Packers.com

Mitchell Assists League At Rookie Symposium

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:17:39 CST

All 11 of the Green Bay Packers' 2007 draft choices attended the 11th annual NFL Rookie Symposium in Florida earlier this week, but they weren't the only members of the organization there.

For the second straight year, Packers player/staff development professional Betsy Mitchell also went to the symposium as a small-group facilitator, helping to generate discussions amongst rookies from various teams about the issues they'll face in their transition from college to pro football.

Mitchell was a facilitator for a group of 40 players, none of them Packers, who would convene after the large-group meetings on personal finances, the steroid policy, off-the-field conduct and other topics to discuss them more in-depth.

One thing Mitchell noticed is that while essentially every one of the 255 rookies in attendance learned something about life skills or decision-making that can help, the players' levels of preparedness for this type of transition were all over the bo..

The Game I'll Never Forget: David Clowney

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:14:43 CST

First impressions mean a lot in the world of ultra-competitive athletics, and David Clowney was fortunate to make a good one in his very first collegiate football game at Virginia Tech.

On Aug. 31, 2003, the Hokies were opening their season at home against Central Florida and were well ahead late in the game when Clowney, a true freshman at the time, made his first appearance at wide receiver. It coincided with the collegiate debut of another highly touted prospect, quarterback Marcus Vick.

It didn't take long for the two to connect. Clowney, whom the Packers drafted in the fifth round this past April, followed up a 10-yard reception with a 27-yard touchdown catch to salt away a 49-28 victory.

"It was supposed to be a skinny post route, about 10 yards, but I took it 15 and kind of kept on going," Clowney recalled. "Marcus and I clicked the first time we met as far as being on the field together. I was his go-to man from Day 1, and he already knew what I was..

Barrier Meant To Blend Into Lambeau Surroundings

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:19:59 CST

If the new security barrier that will soon encircle most of Lambeau Field looks more like a decoration than an obvious protective device, well, that's the idea.

The planters, monuments, benches and bollards that will make up the new security barrier, set to be installed in July, will be a replication of the materials and colors used in the redevelopment of the stadium itself, which was completed in 2003.

The Packers have been working on the barrier with Wausau Tile, a Wisconsin firm that also contributed to the Lambeau Field redevelopment. Wausau Tile is an industry leader in barrier systems and has developed similar elements at venues such as the Kohl Center in Madison, Miller Park in Milwaukee, the RCA Dome in Indianapolis and the Coliseum in Nashville, Tenn., among others.

The company's experience is that when done right, the security barrier blends into the ov..

Transition Smoothing Out For Thompson

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:43:09 CST

On some days, Orrin Thompson probably wishes he could just go back to his old position at defensive tackle, and simply try to blast through the line to either stand up the running back in the hole or pressure the quarterback into an errant throw.

When it's what you've known and done for so long, it seems so much easier.

But there's no going back for Thompson, who is in the third year of a conversion to offensive tackle, no matter how difficult the change can seem at times. And to his credit, Thompson is putting more of those difficulties behind him and starting to show in his second year with the Packers that he has a future at his new position.

Currently holding down the No. 2 left tackle spot for Green Bay, Thompson made significant progress through the offseason program, mini-camps and OTAs with his footwork, hand placement and all the other subtleties that go with offensive line play. His combination of football smarts and athletic ability have certainl..

Packers Help Celebrate Fifth Annual Kids' Day

Duke Bobber, Packers.com — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:35:54 CST

Six months before Christmas, Green Bay children were given an early present at the city's fifth annual Kids' Day.

The celebration, which originated within Mayor Jim Schmitt's own family, was created to show children how special they are to their families and to the community. Schmitt kicked off the activities, arriving in a horse-drawn carriage.

Hundreds of children aged 17 and under filled Green Bay's Fisk Park, getting autographs and pictures taken with Packers guards Jason Spitz and Tony Palmer. In addition to the Packers' appearance, Kids' Day offered free lunch with the Mayor, baseball, movies, inflatable games, music, fireworks, swimming, bowling, and free rides at Bay Beach Amusement Park.

The events were sponsored by the city and area businesses.

Packers' Financial Picture Solid

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:53:47 CST

The Green Bay Packers continued to post strong profits during the past fiscal year while adding $10 million to the Franchise Preservation Fund.

Those were the two key pieces to the team's financial state as its annual figures were released this weekend, a report that indicates the Packers are on solid financial ground with the revenue-generating opportunities provided by a renovated Lambeau Field over the past four years.

"Obviously that's very good because if we're in financially good shape, we can support the football (operations) and provide them with all the resources necessary for them to be successful on the field," Packers treasurer Larry Weyers said. "And we can never forget that's what we're all about."

The team's profits rose from $18 million last year to $22 million this year, a 22 percent increase that pushed net income near the franchise-record $25.4 million recorded two years ago.

Total operating revenues were up approximately 4 1/2 p..

Packers Fan Memories

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:58:36 CST

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 with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

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

This week's edition includes an anniversary gift, some Lambeau Field first-timers, a meeting with a Packers Hall of Famer, and a warm Christmas for a fan from Alaska.

The Game I'll Never Forget: Clark Harris

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:29:51 CST

Avid college football fans all remember the classic Louisville-Rutgers game from last fall, when the upstart Scarlet Knights knocked off the third-ranked Cardinals on a nationally televised Thursday night showdown, 28-25 on a field goal with 13 seconds left.

But not many necessarily know about the key role Rutgers tight end Clark Harris, a seventh-round draft choice by the Packers, played on that game-winning kick.

Harris was the Scarlet Knights' long snapper, and he made a heads-up play to move kicker Jeremy Ito a bit closer for that game-winning boot.

Originally, Ito lined up for a 33-yard attempt and missed, silencing the frenzied Rutgers crowd for the moment. But Harris had seen a Louisville defender jump offsides and snapped the ball at the right moment, resulting in a flag and moving Rutgers 5 yards closer to give Ito another try.

"We had a ready-set call and we could snap whenever we wanted," Harris said. "Someone on their team tried to draw..

NFL Europa Diary - Carlton Brewster, Part V

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 11:42:19 CST

Receiver Carlton Brewster finished his NFL Europa season last week as one of the leading pass catchers in the league. In 10 regular season games, Brewster's 37 catches tied for third, and his 548 yards ranked second.

Brewster's Berlin team finished a disappointing 2-8, losing its last three games by a combined 11 points, including a 21-20 defeat at Amsterdam in the finale after leading 20-7 going into the fourth quarter.

Berlin and Green Bay teammate Tim Goodwell also wrapped up his season. Goodwell played in seven games at linebacker, with one start, recording 28 tackles, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one special teams tackle.

Brewster was back in Green Bay this week as a spectator for the final two OTA practices. Here is the final installment of his NFL Europa diary for 2007:

The end of the season was very tough, especially the last game when we played Amsterdam. Once again, we were beating them from the first to the third ..

Finish Contains Drama At Favre's Celebrity Softball Game

Rob Crane, Packers.com — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:23:04 CST

A new ingredient was added to the eighth annual Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game: genuine drama.

Often enjoyed for its charitable and light-hearted nature, the game turned into a serious battle for team bragging rights as it headed for extra innings. Tight end Clark Harris, a 2007 seventh-round draft pick participating in his first game, drove home the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning as the offense edged the defense, 14-13.

A record attendance of 8,597 packed Fox Cities Stadium on Father's Day to watch their favorite stars of the gridiron take on a new game, with all proceeds going to the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation to assist disadvantaged or disabled children in Wisconsin and Mississippi.

"It's amazing how competitive these guys are," said Brett Favre. "For Deanna and I, we are amazed every year at the amount of people who come and the amount of money we are able to raise."

The offense got things started with four consecut..

A Team Player, Gbaja-Biamila Will Focus On Specialty

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:44:55 CST

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is taking the true team player approach to his new role in the Green Bay Packers' defense.

A starter the past five years at defensive end, Gbaja-Biamila said earlier this week he's expected to be a pass-rush specialist in 2007, playing primarily on third downs and/or in obvious passing situations.

He began taking that role in the final month last season, when Cullen Jenkins supplanted him as the starter at end to beef up the run defense on early downs. Jenkins, at 295 pounds, outweighs 'KGB' by nearly 50 pounds, and the thinking was to save Gbaja-Biamila's high motor and pass-rush skills for when they were truly needed, rather than risk his 250-pound frame getting worn down on every single snap.

At the time, Gbaja-Biamila wasn't thrilled about the demotion, and he says he'd still prefer to be a starter and an every-down player. But he didn't grumble then, and he's not going to now, because he sees the team still counting on him to play ..

Notebook: Rest And Recovery Built Into Camp

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:43:50 CST

The Packers' training camp schedule for this summer includes something rarely seen during the supposed "dog days" of summer.

Days without a practice.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy has scheduled three Wednesday off-days (Aug. 1, 8 and 15) during long practice weeks, with the hope of preventing players from wearing down over the long five-week camp. The days aren't completely void of work - they will include meetings and indoor walk-throughs of on-field concepts - but they will not include an actual on-field practice.

"I'm just operating in the same interest I always am - in the best interest of our football team," McCarthy said. "I'm not trying to be a guru about scheduling or anything. I think it's going to help our football team."

McCarthy decided to incorporate the off-days after closely studying two things. First, he felt last year when the Packers had a long week prior to their third preseason game on a Monday night in Cincinnati, he overworked the ..

Woodson Enjoys Getting His Chances

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:01:40 CST

Coming out of the University of Michigan a decade ago as the Heisman Trophy winner, cornerback Charles Woodson quickly made a name for himself in the NFL.

Maybe too good a name.

A first-round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 1998, Woodson had five interceptions as a rookie, returning one for a touchdown. He posted 21 pass break-ups and landed a Pro Bowl berth.

The early success earned him a reputation as a defensive back to stay away from, and even though he was selected to the Pro Bowl the next three seasons as well, his big-play stats were in decline.

In fact, over the next seven seasons, Woodson never matched his rookie numbers of five interceptions and 21 passes defensed. He had just one interception in five of those seven years, and his pass break-ups didn't top 15 in any single year.

Though injuries played a part, forcing him to miss 22 games from 2002-05, Woodson wasn't having the impact, statistically at least, many expected. O..

Notebook: Shoulder, Ankle Not Concerns For Favre

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 17:49:13 CST

Brett Favre sat out the last two OTA practices this week with minor soreness in his shoulder, but otherwise the veteran quarterback feels he's in good physical shape with six weeks to go before the start of training camp.

Favre and Head Coach Mike McCarthy both said the shoulder soreness, which Favre termed tendonitis, is nothing serious, while the recovery from offseason ankle surgery continues to go as expected, with only occasional soreness. Also, Favre said his weight is at 220 pounds, which is as good as it's been in a while.

"Obviously I'm not in opening-day shape right now, but I feel pretty good," Favre said during his press conference on Thursday. "I felt like I threw the ball better with each practice. I started feeling better physically moving around, (but) my legs are not where they will be."

After his annual charity softball game on Sunday, Favre plans to return to Mississippi to continue working with his personal trainer on the core strengthen..

Fourth Annual 'Cruise For Cancer' A Huge Success

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:47:07 CST

Visit www.CruiseForCancer.org for more information.

**

Now in its fourth year, the 'Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer' again was a huge success, this year drawing more riders than ever before, as nearly 1,000 bikers and Packers players and staff members hit the pavement for a worthy cause.

Parins, the Packers' Senior Security Advisor and a motorcycle enthusiast from an early age, coordinated the first annual 'Cruise' just 16 months after being diagnosed with cancer in February, 2003. The 120-mile motorcycle ride raises thousands of dollars for various cancer-related organizations, many of which he encountered during his treatment at St. Vincent's Hospital in Green Bay. This year's total topped the $100,000 mark.

"I'm very, very pleased with the outcome of this year's event," Parins said. "It started with the perfect weather and also the fact that we had a safe ride. That's a real mea..

The Game I'll Never Forget: Aaron Rouse

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:44:16 CST

Aaron Rouse, a third-round draft choice at safety by the Packers this year, showed a knack for making the big play on defense in the early stages of his career.

A standout at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, Va., Rouse recalled a critical game against Beach District rival Ocean Lakes H.S. during his junior year. The two schools didn't care much for one another, and Rouse had gone to elementary school with several Ocean Lakes foes.

"We lived at one end of the city, they were at the other end, and they claimed they were the best at everything," Rouse said. "I had a lot of friends that went to that school, and we talked a lot of trash."

Turns out Rouse got bragging rights, at least for one year, when he had two interceptions, including the game-saver in the red zone in the final two minutes to preserve a victory that ultimately propelled First Colonial to a playoff berth.

As Rouse recalls it, First Colonial was leading by a field goal and..

Kicking Competition Barely Getting Started

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:56:20 CST

During the last two organized team activities (OTAs) this past week, Green Bay kickers Dave Rayner and Mason Crosby took their first kicks in team (11-on-11) drills.

Prior to that, they both had been kicking in individual drills only. So, in a sense, the competition for the kicking job officially "kicked off" this week.

But don't read too much into it. Both kickers know there's a long way to go, and nothing will be decided in June, or anytime soon for that matter.

"It's going to be a long process," Crosby said.

Both kickers attempted four to five field goals outside on Wednesday, and then were part of some run-on field goals inside the Don Hutson Center on Thursday. The latter workout was open to the media, and Rayner missed two tries from 46 yards, while Crosby made his from that same distance.

Rayner isn't overly concerned, however, because he hasn't primed his training for OTAs. He'll soon will start the process of getting himself ready..

Notebook: Two-Minute Drill Not Easy To Learn

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 17:00:59 CST

Rookies get enough thrown at them during their first few weeks of workouts, and they really get tested on how quickly they can learn something when asked to run the two-minute drill in practice.

The two-minute drill was the focus of one of the team (11-on-11) periods in Thursday's OTA, one of several "situations" that are getting attention during the June workouts.

To the outside spectator, the two-minute drill can look like organized chaos, with players yelling and hustling back and forth without a huddle, the quarterback calling things out and motioning with his hands, and the defense trying to keep up.

To the players that have been in pro football for a while, it's almost second-nature. But not so for the new guys, to whom the pro game in general is much faster, not to mention a no-huddle or two-minute situation.

"Whew, ... man, man, man," rookie receiver James Jones said when discussing the two-minute drill after practice. "Learning the signals..

McCarthy Motivates A Different Crowd

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:14:18 CST

MILWAUKEE -- Normally, Head Coach Mike McCarthy is in charge of motivating the 45 Green Bay Packers ready to take the field on a Sunday afternoon.

But on Tuesday, McCarthy was one of a list of headliners helping to motivate 12,000 business people at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

Participating in this type of event for the first time in his coaching career, McCarthy was one of the speakers at a "Get Motivated!" business seminar that also included appearances by TV personality Ed McMahon, personal finance expert Suze Orman, Bears head coach Lovie Smith, comedian Bill Cosby and General Colin Powell.

McCarthy's appearance was sandwiched in between Cosby and Powell, providing tough acts to follow and precede.

"I don't know how you classify yourself as a motivator on that level. I was flattered to be asked to do this event, and flattered to even be mentioned with those individuals at all," McCarthy said. "They're very established, very successful in t..

Murphy Returns To Green Bay As Coaching Intern

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:06:17 CST

Terrence Murphy left the game of football in early 2006 due to injury. By his own admission, he didn't walk away from the game, but ran from it for the better part of a year.

He took finance classes to work toward a Master's degree. He worked for a real estate development company. He explored some opportunities in ministry, and even considered applying to a seminary.

"I was just getting away from football," said Murphy, a second-round draft pick by the Packers in 2005 whose career was cut short by a neck injury on a helmet-to-helmet hit on a kickoff return against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 3 of his rookie season. Subsequent to the injury, doctors discovered Murphy had a condition called stenosis, or a narrowing of the spine near the neck, and he could no longer play.

"I didn't watch any football, I didn't talk football, my friends didn't bring it up. I got some new hobbies, got some golf clubs. But I just wasn't happy."

He may have left the g..

NFL Europa Week 8: Packers Players Lose Close Ones

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:21:50 CST

The NFL Europa teams of Adam Stenavich (Amsterdam) and Carlton Brewster and Tim Goodwell (Berlin) both lost heartbreakers this past weekend in Week 8.

Stenavich, who missed two games with a foot injury, returned to the starting lineup at left guard and helped the Admirals roll up 300 yards of offense and 38 points, but Amsterdam lost to the Rhein Fire, 41-38.

Meanwhile Brewster had three catches for 36 yards, and Goodwell started at linebacker and recorded four tackles and one pass defensed, but Berlin surrendered three fourth-quarter touchdowns to Frankfurt in the final 10 minutes to lose, 25-22.

Brewster's long catch, a 20-yarder, converted a third-and-17 for the Thunder. Goodwell made all four of his tackles in the first quarter, on Frankfurt's first two drives.

Frankfurt now leads the league with a 6-2 record.

Cologne and Hamburg are the two teams right behind Frankfurt, at 5-3. Safety Alvin Nnabuife came off the bench for Cologne to r..

Jr. Power Pack Members Get A Taste Of The NFL

Rob Crane, Packers.com — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 13:48:02 CST

Ray Nitschke Field drew yet another packed crowd Saturday, but it wasn't the allure of the Green and Gold holding a public practice that brought the fans.

Nearly 1,000 youngsters gathered for the 10th annual Junior Power Pack Kids Clinic presented by Kalahari Resorts, a skills camp for members of the Packers' official kids fan club. A one-of-a-kind event in the NFL, members got the opportunity to test their skills on the team's practice field while learning some tips from the pros themselves. Not even light rain during the afternoon session could dampen the mood.

"The best event is when you get to throw," said Hunter, 9, a first-time participant, in between drills. "I'm going to be a quarterback for my team."

Parents lined up around the field, snapping photos and applauding as kids performed the same drills the Packers practice on a daily basis.

Some caught over-the-shoulder touchdown passes from Packers wide receiver Ruvell Martin, while others..

RB Jackson Studies To Keep Up

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 13:30:15 CST

Rather than be in Los Angeles two weeks ago for an NFL rookie promotional event, Packers second-round draft pick Brandon Jackson would have preferred to be in Green Bay, sweating it out through minicamp with his teammates.

So, with no choice but to fulfill the promotional obligation, Jackson made Los Angeles the site of his own little minicamp. Call it a mini-minicamp.

No, Jackson didn't line up his fellow NFL rookies in the hotel lobby and tell them clear him a running lane. But he spent plenty of time working on football nonetheless.

Before leaving Green Bay for LA, Jackson jotted down several of the plays he had begun learning during the Packers' rookie orientation in early May - he couldn't take his playbook with him for security reasons - and spent whatever free time he had in his hotel room, studying.

Now, back in Green Bay for OTA workouts, Jackson feels the extra homework he did on the West Coast was worth it. After getting through the firs..

NFL Europa Diary - Carlton Brewster, Part IV

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 10:55:07 CST

Wide receiver Carlton Brewster is one of a handful of Green Bay Packers allocated to NFL Europa this spring.

Brewster is a starter for the Berlin Thunder, and after seven games he currently leads the league in receiving yards with 485, on 30 receptions. His statistics have dropped off from a fast start, and as Berlin lost to Frankfurt and Hamburg the past two weeks, Brewster had just two catches in each game, for 113 total yards.

Berlin hosts Frankfurt on Saturday, and the game will be televised live on NFL Network at 11 a.m. (CT).

Packers.com will post periodic diary entries from Brewster about his experiences in Europe with his "springtime" team. Here is the fourth installment:

It's very frustrating to lose these games just because a lot of guys here are very competitive, and this is a league where this could be the opportunity for us to get a taste of something close to the Super Bowl with the World Bowl. Last week was a real close game, ..