The rubber and sand infill of FieldTurf make it safer than Astroturf.
Which Packers are ranked in the top-three for most receptions in a year? I know that Sterling Sharpe has the record, but who are the next two? Thanks -- Tim Nash (Toronto, Canada)
Sterling Sharpe is responsible for four of the top-five seasons by a Packers receiver in terms of receptions. The next few names to appear on that list are Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman, Edgar Bennett, Don Hutson and Bill Schroeder, respectively.
The top-10 looks like this: 1. Sterling Sharpe 112 catches (1993); 2. Sterling Sharpe 108 (1992); 3. Robert Brooks 102 (1995); 4. Sterling Sharpe 94 (1994); 5. Sterling Sharpe 90 (1989); 6. Antonio Freeman 84 (1998); 7. Antonio Freeman 81 (1997); 8. Edgar Bennett 78 (1994); 9t. Don Hutson 74 (1942), Antonio Freeman 74 (1999), Bill Schroeder 74 (1999).
It should be noted that Hutson's 74 receptions were amassed over an 11-game season, and that Antonio Freeman's 84 receptions in 1998 were compiled over 15 games. All others above were 16-game seasons.
Were any of the injuries sustained by players on either team during the Lions game at Ford Field deemed to be related to the new FieldTurf? Have the Packers had any turf related injuries at Don Hutson Center? -- Todd (St. Paul, MN)
It might be a stretch to say that FieldTurf has never caused an injury that wouldn't have otherwise occurred on a natural grass surface, but in the case of the Packers-Lions game last weekend FieldTurf was not blamed for any of the injuries.
In many ways FieldTurf might actually be a more forgiving surface than natural grass, especially during winter months when the ground hardens.
FieldTurf is comprised of synthetic grass-like fibers with an infill of recycled rubber and sand. The loose infill provides a solid playing surface, but isn't as unforgiving as Astroturf. As evidence of that, take a look at the accompanying picture and notice the way some of the infill is tossed into the air during Robert Ferguson's run.
Are there any plans to put LeRoy Butler's name up on the 'Ring Of Fame' at Lambeau Field with all the other Packers greats? - Brian (Durango, CO)
This has been a popular question, and the response might not be the one people want to hear. The answer is, no. Why? Well, because to be listed among the Packers' 'Ring of Fame,' a player or coach must first be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Until then, it's not an option.
What is Bubba Franks' real name? - Mike (Kinsford, MI)
Daniel Lamont Franks.
Sorry that this question probably doesn't have to do with the Packers, but me and my friends were wondering if there has ever been a 300-yard receiving game in the history of the NFL. My bet is no, but we were curious and couldn't find out. If you could answer that question I would appreciate it. Thank you GO PACK!!!! -- Bobby (Aurora, IL)
Actually, there have been three 300-yard receiving games. The first was in 1945, when Cleveland's Jim Benton tallied 303 yards against Detroit. It didn't happen again until 1985, when Kansas City's Stephone Paige did it with a 309-yard effort versus San Diego. Flipper Anderson of the Los Angeles Rams was the last player to accomplish the feat and holds the all-time record with his 336-yard game versus New Oreleans, an overtime affair in 1989.
I noted at the Atlanta game that the teams must pass through each other when leaving Lambeau Field at halftime. Is this a permanent arrangement? -- Jim Blahnik (Sycamore, IL)
Yes. As you know, the Packers used to enter and exit the field from a tunnel at the north end of the stadium. But that was before the Lambeau Field renovation project, which included the construction of a new locker room near the southeast corner.
As a result, the old north tunnel is gone and the Packers now take to the field from a new tunnel in the southeast corner. Visiting teams will continue to enter from the south tunnel.
Since the Packers stand on the west sideline, players from the home and visiting teams often cross one another before the game, after the game and at halftime.
What is a Wonderlic test? - Bob (Minneapolis, MN)
In NFL circles, some might say the Wonderlic is nothing more than a waste of time. In all seriousness, the 'Wonderlic' (actually the Wonderlic Personnel Test) is a pencil-and-paper exam taken by an estimated 2.5 million job applicants annually. It's also taken by prospective NFL draftees.
In theory, the purpose of the exam is to demonstrate how well one can understand instructions and solve problems. In the NFL, the Wonderlic probably just gives the media something else to talk about on Draft Day.
The questions on a Wonderlic exam are not all that difficult, very similar to questions that would show up on an SAT exam. The challenge is answering all 50 questions in 12 minutes (14.4 seconds per question).
Here's a sample of five questions published by Wonderlic, Inc. According to the average, you should be able to answer these in a total of 72 seconds. [Answers will be provided at the end.]
Stopwatch ready? Begin:
1. Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final one:
- True; 2. False; 3. Not certain?
The boy plays baseball. All baseball players wear hats. The boy wears a hat.
2. PRESENT RESERVE - Do these words:
- Have similar meanings; 2. Have contradictory meanings; 3. Mean neither the same nor the opposite.
3. Three individuals form a partnership and agree to divide the profits equally. X invests $9000, Y invests $7000, Z invests $4000. If the profits are $4,800, how much less does X receive than if the profits were divided in proportion to the amount invested?
4. The hours of daylight and darkness in SEPTEMBER are nearest equal to the hour of daylight and darkness in:
- June; 2. March; 3. May; 4. November
5. When rope is selling at $.10 a foot, how many feet can you buy for 60 cents?
So how did you do? Stumble over any of those questions? More importantly, do you think the results of that test should affect the draft-worthiness of an NFL player?
Maybe you do, maybe you don't. Either way, you should know that the average test score for anyone taking the Wonderlic Personnel Test (inside or outside the NFL) is only 21.
[The answers to those five questions are as follows: 1. True; 2. Mean neither the same nor the opposite; 3. $560; 4. March; 5. 6 feet.]
