The Green Bay Packers logo outside of Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Hey Packers fans! Do you have $40 burning a hole in your pocket?

If you do, you might want to fork it over for the “Green Bay Pacers Hall of Fame Inc. Opoly,” the newest board game developed by All Sports Marketing LLC recently for the Packers Hall of Fame.

With proceeds from the sale of the 2,500 games produced will go toward the Hall of Fame and the Muscular Dystrophy Association – two non-profits that are certainly worthy of support.

The Monopoly-style game will include property spaces filled by Green Bay-area businesses that include Title Town Oil, Grand Central Station, Pomp’s Tire, Escort Limousine Service, Bayland Buildings and Doc’s Harley-Davidson.

The game, developed to continue to promote the history of one of the NFL’s oldest and most storied franchises, will feature a picture of Lambeau Field on the day the Lombardi Trophy was brought back to Green Bay after Super Bowl XLV. In addition the game board center will list all inductees of the Packers Hall of Fame along with the Packers Hall logo.

Here’s what Tom Murphy, Packers Hall of Fame Inc. archivist and board member, had to say about the effort:

“Among the goals of the Packers Hall of Fame Inc. is to deepen the fans’ appreciation of the history of the Packers, and this game accomplishes that. Fans can have fun and support two worthwhile charities while they learn.”

In addition to the board game sales, the Hall will also be hosting its annual induction this summer at Lambeau Field.

Here’s the pertinent information:

The 43rd Annual Induction Banquet will to be held the evening of July 20, 2013, in the Lambeau Field Atrium. Former players Chris Jacke and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, and contributor Emil Fischer will become the newest members of the Hall that evening. 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 $135 each. To purchase tickets, call Gwen Borga at (920) 965-6984, or e-mail her atgwenb@packershalloffame.com. No refunds are available 30 days prior to the event.

Edward Fritsch, a 90-year-old Packers fan and World War II veteran, was honored Tuesday as the newest member of the Green Bay Packers Fan Hall of Fame.

Edward Fritsch, a War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient was honored Tuesday as the newest member of the Green Bay Packers Fan Hall of Fame after garnering the most votes in the online contest held each year.

A Sheboygan man one month shy of his 91st birthday is the newest member of the Green Bay Packers Fan Hall of Fame.

Edward Fritsch, a veteran of World War II and Purple Heart recipient, was named the 15th member of the Fan Hall of Fame during a ceremony Tuesday at Lambeau Field.

Fans voted on a field of 10 finalists, with Fritsch, a season ticket-holder since the 1950s, getting the most votes.

Just a month shy of his 91st birthday, he is the second-oldest member of the Fan Hall of Fame.

“He’s been going to Packers games for well over 50 years, probably 60 years, starting when they were still playing at East High School,” Randall Pfister, Fritsch’s friend and the person who nominated him.

Part of Pfister’s nomination letter reads as follows:

On Packers home game days, Ed routinely goes to the Tundra Tent before the game and gets the autograph of the Packer Alumni player on his cap. He has filled up many caps over the years, and was surprised this year when Aaron Taylor asked him for his autograph first to thank him for his years of support. For more than 25 years, Ed has been a very regular attendee at the home games, including still going to about five of the seven “green ticket” games each year. A great sports fan, Ed can be seen wearing either Packers or St. Louis Cardinals clothing nearly every day of the year.

It was Fritsch’s father-in-law who provided him with the season tickets many years ago – tickets which at that time cost $50 for five games.

As a routine, Fritsch takes a hat to be signed before each home game by Packers alumni players. ”The first one who signed my cap was Lou Carpenter. He played for the Packers at East High School,” Fritsch said in an interview at yesterday’s ceremony.

Among the prizes Fritsch will receiver are four club seats to a 2013 home game and a road trip for two to a 2013 Packers away game. His name will also be permanently displayed on the wall in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

“They’ll be coming to Lambeau Field or the Hall of Fame and see great-grandpa’s name forever, which is really a neat thing,” Pfister said at yesterday’s ceremony.

Fritsch was grateful for his newest honor and said that he was impressed with the other nine fans who were nominated: “Out of the ten that were nominated, there were some that were maybe more Packer backers than I am.”

But despite his modesty, Fritsch looks forward to another season of cheering on his Packers.

Here is the video provided by WBAY:

WBAY

The Super Bowl XXXI Champion Green Bay Packers

Just who is Larry Winsand and why have the Green Bay Packers said thanks to him?

It’s because he’s the man who traveled 30,000 miles across 11 states over the course of 16 years to gather a collection that’s one of a kind and will be available for viewing in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

Winsand did what most of us would say is a crazy chase – but his excursions started with a goal and expanded beyond even his expectations. You see, Winsand traveled the miles and spent the time collecting 96 autographs of players, coaches, trainers, and administrators who were on the two photographs he had of the 1996 Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

Today, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame accepted the donation of the two photographs with the autographs from Winsand.

According to the official site of the Green Bay Packers, the pictures include autographs from “President Bob Harlan, General Manager Ron Wolf, Head Coach Mike Holmgren, the entire coaching staff and 56 members of the team, as well as autographs from the Packers’ player personnel, public relations, strength and conditioning, medical and training departments.”

Originally from Mondovi, Winsand was quoted on the Packers’ site as saying,

“My original intent for this project was to capture signatures of the starting offense, defense, and coach Holmgren. So many Packers fans along the way commented on how special it would be to include the entire team, so a simple project evolved into a personal mission to include 96 members of this 1996 championship organization.

“I would like to thank the Green Bay Packers, the Hall of Fame and particularly Tom Murphy for enabling this piece of Packers History to become a permanent part of the incredible destination that is the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.”

Here’s what Tom Murphy, the Hall’s archivist and director, said:

“Larry has accomplished an incredible objective, and in so doing he has incurred a great amount of personal time and expense. For him to now donate his completed project to the Hall of Fame for all fans to enjoy is testament to his passion and loyalty to the Green Bay Packers.”

According to Murphy, here is how Winsand’s donation will be displayed:

The photos will be displayed in the Hall of Fame, along with replicas that contain printed names of the autographs as a reference for viewers. The copies of the photos will be mounted on a wooden plaque and will flank a dedication tile that was written by Winsand.

What a phenomenal task and donation by Winsand.

We here at Lombardiave.com salute him for going the extra mile(s) in making this happen.

Herb Adderley, Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer

Green Bay Packers Hall of Famers Herb Adderley and Willie Davis, in addition to President Mark Murphy had some good things to say about Dave Robinson’s selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced earlier today.

-CB Herb Adderley, 1961-69 (inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980):

“The things that made him a great linebacker were his size, speed and intelligence. Of course everyone makes mistakes, but Dave never made the same mistake twice. He was a great team player. He helped Tom Brown, our strong safety, to cover a tight end. He was one of the few linebackers in the league that could hold up the tight ends at the line of scrimmage, great tight ends like Mike Ditka and John Mackey. What people don’t realize is that Dave holding up the tight end gave Tom Brown more time to diagnose the play and to cover the tight end. It helped the defensive linemen to get in and rush the quarterback because it would throw the timing off and the quarterback would have to hold the ball longer. It also helped me when I was covering the split end.

“I have never really felt the full satisfaction for me being in the Hall of Fame without Dave being in there, and I would have felt the same way if Willie Davis wasn’t in there. With Dave making it, it solidifies my feelings about the three of us and how we played together, shutting down the run and the pass. Whenever I talk to Willie or Dave, it always comes up, how we shut down the left side of the field. It gives me tremendous satisfaction because Dave is a very dear friend of mine.”

Packers Hall of Famer Willie Davis

-DE Willie Davis, 1960-69 (inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981):

“With him as the left outside linebacker and me as the left defensive end, we lined up next to each other for a lot of years, and I never played with someone that was more knowledgeable. In many ways, he kind of set the pattern for a linebacker in Green Bay for a while. I would say that the greatest thing about him was how physical he was. I can tell you right now, there wasn’t a tight end that didn’t have great respect for Dave. They gave him that respect because of how he played. No one was better at holding up a tight end. I used to tell Dave all of the time, ‘Keep him off, keep him off.’

“He is very deserving and should have been in a long time ago. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be as appreciative as anyone who has ever been elected. It is a great moment for me to have Dave chosen. It is a fulfillment of something almost as important as if it was me personally. I think Dave was so overdue and it is so right for him to enjoy that hallowed ground called the Hall of Fame.”

Packers President Mark Murphy
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Packers President Mark Murphy

“On behalf of the Green Bay Packers, I want to congratulate Dave on his well-deserved election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was such a vital part of those great defenses in the 1960s that helped the team win NFL championships and Super Bowl titles under Vince Lombardi. Dave’s contributions to the Packers have not been limited to the field, as he has also been a great ambassador for the organization over the years. We are thrilled that he received this honor.”

Dave Robinson was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame 50 years after being selected as a rookie out of Penn State in 1963.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Dave Robinson, a linebacker who played for Vince Lombardi in the 1960s, and finished his career, along with Lombardi, as a Washington Redskin, was selected this afternoon as one of two senior nominees after more than 30 years of eligibility. Robinson and Curly Culp were both selected today as senior members to the Hall.

Robinson was selected out of Penn State by Lombardi in the first round as the 14th overall pick in the 1963 Draft.He was also drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the American Football League draft, but ended up signing with the Packers.

He was a three-time Pro Bowler and 1-time First-Team All-Pro. He played 12 years, 10 with Green Bay. He started at left outside linebacker in three consecutive NFL championship wins, 1965-67 … He was the starting outside linebacker in the Packers’ victories in Super Bowls I and II.

The athletic Robinson intercepted 27 passes during his career and is best known for pressuring Dallas Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith into an interception in the end zone on the final play of the 1966 championship game to seal the win for the Packers.

Another interesting statistic of Robinson’s was that he returned seven kickoffs for 80 yards … ah yes, those were the days.

In addition to Robinson and Culp, others selected to the Hall today are Coach Bill Parcells, Minnesota Vikings WR Cris Carter, Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp, Dallas Cowboys OL Larry Allen, and OL Jonathan Ogden.

Dave Robinson in the tunnel at Lambeau Field just before being introduced prior to the Packers vs. Vikings game.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Today, Saturday, Feb. 2, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet to pare down the list of finalists to be elected to the 2013 Class.

The announcement of those selected from a group of 17 finalists will be made tomorrow, Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, at 4:30 p.m. CST (5:30 p.m. EST).

To be elected, a finalist must receive 80 percent of the vote. Rules stipulate that between four and seven members can be inducted at one time and no more than five modern-day nominees can be elected in a given year.

Among the 17 are one longtime Green Bay Packers great and one who has strong current ties with the team.

Dave Robinson, a linebacker who played for Vince Lombardi in the 1960s, and finished his career, along with Lombardi, as a Washington Redskin, has been nominated for the first time as a senior candidate after more than 30 years of eligibility.

Kevin Greene (center) with linebackers Clay Matthews III and Frank Zombo during a recent game at Lambeau Field. Greene, one of 17 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is the Packers outside linebackers coach.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Kevin Greene, the Packers current outside linebackers coach and the man who has guided Clay Matthews III to stardom, is also among the finalists. He started his career with the Los Angeles Rams, and also played in Pittsburgh, Carolina, and San Francisco.

Robinson was selected out of Penn State by Lombardi in the first round as the 14th overall pick in the 1963 Draft.He was also drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the American Football League draft, but ended up signing with the Packers.

He was a three-time Pro Bowler and 1-time First-Team All-Pro. He played 12 years, 10 with Green Bay. He started at left outside linebacker in three consecutive NFL championship wins, 1965-67 … He was the starting outside linebacker in the Packers’ victories in Super Bowls I and II.

The athletic Robinson intercepted 27 passes during his career and is best known for pressuring Dallas Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith into an interception in the end zone on the final play of the 1966 championship game to seal the win for the Packers.

Another interesting statistic of Robinson’s was that he returned seven kickoffs for 80 yards … ah yes, those were the days.

Greene was one of the linebackers in the 1980s who used speed to turn the position into a consistent sack threat. His presence was always on the minds of offensive linemen and offensive coordinators as he was always a threat, like Lawrence Taylor, to disrupt an offense and to get to the quarterback.

NFL fans will remember Greene for his long, flowing golden hair. Packers fans will remember Greene as a member of the Carolina Panthers in 1996 who came into Lambeau Field on a frigid afternoon in January for the NFC Championship Game won by the Packers to propel them to their first Super Bowl since 1967.

Greene was drafted in the 5th round (113th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played 15 years in the league, eight of them with the Rams, three with Pittsburgh, one with San Francisco and four with Carolina. He played in 228 games and started 176. He recorded 160 sacks, had five interceptions, forced 23 fumbles, had 26 fumble recoveries, and made 669 tackles. He scored three touchdowns in his career, one on an interception return and two on fumble recover returns.

 Here is the complete list of the 17 finalists:

Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila joins kicker Chris Jacke and former team president Emil Fischer as the newest inductees to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

A powerful speed rushing defensive end, a dead-eye field goal kicker and a former team president will all be joining the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame this coming July

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Chris Jacke and Emil Fischer, it was announced today, will be inaugurated in July.

The team’s all-time leading sacker, Gbaja-Biamila, ended his career in 2008 with 74½. He had 10 or more sacks per season starting in 2001 and continuing until 2004. In 2005, he even posted a four-sack game against the Chicago Bears.

Playing his college career at San Diego State, Gbaja-Biamila turned in his warm-weather clothing for long johns after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2000 draft by the Packers. By the time of his final season with the team in 2008, Gbaja-Biamila had played in 132 games.

Chris Jacke played the bulk of his career with the Green Bay Packers, but also kicked for the Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals.

Kicker Chris Jacke was one of the most popular kickers to play for the Packers in the past 90 ears. He is third on the Packers’ all-time scoring list with 820 points, and was a team scoring leader seven times. His strong leg became legendary as he cranked through 17 50-plus yard field goals during his career. In 1993, he was successful six times from 50 yards and out.

His five field goals in a single game is still a team record – he did it on two separate occasions. Selected in the sixth round of the 1989 draft, Jacke kicked in college at Texas-El Paso. He played in 133 games for the team, including Super Bowl XXXI.

Emil Fischer began his affiliation with the team in 1926, when he joined the team’s board of directors. According to published reports, Fischer became a member of the executive committee in 1935, served as team president from 1948-52 and was chairman of the board from 1953 until his death in 1958. The team also credits Fischer with maintaining the Packers’ status in the NFL during the league’s absorption of franchises from the All-America Football Conference in 1949, as well as during Curly Lambeau’s resignation in 1950.

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for July 20 in the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Tickets for the banquet are $135 each, with tables of 10 available for $1,300. Call 920-965-6984 or email gwenb@packershalloffame.com for ticket information.

John Brockington
Photo courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Gosh, for us old-timers it seems like yesterday, but the good (or maybe bad) thing about the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is that they constantly remind us how fast time goes – especially when it comes to Packers history.

It was on this date in 1972 – yes folks, that’s 40 years ago – the Packers under the guidance of head coach Dan Devine, took up residence for the weekend in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to prepare for their playoff game to be played that weekend against the Washington Redskins.

For those of you who don’t remember, it was an exciting season for Packers fans as Devine and quarterback Scott Hunter led the Packers to a 10-4 record, mostly because of the running exploits of rookie John Brockington. The high-stepping boulder of a man led the Packers in rushing that season with 274 attempts for 1,027 yards. However, it was his work in the backfield that was complemented by MacArthur Lane  who carried the ball 177 times of another 821 yards – a 4.6 yard average.

Now don’t laugh, but Hunter’s statistics paled in comparison to the pass-happy stats put up in today’s NFL – he completed 86 passes in 199 attempts – a 43.2 percent completion rate – FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON! Granted, it was only a 14-game season, but those stats in today’s game would be an embarrassment. Back then, it was good enough to lead a team into the playoffs.

The season all came to an end on Christmas Eve when the Redskins defeated the Packers 16-3. Played at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the Packers and Redskins played to a scoreless tie after the first quarter, but the Skins took a 10-3 lead into halftime and held the Packers in check the rest of the way.

Hunter was 12 of 24 in the game for 150 yards, mainly because the Packers couldn’t mount a running game. Brockington ran 13 times for nine yards and though Lane 14 attempts for 56 yards, 22 of them came on a single attempt.

The Redskins stats weren’t too much better: quarterback Billy Kilmer was 7 of 14 for 100 yards, but it was the run game behind Larry Brown’s 101 yards on 25 carries that was the difference.

Here’s the story as presented by the Packers Hall of Fame … take a look and remember …

Road Trip: Packers Arrive in North Carolina for Playoff Game

Dec. 19, 1972 – For the first time in nearly five years, Green Bay takes to the road for a great cause: the playoffs. Capturing their first NFC Central Division title since Vince Lombardi’s final year as Packers coach (1967), the team travels to Winston-Salem, North Carolina where it will prepare to face the Washington Redskins in a divisional playoff game on Christmas Eve. “We’ll have more squad meetings that we normally would,” Packers coach Dan Devine says. “After all, we’ll have everybody together…all the time.” Devine says he chose Winston-Salem because it was better suited for total concentration. “It’s going to take the same kind of effort we had against Detroit and Minnesota to beat Washington,” he says. “Anything less won’t do.” Unfortunately for Green Bay, its effort is not enough as the Redskins triumph 16-3.

Gilbert Brown …
Photograph courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

You probably have never seen this, but if you are a Green Bay Packers fan this is a must-see.

Gilbert “The Grave Digger” Brown was known for his toughness on the field and for his run stuffing abilities in the middle of a defensive line that included Sean Jones and, of course, Reggie White. Those were the days when that line was holding Barry Sanders to zero (yes, that’s ZERO) yards in a playoff game. It was one of the best lines ever to take the field for the Green Bay Packers.

A couple of days ago, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame released this video of Gilbert Brown accepting his rightful place in the team’s Hall.

He says it all. There’s nothing else I can say in his stead.

Give it a watch by clicking here …

If so, you might want to take a few moments and go to the Packers website and complete the nomination process, which must be completed online this year.

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, the first of its kind among National Football League teams, started the fan nomination was started in 1998 because of the intense devotion and dedication of so many of the team’s fans. Known as the FAN Hall of Fame honoree, it was first given to Mel Knoke that first year.

Since then there have been 13 more who have been inducted. In all, 10 have been from Wisconsin, with the other four from out of state.

The nomination phase is under way and will continue through Dec. 21.

Fans again are being asked to nominate themselves, a relative or friend for the honor in an essay of 500 words or less, describing the merits of the nominee. Each nomination should be accompanied by a photo – a copy of the original photo should be submitted in case of damage or loss.

A selection committee will then narrow the field down to 10 finalists who will have their profiles placed onto the Packers website. The final selection will be made by three different groups: Fans (50 percent), the Packers committee (30 percent) and previous honoree votes (20 percent).

While all the voting will be done via the Web, fans without Internet access will also be allowed to submit nominations: Green Bay Packers FAN Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628, or drop them off at the Lambeau Field Atrium (1265 Lombardi Avenue).

In addition to having the honor of a place in the Packers Hall of Fame, the winner will also be awarded four club seats to a 2013 Packers home game; a $500 Packers Pro Shop gift certificate; a road trip for two to a 2013 Packers away game, including game ticket, air fare and hotel accommodation; and a one-year subscription to Packer Plus.

The complete list of past winners are as follows:

Past honorees include: (1999) Mel Knoke, Appleton, Wis.; (2000) Louis Gardipee, Black River Falls, Wis.; (2001) Ed Jablonski, Wausau, Wis.; (2002) Paul Mazzoleni, Green Bay; (2003) Wanda Boggs, Brookfield, Wis.; (2004) Sister Isaac Jogues Rousseau, Milwaukee; (2005) Dorothy Hanke, Milwaukee; (2006) Kathy Lazzaro, Milwaukee; (2007) Rich Barbera, River Vale, N.J; (2008) Richard ‘Ike’ Eisenhauer, Wauwatosa, Wis.; (2009) Allan Hale, Green Bay; and (2010) Jim Becker, Racine, Wis.; (2011) Tom Little, Mount Sterling, Ill.; and (2012) Rick Steele, Greensburg, Pa.

So, don’t hesitate. Get moving and fill out the application.

James Lofton was back at Lambeau Field to cover a Packers vs. Vikings game in 2010. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It was a fact about Hall of Famer James Lofton that I may have known at one time, but was quickly reminded by the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame post yesterday.

Wide receiver James Lofton took a step back in time Nov. 9, 1980 by agreeing to play safety for Bart Starr’s team late in a game. He even made a tackle and was credited for an assist on a tackle.

Considering his value to the team at his offensive position, it was quite a surprise that Starr utilized him on defense, too. However, given his overall athletic abilities, it’s not sup rising that Starr sent him out on defense.

The following is the post by the Hall of Fame – a site that’s chocked full of Packers history. You might want to check the site out sometime. It’s a real joy.

And while you’re at it, Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

For Safety’s Sake: Packers James Lofton Gets Defensive

Nov. 9, 1980 – Two-way players, already on the way out during the days of Bart Starr the player (1956-71) were almost impossible to find during the nine years of Starr the Packers coach (1975-83). On this November afternoon in a 23-16 win over the 49ers at Milwaukee County Stadium, Starr unveils James Lofton, wide receiver and part-time safety. The veteran wideout, who catches eight passes for 146 yards, is utilized as the deep man on five plays when the team shifts into an unorthodox 3-1-7 defense. Lofton is credited with one tackle and one assisted tackle. “You know, I went both ways in high school,” Lofton says.

Oct 1, 2011; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles former quarterback Brett Favre talks on television for Comcast Sports Southeast before the start of the game against the Rice Owls at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

On this very day in Green Bay Packers history, Brett Favre made his first official start against the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading the Packers to a 17-3 victory.

In the process of winning, Favre also posted an impressive quarterback rating – one of the best ratings in team history.

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame provides this Packers day in history post each and every day. If you’re into remembering all the good – and bad – things that have occurred over the past 94 years, revisit their page daily.

But without further adieu … enjoy this blast to the past.

Oh, and don’t forget to like lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Simply Favrelous: Brett Makes First NFL Start

Sept. 27, 1992 – Brett Favre makes his first NFL start at quarterback one week after leading the Green Bay Packers to an exciting, last-minute, 24-23 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. This time the cannon-armed field general disposes of the Pittsburgh Steelers, 17-3, to even the team’s record at 2-2. “Today he played like a veteran,” Steelers safety Carnell Lake says of the Packers’ young quarterback. “He showed that he knows what he’s doing out there.” Favre is on target completing 14 of 19 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. His passer rating of 144.6 is one of the best in team history.

But that was short-lived.

There are many reasons, but today’s Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame posting for “Today in Packers History” gives us a glimpse into one of them.

Maybe it was the sign of the times, but Devine surely couldn’t see what was ahead of him as far as ways of doing things in the NFL.

Take a look at the post and draw your own conclusions about Devine’s statements and consider how different the NFL would be today if coaches continued the policy espoused by Devine.

Packers Quarterbacks Find Their Calling

August 1, 1972 – Green Bay Packers coach Dan Devine stresses that play calling will remain the quarterback’s responsibility even with Bart Starr on board as the team’s quarterbacks coach.

“It’s not sound coaching,” Devine says about calling the game from the sidelines. “I’ve always believed that the quarterback will do a better job on his own. Eventually, I’d like our quarterbacks to be entirely on their own.”

Devine believes Starr will be of great value to his young quarterbacks: Scott Hunter (24), Frank Patrick (25), Jerry Tagge (22) and Charles Napper (23). “These players must be disciplined to study film and defenses, and there’s no better person to teach them than Bart,” Devine says.

When coach Mike McCarthy took over in 2006 Brett Favre went out on a limb, calling that edition of the Packers the most talented he had known. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Many of us remember the mid-90s and the resurgence of the Green Bay Packers. Many of us thought this was a team of destiny … there was even talk of a dynasty – that is until the team lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII and Ron Wolf deemed the team a “fart in the wind.”

That stretch of teams from 1995-98 may be the best teams with which Brett Favre may have been associated.

However, it wast until 2006 that Favre was really excited  - and as we all know, he was right to be excited. He called it the most talented team he had been around. What was unusual at the time was that the Packers were coming off a really bad season – the season that saw head coach Mike Sherman get axed.

Today’s Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame posting for today remembers Favre’s excitement.

In the meantime, check out the Hall’s post below or go to their website here.

Brett Favre Labels ’06 Packers Team Most Talented

July 31, 2006 – “I really feel, as far as talent is concerned, this is the most talented team that I’ve been part of as a whole.”

That statement, coming from Brett Favre early in training camp, has reporters and fans alike scratching their heads. This from a quarterback who just months earlier was wondering if it was worth returning to the Green Bay Packers for a 15th season after a 4-12 finish in 2005 cost coach Mike Sherman his job.

Though he claims the team is talent-laden, Favre further notes that it is also “the most unproven, inexperienced team that I’ve ever played on. The Packers finish 8-8 under first-year coach Mike McCarthy in 2006.

Former Packers President Bob Harlan

With Mike Holmgren set for induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame this weekend, we look back along with the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame on what former team president Bob Harlan had to say about the former Packers coach’s decision to leave.

In two words: Not happy.

But Harlan understood what Holmgren wanted and allowed him the opportunity. What’s ironic is that had Harlan known the status of former GM Ron Wolf, he would have moved to keep Holmgren.

Read what Harlan has to say in this posting by the Packers Hall of Fame.

Now there may be a few fans remaining who had the privilege of watching these men play the game, but certainly the majority of us can only relive their exploits through grainy film and black and white pictures.

This video, which is in color, includes a couple of minutes of Hutson, in his thick southern accent, describing the skills of the quarterbacks.

Take a couple of minutes to enjoy his thoughtful stories and descriptions. You won’t be disappointed.

Wally Cruice – every hear of him?

Nope, me either.

However, he was a valuable scout for the Green Bay Packers who worked under eight different Green Bay Packers coaches, from Lambeau to Starr.

On this day in Packers history, Cruice retired from his scouting job with the team to spend even more time on his full-time business – sounds like a pretty ambitious guy.

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame provides a bit of information about him in their daily “history” piece about the team … you can also find out more about Cruice at this Wikipedia page.

Packers Scout Cruice Retires

June 14, 1977 – Wally Cruice, a game-day scout who served under eight Packers head coaches, announces he is winding up a 31-year career with the team. Cruice, who reported on the opposition for Curly Lambeau, Gene Ronzani, Lisle Blackbourn, Scooter McLean, Vince Lombardi, Phil Bengtson, Dan Devine and Bart Starr, will devote more energy to his full-time business – Pohlman Studios in Milwaukee – where he is company president. “I want some free time to myself. I want to be able to go to a football game in the fall, enjoy myself and not be working,” Cruice says.

Ted Hendricks as a Packer in 1974

Ted Hendricks – his time in Green Bay is a simple blip on his Hall of Fame career. After spending the 1974 with the Packers, Hendricks decided to look elsewhere for employment – a fact that is highlighted in today’s Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame “Today in Packers History.”

After blocking seven kicks for the Packers in 1974, Hendricks was one of those itinerant players in the 1970s who considered Green Bay the last outpost in the National Football League. He may have seen the writing on the wall and wanted out. Those were disturbing times for Packers fans as the franchise really struggled on and off the field. It’s good to be able to look back on those dark days with the past 20 years of success in hand.

Anyway, here’s what the Packers Hall of Fame wrote about Hendricks:

Ted Hendricks Looking Elsewhere

June 13, 1975 – The business agent for Ted Hendricks, the towering, 6-foot-7 inch linebacker who blocked seven kicks for the Green Bay Packers in 1974, acknowledges he is looking at other teams to employ his client in 1975. “I talked to the Dolphins last Tuesday,” Miami businessman Tony Roberts says. “But we’re actually further along in our negotiations with some other teams. Three other NFL clubs and one in the WFL (World Football League) have entered pretty seriously into the picture.” Hendricks eventually signs with Oakland where he enjoys a nine-year career with the Raiders. In 1990, Hendricks is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Aaron Rodgers sporting the 1929 blue jersey worn by the team the past couple of years. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Many of us will remember when the NFL started allowing teams to wear their favorite throwback uniforms.

In 1994, the Packers elected to outfit the team with the 1937 Uniforms that brought back the blue jerseys and gold pants. Many were appalled to see the Green and Gold go back to the blues. I, for one, loved them … but then again, I’m a strange one because I also loved the 1929 uniforms the Packers have worn the past two  years. Most thought they were hideous. To me, topped with the chocolate brown helmets, I thought they were a thing of beauty.

Anyway, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame has used their “Today in Packers History” to take a look at the team photo from 1994 with the squad wearing the 1937 uniforms.

Take a look and enjoy …

Packers Throw Back to the Past June 7, 1994 - The Green Bay Packers announce they will wear replicas of their 1937 home uniforms for four games in 1994 as the NFL celebrates its 75th anniversary. The team will don throwback outfits for games against the Eagles (Sept. 18), the Buccaneers (Sept. 25), the Patriots (Oct. 2) and the Bears (Oct. 31). The uniforms are described as consisting of “a navy blue jersey with a yellow shoulder panel and yellow numbers on the front and back. The pants are canvas in color and the stockings will be white, yellow and blue. The helmet will be yellow with a blue cage.”   Photo of Packers Throwback Jerseys in 1994

If you don’t know already, former Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike Holmgren will be inducted at this summer’s ceremony.

The winner of the contest will receive two free tickets to the induction ceremony planned to be held Saturday, July 21, with the cash bar opening at 4:30 p.m. and the dinner and program starting at 7 p.m.

The Hall of Fame is expecting about 1,200 people to attend the program to be held in the Atrium at Lambeau Field.

Here is some of the information presented by the Hall:

Some of the Packer greats to attend the banquet in past years include Jerry Kramer, Ron Wolf, Gilbert Brown, Boyd Dowler, Bart Starr and Ahman Green. In addition to the legends sure to attend this year’s event, players and coaches from Holmgren’s Green Bay teams are expected to be on hand.

Enter to win a chance to be part of this historic evening honoring one of the Packers finest coaches. Holmgren’s accomplishments with the Packers include:

• Super Bowl XXXI champion
• Two-time NFC champion
• Three NFC Central championships
• Seven consecutive winning seasons
• Six consecutive playoff berths
• Club-record 25 consecutive home-field victories
• Consecutive 13-win seasons
• Third-most wins in franchise history (84)
• .667 winning percentage
• One of only three coaches to achieve one postseason win in five consecutive seasons

The winner of the Packers Induction Banquet Giveaway doesn’t just get to be part of Packers history, they’ll also receive two passes to the Packers Hall of Fame.

For the first time, PackersHallofFame.com will be making DVDs of the induction banquet available to the public for only $14.95. To reserve your advance copy of Mike Homgren’s induction ceremony, please enter your information here.

As an added bonus, anyone who pre-orders a copy of the DVD will also receive four free waterpark passes to Mt. Olympus Water Park in Wisconsin Dells (a $120 value). The promotion is valid May 26-July 1, 2012.

Everyone who enters the contest receives free access to the PackersHallofFame.com newsletters — This Date In Packers History and The Quotes of Vince Lombardi.

There is no cost to enter. Just fill out the form below or mail in your entry (Rules). Only one entry per person. The random drawing will occur on Friday, June 8, 2012 and the winner will be notified at that time.

To see the ruled of the contest, click here …

In honor of our newly redesigned website (http://packershalloffame.com/) we’ve decided to extend the Packers Hall of Fame Induction Banquet contest for one week. The contest has been extended to June 8.

The winner will receive two passes to see former coach Mike Holmgren inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame.

If you haven’t signed up, the time is now! To enter, just visit: http://packershalloffame.com/contest/.

Monty
Packers Hall of Fame
montym@packershalloffame.com
http://www.packershalloffame.com