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.

James Lofton had a significant amount of respect for his former coach, Forrest Gregg.

Today’s posting by the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, a post that quotes Hall of Fame wide receiver James Lofton as looking forward to a “tough camp” in 1984 is gives credence to the story that was published yesterday by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about Forrest Gregg.

With that story, JS reporter Tyler Dunne also included a blog quoting Lofton and how he felt about Gregg and his relationships with his players. Lofton reiterated his respect for the former Packers player and coach in yesterday’s story – something that comes through in his quotes below from 1984.

If you haven’t read the story posted by Dunne, you should. It’s how sports stories should be written. Check out his story here and the comments by Lofton here.

And enjoy the post below.

James Lofton Expects a Tough Camp

July 9, 1984 –James Lofton says he expects a tough training camp under new Packers coach Forrest Gregg, but isn’t concerned about it. “The guys who perform have fun at practice,” the veteran receiver says while visiting Ville du Parc Country Club in Mequon, Wisconsin to announce the third annual NFLPA Celebrity Golf Classic benefitting the March of Dimes. “Whether someone cracks a joke or someone pulls a prank on a teammate or one of the coaches. The guys who perform aren’t going to change no matter what happens.” Lofton adds: “I think what he (Gregg) was talking about are the guys who don’t push themselves.” In 1984, Lofton achieves a person best 1,361 receiving yards.