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LB BRADY POPPINGA #51

6' 3" • 247 lbs. • Brigham Young

Exp: 4th NFL Season, 4th Packers Season
Age: 29
Acquired: Draft 2005 (4b)
Current Status: Active Roster

2007 Bio:

Last name is pronounced puh-PING-ah
Will battle free-agent signee Brandon Chillar for starting spot at strong-side LB
Returned to practice less than eight full months after a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, started the 2006 season opener, and has played in every game since
Has recorded two of his three career sacks in the Metrodome, against Minnesota quarterbacks Brad Johnson (Nov. 12, 2006) and Daunte Culpepper (Oct. 23, 2005)
Moved to linebacker his senior season at BYU, after playing the previous three years at defensive end
Spent two years on a mission in Uruguay before entering BYU; recalls the trip as the most difficult and most rewarding experience of his life
Comes from a very athletic family. Father, Dennis, played tight end at BYU from 1968-1971; brother, Casey, played tight end at Utah State; brother, Kelly, was a linebacker at BYU; and older sister, Tara, played volleyball at Utah State
Son is named Julius Maximus Poppinga, a name inspired by his favorite movie, Gladiator

Pro Summary

One of the most intense and enthusiastic players on the roster, the fourth-year linebacker will compete for the starting strong-side linebacker spot with free-agent signee Brandon Chillar from St. Louis
Depending on how that works out, could also see a return to a pass-rushing role he performed in college
Has held a starting LB job the last two years, along with contributing on special teams, after making an astonishingly fast recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, sustained in December 2005
Was back on the practice field in training camp in August 2006, able to play in the final two preseason games and start the season opener on Sept. 10, one day less than nine months from the injury date
The speedy recovery was attributed to his undying work ethic and intensity during rehabilitation, which only furthered his love for the game
Despite the serious injury, has played in 44 of a possible 48 games in his three-year career (46 of 50 including playoffs), amassing 156 total tackles (100 solo), three sacks, two interceptions, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and 28 special teams tackles
Started 12 games in 2006 after seeing his rookie season cut short by the knee injury in his first NFL start (vs. Detroit, Dec. 11, 2005)
As a rookie, was an immediate contributor on special teams, finishing second on the team with 22 coverage stops, one behind fellow rookie Marviel Underwood
With collegiate playing time at defensive end, is also a pass-rushing threat
At BYU, played in 47 contests with 25 starts, and posted career totals of 193 tackles (99 solo), 20 sacks and 39 tackles for loss
Started his last three seasons for the Cougars
Garnered first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors as a sophomore, junior and senior
Made a transition from defensive end to linebacker his senior year
As a sophomore, led the MWC with a career-high eight sacks; followed up with six-sack seasons a junior and senior
Was the fourth player ever chosen by the Packers from Brigham Young, the first since Ty Detmer in 1992
Entered the NFL older than most rookies after spending two years on a Mormon mission in Uruguay prior to going to college

2007 Season

Played in 16 games with 15 starts; did not officially start vs. Detroit (Dec. 30) with team opening in its 'nickel' package
Also started both playoff games
Registered 70 tackles (43 solo), with one interception and one pass defensed
Vs. Philadelphia (Sept. 9) totaled five tackles (three solo)
Made five tackles (two solo) at New York Giants (Sept. 16)
Again posted five tackles (three solo) vs. San Diego (Sept. 23)
At Minnesota (Sept. 30), made three solo tackles
Vs. Chicago (Oct. 7), made five tackles with one pass defensed and an interception. In the fourth quarter, caught a Brian Griese pass tipped by Nick Collins, the Packers' only forced turnover of the game and second interception of Poppinga's career (also Oct. 22, 2006, at Miami)
At Kansas City (Nov. 4), made seven tackles (three solo), his second-highest output of the year
Vs. Minnesota (Nov. 11), on the Vikings' first drive stopped RB Adrian Peterson for no gain on third-and-1, leading to a punt
At St. Louis (Dec. 16), posted a season-high eight tackles (four solo)
At Chicago (Dec. 23), made six solo tackles; in the second quarter, dropped RB Garrett Wolfe for a 3-yard loss
In the NFC Championship Game vs. New York Giants (Jan. 20), made five tackles (four solo); in the first quarter, stopped RB Brandon Jacobs for no gain at the Green Bay 11-yard line on a drive that ended three plays later with a Giants field goal

2006 Season

Played in all 16 games, starting 12
Recorded 76 tackles (51 solo), one sack, one interception, five passes defensed and a pair of forced fumbles
Did not start four contests when the team opened in its nickel package
Reclaimed the starting role he had earned Dec. 11, 2005, when a torn anterior cruciate ligament ended his rookie season
After an unusually quick recovery and rehabilitation, returned to practice on a limited basis Aug. 8
Perhaps even more amazing, moved from practice spectator to NFL starter in four weeks, returning in Week 1 to the starting 'Sam' LB role he had relinquished upon his 2005 injury
Started the season opener vs. Chicago (Sept. 10) and led the team with a career-high 11 tackles, including a personal-best nine solo stops
Made his first career interception, at Miami (Oct. 22), picking off a Joey Harrington pass floated over the middle and returning it 21 yards
At Buffalo (Nov. 5), stuck RB Anthony Thomas for a 1-yard loss on third-and-1, forcing a punt
In 23-17 win at Minnesota (Nov. 12), sacked Brad Johnson, forcing a fumble (recovered by Corey Williams) to set up the Packers' first TD
The sack gave him two of his three career sacks in the Meterodome, the other coming against Daunte Culpepper (Oct. 23, 2005)
Against the New York Jets (Dec. 3), stopped RB Cedric Houston for minus-1 yard
In the second quarter vs. Minnesota (Dec. 21), stopped QB Tarvaris Jackson 1 yard short of a first down on third-and-2

2005 Season

Played in 12 games with one start, missing the final three contests with a knee injury
Finished with 10 tackles (six solo), including two sacks
Finished second on the club with 22 special teams tackles
Making his first NFL start in a Sunday night win vs. Detroit (Dec. 11), replaced Na'il Diggs (knees) at 'Sam' (strong-side) linebacker and posted five tackles (two solo), plus one on special teams
Saw his season end, though, after tearing the ACL in his left knee while covering a fourth-quarter kickoff
Placed on injured reserve on Dec. 14
Earlier, had recorded two special teams tackles in his NFL debut, at Detroit (Sept. 11). In the third quarter, dropped dangerous PR Eddie Drummond for a 2-yard loss
In 52-3 win vs. New Orleans (Oct. 9), played six snaps at 'Sam' linebacker, the first defensive action of his career. Also made three special teams tackles
At Minnesota (Oct. 23), posted one special teams stop and took down Culpepper in the first quarter for a loss of 14 yards, his first career sack and tackle from scrimmage
In 33-25 win at Atlanta (Nov. 13), made a career-best four coverage tackles and played 15 snaps at outside linebacker. Twice dropped KR Allen Rossum on kickoff returns, at the 15- and 19-yard lines
At Philadelphia (Nov. 27), played five snaps on defense, posting one sack. Took down RB Brian Westbrook (looking to pass) for a 3-yard loss in the fourth quarter
Made two solo tackles and two on special teams at Chicago (Dec. 4), playing 23 snaps, mostly after LB Paris Lenon's finger injury sidelined him in the third quarter
Was the Packers' second of two selections in the fourth round (125th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft

College

A four-year letterman (2001-04) for the Cougars, started his last three seasons
Played in 47 contests, with 25 starts
Finished with 193 tackles (99 solo), 20 sacks and 39 tackles for loss
Garnered first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors as a sophomore, junior and senior
Started all 11 games as a senior, shifting before the season from defensive end to left outside linebacker
Ranked third on the team with 79 tackles (35 solo), including six sacks and 12 stops for loss
Added five quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble
Selected as one of 58 candidates for the 2004 'Bronko Nagurski Award,' presented annually to the nation's best defensive player
Started all 12 games at defensive end as a junior
Ranked among MWC leaders with 55 tackles (34 solo)
Finished seventh in the conference and led the team with six sacks
Ranked ninth in the conference and second on the Cougars with 13 tackles for loss
Contributed one fumble recovery and two passes defensed
Tallied six-or-more tackles in four games during the season
Selected to the preseason watch list of the Rotary Lombardi Award
As a sophomore, saw action in all 12 games, starting two at defensive end
Led the conference with a career-high eight sacks (for 52 yards)
Recorded 49 tackles (25 solo), including 14 for loss
Forced three fumbles and had three quarterback pressures
Named both first-team All-MWC and a MWC All-Academic selection
Earned the Cougars' top defensive lineman award
Played in all 12 games as a freshman defensive end and contributed significantly on special teams
Recorded 10 tackles (five solo) and one pass defensed
Holds a B.S degree in business management

Personal

Given name Brady Paul Poppinga
Born in Evanston, Wyo.
Last name is pronounced puh-PING-ah
Married the former Brooke Hubbard in 2002; the couple has a daughter, Jasmine, 4, and a son, Julius, 2
Was an all-state selection at both linebacker and tight end at Evanston (Wyo.) High School
Named the Wyoming Athlete of the Year and 4-A 'Lineman of the Year' as a senior
Lettered three years in football
Selected to the Wyoming Super-25 team
Led the Red Devils to a 4-A state title
Also lettered three years in basketball and four years in track
Finished second in the 1997 state discus competition
Postponed college football career for two seasons while on a Mormon mission in Uruguay, South America
Said it was the hardest thing he's ever done in his life because he had to leave his family and friends for so long, but also said it was the greatest experience of his life
His passion and love for the game grew while on his mission and being away from football
Learned Spanish while on the mission
Comes from a very athletic family
Father, Dennis, played tight end at BYU from 1968-1971
Brother, Casey, played tight end at Utah State and was on the practice squads of Seattle, Kansas City and Philadelphia in 2004
Brother, Kelly, also played linebacker at BYU
Older sister, Tara, played volleyball at Utah State
Holds a football camp, 'The Poppinga Football Experience,' in the offseason in Utah
Also has served as an instructor in a couple of Green Bay-area youth football camps
Videotaped a 'Get Fueled' segment for the Packers' 'Fit Kids' program, a joint effort between the Green Bay Packers, CBS-5 WFRV and the Green Bay Area Public School District involving a year-long school program with a curriculum that focuses each month on a theme based on either nutrition, physical fitness or social health
Took part in the Packers' first annual All-Pro Dad event in December 2005, talking to other dads about the importance of being a good father and joining kids for football drills
A former Eagle Scout himself, has spoken to groups of Boy Scouts and has taped public service announcements for the Boy Scouts of America
Taught Sunday school to teenagers in Provo, Utah, and is very involved in his church in Green Bay as a youth leader and mentor to missionaries
Did some motivational speaking at a school for troubled teens while in college
Active in the Halloween fundraiser for the Invisible Children, with all the proceeds supporting the children of Uganda
Participated in the TRIFECTA golf tournament put on by teammate Mark Tauscher
Enjoys chess and outdoor activities, including river rafting, golf, tennis, hunting, fishing, water and snow skiing
Also enjoys reading, tabbing The DaVinci Code and New Earth as two of his favorite books
Names Gladiator as his favorite movie; the movie inspired his young son's name, Julius Maximus
Earned his Eagle Scout honor in 1995
Looked up to his dad growing up
Residence: Green Bay, Wis.

Player Stats

			Tackles			Sacks		Interceptions					Fumbles
Year	GP	GS	Tot	Solo	Asst	Sk	Yds	No	Yds	Lg	TD	PD	FF	FR	Yds
2005 Green Bay	12	1	10	6	4	2	17	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2006 Green Bay	16	12	76	51	25	1	6	1	21	21	0	5	2	0	0
2007 Green Bay	16	15	70	43	27	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
NFL totals (three years)	44	28	156	100	56	3	23	2	21	21	0	6	2	0	0

Playoffs
			Tackles			Sacks		Interceptions					Fumbles
Year	GP	GS	Tot	Solo	Asst	Sk	Yds	No	Yds	Lg	TD	PD	FF	FR	Yds
2007 Green Bay	2	2	6	5	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Additional statistics: Career sacks - Daunte Culpepper, Brad Johnson, Brian Westbrook (RB). Special teams tackles - 22 in 2005, 4 in 2006, 2 in 2007, 1 in '07 playoffs; NFL total: 28

SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Tackles
Total: 11, vs. Chi. (9/10/06)
Solo: 9, vs. Chi. (9/10/06)
Sacks: 1, three times (last: at Min., 11/12/06)

NFL debut: at Detroit, 9/11/05
First NFL start: vs. Detroit, 12/11/05
First sack: at Minnesota, 10/23/05 (D.Culpepper)
Interception: 1, two times (last: vs. Chi., 10/7/07)

CAREER TRANSACTIONS
2005: Selected by Green Bay Packers as second of two fourth-round choices (125th overall) in '05 NFL Draft, April 24...Signed first contract, July 26...Placed on injured reserve (knee), Dec. 14.

ELIAS Game By Game Packers Stats
Game Date	Opp	Interceptions				Sacks
Game Date	Opp	No	Yds	Avg	TD	Sacks
Sep 11, 2005	@DET	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 18, 2005	CLE	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 25, 2005	TB	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 3, 2005	@CAR	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 9, 2005	NO	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 23, 2005	@MIN	0	0	0.0	0	1
Oct 30, 2005	@CIN	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 6, 2005	PIT	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 13, 2005	@ATL	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 21, 2005	MIN	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 27, 2005	@PHI	0	0	0.0	0	1
Dec 4, 2005	@CHI	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 11, 2005	DET	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 19, 2005	@BAL	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 25, 2005	CHI	0	0	0.0	0	0
Jan 1, 2006	SEA	0	0	0.0	0	0
2005 Totals		0	0	0.0	0	2
Sep 10, 2006	CHI	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 17, 2006	NO	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 24, 2006	@DET	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 2, 2006	@PHI	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 8, 2006	STL	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 22, 2006	@MIA	1	21	21.0	0	0
Oct 29, 2006	ARI	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 5, 2006	@BUF	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 12, 2006	@MIN	0	0	0.0	0	1
Nov 19, 2006	NE	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 27, 2006	@SEA	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 3, 2006	NYJ	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 10, 2006	@SF	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 17, 2006	DET	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 21, 2006	MIN	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 31, 2006	@CHI	0	0	0.0	0	0
2006 Totals		1	21	21.0	0	1
Sep 9, 2007	PHI	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 16, 2007	@NYG	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 23, 2007	SD	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 30, 2007	@MIN	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 7, 2007	CHI	1	0	0.00	0	0
Oct 14, 2007	WAS	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 29, 2007	@DEN	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 4, 2007	@KC	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 11, 2007	MIN	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 18, 2007	CAR	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 22, 2007	@DET	0	0	0.0	0	0
Nov 29, 2007	@DAL	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 9, 2007	OAK	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 16, 2007	@STL	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 23, 2007	@CHI	0	0	0.0	0	0
Dec 30, 2007	DET	0	0	0.0	0	0
2007 Totals		1	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 8, 2008	MIN	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 14, 2008	@DET	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 21, 2008	DAL	0	0	0.0	0	0
Sep 28, 2008	@TB	0	0	0.0	0	0
Oct 5, 2008	ATL	0	0	0.0	0	0
2008 Totals		0	0	0.0	0	0
Packers Totals		2	21	10.5	0	3

Statistics provided by Elias Sports Bureau