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Jordy Nelson Training Camp Diary - Part I

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:31:34 CST

Rookie wide receiver Jordy Nelson is going through his first training camp in the NFL, and Packers.com will check in with him periodically the next few weeks to get his thoughts and experiences in this training camp diary.

Nelson was a consensus All-America selection at Kansas State, and was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award in 2007. He posted school records as a senior with 122 receptions for 1,606 yards after beginning his career with the Wildcats as a walk-on safety.

The first few days of practice have gone well. We are getting back into the football life by getting back out on the field with the pads back on. It's been a smooth adjustment, so hopefully I'll just continue to progress in the game and continue to have good practices.

It's been a little bit of an adjustment from OTAs and mini-camp, but nothing too extreme. We're all used to playing in pads, but it's just different the first day you are actually hitting and have a litt..

Training Camp Report: Young QBs Progressing

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:53:34 CST

The Packers are one of the few teams in the league carrying only three quarterbacks on the roster during training camp, which is something Head Coach Mike McCarthy was in favor of so the backups could get as many repetitions as possible.

The quarterbacking corps is a youthful one, with starter Aaron Rodgers backed up by a pair of rookies in draft picks Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn, but McCarthy is pleased with what he has seen from the newcomers during camp.

"I think in both Brian and Matt together, you are seeing them get more comfortable with the speed of the game, more comfortable in the pocket," McCarthy said. "That's what you look for in young quarterbacks, so I'm very pleased with the progress they have made so far."

The ups and downs young quarterbacks face was exemplified by Brohm's performance at Wednesday morning's practice. When he tried to make a short dump-off throw to fullback John Kuhn in the flat, linebacker Desmond Bishop was all over the pla..

Moll's Ticket Could Be At Left Tackle

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:54:03 CST

As a rookie in 2006, Tony Moll made a name for himself on the Packers' offensive line by starting five games at one position (right guard) and then filling in for an injured Mark Tauscher for five games at another position (right tackle).

Two years later, relegated to a backup role amidst intense competition up front, Moll has been charged with showing even greater versatility to stay in the fight for a roster spot.

Through the first week of training camp, Moll has been taking virtually all of his snaps at another new position - left tackle. Since camp opened on Monday, he's been the primary backup to veteran starter Chad Clifton, even taking several snaps with the No. 1 offense when Clifton is getting his customary rest.

In his first two years with the Packers, Moll was almost exclusively a right-side player, so the switch is no small matter, especially for a converted tight end who played only his final season in college (at Nevada) at tackle to begin wit..

Watch 'The Mike McCarthy Show' On Packers.com!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:35:40 CST

Since the days of Vince Lombardi it's been tradition in Green Bay for the Packers' head coach to have his own television show. This season is no different. Continuing in its third season is the Mike McCarthy Show.

The Mike McCarthy Show is a 30-minute program hosted by Jessie Garcia, of Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV and sideline reporter for the Packers Television Network, and Larry McCarren, sports director at Green Bay's WFRV-TV and an analyst on the Packer Radio Network. Garcia, McCarren and Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy each week will review and preview games as well as be joined by a special Packers guest and answer questions from fans. Coach McCarthy also each week will teach viewers about the play of the game with a telestrator.

The Mike McCarthy Show airs on Tuesdays in Green Bay on WFRV-TV (CBS, Ch. 5), in Milwaukee on WTMJ-TV (NBC, Ch. 4), in Marquette, Mich., on WJMN-TV, in Wausau on WAOW-TV (ABC, Ch. 9), in Madison on WKOW-TV (ABC, Ch. 27), in La Crosse on WX..

Players Say Locker Room Won't Divide

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:55:07 CST

Now that Brett Favre has filed his reinstatement papers and could potentially report to Packers training camp, one hypothetical scenario has the Green Bay locker room instantly becoming divided between those who favor Favre and those who favor Aaron Rodgers as the team's starting quarterback.

But the players emphasized after Tuesday's practice that there will be no division amongst themselves, no matter how the Favre situation plays out.

"I don't think that's going to happen at all," third-year receiver Greg Jennings said. "I think we're too close of a group, a team, to let something like this divide us."

Several veterans echoed that sentiment.

"Nah, not at all," insisted veteran cornerback Charles Woodson, who had some fun with the media after practice by chanting 'We want Brett' as he walked past the horde of reporters waiting for the start of Head Coach Mike McCarthy's press conference.

"We're expected to be professionals and handle it ..

Training Camp Report: Rodgers Remains Focused

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:54:38 CST

Aaron Rodgers spent the second day of training camp answering many of the same questions he did Monday, but said his focus isn't changing. He is the Packers' starting quarterback and will continue to try to put himself in the best possible position to lead the team.

With Tuesday afternoon's news of retired quarterback Brett Favre filing for reinstatement, Rodgers knows that this is the first step to Favre possibly reporting to training camp this week in Green Bay, but said it doesn't concern him.

"We'll probably joke around the first time we see each other," Rodgers said. "We don't have any problems. We had a great relationship when he was here and I'm sure we'll pick up where we left off.

"I'm not as affected as you guys (in the media) think I am or should be. They told me I am the starter, and until that changes, that is going to be my focus."

When asked whether Favre returning could cause some division amongst players, with the younger players s..

Training Camp Report: RB Depth On Display

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:48:16 CST

With Ryan Grant's contract situation unresolved, the Packers opened training camp on Monday shorthanded at running back for the second straight year.

But the position is far more fortified than it was a year ago.

Last year, when Vernand Morency went down with a knee injury in the first practice, the workload was suddenly turned over to rookie Brandon Jackson, who was backed up by third-down back Noah Herron and another rookie, DeShawn Wynn, who was having injury problems of his own.

Jackson was forced to take a lion's share of the snaps throughout training camp, and it was admittedly too much for a rookie back. Less than a month into the regular season, he was slowed by injuries, before recovering and coming on strong late in the year.

Fast forward to this summer, and without Grant in camp (GM Ted Thompson said Monday both sides are continuing to work on a deal), the first-team reps are once again going to Jackson. But not only is he more prepared,..

Team United, Committed To Preparing For 2008

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:46:56 CST

After the Packers took the field Monday morning for the first training camp practice of the 2008 season, players insisted their focus will center on handling their respective jobs and achieving the goal that they fell short of last season: winning the Super Bowl.

Much of the external attention from media and fans has continued to zero in on the status of retired quarterback Brett Favre. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Ted Thompson have both reiterated that Aaron Rodgers is the starting quarterback and that the team is moving forward, yet questions still linger on Favre. Will he report to training camp? Will he be traded?

Thompson addressed those questions at a Monday afternoon press conference, and said that while there is no resolution at this point, the team will continue to explore the options that are best for the organization.

"We are trying to do the right thing and we will continue to try to do the right thing for all parties," Thompson..

McCarthy, Packers Ready To Focus On Football

Mike Spofford and Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:50:58 CST

Mike McCarthy couldn't say for sure whether Brett Favre will be at the first training camp practice on Monday morning, but in his season-opening press conference on Saturday, he reiterated his message to the team since the offseason program began in mid-March - that the Packers are moving on with Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback.

McCarthy spent more than 30 minutes answering questions that focused almost exclusively on Favre, who to McCarthy's knowledge has yet to apply for reinstatement to the roster.

Toward the end of his press conference, McCarthy was asked if it's the four-month team-wide message of "moving on" that would be difficult to turn around, and not the reported tailoring of the offense to Rodgers, and he agreed.

McCarthy talked about how he has focused on an identity for the team without its Hall of Fame quarterback. How the defense is in his mind the foundation for a championship run, and how the defensive leaders need to emerge as..

Packers.com Training Camp Blog

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:11:03 CST

Throughout training camp, be sure to check the Packers.com Training Camp Blog as we provide updates of everything going on -- both on and off the field -- around the Packers training facilities: Lambeau Field, the Don Hutson Center and Clarke Hinkle Field.

As always, Packers.com is your official source for Green Bay Packers news.

The Game I'll Never Forget: Jordy Nelson

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:21:09 CST

All athletes have that one game, that one contest, that ranks as the most unforgettable of their lives. It can be memorable because of a personal or team achievement, a dramatic finish, a sentimental moment, or a number of any other factors.

Continuing a series begun last summer, Packers.com caught up with the members of the 2008 draft class to ask them about the game they'll never forget. It could be a game at any level of competition that took place at any time. They're all hoping their new NFL careers will give them new memories and new games to cherish, but for now, these rank at the top.

As a local boy out of Riley, Kansas, Jordy Nelson received a promise from Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder during the recruiting process, when he made his official visit to the Manhattan, Kan., campus.

"He said, 'If you walk on and become a two-deep player, you'll get a scholarship,'" Nelson recalled. "And that's what happened. He was able to stick to his..

What To Watch In Training Camp

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:18:05 CST

As the Packers head into their third training camp under Mike McCarthy, there are fewer of the 53 roster spots in question because of the number of young players who have established themselves over the past couple of seasons. But that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of positional battles and other competitions worth watching, and here are just a few:

Offensive guard: The left guard spot is an open competition between third-year pro Daryn Colledge, who has started 28 games in two seasons, and second-year man Allen Barbre, who played (but did not start) in seven games as a rookie.

Colledge obviously has experience on his side, and though he's had his ups and downs through his first two seasons, he has always responded well when his job has been challenged or thrown open to competition. Meanwhile, Barbre came in as a fourth-round draft project from Division II Missouri Southern but has made the type of improvement through his rookie season and into his second ..

Packers Fans Called Upon To Support Their Titletown

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:01:11 CST

Packers fans are being called upon to employ their online voting prowess (proven by multiple Campbell's 'Click for Cans' titles) and support Green Bay by voting in ESPN's Titletown contest.

Click here to vote for Green Bay in the contest.

Vote until 2 p.m., Monday, July 28. The winner will be announced during that evening's 5 p.m. SportsCenter.

Leaders Confident, Excited For Upcoming Season

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:54:14 CST

General Manager Ted Thompson summed up in two short sentences on Thursday just where the Green Bay Packers are six months removed from an NFC Championship Game appearance and less than six days from the start of the 2008 training camp.

"We're proud of the 2007 season," Thompson said. "We're not satisfied."

Thompson's remarks were part of his football report to the team's annual gathering of shareholders, 9,375 of whom filled several sections of bleachers on the east side of Lambeau Field on a comfortable summer day.

He and Head Coach Mike McCarthy, who also spoke to the shareholders (a new addition to the annual meeting), both expressed confidence that the Packers continue to be an improving and developing team that believes it's in position for another successful run in 2008, and that belief is well-founded in the work and preparation put in over the last four months.

"As we move into training camp, we have one thing - real confidence," McCarthy s..

Notebook: Murphy Fields Favre Questions

Tom Fanning and Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:24:50 CST

President and CEO Mark Murphy met with reporters following the shareholders meeting on Thursday, and the questions centered on the same topic that was on the minds of many fans: how the Brett Favre situation will be resolved.

Murphy, presiding over his first meeting with the team's shareholders, expressed confidence in General Manager Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy and how they have dealt with the sensitive matter.

"I've been actively involved and have really followed it from the beginning," Murphy said. "I've been very supportive of both Ted and Mike and the way they have handled a very delicate situation.

"I think we're all trying to do what's right. We want to be fair to Brett, number one, for what he has meant to the organization, but we also are looking out for the long-term best interests of the organization. I think that is the balancing act."

Murphy said that he is aware of the magnitude of the issue, and appreciates the interest..

Depth Of Roster Will Present Difficult Choices

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:08:38 CST

The better the team, the tougher the decisions.

That's how the Green Bay Packers' roster has evolved over the past couple of seasons. As the team has gone from 4-12 to 8-8 to 13-3, the roster has gotten stronger and deeper at almost every position.

This year, without NFL Europe exemptions, the Packers must enter training camp with 80 players on the roster, and like everyone else, they'll have to reduce that to 53 by Saturday, Aug. 30. Coming off an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, the Packers appear to have fewer roster spots "up for grabs" in this training camp than in Head Coach Mike McCarthy's previous two.

Here's a position-by-position look at the roster breakdown, and where some of the tough decisions will be made. The first number indicates the number of players at that position at the moment (the total number is higher than 80 because not all the draft picks have been officially signed), while the number in parentheses represents how many pla..

The Game I'll Never Forget: Brian Brohm

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:56:56 CST

All athletes have that one game, that one contest, that ranks as the most unforgettable of their lives. It can be memorable because of a personal or team achievement, a dramatic finish, a sentimental moment, or a number of any other factors.

Continuing a series begun last summer, Packers.com caught up with the members of the 2008 draft class to ask them about the game they'll never forget. It could be a game at any level of competition that took place at any time. They're all hoping their new NFL careers will give them new memories and new games to cherish, but for now, these rank at the top.

Six years later, it's one of the most talked about high school football games in Kentucky history. It will be in 60 years, too.

On Dec. 7, 2002, Brian Brohm's Trinity High School in Louisville faced crosstown rival Male High School for Kentucky's Class 4A (largest division) championship. Both teams were 14-0, held the top two rankings in the state, and had combi..

Winters, Brown, Treml Inducted Into Hall

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:28:17 CST

When Frank Winters and Brett Favre first met back in 1992, the Packers center had no idea he was talking to a guy he'd be snapping the ball to.

Winters and Favre both arrived in Green Bay that year, Winters via Plan B free agency and Favre via a trade from the Atlanta Falcons. Staying at a local hotel in preparation for one of their first mini-camps as Packers, they introduced themselves to one another, and Favre - weighing a robust 252 pounds and sporting a plaid shirt and as he recalled it "real scruffy beard" - asked Winters what position he played.

"I play center," Favre remembers Winters saying. "Then he says to me, 'What do you play? Linebacker?'

"From that point on, we were inseparable."

So inseparable, in fact, that Winters never questioned whether his longtime buddy would show up to introduce him for his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame at the Lambeau Field Atrium on Saturday night. Defensive tackle Gilbert Brown and longtime video ..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:15:06 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 your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes young autograph collectors, yearly trips to Lambeau, and an anniversary present to remember forever.

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

Jansen Looks To Snap Up Opportunity

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:49:57 CST

As the Packers have strengthened their roster the past few seasons on the way to a 13-3 campaign in 2007, the number of roster spots up for grabs has diminished each year. One position that will see competition this season is long snapper, where rookie J.J. Jansen will be vying for the job come training camp.

Whether it is Jansen or first-year player Thomas Gafford that earns the snapping job, he will be stepping into a position that was held down by the well-respected Rob Davis for the past 11 seasons. Davis, who retired at the end of the '07 season and is now the team's director of player development, played in 167 consecutive games, trailing only quarterback Brett Favre and offensive lineman Forrest Gregg in franchise annals.

For Jansen, who signed with the team in May as a non-drafted free agent out of Notre Dame, Davis' retirement made Green Bay an even more desirable place to come in and compete.

"This was the number one spot that I wanted to be at,"..

The Game I'll Never Forget: Pat Lee

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:15:27 CST

All athletes have that one game, that one contest, that ranks as the most unforgettable of their lives. It can be memorable because of a personal or team achievement, a dramatic finish, a sentimental moment, or a number of any other factors.

Continuing a series begun last summer, Packers.com caught up with the members of the 2008 draft class to ask them about the game they'll never forget. It could be a game at any level of competition that took place at any time. They're all hoping their new NFL careers will give them new memories and new games to cherish, but for now, these rank at the top.

When cornerback Pat Lee was drafted by the Packers in the second round (No. 60 overall) this past April, he joined a defensive backfield that included a Heisman Trophy winner in Charles Woodson.

Last season, Lee was on the other side of the line of scrimmage from a Heisman winner and made one of the most memorable plays of his college career.

With his A..

Sankey's Sports Roots Run Deep

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:26:40 CST

Laura Sankey has a genuine passion for sports that became firmly rooted in her youth.

When she was 5 years old, Sankey's parents took her to the Cincinnati Reds' final baseball game at Crosley Field in the middle of the 1970 season, before the team moved into Riverfront Stadium. Then, heading into her teenage years, she and a friend got their own season tickets to Reds games, and she went to every single home contest during one season in the late 1970s, just after the championship run of the "Big Red Machine."

That Sankey now finds herself as the new senior vice president of marketing and sales for the Green Bay Packers, where she can apply her passion for sports and business knowledge on a daily basis, is practically a dream come true.

"It's amazing," Sankey said. "Holy cow, this is an ideal job. If I could write and put together all the different things I want in a job, this would be it."

Sankey is particularly excited about getting to know the P..

Culver Ready For Training Camp Test

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:40:18 CST

Safety Tyrone Culver has done everything he should to get ready to play in 2008 after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury.

Everything but one thing.

He has done his rehab, sat in on defensive back meetings, improved his strength and conditioning in the offseason program, and participated in all the OTAs and mini-camp.

Now he just needs to tackle somebody.

It's not his fault that he hasn't. NFL players are not permitted to wear pads or go full-contact during offseason workouts and practices. They have to wait for training camp, and Culver is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to give his surgically repaired right shoulder a final, key test come July 28, the first day of camp. And he won't hesitate.

"I'm going to lower the shoulder and go for it," Culver said. "Because the minute you think that something bad is going to happen, or you're going to get hurt, you're bound to hurt yourself again. When I get a chance to hit, I'm g..

The Game I'll Never Forget: Jermichael Finley

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:01:56 CST

All athletes have that one game, that one contest, that ranks as the most unforgettable of their lives. It can be memorable because of a personal or team achievement, a dramatic finish, a sentimental moment, or a number of any other factors.

Continuing a series begun last summer, Packers.com caught up with the members of the 2008 draft class to ask them about the game they'll never forget. It could be a game at any level of competition that took place at any time. They're all hoping their new NFL careers will give them new memories and new games to cherish, but for now, these rank at the top.

Rivalry games are often memorable because of the emotions involved. When a rivalry game includes a career day statistically, they become that much more special.

Tight end Jermichael Finley, drafted by the Packers in the third round this past April (No. 91 overall) out of the University of Texas, enjoyed that type of game in last year's "Red River Shootout" with ..

Bush Hopes Versatility Will Pay Dividends

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:30:08 CST

As the expression goes, "the more you can do..."

For Packers cornerback Jarrett Bush, that has meant taking some snaps at safety this offseason. After serving as the team's primary nickel back and one of the key members of the special teams coverage units last season, he hopes the versatility he can bring will allow him to contribute even more in '08.

"It's something that I have to get more and more reps at, just use my versatility," Bush said. "I think the more work I get there the more I can get used to it and it will become second nature to me. The more I can do to help out this team, I'll be glad to do it. If they told me to play linebacker, I would do it. If they told me to play punter, I would punt."

Bush originally began taking some reps in practice at safety last November when starting free safety Nick Collins missed three games with a knee injury. Rookie Aaron Rouse stepped in as the starter alongside strong safety Atari Bigby, but the team was le..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:14:05 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 your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes the Packers' #1 fan from Mexico, a shareholder enjoying the sights of Lambeau, and a memorable night spent watching legends face one another.

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

Community Outreach Continues To Expand, Evolve

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:06:27 CST

The Green Bay Packers' community outreach department has come a long way in six years.

In fact, the name itself is fairly new. Formerly known as community relations, the community outreach department changed its name to better reflect its goals and what it does, which is to make a consistent, positive impact throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan communities via numerous outreach programs.

Cathy Dworak, the team's manager of community outreach, said the number of programs and initiatives has grown so much that since 2002, when the department included her and one part-time employee, the team has added another part-time and three full-time staff members.

That has allowed the annual number of player and coach appearances in the community to increase from 80 six years ago to around 530 last year. But it's not just the player and coach appearances the department organizes.

There are several donation and Make-A-Wish requests, community events, fitness..

Blog: 'Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour' Rolls On

Aaron Popkey, Packers.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:36:41 CST

Photos:

Day 1: Send Off Little Chute Kimberly H.S. Basketball Camp Lunch at Tanner's All About Life Rehabilitation Center Frozen Custard at Gilles Tailgate Party For Salvation Army

Day 2: On The Bus Prairie View Middle School KANDU Industries Boys and Girls Club of Janesville Janesville Tailgate Party

Day 3: Camp Capitoland (Madison) Lunch at the Pioneer (Westfield) UWSP Volleyball Camp 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 retired member of the armed forces enjoying a Packers game, playoff fun in Lambeau Field, and graduates of Green Bay Southwest reuniting at a game.

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

Hunter Gets Kicks As Coverage Specialist

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:39:47 CST

Ask special teams standout Jason Hunter whether he enjoys covering kickoffs or punts more, and the third-year pro will lean toward kickoffs.

But his rather non-committal answer reveals just how much he enjoys his job.

"On kickoff, you go downfield and you don't really have to think about anything," Hunter said. "You just run in that straight line and if somebody is in your way, you knock them over and get to the ball.

"Punt is more (about) get your proper footwork and protect. But punt is fun too. Once you do your initial job protecting and make sure they don't block the kick, then you can just run down the field full steam.

"You have to keep your head on a swivel for both."

Hunter's head, and his difficult-to-handle 6-foot-4, 270-pound frame, were in the right position often in 2007. He recorded 25 special teams tackles last season, the most by a Packers player in 22 years and the seventh-most since the club began keeping the statistic in..