization. We'll have more people involved on a senior management level, which will allow their efforts to be focused more on their specific areas."

Mitchell is now in her ..

Packers Announce 'Packers Green Team' Program

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:31:45 CST
RENEWABLE ENERGY TO POWER LAMBEAU ON GAME DAYS, OTHER ELEMENTS HIGHLIGHTED

The Green Bay Packers Tuesday launched 'Packers Green Team,' a new program the organization will utilize to focus on using renewable resources and other sustainable practices on game day and every day at Lambeau Field.

The chief component of this year's effort is utilizing Wisconsin Public Service's NatureWise renewable energy program to power Lambeau Field on game days. Other efforts include increased opportunities for fans to recycle in the stadium and Lambeau Field Atrium, as well as the use of more environmentally friendly foodware, such as plates and napkins, in suites, club seats and at special events.

"The Green Bay Packers are excited to enhance our efforts in the sustainable resources area," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "By adopting NatureWise and increasing our recycling, we hope to ha..

Rivera Retires As A Packer

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:15:23 CST
Former guard Marco Rivera, who spent nine seasons (1996-2004) in Green Bay, has informed the club of his decision to retire with the Packers. Green Bay Packers Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson made the announcement.

"Marco was the consummate professional," Thompson said. "His toughness and approach to the game of football provided a great model for his teammates, as did his dedication to charitable work. We're happy to welcome Marco as a member of our alumni."

A native of Elmont, NY, and a graduate of Penn State, Rivera played 11 seasons in the National Football League, including two years in Dallas (2005-06). He started at guard for seven consecutive seasons for Green Bay (1998-2004); just one other Packers guard has started more consecutive years (Jerry Kramer, nine from 1958-1966) since 1958. Rivera also was selected to three Pro Bowls (2002-04).

During his tenure with the Packers, Rivera playe..

Packers Hall Of Fame, Inc., Announces Donation Of Autographed Balls From '70s And '80s

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:44:03 CST
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Inc., Friday announced the donation of 13 autographed team footballs from longtime fan John Spalding. The balls are from various teams from the 1972 through 1985 seasons.

Included in the donation are autographed balls from the 1972 Central Division championship team and the 1982 playoff team. Some of the players and coaches with signatures on the balls include Bart Starr, James Lofton, Lynn Dickey, Paul Coffman and John Brockington.

"It's a wonderful addition to our archives," said Hall of Fame Director and Archivist Tom Murphy. "We really didn't have much in our collection from those teams. Some of the teams from that era weren't necessarily great teams, but certainly there were some outstanding players. It's great to have some autographed memorabilia to represent the exciting moments from those times.

"The balls are all in great condition and we're very appreciative of John's donation to the Hall."

Spalding was..

Packers Unveil Tundra Tailgate Zone, New Feature Of Training Camp

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:27:40 CST
The Green Bay Packers Thursday unveiled the newest addition to Packers training camp at Lambeau Field: the Tundra Tailgate Zone.

A free attraction at camp, the 46,000-square foot area in the parking lot on the stadium's east side, which includes three climate-controlled tents, will house an entertainment area with a main stage, the Kemps Packers Experience, and a food and beverage area.

"We're excited to enhance our training camp experience with the Tundra Tailgate Zone," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Attending training camp is among the most enjoyable experiences for a Packers fan, and we're committed to improving it. The Tundra Tailgate Zone and its features will add to the festive environment that exists between Clarke Hinkle Field and Lambeau Field."

The new area will make its debut at the July 24 Green Bay Packers Annual Meeting of Shareholders, hosting an exclusive tailgate party for Shareholders attending the meeting. It then will be open..

Packers, Mike McCarthy Make Donation To Pittsburgh's Greenfield Neighborhood

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:08:48 CST
The Green Bay Packers and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have partnered to make a $100,000 donation to the Greenfield Neighborhood, it was announced today.

McCarthy, entering his third season as the Packers' head coach, grew up in the Pittsburgh neighborhood. Three neighborhood organizations will receive the benefit of the donation: St. Rosalia Academy, the Greenfield Baseball Association and the Greenfield Organization.

"I'm very excited to make this donation to this area that was very influential in my upbringing," said McCarthy. "The great people at each of these organizations, along with my family, played a crucial role and made such a positive impact in my life that has continued to influence me and my career. It is an honor to be able to give back in such a meaningful way."

St. Rosalia Academy is a preschool-through-8th grade school from which McCarthy graduated as a youth. In addition, his four siblings all graduated from the sc..

Packers Name Laura Sankey Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:25:44 CST
The Green Bay Packers have named Laura Sankey senior vice president of marketing and sales, Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy announced today. She brings an extensive background in marketing, sales and communications to the new position in the organization.

Sankey will lead the organization's overall marketing efforts and provide strategic direction to all the Packers' revenue generating operations, including marketing, retail operations, and premium sales and guest services.

"We're very pleased to add a person of Laura's caliber to our staff," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy in announcing Sankey's hiring. "She has an excellent background in marketing, including a detailed knowledge of the sports marketing landscape, and also has a deep interest in sports. She understands the unique Packers brand, and is well prepared to lead our coordinated efforts to augment our revenue generation, a key goal in the increasingly competitive NFL, as well as enhance our fan e..

Lambeau Concessions Seek Volunteer Groups For '08 Season

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:24:42 CST
Levy Restaurants, the company that oversees all food and beverage operations at Lambeau Field, is looking for non-profit organizations who can provide 20 or more volunteers to work concession stands or run vending operations for the 2008 season.

Earning potential is $10,000-$20,000 per season. The groups must be able to provide volunteers who are at least 18 years old and requires a commitment to each game of the season, including preseason, regular season and any playoff games. Training is provided.

In 2007, more than 60 groups worked at Lambeau Field and collectively raised more than $850,000 for their causes.

Organizations interested in staffing one of Lambeau Field's concession stands are encouraged to contact Chris Siewert, NFP Group Coordinator, for more information. He can be reached by telephone at 920/965-3755 or by e-mail at csiewert@levyrestaurants.com.

More information about Levy Restaurants can be found online at

Packers, Mike McCarthy Make Donation To Boys & Girls Club Of Green Bay

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:21:09 CST
The Green Bay Packers and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have partnered to make a $100,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay, it was announced today.

"I'm very excited to be able to make this donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay," said McCarthy. "I believe the organization makes a very positive impact on the lives of many of our youth. I feel honored to be able to support the Boys & Girls Club in this way, and appreciate the partnership of the Packers in joining me in this effort."

The Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay, through its east- and west-side units, helps school-age youth make better choices and reach their full potential. Experts in youth development, the professionally-trained staff offers nationally-proven programs in a safe and accepting environment. The organization believes that all young people, regardless of background or circumstances, should be equipped to respect others and make our community a better place to live.

The don..

'Packers Tailgate Tour' Hits The Road July 8

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:49:00 CST
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR TAILGATE PARTIES IN FOND DU LAC, JANESVILLE, STEVENS POINT, MARINETTE

The third 'Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour' hits the road next week, July 8-11, setting out across the state to thank fans in person for their enduring and enthusiastic support of the club through the years.

The traveling group will include Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy and Chairman Emeritus Bob Harlan, as well as players Brandon Jackson, James Jones and Jason Spitz. The tour will take place aboard a customized motor coach and make stops in Fond du Lac (July 8) Janesville (July 9), Stevens Point (July 10) and Marinette (July 11).

Culminating the day's activities during the 'Tailgate Tour' will be an evening tailgate party in each city from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with a flavor of famous Lambeau Field tailgating, hosted by a local non-profit organization. The parties will feature food and mingling with the Packers representatives. At each tailgate party, footballs ..

Packers & Head Coach Mike McCarthy Make Donation To Baker University

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:35:26 CST
The Green Bay Packers and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have partnered to make a $100,000 donation to Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan., it was announced Wednesday.

McCarthy, entering his third season as head coach of the Packers, earned a degree in business administration from the school and was an all-conference tight end and senior captain in 1986, helping lead the Wildcats to an NAIA Division II national runner-up finish. He was inducted to the school's hall of fame Oct. 20, 2007.

"I'm very excited to make this donation to Baker University," said McCarthy. "The university made a positive impact on me that continues today. It's a great learning environment, from the classroom to the athletic programs. Much of my success in my career I owe to what I learned and took from my experiences there. It's an honor to be able to give back to the school and support it in a very meaningful way. I also appreciate the Packers organization in joining me."

The donation ..