The 'Ask Packers.com' project continues to generate questions, and we continue to search for the answers. In this installment we touch on topics ranging from the 1981 NFL Draft, to the 'Lambeau Leap,' to the Packers' first African-American player.
The Packers drafted a QB instead of Ronnie Lott. What was his name? - Dan (Oconomowoc, WI)
In the 1981 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers made USC's Ronnie Lott their No. 1 choice with the eighth overall pick of the draft. The Packers picked sixth that year, selecting California's Rich Campbell. Over four NFL seasons, Campbell played in only seven games, completing 31-of-68 passes for 386 yards, with three touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Also selected ahead of Lott were running back George Rogers (1st, to New Orleans), linebacker Lawrence Taylor (2nd, to New York Giants), running back Freeman McNeil (3rd, to New York Jets), defensive back Kenny Easley (4th, to Seattle), linebacker E.J. Junior (5th, to St. Louis) and linebacker Hugh Green (7th, to Tampa Bay).
When was the last game played at the old City Stadium, and what was the official attendance? - Charlie (La Quinta, CA)
An official attendance of 17,986 watched the Packers lose 17-16 to the San Francisco 49ers in the final game at the original City Stadium, November 18, 1956. The attendance for that game was the Packers' lowest all year by more than 6,000.
That season, playing half of their home games at Milwaukee's County Stadium and half in Green Bay, the Packers went 0-3 at City Stadium. Thus, the last Packers victory there was a 31-14 thumping of the Chicago Cardinals, November 13, 1955.
When the Packers opened their new facility the following year they called it City Stadium, a name that stuck until 1965, when it was renamed Lambeau Field.
When was the last time a Packers game ended in a tie? And if you have that answer, when was the last tie game in the NFL? - Joe (Niagara, WI)
The last time a Packers game ended in a tie was Sept. 20, 1987, when the Green and Gold finished deadlocked with the Denver Broncos at Milwaukee's County Stadium, 17-17.
Both teams had chances to win in the overtime period. First, the Packers won the coin toss and moved the ball down the field to set up a 47-yard Al Del Greco field goal attempt, but the kick fell short. Later, after Brian Noble picked off a John Elway pass at the Packers 24-yard-line, a fumble returned the ball to the Broncos, who saw their opportunity wasted when a 40-yard field goal try sailed wide left.
The last tie in NFL history was Nov. 23, 1997, when the New York Giants and Washington Redskins settled at 7-7.
How do you go about trying out for the team? - Shaun (Sioux Falls, WI)
Shaun, you are not the first person to ask this question since Packers.com posted the story 'A Humbling Experience,' an inside look at the process of a Packers tryout. While the drills mentioned in that article are the same ones that meet potential Packers recruits -- whether at a scouting combine or private free agent workout -- it should be clarified that the Packers do not hold open 'casting calls' for talent. But rest easy, because with more than a dozen Packers staff members dedicated to pro personnel and college scouting, if you have the talent to play in the NFL the Packers will find you. Until an NFL team comes knocking at your door however, don't quit your day job.
There used to be a Packer Backer listing of places to watch the games. Has that been discontinued? - Bud (Coquille, OR)
Absolutely not! By clicking 'Fans' on the left navigation bar on the homepage of Packers.com, you'll come to a page with a 'Where To Watch' link. Click that and you'll be able to search for Packers-friendly bars by name, city, state, etc. For a short time period after the re-launch of Packers.com, there was a malfunction in the sorting mechanism, but that has since been resolved.
I remember a game in which Chester Marcol had a last-second field goal blocked, which he caught and ran in for a game-winning touchdown. Who were the Packers playing? Was it the Bears? Was that a Monday night game? What was the final score? Was that indeed the final play of the game? Thanks. -- Ross (St. Paul, MN)
Although it wasn't a Monday night game, and the clock wasn't an immediate factor, your memory is quite good. On a 70-degree Sunday in Green Bay, Sept. 7, 1980, the Packers and Bears fought through regulation with nothing more than two field goals apiece.
Chicago won the coin toss to start the overtime period, but after gaining a first-down on a 12-yard reception by Walter Payton, the Bears' drive fizzled when a pair of penalties and two negative-rushes forced a fourth-and-29 situation from their own 3-yard-line.
After a Bears punt, the Packers started their first possession of the overtime period at midfield. On first down, quarterback Lynn Dickey found James Lofton for a 32-yard gain, the longest pass play of afternoon. The next three plays netted a solitary yard, bringing the ball to the Chicago 17-yard-line. Chester Marcol hoped to win it with what would have been his third field goal of the night, but his attempt was blocked, the football landed in his arms and he scampered 24 yards into the end zone, giving Green Bay a 12-6 triumph.
I've got a home jersey from the mid-60s, which is about 15 years younger than I am. I believe it's either a Boyd Dowler or Carroll Dale jersey. What were their numbers at the time they were playing for the Packers. Thanks for your time and efforts in this matter. - Allen (Elmendorf, TX)
Only you know if the jersey you own actually belonged to a Packers player. That said, if the jersey is from the mid-60s it could have belonged to Dowler or Dale. Boyd Dowler played for the Packers from 1959-69, wearing No. 86. Carroll Dale played for the Packers from 1965-72, wearing No. 84. You do not specify the number on the jersey you possess, but if it's No. 84, you should know that no Packers player wore that number in an official game in 1963 or 1964. From 1954-62, the number belonged to Gary Knafelc.
Who brought up the traditional Lambeau Leap? - T.J. (Muskego, WI)
Although the Lambeau Leap has become a recognized tradition in Green Bay, not mentioned as often how the celebratory jump into the stands came about. That's probably related to the fact that wasn't an offensive player who invented the move, but a safety: LeRoy Butler.
Butler's original Lambeau Leap occurred Dec. 26, 1993, against the Los Angeles Raiders. On the play, Butler caused running back Randy Jordan to fumble. Defensive end Reggie White picked up the loose ball, but after running 10 yards, lateralled it back to Butler, who sprinted the remaining 25 yards for a Packers score.
After crossing the goal line, Butler simply continued through the end zone and launched himself into the arms of Packers fans in the south bleachers.
That noted, wide receiver Robert Brooks is credited as the player who popularized Butler's spontaneous leap into Lambeau tradition.
Who was the first African-American to play for the Green Bay Packers? -- Ronald (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Nine games into the 1950 season, receiver Robert 'Bob' Mann became the first African-American player to suit up for the Green Bay Packers in an NFL game. Mann, a former All-Big 10 player while at Michigan, had already played two NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions and was coming off a 1949 season in which he caught 66 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns.
Mann finished off the final three games of 1950 making six catches for 89 yards and one touchdown. Beyond that, he played three full seasons in Green Bay, his best being 1951 when he made 50 receptions for 696 yards and eight touchdowns. In 1954, Mann played in two games with no receptions.
While Mann was the first to make the Packers' official roster, African-Americans Jim Clark (running back) and Jim Thomas (offensive lineman) were brought into Packers camp prior to Mann, but did not make the team.
Mann wore No. 31 through the 1951 season. In 1952 he became the first Packer to ever wear No. 87, which was his through the end of his playing career in 1954.
Why am I unable to get the Packers games on my computer? I really enjoyed listening to the games last year. - Sharon (Yorba Linda, CA)
In our last installment of 'More Answers From Packers.com,' we mentioned that per a decision made by the NFL, game broadcasts would only be available over the internet in Windows Media Player, rather than Real Audio this season. We also mentioned that the league was at least considering using Real Audio as an alternate option. Since that time however, the NFL has decided not to pursue Real Audio as an option for game broadcasts in 2002.
That said, Packers.com will continue to use Real Audio for locker room and press conference audio, as we feel it is the most reliable format for our fans. But if you want to listen to NFL games over the internet, you'll have to download Windows Media Player. You can do so via Packers.com, by clicking 'Multimedia' on the left navigation bar on the homepage, and then selecting 'Internet Tools.'
Why are the sound clips so bad after the last preseason game? A person can't even make out what Mike Sherman, Terry Glenn or Craig Nall said. - Andy (Seattle, WA)
As everyone knows, the Packers have only recently moved into their new facility at Lambeau Field. Part of that facility includes a new media auditorium, where post-game press conferences are conducted. Quite simply, the fine-tuning of the audio in that room is still in progress. Hopefully such problems will be solved in the near future. We apologize for the inconvenience in the meantime and thank you for your patience.
