*How well do we know the men who make up the Packers roster? Even the most ardent fan - the one who studies every play, knows the 40-yard-dash time of every prospect, is at every practice during training camp - still most likely is familiar primarily with what the players of the Green and Gold are up to on the field.
Packers.com is taking a look at some of the off-the-field interests of the players behind the facemasks that you cheer so heartily for during the football season. This is a chance to get to know the players through a series of questions and answers, some football-related and others having nothing to do with the gridiron.
Let's get to know... Brad Bedell.*
Coming off an impressive series of organized team activities (OTA) where he used his upper body strength to win a number of battles in the trenches, offensive tackle Brad Bedell looks to build on a productive 2004 season. Last season Bedell served as the primary backup to Chad Clifton at left tackle. He played in four games, filling in for Kevin Barry as an extra tackle/tight end in the team's "U-71" package during his Packers debut on Dec. 12 vs. Detroit.
As the Packers replace two of last year's starting offensive lineman, Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle, Bedell looks to round out a unit that has served as a strength for the Packers. In 2004 the offensive line tied the league lead in fewest sacks allowed with 14.
After bouncing around the league, Bedell found his niche with the Packers. The Cleveland Browns drafted him out of Colorado in the sixth round in 2000. He started four games in 2001 before the Browns waived him during training camp in 2002. Bedell did not play football that year. In 2003, the Washington Redskins signed and waived him four times before the Miami Dolphins claimed him on Nov. 10, 2003. After spending the last two months of 2003 and the 2004 training camp with the Dolphins, the Packers traded a 2006 draft choice for his services. Now, Bedell, who resembles a certain Hollywood actor, leans to the right on political issues and had a grandfather who knew Dwight Eisenhower, has a home in Green Bay.
Packers.com recently caught up with Bedell during some down time in his offseason workouts to let you Packer fans get some more background on #72.
Packers.com: What's on your iPod?
Brad Bedell: Motley Crüe, Pantera, Killers -- they're a new band out of Las Vegas. They've got that single "Mr. Brightside."
What was your nickname when you were a kid?
Busey. They called me Busey after Gary Busey. They've been calling me that ever since I've been in the league.
What person had the most impact/influence on your life?
Two people -- my parents without a doubt.
**Tell us about your first...
...job. **
I worked for my Dad's business -- dry cleaning, cleaning machines and stuff. It was just a come-in basis. Sometimes he had us cleaning baskets. Sometimes he had us cleaning machines.
...car.
1992 Ford Mustang GT.
...adult decision.
First adult decision ... I mean ... that's a tough question. As a whole, going to college and being on your own.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Probably Lawry's Prime Rib.
**Tell us about the last ...
...time you laughed real hard. **
Today. Probably something [offensive tackle Mark] Tauscher said.
...dream you had.
I don't even know.
Do you have any phobias?
I don't have very many. I don't care for snakes.
How do you feel when you walk through the hall of champions to the locker room?
Awesome. It's a privilege to play for this organization.
Besides the physicality of this game, what is the most difficult part of playing in the NFL?
Week in and week out -- the competition. It's a challenge every week. That's what you've got to love about this sport. It's a challenge as a team. Everyone wants to win. That's why you like the game.
What's your best asset as a football player?
Pass protection.
Who's your favorite athlete in any sport?
I used to love George Brett. I used to collect all of his baseball cards. I don't know why. I just liked him.
Who is your favorite sports team?
University of Michigan.
If you weren't playing football, what would you be doing?
Coaching football. College level is what I want to do.
When did you realize you wanted to play professional football?
After I ate my way out of baseball.
What is your favorite book?
The Da Vinci Code.
You must enjoy reading then?
I read a little bit.
If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be?
The President.
What would you tell President Bush?
Nothing. He's doing a good job. I wouldn't tell him anything. He's the president!
Wait ... back that up, let's go with Bill O'Reilly.
Does that mean you're a Republican?
Yeah, but Bill O'Reilly because I'd like to pick his brain a little bit. He was a teacher, an ivy leaguer and a football player as well. Yeah ... Bill O'Reilly that's a good answer.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?
Dwight D. Eisenhower. I'd pick him because my grandfather knew him ... I never knew my grandfather.
How did Eisenhower know your grandfather?
He was a grand marshall in the ... I forgot which year ... in the tournament of roses. And my grandfather was president of the tournament of roses that year.
Fill in the blank: In high school, you were voted Mr. _.
Nothing. I didn't do anything.
Have practical jokes been played on you or did you play them on someone else?
We froze B.J. Sander's jeans during the season. He didn't like it a whole lot, but he has a good sense of humor.
Did you pick on him because he's a punter or a rookie?
No. I don't know. His jeans were just there. He was cool about it.
What is your favorite food?
Mexican.
How do you relax?
The Beach.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Fiji or Australia. I've always wanted to go to both of those places.
What would you do there?
Lounge.
