Driver and his partner Peta Murgatroyd – or is it the other way around - received a total score of 28 from judges Carrie Ann Inaba (9), Len Goodman (9) and Bruno Tonioli (10). That puts them in a great position to continue toward the finals.

What’s exciting about this particular dance is the special guests that flash on the screen at the 2:39 mark of the video. Packers fans will get a kick out of this.

Driver excelling on the dance floor - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Nov 20, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) takes some water before the game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE

If interested in rubbing elbows with Clay Matthews and learning the game of football at the same time, you might want to check out his football camp being sponsored by Bellin Health and Associated Bank.

The most recent press release sent out to promote the camp proclaims there are only a few spots left, so don’t hesitate if interested.

Here’s the release:

Only a few spots remain at the Bellin Health Clay Matthews Football ProCamp presented by Associated Bank!

The two-day event is June 10^th-11^th at Ashwaubenon High School. Day 1 is from 1:00PM-4:30PM and Day 2 is from 9:00AM-12:30PM.

Matthews will be on site the entire camp to direct camp activities and provide instruction. He will be joined by a selection of the top prep and college coaches from the Green Bay area.

The camp is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 14 and focuses on the team concept and fundamentals of football. Groups will be small to ensure that each camper gets personalized instruction. Matthews will also give daily talks highlighting the finer points of the game of football and beyond.

Each camper receives an autographed camp team photo with Matthews, exclusive camp T-shirt, goodie bag with over $145 worth of merchandise, and the opportunity to win additional prizes. Cost of the ProCamp is $199.

Additional camp partners include Sargento, WLUK and 107.5 The Fan.

Additional information and registration is available by visiting www.claymatthewscamp.com or by calling 888-389-CAMP (2267).

Clay Matthews camp filling up – sign up now - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Folks of all ages will attend the 12th annual Packers Family Night set for Aug. 3 this year. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

While the Green Bay Packers are formalize the final training camp complete schedule, they announced today the Packers Family Night will once again be held.

Despite several years of rain-soaked family nights and changes in the training camp schedule that many felt would bring about an end to the annual event, the Packers have set Friday, Aug. 3 as the date for the 12th straight Family Night.

Ticket prices are the same and the schedule of events is basically the same again this year for those who would like to attend.

The Packers public relations department issued the following release:

‘PACKERS FAMILY NIGHT, PRESENTED BY BELLIN HEALTH,’ SET FOR FRIDAY, AUG. 3 

Event to Benefit Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Program

The Green Bay Packers announced today that ‘Packers Family Night, presented by Bellin Health,’ will take place Friday evening, Aug. 3. The event will benefit the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids foster care adoption program, a signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Now in its 12th year, ‘Family Night’ will feature an intra-squad scrimmage between the Packers’ offense and defense. Evening activities get underway in the stadium at 5:30 p.m., followed by on-field football drills at 6:30 and the scrimmage at approximately 7:30.

Tickets, priced at $10, will go on sale June 25 at 9 a.m. and be available through Ticketmaster and may be purchased in person, over the phone or via the internet. Tickets also can be purchased at the Packers’ ticket office in person. There is no ticket limit on purchases. All individuals, regardless of age, require a ticket for admittance.

A group ticket program (minimum of 50 tickets) will be offered again. The application form is available online at www.packers.com, in person at the Packers ticket office or can be requested to be faxed by calling 920/569-7501. Group ticket orders are restricted to approved groups and organizations, and are to be used for the sole purpose of accommodating a group or organizational outing. Resale is prohibited.

Included in the evening’s activities will be the popular Chili’s “Jerseys Off Our Backs” promotion with approximately 20 jerseys – all of which will have been worn by Packers players in the just-completed scrimmage – to be given away in a random drawing.

The Kemps Packers Experience returns this year. The evening will feature other activities for the younger fans, including sidewalk chalk and face painting.

The Copps-Pick ’n Save Family Night Picnic also returns and the spectacular Copps-Pick ’n Save Fireworks Show will conclude the night.

Parking for the event will be $5, with net proceeds to be donated to the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Program.

In case of inclement weather, no refunds will be issued unless all stadium activities – from 5:30 p.m. until the end of the fireworks show – are cancelled.

For fans not attending the event, WLUK-TV FOX 11 again will originate a statewide telecast. In addition to Green Bay, the event will be televised on WITI-TV in Milwaukee, WMSN-TV in Madison, WFXS-TV in Wausau, WLAX-TV in La Crosse and WEUX-TV in Eau Claire. It will be hosted by Drew Smith and other members of the Fox 11 sports and news staffs.

The entire training camp schedule is being finalized and will be released in the near future.

Packers set Family Night for Aug. 3 - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

This is a story that few know about. It might surprise you that head coach Dan Devine wasn’t such a screw-up after all. At least he got things right when he made this move.

Lane and John Brockington would go on to form one of the best running back tandems in Packers history.

Enjoy this piece …

Packers history: Devine inks Lane at shareholders’ meeting - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

But I digress …

In today’s look back in Packers history, Ronzani names an ends coach to round out his staff

Dick Plasman to Coach Packers’ Ends     May 13, 1950 - Gene Ronzani, still looking to fill out his coaching staff three months after being named the second head coach in Packers history, tabs Dick Plasman as his end coach. Plasman, like Ronzani, is a former Chicago Bear, and the two were teammates for three seasons (1937-38, 1944). A year before coming to Green Bay, Plasman served as an assistant coach with the Chicago Cardinals.       Photo of Gene Ronzani

This date in Packers history: Ronzani fills out his staff - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Enjoy …

John Dorsey Announces Two Packers’ Signings

 
May 12, 1987 – John Dorsey, in Green Bay for off-season workouts, reveals that he and teammate Keith Uecker have signed their contracts to play for the Packers in the upcoming season. The linebacker, who started nine games in 1986, but finished the year as a reserve, says that he and Uecker, an offensive lineman, are the only two free agents from the 1986 club to have signed contracts. Dorsey’s chat with the media comes one day after Tom Braatz, the Packers’ executive vice president of football operations, says the team will not announce the signings of veteran free agents as it had done in the past. “It doesn’t help in negotiations,” he explains.

Uecker, no not Bob, and John Dorsey sign with Packers on this day in history - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson announced the signing of seven rookie draft choices. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers have officially announced the signing of seven of their draft choices and several of their undrafted rookie free agents, staying on task with all other 31 National Football League teams that have made quick work in signing rookies because of the changes is the CBA and the rookie salary cap.

Those changes made holdouts and long negotiations with rookies a thing of the past.

Below you will find the official press release sent out by the Packers with the announcement of all signings to date …

PACKERS SIGN SEVEN DRAFT CHOICES

The Green Bay Packers signed seven of their draft choices. The signings were announced Friday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Packers announce signings of rookies - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

You can bet Kevin Greene is going to be fired up today when he and the other Packers' coaches get a look at the rookie class during the orientation session starting today. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The members of the Green Bay Packers’ coaching staff are drooling this morning as they get defensive.

Fresh legs, fresh bodies, young players itching to get going will certainly have Mike McCarthy and his minions wide-eyed and ready to teach.

That’s because all of the Packers rookies – signed or unsigned – are in Green Bay today for the start of the Packers’ rookie orientation camp. And a large majority of the players in camp will be defensive players. The Packers went defense in last week’s draft in hopes of improving the 32nd (yes folks, that’s dead last) defense from a year ago.

Signed already are Michigan State defensive lineman Jerel Worthy and defensive back Jerron McMillian of Maine.

Not only are the members of the Packers staff ready to go, everyone I’ve talked to have been champing at the bit to see those guys wearing yellow helmets with the G on it running around on the field – especially considering the way the Brewers have been playing lately.

Time to get excited folks, if you haven’t already caught the football bug.

Packers Rookies hit the field today - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

On this date in 1972, Nitschke signed a contract for a 15th season with the team.

Courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, this post describes how Nitschke signed his final contract with the team after returning from a vacation in Hawaii.

Enjoy …

Ray Goes For 15   May 10, 1972 - Ray Nitschke, already the senior most defensive player in Packers history, signs a contract to play a 15th season with the team. The veteran middle linebacker inks his new pact after returning from a vacation in Hawaii. “He’s in excellent condition and has a great attitude,” Packers coach Dan Devine says. “We feel he can make a great contribution to the team next year. People like Nitschke and (Bart) Starr are an inspiration and example to our younger people.” Nitschke’s last year with Green Bay is memorable as the Packers finish 10-4 and make the playoffs for the first time in five years. Photo of Ray Nitschke

Packers history: Ray Nitschke goes for 15 years - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Donald Driver has provided years of highlights for the Green Bay Packers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The National Football League is cruel; it’s a business first and foremost – even for players as beloved as Donald Driver.

The Packers‘ veteran wide receiver who is currently still alive on the popular television dance contest Dancing with the Stars, may be the odd man out when it comes to earning a spot on the Packers’ 2012 roster.

And as difficult it might be in imagining Driver in another uniform, that day may be coming sooner than we realize.

When asked about whether Driver could be returning for the final year of  his contract and his 14th year in the league, both head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson declined to comment. Their lack of commitment is telling.

Why not bring him back? Because success in the NFL isn’t determined by the heart. It’s determined by youth, skill and numbers. In this case, Driver’s time with the Packers is running out not because of a lack of skill, but because of his age and being among a large number of really talented players who have huge upsides.

Realistically, Driver has one year left in him, maybe two. The Packers simply cannot risk losing one or two of their younger talents because they love Driver. They must keep Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and Randall Cobb.

We all love Donald Driver. Next to Aaron Rodgers, his face is as much a part of the Packers franchise as anyone’s. He does funny television commercials, he dances with the stars, his smile is infectious.

Donald Driver: End of an era? - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

John Brockington on a collision course with Dick Butkus. Photo courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

One of the Packers all-time best running backs signed his rookie contract – John Brockington.

Packers fans – no, football fans – will remember this guy. He carried the ball north-south, his knees and powerful legs pounding the earth and any defensive player attempting to tackle him.

One of the best draft choices by former Packers head coach Dan Devine, Brockington brought a renewed running game to Green Bay and would go on to several years of success.

This day in Packers history is brought to you by the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

Today in history – John Brockington signs with Packers - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Aaron Rodgers will be recognized on Dec. 12, 2012. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

12-12-12

It’s the day that the Mayan calendar ends … some say it’s the end of the world.

But for Packers fans like Jennifer Brilowski of Stevens Point., this is not the day of reckoning, but rather a day of appreciation for one of the best players in the National Football League, if not the best.

On her Facebook account Brilowski started the movement to honor Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (#12) on Dec. 12, 2012. It was picked up by the Wisconsin State Legislature which officially passed the resolution to establish Aaron Rodgers Day in Wisconsin.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get perspective on how a career and a way of living your life can have an impact on the society you live in,” Rodgers said today in accepting the resolution.

And just what will Rodgers be doing on that day, a Wednesday, deep in the Packers season? Well, probably practicing - “Mike’s probably going to have a padded practice. I think we play the Bears that week. It will be an amped up practice,” Rodgers said.

And while there won’t be any special program or celebrations expected on that day across the state, employers will most likely encourage employees to break out their Rodgers jerseys and wear them to work.

Rodgers said he will have just one piece of equipment that will be required on that day:

“Put on the belt,” he said.

The following is a video of the Wisconsin State Legislature actually agreeing unanimously on a resolution – this one to recognize Dec. 12, 2012, as Aaron Rodgers Day in the state.

12-12-12: Day of reckoning or appreciation? - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Donald Driver is still in the competition on DWTS

While Donald Driver’s future with the Green Bay Packers is still uncertain, his run on Dancing with the Stars continues. That’s for certain.

Heading into the semifinals of DWTS, the Green Bay Packers wide receiver is still in it.

This week, Disney Channel star Roshon Fegan and actress Melissa Gilbert were eliminated from the competition as the ABC dance-off wrapped up its eighth week of competition.

That leaves Driver to compete against Singer Katherine Jenkins, actor William Levy, and TV personality Maria Menounos.

Here’s a look at Driver’s last performance:

Donald Driver still in it - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Jan 26, 1997; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Green Bay Packers defensive Leroy Butler (36) and Brian Williams (51) hit New England Patriots tight end Ben Coates (87) as Mike Prior (39) looks on during Super Bowl XXXI at the Superdome. The Packers defeated the Patriots 35-21. Mandatory Credit: US PRESSWIRE

The recent talk of moving cornerback Charles Woodson to safety is not without precedent as we see and remember with this post from the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

For it was 10 years ago on this date that the Packers announced they would be moving LeRoy Butler to safety after he started his career at cornerback.

Though he moved to safety during the early days of his career and the proposal to move Woodson to the position in the twilight of his career are the differences, the Butler move certainly paid dividends for the team. Many feel moving Woodson would also help the team and prolong his career.

Anyway, here is the posting announcing Butler’s move and the reaction by GM Ron Wolf.

Today in Packers history: Butler moves to safety - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

As the brainchild of journalist Cliff Christl, the trail is a self-guided tour where visitors will have the chance to visit the birthplace of Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi’s church, the Green Bay Press Gazette and a plethora of other historic places in and around downtown of Green Bay.

With a completion date of mid-June, the tour will include a number of historic markers that will be situated in strategic spots along the walking tour – and it all comes just in time for those who will be making their annual pilgrimage to Green Bay during the summer months, especially during training camp.

The announcement of the completion date of the trail was made today when Cristl was joined by supporters at Neville Public Museum of Brown County to announce the scheduled completion of a project he has been planning since 2009.

Even Packers president Mark Murphy was in attendance at the announcement where he was reported in the Green Bay Press Gazette as saying, “This really adds something. And we’re really excited about it.”

For more information about the walking tour, you can visit its own website, www.packersheritagetrail.com.

Packers Heritage Trail scheduled for June completion - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Aaron Rodgers is once again the focus of an ESPN program that kicks off tonight. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Aaron Rodgers will again take center stage tonight as he is the focus of the debut episode tonight of ESPN’s news magazine E:60.

The program, PROFILE:60, kicks off tonight with Rodgers as the star … the program starts at 7:30 p.m.

One has to wonder what will be revealed by the Packers‘ star quarterback that hasn’t already been uncovered by hundreds of other interviews, but I guess that’s why we want to tune in.

According to the posting this morning on ESPN’s front row page, here is how they describe the new program:

The new documentary-style format will extend E:60’s tradition of showcasing the biggest names and the best stories in sports. With 30-minute, single-topic films, PROFILE:60 will take viewers even deeper into the lives of today’s star athletes — those who made it, those who are on their way. PROFILE:60 will present stories that captivate, all told in E:60’s trademark modern, innovative, in-depth way.

From Chico, Calif. to Green Bay, from high school to college, from NFL Draft day to replacing a legend, tomorrow’s PROFILE:60 on Rodgers features an even deeper dive into his foray into the music business, his relationship and experiences with his predecessor, Brett Favre, as well as Rodgers’ friendship with a young cancer patient from Milwaukee.

Sounds interesting and something every Rodgers and Packers fan might not want to miss.

Check it out.

Rodgers profile to kick off ESPN PROFILE:60 tonight - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

The improvements to Lambeau Field have been supported by the vast majority of Packers fans. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In Wisconsin, we’re fighting over who should be governor. In Minnesota, they’re fighting to keep their professional football team.

Considering where we’re at, some may say we’re crazy here, but considering where the Minnesotans are at, we could say the same about them. So, who are we to give them advice.

Well, when it comes to politics, we may not be the brightest, but when it comes to Professional Football, we believe we know a thing or two.

For one, we know how to support our team. Recent history shows that … when it came to renovating Lambeau Field in the late 90s, the people of Brown County came through in support of a plan to recreate the granddaddy of all NFL stadiums. When it came time again this past year to take another step in improving the facility, Packers fans bought “worthless” pieces of paper stock because they loved the team. Fans realize that without the Packers in Green Bay, the hole would simply be too big to fill. The entire state would suffer, the economy would take a huge hit.

That’s why there is a team in Green Bay with 13 all-time NFL Championships and four Super Bowl titles … commitment.

Now consider what is occurring in Minnesota. The Vikings need a stadium – they need it badly. Playing in probably the worst venue in all of the National Football League, the Vikings call the Metrodome home. Whether it’s the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome or the Mall of America Dome, it’s a horrible stadium. The Twins left there years ago for a reason. The Vikings need to follow suit.

But they can’t.

Why?

Because politicians have got their gloms on their future and they have an owner who seemingly would be in Los Angeles than in Minnesota and doesn’t want to shell out the dough to keep the team in the North Division.

The fans are going crazy – you’ve got the fiscally conservative who understand the importance in keeping the team inMinnesota, but don’t want any kind of increase in taxes. On the opposite side of the aisle you’ve got those who feel building a stadium will bring much-needed jobs to the state while keeping the Vikings at home for decades to come.

The team’s fate lies in the hands of plodding politicians who seem to endorse a new plan with each passing day. The most recent plan negotiated by the governor, key lawmakers, the Minneapolis mayor and the team, according to the Associated Press, would have the Vikings cover about $427 million of the construction costs, or about 44%. The state would pay $398 million, with the money coming from an expansion of gambling. The city of Minneapolis would kick in $150 million by redirecting an existing hospitality tax.

But almost every aspect of the deal was being tested today on the House floor. A major amendment proposed in the House would cap the state’s share at $293 million, while requiring the team to come up with $532 million from private funds.

And this is just one of many proposed amendments that have been floated over the past few weeks, with more to come. While the most recent version of the bill limped through the House last night, it must also make it through the Senate with an ultimate compromise between both houses far, far from reality.

So, you see, the Vikings franchise is in deep trouble … so deep that maybe it’s time for the Packers to come forward. After all, what would the NFC North Division be without a Packers vs. Vikings rivalry? While all rivalries in the North are important, take away the Vikings and the entire league would suffer. Yes, Packers vs. Lions and Packers vs. Bears are huge, but there is a unique history of Packers vs. Vikings that would be sorely missed if Minnesota isn’t able to come together on a workable solution to bring about a new stadium.

Though it’s highly unlikely the Packers brass would come through in a financial manner for the Vikings in much the same way that George Halas did way back several decades ago when he pitched in to help a slumping Packers franchise. In this day and age, something like that would never happen. But in these days of grassroots supporters raising issues of importance, maybe it’s time for Packers fans to march on the State Capitol in St. Paul. Maybe it’s time to join arm in arm with those Vikings fans to show solidarity.

The only way to get politicians to act is hit them where it hurts them most – at the ballot box. Though we can’t vote in Minnesota, we’ve got to show Vikings fans that they’ve got to use their political power to bring about action.

In addition, they’ve got to show resolve and commitment for their team. Much like Packers fans have done through the years, Vikings fans have got to emulate what has been so successful here in Wisconsin.

They need our support, they need our attitude, they need our help.

If they don’t light a fire under their representatives and do it soon, there won’t be any need … the Vikings will be history.

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Packers fans, is it time to help the Vikings? - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Even with Aaron Rodgers' first pass in his professional career, he showed great promise. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Aaron Rodgers – his name has become the franchise. But it wasn’t always that way. Remember when he was just the backup to a guy by the name of Brett Favre?

But even in those early years when he was toiling as the backup to Favre, he had his supporters and those who believed he had what it took to become one of the best in the league.

Today’s look back in Packers history courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame considers Aaron Rodgers and how he rose from the bench to become one of the most successful in team history.

Aaron Rodgers Earns Positive Reviews  May 7, 2006 - Two members of the Packers’ new coaching staff come away impressed with the play of Aaron Rodgers. Offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski and head coach Mike McCarthy are generous in their praise of the second-year quarterback during a three-day, four-practice minicamp. “I was really pleased with Aaron,” Jagodzinski says. “Absolutely. His arm strength. The way he got that thing out. And his deep ball was good. Jagodzinski’s comments come a day after McCarthy said: “His (Rodgers’) movement qualities are something I don’t recall seeing a lot of in college. I think Aaron moves a lot better and is a lot better athlete than what people realize.” Photo of Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers: He had his early supporters - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

BTW, we follow the bad news with a product announcement by the Hall of Fame featuring none other than the “grave digger” himself, Gilbert Brown.

Adam Timmerman’s Father  Dies in ATV Accident May 6, 1998 - Adam Timmerman, the Packers’ starting right guard on its Super Bowl teams of 1996 and 1997, loses his father to an all-terrain-vehicle accident. Larry Timmerman, 51, of rural Cherokee, Iowa dies from injuries sustained a day earlier when he was thrown from an ATV while riding along a Cherokee County road.    Photo of Adam Timmerman    Today’s Featured Product:  Gilbert Brown Beating Da Bears  A photo of Gilbert Brown in his green home jersey, taking a break from his battle with the Chicago Bears. Brown was always ready to challenge any and all offensive linemen that had the unfortunate task of trying to block him. Gilbert Brown was one of the most dominant inside defensive linemen in the NFL during the latter half of the 1990”s.Brown became a fan favorite and, following a particularly brutal tackle or sack, he would pretend to don a shovel and dig a hole to “bury” the player he just crushed, thus earning him the nickname, The Grave Digger.         Gilbert Brown

Timmerman, Brown are focus of today in Packers history - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

March 16, 2012; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears new wide receiver Brandon Marshall speaks at a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-US PRESSWIRE

Given that it’s National Mental Health Awareness Month, this op-ed written by none other than Chicago Bears’ wide receiver Brandon Marshall not only sheds a whole new light on the man, but also provides insight into deep issues that go way beyond concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

It’s a social issue, wrapped in a sports phenomena, and embedded in an individual’s humanity.

Marshall’s piece has not only given me new respect for this man, I am grateful for his insight into what is happening out there in the real world.

As a society, we have to look more deeply into the issues that result in tragedies like that of Junior Seau. His death is only the tip of an iceberg, but we’ve got to have the will and the understanding to make it a wakeup call to bear down, to allocate resources and to bring this issue to the social forefront.

It’s not about just one man, nor is it about a game. It’s about gaining an understanding into the human brain and what we can do to keep these situations from occurring.

But we’re just starting. In fact, the contest hasn’t even begun, nor has the National Anthem been sung. We’re warming up and there’s four quarters ahead of us.

Do we have the will to win?

Though there are many who will continue to suffer because they don’t have the time to wait, we have to persevere and work to overcome this social injustice and lack of understanding.

In the meantime, it’s pieces like Marshall’s that will help us get there. Take a read here or below. You, too, should have a better understanding when you reach the end.

Let’s use Junior Seau tragedy as opportunity to learn

Junior Seau. Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

‘Wow! Wait? What? Junior Seau was shot? How? Why? They’re saying suicide?’’

Question after question went through my head after I heard the tragic news Wednesday.

Immediately, my heart began to hurt. What I felt was a deep pain, a deep compassion for this situation beyond Junior, his kids, his family, his teammates and his friends.

There are many people out there who are suffering and have nowhere to turn for help or are afraid because of the stigmas placed on mental health.

As I began to meditate more on Junior’s death, I began to think about this vicious cycle our world is in. The word ‘‘validate’’ started to run through my mind.

The cycle starts when we are young boys and girls. Let me illustrate it for you:

Li’l Johnny is outside playing and falls. His dad tells him to get up and be strong, to stop crying because men don’t cry.

So even from the age of 2,
our belief system begins to form this picture. We are teaching our boys not to show weakness or share any feelings or emotions, other than to be strong and tough.

Is that ‘‘validating’’?

What do we do when Li’l Susie falls? We say: ‘‘It’s OK. I’m here. Let me pick you up.’’

That’s very validating, and it’s teaching our girls that expressing emotions is OK.

We wonder why it’s so hard to bridge the communication gap between men and women.

This presented itself clearly when I was going through group therapy and was the only man in my groups. Better yet, I was there for three months, and there was only one other guy in the program.

In therapy, I learned how to express my emotions and talk about my problems, then apply it to my real life. I had to work through my entire belief system, train myself how to think, not what to think, and let go of the things that had me in bondage.

I had to bridge the gap. It wasn’t going to do it on its own. It’s a cycle.

Can you imagine how this presents itself even more so in football players?

Junior Seau, Kenny McKinley, Dave Duerson, Brandon Marshall, etc. I am the only one in that group who is living because I got help before it was too late.

In sports, those who show they are hurt or have mental weakness or pain are told: ‘‘You’re not tough. You’re not a man. That’s not how the players before you did it.’’

Someone like Junior Seau.

So your perception of a man or player gets distorted.

Focusing more on this issue, we see more and more professionals doing research on the brain and head trauma in retired athletes. I respect their science and their research on CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) and how they think it might be associated with depression and dementia, but we can’t recognize CTE until the autopsy.

We can, however, start today by treating the living. Treatments that helped me — but that I think we all can benefit from — are dialectical behavior therapy and metallization therapy.

Looking at the situation with Seau and other cases with retired athletes, I think our focus should be more on why the transition seems to be so hard after football.

As athletes, we go through life getting praised and worshipped and making a lot of money. Our worlds and everything in them — spouses, kids, family, religion and friends — revolve around us. We create a world where our sport is our life and makes us who we are.

When the game is taken away from us or when we stop playing, the shock of not hearing the praise or receiving the big bucks often turns out to be devastating. The blueprint I am creating for myself will help not only other athletes, it will help suffering people all over.

We must break the cycle, and that starts with prayer and by seeking help. By understanding the pain,
we can replace the hurt
with love.

Brandon Marshall is a wide receiver for the Bears.

Copyright © 2012 — Sun-Times Media, LLC

Brandon Marshall provides insight into the real issues - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.