The 2002 Green Bay Packers' offensive and defensive rookies of the year will be honored at the 33rd annual Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Saturday, July 19, 2003 at the KI Convention Center, downtown Green Bay.
The offensive rookie of the year is wide receiver Javon Walker, the Packers' first round draft choice from Florida State. Walker demonstrated athleticism, play-making ability and maturity while contributing throughout his rookie year as the team's third wide receiver and as a kick returner. He enjoyed his first 100-yard receiving day (104) as a pro in the play-off game against the Atlanta Falcons. Walker finished the season with 23 catches for 319 yards and 1 touchdown. He also returned 35 kickoffs for 769 yards for a 22-yard average.
The defensive rookie of the year is Marques Anderson, a third-round draft pick from UCLA. Anderson made an impact on the Green Bay defense as a rookie, flashing tremendous play-making ability while spending the majority of the season as the starting strong safety. As one of five finalists for the "Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year" award, Anderson returned two interceptions for touchdowns and was third in interceptions among NFC rookies with 4. He was ranked 7th on the team in tackles with 61 (41 solo) and recovered two fumbles.
Retired Packers radio broadcaster Jim Irwin and former linebacker Mike "Mad Dog" Douglass will be inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame at the 33rd annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Saturday, July 19, 2003 at the KI Convention Center, downtown Green Bay. Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m., dinner and program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Individual tickets for the banquet are $95. Tables of 10 are available and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early reservations are recommended. To purchase tickets, call Gwen Borga at 920.405.1112. For limited sponsorship opportunities, contact Dennis Tattum at 920.405.1116.
