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Packers Release WR Koren Robinson

Fri, 09 May 2008 14:59:04 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have released wide receiver Koren Robinson. The transaction was announced Friday by Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations.

Robinson, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound player, originally joined the Packers as a free agent on Sept. 12, 2006. He appeared in four games for Green Bay in 2006 and made seven catches for 89 yards.

This past season, Robinson played in nine games for the Packers and had 21 catches for 241 yards and one touchdown. He finished second on the team with 25 kickoff returns for 596 yards.

Packers Sign Three Free Agents

Wed, 07 May 2008 11:03:40 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers signed free agents Condrew Allen, Ryan Considine and Kyle Ward. The additions were announced Wednesday by Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations.

All three players participated in the Packers' Rookie Orientation Camp this past weekend.

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Allen, a 6-foot-1, 199-pound cornerback from Portland State, will wear No. 43.

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Considine, a 6-foot-4, 302-pound tackle from Louisiana Tech, will wear No. 60.

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Ward, a 6-foot-1, 199-pound cornerback from Louisiana-Lafayette, will wear No. 41.

Packers, Nicolet Water Extend Partnership

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:52:26 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers and Nicolet Water Wednesday announced the extension of their partnership through the 2010 NFL season.

The partnership includes Nicolet Water's designation as the Official Water of the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field and the exclusive game-day program, the Nicolet Water Boy and Nicolet Water Girl.

"We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Nicolet Water," said Craig Benzel, Packers director of marketing and corporate sales. "We've enjoyed a successful partnership. And with the Nicolet Water Boy or Water Girl program, our fans have had a great time on game days cheering on the young Packers fan as he or she races across the field to the Packers sideline during our pregame program."

The popular program is believed to be the longest of its kind in the NFL.

"We take pride in knowing we have hydrated Packers players for 17 years," said Dave Holdener, president of Nicolet. "To see our bottles with the players and coac..

Fans Reminded To Be Aware When Buying Tickets From Secondary Sources

Wed, 07 May 2008 16:02:11 CST

Packers Story: WISCONSIN MAN ILLEGALLY SELLING TICKETS SHUT DOWN

A former Wisconsin man illegally selling Green Bay Packers Tickets on the Internet as www.lambeau-tickets.com has agreed to comply with an order issued by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

In addition to not using the website, Ben C. Huettl agreed not to sell any tickets or receive payment for the tickets unless he has the tickets in his possession and is free to sell without encumbrance at the time of sale or payment.

The order disclosed that Huettl "misrepresents he had tickets available and will deliver the tickets several weeks before game time, when in fact he has no tickets available and is unable to know when he will have tickets to deliver."

More than 20 Packers fans in Wisconsin and other states complained to DATCP about Huettle. The state agency was successful in getting refunds for all of them.

When Packers tickets became ..

Edgar Bennett Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon Returns June 11

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:11:49 CST

Packers Story: EVENT TO BENEFIT THE ANGEL FUND FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER

Packers running backs coach Edgar Bennett, along with many Packers players, coaches and scouts, will return to the lanes at Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley, Wednesday, June 11, for the fifth Edgar Bennett Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon.

The event will raise money for The Angel Fund for Children with Cancer, Inc., an organization dedicated to giving financial and social support to families residing in Brown County whose children are receiving treatment for cancer or for bone marrow failure.

Registration for the evening begins at 6 p.m., with the bowling event and silent auction to start at 6:30. Silent auction items include a full size helmet signed by all 2006 Fan Fest attendees, a bowling ball signed by Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy and a mini helmet signed by Aaron Kampman.

The Green Bay Packers are proud to have Kraft Foods return as food sponsor for the event.

Area businesses and ind..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - May 4

Sun, 04 May 2008 12:01:21 CST

Packers Story: (How did the last three days go and did you get accomplished what you wanted to?)
I'll say this about the mini-camp, actually Larry (McCarren) and I were talking about this earlier, ... comparing it to last year, which is the only other rookie mini-camp that I've been a part of, it was significantly better, just as far as the overall group. We had some more players this year than we had last year, and you could just see the progression of practices, how they improved from Friday to Sunday. I'm just very pleased with how the whole weekend went, and just like I told the players when we broke, I was very impressed with the quality of work we were able to get done this weekend.

(More and more teams are going to this format, bringing in the rookies and tryout guys first. Do you see this as a trend for the future?)
I don't follow it that much as far as what the other teams are doing, but just in my experience of doing it this way and the other..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - May 2

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:33:29 CST

Packers Story: (Rookies say the speed of the game is the biggest adjustment. Is that a mental thing?)
I think it's both physical and mental. Everybody can run at this level, so that's the first thing, I would classify that as physical. And the second part of it is the anticipation. If you look at the quarterback position just playing against our defense, they won all the bump-and-run. It's a challenge, but it prepares them in my opinion so much better when you play zone teams and things like that. But I think it's clearly a mental and physical adjustment.

(Why do you like this format, to bring the rookies in first?)
I think it falls under the area of time management. In my experience, when you go through all the administrative things you need to, it's usually the first night of training camp, and 90 percent of your football team has already been here. So what happens is the pace of all the little things that are important, it's rapid, and the key guys ..

Packers Sign 11 Non-Drafted Free Agents

Fri, 02 May 2008 13:51:29 CST

Packers Story: Prior to their Rookie Orientation Camp this weekend, the Green Bay Packers signed 11 rookie free agents. The additions were announced Friday by Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations.

6 Taj Smith WR 6-0, 192
Syracuse (Newark, N.J.)
Smith, 24, played two seasons for the Orange and totaled 56 catches for 1,049 yards and eight touchdowns. He previously attended Bakersfield (Calif.) College, where his 1,670 career receiving yards and 16 career touchdowns both rank second all-time.

7 Ken DeBauche P 6-1, 213
Wisconsin (Green Bay, Wis.)
DeBauche, 23, served as the punter all four seasons at Wisconsin, where his 42.4-yard average ranks second-best in school history. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection this past season.

13 Jake Allen WR 6-4, 190
Mississippi College (Waynesboro, Miss.)
Allen, 23, earned first-team Division III All-America honors from the America..

Packers Ticket Invoices Due Thursday For Brown County Residents Chosen In Drawing

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:14:31 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers Tuesday reminded Brown County residents who received invoices enabling them to purchase tickets for a 2008 game that payment is due Thursday, May 1, at the Packers' ticket office.

Invoices can be dropped off at the Packers' ticket office at Lambeau Field from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents also may pay for their tickets online using the Packers' new Ticketmaster system via Packers.com. Instructions for the online payment method were sent to residents with the ticket invoices.

The invoices due Thursday were sent to county residents whose names recently were chosen in the annual ticket drawing.

Those selected were sent an invoice for four tickets to a yet-to-be-determined game for the 2008 season. Remitting payment by Thursday secures tickets.

Favre Receives 2008 PFWA 'Good Guy Award'

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:49:31 CST

Packers Story: Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre was named the 2008 Pro Football Writers of America 'Good Guy Award' winner, the PFWA announced Friday.

Instituted in 2005, the award is "given to the player who best helped the media do its job." Favre wins the award for his dealings with the media in a season which saw him lead the Packers to a 13-3 regular-season mark and surpass nearly every significant career passing milestone, including yards, touchdowns and wins.

In announcing the award, the PFWA noted, "Favre not only gave detailed, honest answers but increased his availability to national and out-of-town reporters. Leading into games, Favre did more conference calls than in previous seasons with media covering the opposition even knowing he would inevitably be asked the same questions about his possible retirement. Favre answered the inquiries with class and dignity before making his retirement official in March."

Previous honoree's of the PFWA Goo..

Packers Place Favre On Reserve/Retired, Waive Three Players

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:19:51 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have placed quarterback Brett Favre on the NFL's reserve/retired list, along with waiving three players, to reduce the number of players counting against the Green Bay active roster to 68 players on active status. The transactions were announced Friday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Released were offensive linemen Tony Palmer, Chris Patrick and Cliff Washburn.

The NFL's all-time leader in every major career passing category, Favre announced his retirement from football at a March 6 press conference. However, since that date he had continued to count against the league's 80-player roster limit.

"Today's moves are procedural in nature," said Thompson. "Both (head coach) Mike McCarthy and I have spoken to Brett over the past several days. Brett knew this change in his roster status was coming, and he fully understood our need to make the move in advance of the NFL Draft. ..

Download The Packers 2008 NFL Draft Dope Sheet

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:39:33 CST

Packers Story: PACKERS ENTER '08 DRAFT WITH EIGHT SELECTIONS
-Armed with eight selections overall - including three picks in the top 60 - General Manager Ted Thompson and the personnel staff will look to add increased competition and depth to one of the league's most talented young clubs this weekend in the annual NFL Draft.

-Thompson will be running the draft room in Green Bay for the fourth time (2005-present). He ran the draft room for five seasons in Seattle (2000-04) when he served as vice president of football operations for the Seahawks.

-The Packers will have their own picks in Rounds 1 and 2 to go with Cleveland's second-round selection (No. 56 overall), obtained in the trade for defensive tackle Corey Williams. Those three picks will make up the Packers' first-day selections with the NFL's new format. Only Rounds 1 and 2 will take place on Saturday.

-The team will have a busy Sunday as well, currently holding five overall selections. A look at wha..

Tickets Remain Available To Saturday's Packers Draft Party

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:59:21 CST

Packers Story: Tickets remain available for Saturday's fifth annual Draft Party, presented by Mills Fleet Farm.

Priced at $25, tickets are available through the Packers' ticket office (in person or over the phone at 920/569-7501), the Packers Pro Shop (in person or online) and 18 Wisconsin Mills Fleet Farm locations, where they must be purchased in person. Children 3 and younger are free.

Tickets also will be available the day of the event at the Packers Pro Shop beginning at 9:30 a.m., and from noon to 4 p.m. at the Packers' ticket office.

The event, which runs from 2 to 9 p.m. (doors will open at 1 p.m.), features coverage of the draft on two large projection screen TVs and an LED video board, as well as from Newsradio 620 WTMJ. Fans in attendance will hear fro..

Green Bay Packers' Statement On The Death Of Dick Corrick

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:06:42 CST

Packers Story: "We were saddened to learn of the passing of Dick Corrick," said Bob Harlan, the Packers' chairman emeritus and co-worker of Corrick during the veteran scout's 1971-88 tenure with the organization.

"Dick was a dedicated member of the Packers' family during his time here in Green Bay. He worked tirelessly for the improvement of the football team and was greatly respected by his co-workers at Lambeau Field and across the National Football League."

Corrick, who was 74, began his work with the Packers in 1971 as a college talent scout. He later served as director of pro player personnel (1975-77), director of player personnel (1978-87) and director of college scouting (1987-88). He then worked as the Houston Oilers' director of college scouting for the 1989-91 NFL Drafts. Most recently, he was an area scout with the Atlanta Falcons from 1992 until his retirement in 2001.

A visitation at Lyndahl Funeral Home in Green Bay has been scheduled for Monday, April 28, ..

Ted Thompson Press Conference Transcript - April 21

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:07:14 CST

Packers Story: Hi. Thanks for coming. We'll try to answer some questions. I think it's good to have this talk, but then don't get mad at me if at the end of it you realize I haven't really said a whole lot, because that's sort of my job. And I apologize for that, but that's the way it usually is. Sometimes you guys take a shot at me after this one, but we'll see.

(Some take the tack of flat-out lying to us. Why don't you?)
We don't lie, and I think I've been consistent with that throughout, since the day I took the job. But I also will not tell you anything I think is proprietary to the Packers and could do us some harm. It's not that we don't want the fans to know, it's just that other people read this stuff, and everybody is trying to get an edge. Quite frankly, I don't have many answers, because we don't know how the outcome of all the picks in front of us are going to be, whether it be in the first round or the last round. It's all a mystery to us.

(Is..

Viewing Of 2007 Packers Highlights Film, 'The Young And The Fearless,' Set For Wednesday Night

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:19:53 CST
Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers will present a premiere viewing of the team's 2007 highlights film, "The Young and the Fearless: The Story of the 2007 Green Bay Packers," in the Legends Club of the Lambeau Field Atrium Wednesday evening, April 23, it was announced Thursday.

The initial public showing of the film, with free admission, will begin at 7 o'clock. Access to the Atrium area will be through the Miller Brewing Company Gate, with film attendees then taking the escalator to the Legends Club on the fourth level of the Atrium.

Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Wayne Larrivee, the "voice of the Packers," will emcee the event.

Packers running back Ryan Grant, one of the NFL's leading rushers in the latter half of the 2007 campaign, will be on hand to address the team's remarkable performance last year, preview the upcoming season and answer questions. Grant also will be available for autographs following the program.

"The Young and the Fearless" tells the..

Packers To Retire Favre's No. 4 At Season Opener, Sept. 8

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:43:20 CST
Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers will retire Brett Favre's No. 4 at the team's season opener, Monday night, Sept. 8, vs. the Minnesota Vikings, Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy announced Thursday.

"The season-opening game is always an exciting event, and now we're very pleased to add the retirement of Brett's No. 4 to that evening," said Murphy. "It will make for an electric atmosphere at Lambeau Field, as well as a great opportunity for our fans around the country to share in it while watching the game on the national broadcast.

"Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy and I looked at the entire schedule and felt the first game would be an ideal time to have the event. I spoke with Brett, as did Ted and Mike, about which game to choose. Ultimately, through our communications, we decided the first game would work great."

Planning for the ceremony is underway with further details to be announced at a later date.

Favre's No. 4 will become the sixth number retired by the s..

Four Primetime Games Highlight 2008 Schedule

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:11:57 CST
Packers Story: 2008 Schedule Printable Schedule Wallpapers

-The Green Bay Packers' 88th regular-season schedule -- highlighted by three Monday Night Football contests on ESPN and one Sunday night game on NBC -- was released Tuesday by the NFL.

-The Packers will kick off the 2008 season with a nationally televised Monday Night Football contest against the rival Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.

-The Sept. 8 game will be the fourth season opener in club history under the bright lights of Monday night. Green Bay is 3-0 in its previous Monday night openers.

-It will be the 16th consecutive season with an appearance on MNF for the Packers, the NFC's longest active streak.

-Though Head Coach Mike McCarthy has twice coached on MNF with the Packers, it will mark the first Monday night game ..

Bigby, Collins, Crosby & Jackson Added To Packers Draft Party

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:45:21 CST
Packers Story: TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE AT PACKERS' TICKET OFFICE, PRO SHOP, ONLINE

The Green Bay Packers Tuesday announced additional player appearances for the fifth annual Draft Party, set for April 26 in the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Atari Bigby, Nick Collins, Mason Crosby and Brandon Jackson will join the previously announced lineup of Jarrett Bush, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, James Jones, and Koren Robinson.

The players will participate in question-and-answer sessions on stage and sign autographs for attendees via a ticketed session. Attendees will receive a ticket for one randomly assigned autograph session when entering the party.

Tickets for the event, priced at $25, now are available through the Packers' ticket office (in person or over the phone at 920/569-7501) and through the Packers Pro Shop (in person or 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 Lambeau leaping fan from Superior, a railbird meeting Paul Hornung with his grandfather, an autograph from "The Gravedigger," and a journey down to Favre's On The Bayou.

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

Brothers Ready To Battle

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:16:02 CST

Packers Story: Growing up in Charlotte, N.C., brothers Orrin and Jeremy Thompson used to compete for the kinds of things that, well, all brothers do.

Who gets the last drumstick at dinner, who gets to pick the channel and TV program after dinner. That sort of stuff.

Little did they know their athletic careers would eventually put them in a position where they'd be competing with one another on the Green Bay Packers' practice field - for a job.

But that's the impending scenario set to unfold when OTAs begin later this month, or at the very least during training camp. With older brother Orrin an offensive tackle and rookie fourth-round draft pick Jeremy at defensive end, it's virtually inevitable that they will be lining up across from one another in one-on-one pass-rush drills and during team (11-on-11) segments of practice.

It's a moment the Thompson brothers are looking forward to, but one they admit will be a little strange, a little heated, and everything in b..

Votes Counted For 'Greatest Games' DVD

Tue, 06 May 2008 15:53:00 CST

Packers Story:
Packers Fans, your votes have been counted.

You've selected the Top 10 games to be included in Green Bay's installment of Warner Home Video's DVD series, "NFL Greatest Games," and video production is underway. The DVD will feature the complete television broadcast, without commercials, of the games listed here.

"We're excited we could include the fans in this process, giving them the opportunity to vote and choose their favorites," said Kate Hogan, director of retail operations for the Packers. "It really makes this the fans' DVD."

Copies of the DVD, priced at $49.95, may be pre-ordered online and will be available by Aug. 20 in the Packers Pro Shop at Lambeau Field. Pre-order your copy now!

Note: Super Bowl II was in the running as a top 10 selection, but after voting began, Warner Bros. was infor..

Notebook: Rookie Camp Improved This Year

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 04 May 2008 13:56:52 CST
Packers Story: Better numbers made for better work at this weekend's rookie orientation.

With 11 free-agent signings, 19 tryout players and a handful of previous practice squad members, along with the team's nine draft picks, participating, the Packers had a greater number of players than they had last year when Head Coach Mike McCarthy organized a rookie orientation camp for the first time.

The larger numbers allowed the coaching staff to get more accomplished, because when the offense and defense were separated and working in different areas of the Hutson Center, there were enough players to form "scout teams" against whom the respective units could execute their jog-throughs.

And with the jog-throughs more worthwhile, the "team" drills pitting the actual offensive and defensive players against one another were more productive as well.

"We had some more players this year than we had last year, and you could just see the progression of practices, how they improv..

Young O-Linemen Eager To Learn

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:49:38 CST
Packers Story: At a combined 624 pounds, rookies Breno Giacomini and Josh Sitton form a rather imposing right side of the offensive line during this weekend's rookie orientation camp inside the Don Hutson Center.

Whether or not that's a preview of a future Green Bay offensive line is impossible to know, but the 303-pound Giacomini at tackle and 319-pound Sitton at guard are taking nothing for granted during their first days as NFL players.

Knowing that in a couple of weeks they'll be thrown in with a group of linemen that includes five other draftees over the previous three years (Junius Coston in 2005, Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge and Tony Moll in 2006, and Allen Barbre in 2007), Sitton and Giacomini are keeping their eyes and ears open this weekend for anything that can make them viable competitors for roster spots and/or playing time.

"They're changing up my footwork a little bit, my hand placement, everything, and that's what I'm ready for," said Giacomini, a fifth-rou..

Rookies Get First Glance At Playbook

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:32:29 CST
Packers Story: Welcome to the NFL, young men. Here's your playbook ... (thump) ... for this weekend.

"It's just Day 1 install, but it's still a pretty thick book," rookie quarterback Brian Brohm said Friday afternoon, prior to taking the field for the first of the Packers' three rookie orientation practices.

"It's a lot of stuff you have to learn, which at this level, everyone is going to have to realize it's a lot of stuff coming at you fast. We're going to have to pick it up as fast as we can."

That's the rookies' task in this three-day introduction to the NFL. A combination of nine draft picks, 11 non-drafted free agents and 19 tryout players are donning a professional football helmet for the first time inside the Don Hutson Center this weekend.

For the offensive players, much of their orientation will center around learning some of the basics of the offense. Even for players coming from major Division I programs, NFL offenses are far more complex than what th..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:58:58 CST
Packers Story: 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 North Carolina residents with Packer fan lineage, girls who spent their Christmas money on the Packers-Seahawks "snow game," an afternoon spent in Viking territory, and an opportunity one fan had to meet Max McGee.

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

Packers Rank Fourth In ESPN The Magazine's 'Ultimate Standings'

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:25:12 CST

Packers Story: After two seasons out of the Top 10, the Green Bay Packers are back among the elite franchises in pro sports, according to ESPN The Magazine's 'Ultimate Standings.'

The annual rankings, based on a comprehensive fan satisfaction survey, ranks the Packers fourth among all major professional sports organizations in 2008 and second in the NFL to the Indianapolis Colts, the sports world's top-ranked franchise.

"It's great to see the Packers again ranked as one of the top sports franchises," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Among our top goals at the Packers are to put a winning team on the field and provide the fans with an outstanding experience at Lambeau Field, both on game day and other days they may visit. We're pleased to see the fans responding to the survey have recognized the organization's efforts, and the unique and special nature of this club. It remains one of pro sports' great stories."

The NBA's San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Hor..

Two Louisville Draft Picks To Join Spitz

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

Packers Story: 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

Packers Story: 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 Story: 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
Packers Story: 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
Packers Story: 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
Packers Story: 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
Packers Story: 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
Packers Story: 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
Packers Story: 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
Packers Story: 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
Packers Story: 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..