The fans have spoken.
In the second annual Packers.com "Favorite Fives" - a look at the top plays of the past season in various categories - Aaron Rouse's 99-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 19 at Lambeau Field has been voted by fans as the 2008 Play of the Year.
Rouse's big play, which came in the fourth quarter of Green Bay's 34-14 victory, matched the franchise record for the longest interception return, by Tim Lewis against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 18, 1984, at Milwaukee County Stadium.
It also broke the Lambeau Field record for longest interception return previously held by two players - Willie Alexander of the Houston Oilers (Sept. 25, 1977) and Nick Barnett of the Packers (Oct. 9, 2005, vs. New Orleans) - who each returned an interception 95 yards for a score.
Rouse's play garnered 50 percent of more than 15,000 votes cast since the "Favorite Fives - Play of the Year" was posted last Friday. The other finalists were Will Blackmon's 76-yard punt return for a touchdown vs. Minnesota (Sept. 8, 26 percent), Donald Driver's 71-yard TD catch vs. Detroit (Dec. 28, 13 percent), Greg Jennings' 48-yard TD catch at Tampa Bay (Sept. 28, 6 percent), and DeShawn Wynn's 73-yard TD run vs. Detroit (Dec. 28, 2 percent).
Each of the finalists had won a previous "Favorite Fives" vote in its respective category. The original categories were Top Run Plays (both at home and on the road), Top Pass Plays (also home/road), Top Defensive Plays and Top Special Teams Plays. The only category winner not to advance to the finals was from Top Run Plays On The Road, as Aaron Rodgers' 10-yard TD run at New Orleans did not receive enough votes to crack the Top 5.
In case you're curious, the Play of the Year from 2007, the first season of "Favorite Fives" on Packers.com, was Jennings' 82-yard TD catch on the first snap of overtime at Denver (Oct. 29).
Thanks to everyone for voting, and see you next year.
"Favorite Fives" Plays of the Year
2007: Greg Jennings, 82-yard TD reception, at Denver (Oct. 29)
2008: Aaron Rouse, 99-yard interception return for TD, vs. Indianapolis (Oct. 19)
