Players Will Receive Awards At Induction Banquet, July 18
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. today announced that cornerback Charles Woodson and wide receiver Jordy Nelson will receive the Hall's awards for 'Most Valuable Player' and 'Rookie of the Year,' respectively, at the 39th Packers Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, to be held the evening of July 18, 2009, in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Antonio Freeman and Dorsey Levens will become the newest members of the Hall that evening.
Woodson authored a banner year in 2008, tying for the NFC lead with seven interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and matching a career high with 79 tackles. He also led the team with 20 passes defensed and paced the secondary with a career-high three sacks. He earned his fifth career Pro Bowl recognition and also was named second-team All Pro by the Associated Press and All-NFC by Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers Association. His accomplishments were even more impressive considering he played most of the season with a fractured toe suffered in the season opener.
Nelson, the team's first selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, became an immediate contributor and was the only rookie to play in every game, making two starts along the way. He finished fourth on the team with 33 receptions for 366 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned 11 kickoffs for 208 yards. In the process, he became the first Packers rookie to have 30 or more catches and a 45-yard or longer kick return in his first season.
Tickets for the banquet, which begins with the doors opening at 4:30 p.m. with a cash bar, and dinner and program to follow at 7 p.m., are $125 each. Tables of 10 also are available for $1150 and are assigned in the order in which they are purchased. Early reservations are recommended. To purchase tickets, call Gwen Borga at 920/965-6984, or e-mail her at gborga@packerhalloffame.org. No refunds are available 30 days prior to the event.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. is a non-profit corporation independent of the Green Bay Packers that guides the Hall as a historic national sports venue and educational resource to the Green Bay community and the state of Wisconsin. The Hall raises funds through its annual induction banquet, Golf Classic and other events to develop new exhibits and expand its archives. Historic memorabilia donated by individuals to the Hall may qualify as tax-deductible gifts.
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inc. Golf Classic is set for Monday, July 13, 2009, at The Bull in Sheboygan Falls, Wis.
Originally established in 1967 as a temporary display in the concourse of the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena, the Hall moved into its own facility in 1976 near Lambeau Field. In 2003, it was relocated to a spectacular new, 25,000-square foot facility in the Lambeau Field Atrium. The Hall of Fame is open on non-game days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may vary on game days and holidays. For more information, contact the Hall of Fame at 920/569-7512, or visit the Hall online at www.packershalloffame.org.
