Kona from Kailua, HI
Glad you're alive. What's it all mean?
That's for future generations to decide. We're performing for them, just as past generations performed for us. What we did will be judged. How do you wish to be judged?
Matt from Roanoke, VA
Vic, do you have a favorite line from a movie?
"They come and they go, Hobbs. They come and they go."
Alan from Albuquerque, NM
Vic, didn't the "Ice Bowl" with the drama, the instant replay and the locker room interviews seal the deal between TV and football?
The 1958 NFL title game is largely considered to be the game that connected football and TV. I consider the "Ice Bowl" to be the last game untouched by TV. If that game were played today, it would be played at night, which would be an outrage.
Gage from Milwaukee, WI
"The best plays are still the basic plays. It's not the design of the play. It's what everybody can do with that design. That's what we have to get back to – winning with the fundamentals, with players and not plays." A quote from Mike McCarthy. Players, not plays, right?
My inbox is full of this quote. It's as though Coach McCarthy has allowed us to experience some kind of football epiphany. I asked myself why are fans so gaga about the most basic coachspeak in the history of football? What coach hasn't echoed these sentiments? I decided the fascination with this quote by Coach McCarthy is an indication of the degree to which our appreciation for football's human confrontation has been diseased by the Madden/analyst movement. I'll bet John Madden is personally upset his name has become the centerpiece for a movement I have no doubt he dislikes. I hope this mania for football strategy ends soon because I fear we are losing our football souls. If you don't understand what I'm implying, you've already lost yours.
Harlow from Tampa, FL
Did you see the article posted by Josh Alper on Profootballtalk.com? He mentions Coach McCarthy wants to get back to winning with fundamentals, with players and not plays. Do you know anyone else who has mentioned that in the past?
Gandhi?
Travis from Superior, WI
Top four toughest football players Mt. Rushmore?
Bednarik, Butkus, Lambert and Lott. You gotta go with the finger story, right?
Lynn from Kenosha, WI
I have been debating whether or not to take a trip to Japan. That is a long way for an old lady to travel, but it is the top destination on my bucket list. Then I read: "Never say no to opportunity." So I picked up the phone and put down my deposit. I am the proud owner of a 17-day trip to Japan. I did not want to take a helicopter ride wondering why I never visited the Land of the Rising Sun. Thanks, Vic.
What meaningful experience would you have missed had you decided to not take that trip? Now go find it.
Brian from San Jose, CA
Vic, I'm from the Bay Area. As I'm sure you know, we just had two of our teams lose in the championship series. Do you think it's better to get that far and then lose, or is it easier to not get to the big dance at all and save the heartbreak?
Sometimes you gotta smell the dog poop, too. It makes the roses smell better, and it won't stink as bad the next time you step in it.
Jack from Townsend, MT
This seems like it could be an exceptional draft class for the Packers this year. Am I overly optimistic or do you think five or six players could get playing time this season? I love your column.
This draft class has a look of immediacy to it, but I think your expectations are a little unrealistic. Give these young men time to learn their crafts.
Chase from Madisonville, KY
Vic, what memories do you cherish the most about the '70s football era?
It possessed an air of confrontation I have never since experienced. It was no hype. It was the real thing.
Troy from Madison, WI
Concerning your comment about nose tackles not going into the Hall of Fame, is this now the case more and more with middle linebackers?
It is. First and foremost, defensive football is a rush-the-passer game.
Marc from Hartford, VT
Vic, God conceals from men the happiness of death so they may endure life.
I'm not afraid of dying. I'm afraid it'll hurt.
Mike from Mount Prospect, IL
Vic, I love watching the U.S. Open because of the struggle. Too often the tour players make golf look easy. I love the drama of the guy who can overcome challenging conditions. Johnson is a champion.
I never saw better shot-making. They were sinking shots from the fairway, making chips and dropping in long putts, until the championship was on the line, and then it abruptly stopped. The golf over the final holes in Sunday's Open was awful. Dustin Johnson coasted to victory. He was, by far, the best golfer. He deserved to win. I missed Johnny Miller's analysis. He would've told it like it was.
Nick from Seattle, WA
Vic, what is your biggest concern about the offense as training camp and preseason approaches?
I guess it's my lack of concern about anything in particular. I had the same lack of concern last summer.
Julian from Las Cruces, NM
L.C. Greenwood is not in the Hall of Fame! I am outraged! I am not a Steelers fan but rather a huge football fan. Would you please explain why you feel he is not in the Hall?
It's because he played between Joe Greene and Jack Ham. Dave Robinson faced the same dilemma for having played between Willie Davis and Herb Adderley. Covering Robinson's induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the happiest events of my years covering the Packers.
Justin from Stephenson, MI
Your inbox senses doubt because defense has been the Achilles heel of this team since the Super Bowl.
It wasn't the last two years. It bothers me Packers fans don't see that truth. There's a bias against the defense that's become unfair and whiney.
Darren from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
What has changed most from last season that gives you confidence the defense could be top five?
A collection of young talent is developing into star-quality players, and more talent was added in this year's draft.
