Brett Favre will no doubt pay a visit to Green Bay at some point to be honored. Just exactly when that will be is uncertain at this point.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The more he talks about it, the more likely it seems that Mark Murphy wants Brett Favre back into the Green Bay Packers family – it’s a topic that just doesn’t want to go away and won’t go away until it’s done.

In February, just a day after reports that Favre had communicated with former Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings while Jennings was in Minnesota negotiating a free agency deal to lure him away from the Packers, Murphy came out publicly with the Favre love message – saying the Packers would welcome him back into the fold with open arms.

Packers President Mark Murphy came out again Tuesday saying the Packers want Brett Favre back in the “family.”
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Murphy continued that message Tuesday during the Packers opening stop along the Tailgate Tour that is winding its way through southern Wisconsin and into Iowa this week.

According to published reports, here’s what Murphy had to say Tuesday while reiterating what he already said back in February:

“We want to have [Favre] back in the family.”

That’s not huge news to any Packers fan who has been following the situation, but it’s a statement that has raised the ire of many who can’t get over the divorce between Favre and the Packers that occurred five years ago. Though there are many who felt the Packers cut ties with Favre well before his tank was empty, more still became Favre-haters when he retired once, got traded to the New York Jets, retired again, and then decided to go play for the hated Minnesota Vikings. The fuel for more distaste of the “Ol’ Gunslinger” was thrown onto the fire even more heavily during the 2009 season when the Vikings defeated the Packers and Favre’s replacement, Aaron Rodgers, twice and Favre nearly led the Vikings to the Super Bowl. Only a Favre interception on the final Vikings play of the NFC Championship Game that season prevented that from occurring.

There was sweet justice the following season, however, when Rodgers and the Packers turned the tables, defeated Favre and the Vikings twice, and then went on to win Super Bowl XLV.

So, time does tend to heal. This past February, Favre and Rodgers appeared together on stage at the NFL Awards ceremony and there were many who saw that as the start of a healing process.

Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers were competitors and teammates for several seasons.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Now the talk of a day to honor Favre at Lambeau Field heats up – with some saying it could happen as early as this season or in 2014. Favre is scheduled to be eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the next couple of years and will most likely be inducted formally into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at some point in the near future as well.

So, let the talk continue, but let’s hope it doesn’t go on for too long. In my mind, it is time. The Packers and Favre have to hug, kiss and make up.

Curley Lambeau, the founder of the Green Bay Packers, helped establish a game that has become one of the greatest on the planet.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Profootballtalk.com has always been innovative in their look at the inner and outer workings of the NFL – and this is brought to light in their most recent delve into probing the minds of pro football fans.

Mt. Rushmore. We all know what it is and what it stands for … it honors four of America’s greatest leaders – Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.

Vince Lombardi is immortalized in stone outside the Atrium at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, in keeping with that format, profootballtalk.com is surveying fans from each of the 32 NFL teams to nominate their four best representatives. So far, the call has gone out to eight teams, including the Packers, for nominations: Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles.

C’mon, now how easy is it for teams like the Bucs, the Panthers and even the Falcons – teams that have been around for such a short time in comparison to some of the founding franchises like the Packers, Bears, Giants, Eagles, Redskins and so forth – to select their four most influential.

It’s a bit tougher for Packers fans to narrow down 94 years of players, coaches and administrators to such a small number.

But like everyone else, I’ll give it a try and I surely want to you to respond with comments below, leaving your four selections on our Facebook page, or to leave them by following us on Twitter.

There’s just one rule – everyone gets their kick at the can and there will be no comments that belittle the choices of others … understand? Everyone gets their opinion heard on this one. Keep the comments clean and to the point – thanks.

So, without belaboring the point, here’s my selections to be on Mt. Rushmore Packers. Explanations follow:

• Curly Lambeau

• Vince Lombardi

• Jerry Kramer

• Brett Favre

Jerry Kramer leads the Green Bay Sweep.

Curly Lambeau is a no-brainer – founder of the franchise; player; coach; the man who made it all possible through tough times. Without Lambeau and George Halas, there would be no National Football League. An innovator, Lambeau is the rock of the franchise. They named the greatest stadium after him for cripes sakes.

Vince Lombardi, like Lambeau, is a no-brainer. If Lambeau was the rock of the franchise, Lombardi was the foundation that was laid upon the rock. He led the resurgence of not only the Green Bay Packers, but of the entire NFL during the 1960s – a pivotal time when the league gained respect exponentially. Without his leadership, imagination, heart and desire, this league simply wouldn’t be what it has become today – the greatest game on the face of the planet.

Jerry Kramer – Most would say Bart Starr, Forrest Gregg, Ray Nitschke or even Herb Addlerley, but to me Kramer is the best representative of the Packers from the 1960s and the epitome of the Packers Way. He played his entire career for the Packers, was named to the All-First 50 Year Team, made the block that defined the Packers, and did it all without blowing his own horn. Why he isn’t in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a mystery we all wonder about. He represented a generation and is still seen as the man who helped make Lombardi’s teams what they were – a dynasty.

Brett Favre is one of the top players ever in Green Bay.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Brett Favre – Ok, put the torches and pitchforks down all you Brett-haters out there. The simple fact of the matter is that without Favre, there would be no Packers resurgence of the 1990s that propelled the team into the 2000s and has continued to this day. Favre is the standard-bearer of the modern Packers team. He has broken every record known to mankind and put Green Bay back on the NFL map. Simply put, he’s in the top three players in all of Packers history. He deserves a place on Mt. Rushmore Packers.

I told you this would be difficult. There are so many names not making the cut: Starr, Nitschke, Adderley, Taylor, Hornung, White, Canadeo, Blood, Hutson, and even Rodgers – among hundreds more.

Take your shot. What’s your choice?

The trade Ron Wolf made with Atlanta to bring Brett Favre to Green Bay was one of the best, if not the best, in franchise history.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I remember the day when I first heard that the Green Bay Packers gave up a first round draft pick in a trade for a quarterback by the name of Brett “Favray” – I’m sure you may also remember where you were on that day.

I was working in Dahlie’s Hardware store when my boss told me … “who?” I asked incredulous at the news. “For a first-rounder? Are you kidding me?”

That was the reaction I heard all over town and all over what was then the mode of news distribution – the radio and TV.

Well, we all know how that turned out. Not bad for the Packers and not so good for the Atlanta Falcons who’s officials at the time looked like geniuses. With that first-rounder the Falcons selected running back Tony Smith, who was with the team for three seasons. Favre went on to rewrite just about every passing record in the NFL books

So, on this day when we all see is news about Derrelle Revis and his impending trade from the New York Jets to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, we try to put things into perspective with a recounting of some of the memorable trades made in the past.

In addition to the Favre to Green Bay trade, there have been many others that have left an imprint on the NFL through the years – busts who have left teams crippled for years and boons who have gone on to either Hall of Fame or Hall of Fame-caliber careers.

For the Packers, one of the most crippling was the 1974 trade with the San Diego Chargers that brought quarterback John Hadl to Titletown. The Packers gave up first-, second- and third-round choices in the 1975 draft, and a first and second round choice in 1976. At the time the Packers traded for Hadl, he was 34 years old and on the last rung of his career. The Packers wouldn’t recover from the trade for nearly a decade.

Also consider the Herschel Walker from the Dallas Cowboys to the Minnesota Vikings trade that helped build the Cowboys Super Bowl teams of the early 1990s. The Vikings gave the Cowboys six draft picks which resulted in these players eventually landing in Dallas: running back Emmitt Smith (first round 1990), wide receiver Alexander Wright (second round 1990), defensive tackle Russell Maryland (first round 1991), wide receiver Alvin Harper (first round 1991), linebacker Dixon Edwards (second round 1991), linebacker Robert Jones (first round 1992), cornerback Kevin Smith (first round 1992) and safety Darren Woodson (second round 1992). The Cowboys fans and management thank the Vikings to this day.

What about the Marshall Faulk trade that sent him to the Rams from the Colts in 1999? St. Louis received Faulk from the Colts in exchange for second- and fifth-round picks which turned out to be linebacker Mike Peterson and defensive end Brad Scioli. Though the Colts drafted Edgerrin James with their first round selection that year, he didn’t duplicate what Faulk did for the Rams.

Baltimore Ravens running back Ricky Williams (34) runs the ball at Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (71) in the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

And should we mention Ricky Williams? Oh OK. Mike Ditka, coach of the New Orleans Saints, gave away the team’s entire 1999 draft as well as a first and third round selections in 2000 to earn the right to draft Williams. Though none of the picks given up amounted to much, neither did Williams while in New Orleans. The trade was more an exercise in futility than anything else.

While there are many, many other trades that have been made through the years that have either benefitted or hurt teams, these are the main trades that come to mind.

If there are others that you would like to expound upon, leave a comment below, Like our Facebook page, and/or follow us on Twitter.

Brett Favre, the ol’ gunslinger, is a pro on and off the field. His most recent interview provides lots of insights.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Brett Favre appeared on the ESPN 1310 The Ticket radio show (see the video below) yesterday and talked about topics that ranged from tackling teammates to fart machines on the team bus, but as always expressed his love of team and how the game and the people he played with and for brought out his humility.

Roger Staubach was Brett Favre’s boyhood hero.

On the Southern Methodist University campus, Favre was relaxed and honest in answering questions for the billionth time. Obviously he’s done this before, but there were some things that came out that I didn’t know about. He said that he always wanted to be Roger Staubach growing up and loved the Cowboys. I think everyone thought he was a big Saints fan.

He talked about his spontaneity, especially when it came to tackling teammates early on in his career. He probably would have continued had head coach Mike Holmgren not have set a fine of $5,000 each time he continued it. “I was such a tightwad back then,” he said. “Nothing was scripted … the excitement got the better of me.”

He also said that he was proud of his relationship with the fans and was especially proud of how the average fan in the stands thought about him – saying that he always felt that the guy in the stands thought that if he were a football player he would be Brett Favre. That, to Favre, was humbling.

But he also talked about being in the public eye and the fact that there was a faction of fans who resented him for his success. “It didn’t change me. From day one, I felt I was lucky. If I didn’t look over my shoulder, the next guy would play. I couldn’t worry about what people were saying.”

His most memorable play? The bomb he threw for a touchdown to Sterling Sharpe in the back of the end zone at Detroit in 1994.

Brett Favre diving for a touchdown against the Falcons.

He also talked about his run for a touchdown on the game’s final play to win against the Atlanta Falcons in the Packers’ final game at County Stadium in Milwaukee. “I do remember Holmgren saying, ‘whatever you do, don’t run … and what do I do? I run.”

He also reminisced a bit about Holmgren, saying with regret in his voice, “if he had stayed … we could have won a lot. Was he hard on me? Yeah. But he was perfect for me at that time in my career. He was patient … he saw something that maybe even I didn’t see.”

Favre also talked a bit about how quickly the game has changed and what might have been had he been born a bit later. In high school, Favre admitted that playing for his dad, Irv, didn’t allow him to throw the ball. If they threw it five times a game, that would have been a lot.

Today’s quarterbacks are playing the pro offense in high school and learning how to read defenses is becoming the norm at all levels. Favre said that had he been schooled from such a young age, he may have done even greater things.

But it was his statement about being a champion that hit home for me. He said that any season where they didn’t go home as the champion was a disappointment. That means that out of the 20 years he played in the NFL, 19 of them were unsuccessful. And that’s coming from a guy who holds every passing record possible.

To end the interview, Favre talks about his best prank. I’ll let him explain it on the video, but let’s just say it involves a remote controlled fart machine … where does one get one of those anyway.

Enjoy the interview …

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a key reason the Packers have been so successful the past decade.
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers have made the NFL Playoffs eight times since 2002 – yes, that’s eight of the last 10 seasons that the Packers have made the dance.

There are many reasons for this impressive statistic, but the most important reason is clear – consistency in the man under center.

The Packers played well at home over that decade with an impressive 65-15 record, but even more importantly, it’s been the Packers’ record on the road that has factored into the team’s success.

Russell S. Baxter (@BaxFootballGuru) tweeted the statistics you see below outlining all of the team road records for the NFC North. As you can see, the Packers with their 48-40 record on the road is 10 games better than the Bears, 16 better than the Vikings and 31 games better than the lowly Lions.

NFC North Road Records since ‘02: #Packers (48-40), #Bears (38-50), #Vikings (32-56), #Lions (17-71) #NFL

— Russell S. Baxter (@BaxFootballGuru) April 7, 2013

As is to be expected, the Packers won 10 or more games during all of those eight seasons when they made the playoffs. During this past decade, the Bears have had four seasons with 10 or more wins, the Vikings have had three and the Lions have recorded double digit wins just once.

The consistency in winning both on the road and at home can be attributed to consistency in quarterbacks leading the team. Since 2002, the Packers have had two quarterbacks, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers – with two games played by Matt Flynn (one of them when Rodgers was rested in the final game of 2011).

Jay Cutler is one of seven QBs who have played under center for the Bears in the past decade. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Compare that to the Bears and seven quarterbacks who led the team in yards passing over the past decade: Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Chad Hutchinson, Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman, Brian Griese and Jay Cutler.

The Lions have had five quarterbacks leading the team in passing yardage the past decade: Joey Harrington, Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky, Shaun Hill, and Matthew Stafford.

For the Vikings, their quarterback situation has been similar. The team has had six different quarterbacks who have led the team in passing: Daunte Culpepper, Brad Johnson, Tarvaris Jackson, Gus Frerotte, Brett Favre, and Christian Ponder.

Consistency on the road and at home is clearly tied to the consistency of the guys under center.

One wonders why the Packers are about to make Aaron Rodgers the highest paid player in the National Football League. Should anyone question the reason why, point them to this post. It tells the story, clearly and simply.

A classic Brett Favre shot, this photograph was shot back in 2003.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In the interest of equal time, I’ve got to give Brett Favre a break today – this morning I posted a piece with a picture that made fun of what he looked like on that draft day way back when the Atlanta Falcons selected him.

So, this is serious: Brett Favre – it’s time to come home.

Brett Favre, 2008
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

We were all amused back in early February when he appeared live onstage with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the NFL Awards program on the eve of the Super Bowl. What wasn’t so funny was all the hate against Favre that spewed after that appearance. Yes, there was plenty of love, but I was appalled by the venom thrown his way after the appearance.

It’s got to stop and people have to get over themselves.

Yes, it’s time to put away your pitchforks and torches and realize that It. Is. Time.

First of all, do people really forget what he did for the franchise during his 16 years with the Green Bay Packers? He took the team to two consecutive Super Bowls, he won three consecutive Most Valuable Player awards, his presence was what helped convince the likes of Reggie White to sign with the Packers, he broke every team and league passing record out there (yes, including interceptions), and he changed the face of the franchise that lasts to this very day.

Why the hate? Because he decided to quit, then decided to come back and thought the Packers owed it to him to take him back? Well, being a diva, in my estimation, is far from warranting hate. Yes, he went on to the Jets, got hurt, retired, and then decided to come back and play for the Vikings.

So what? Yes, he beat the Packers in two games in 2009 and nearly led the Vikings to the Super Bowl that season (where they probably would have won). We all know how that ended.

But don’t you remember what happened the next year? Favre lost in his last day at Lambeau, got crushed by the Packers in Minnesota and then the Packers did the ultimate – they went on to win the Super Bowl with their newest hero Aaron Rodgers.

Favre ended his career on the injury list and with his consecutive game streak broken.

He slinked into retirement and has stayed there while Aaron Rodgers is about to become the highest paid player in league history. So, OK, he did have the recent fiasco with calling Greg Jennings to help convince him to sign with the Vikings … hey, maybe he was doing the Packers a favor in this case. The Packers are loaded with receivers and they really don’t need an injury-prone multi-millionaire on their roster. Not only that, but think of the millions the Packers saved to use toward the contracts of Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews. Money better well spent.

Brett Favre watches a replay of an interception he threw to the Bears’ Brian Urlacher in 2007.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So, with all things seemingly equal, it’s time to kiss and make up. Even Packers President Mark Murphy thinks so. It’s time to put bygones aside and move on.

It’s time to start planning for the day when Brett Favre will be welcomed back to Lambeau Field with hearty cheers. It’s time to retire #4 and raise his name onto the ring of honor. It’s time to remember the best of Brett Favre and welcome him back into the Packers family where he belongs.

And I’m not the only one saying this. Check out Mike Vandermause’s and Mike Silver’s columns …

While nobody expects the Packers to open their arms and invite Favre back tomorrow – I would suspect that within the next couple of years the inevitable will take place.

Yes, there’s still plenty of discord out there among Packers fans and probably within the Packers organization, but now’s the time to start thinking and planning for that day. Favre will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a couple of years and we all know he will be a first ballot shoe-in.

For one, I want Favre to go into that Hall of Fame as a Packer. Don’t you?

So, let’s get over it, Packers fans. It’s time to move on and time to accept.

That’s why I am bringing this lighthearted and somewhat cynical look at a photograph (see below) we’ve all probably seen in the past – it’s of Draft Day back in the early 1990s (remembers those days?) when Brett Favre took the call from the Atlanta Falcons that he was being selected. He’s surrounded by family and friends as he pictured reclining and relaxing during the phone call.

Everyone in the picture is having a good time and as the person who made the adjustments to the photo notes with punctuated captions, we get to have fun right along with them. I don’t know the person who wrote the captions on this photo … I must admit, it was one of those passed along across the Internet – you know, that cyberworld where you can believe everything you read …

As a side note, I think Brett Favre is one of the top 10 best quarterbacks of all time. What he did for the Packers franchise can’t be measured. He made Green Bay a household name in the 1990s and helped raise the franchise back up as one the best in the league.

But it is fun to take a look back at a time when things were a bit different.

With Draft Day coming around the bend and the Packers getting ready to make their selections, I thought this a fun and timely way to take a look back at the day when one of the greatest Packers of all time was selected.

Enjoy the photo and don’t forget to leave a comment below, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Greg Jennings will be remembered for all he has done for the Packers organization, but we can’t forget – he is now a Minnesota Viking.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today published a “Bittersweet Farewell” from former wide receiver Greg Jennings to fans of the Green Bay Packers, sending a message of thanks and best wishes to all who have followed him over the past seven years.

This has been a tumultuous week for Jennings and Packers fans. There was the talk that Jennings was about to re-sign with the Packers. Then came his announced visit to Minnesota, the dinner with high ranking officials of that organization and then his signing with the NFC North Division rival Vikings.

It all hurt and Packers fans let their feelings known through every available social media outlet.

In addition, earlier this week Jennings went on Minnesota sports talk radio to tell the world that not only did he make the decision to sign with the Vikings because they “stepped up to the plate,” but that he also had received phone calls and texts from none other than Brett Favre, who Jennings said set him straight about the process and where he should sign.

Packers fans were not happy – they felt doubly stung and doubly hurt.

Today’s message, in my humble opinion, relieves some of the sting that has come about.

However, we can’t forget that he is now a Minnesota Viking and though we love everything he’s done for the Packers organization, his due will come when the Vikes and Packers play in the future.

The ad published today is below.

Packers President Mark Murphy wants to see the day when Brett Favre is honored.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Green Bay Packers Team President Mark Murphy told reporters today while being interviewed at the National Football League meetings being held in Phoenix, Ariz., that he thought the franchise was moving closer to the day when they would honor Brett Favre.

According to a report on the Green Bay Press Gazette, Murphy said that no date has yet been set and it might not even occur this year, but he feels that the time is fast approaching when the team, Favre and the team’s fans will come together for a lovefest at Lambeau Field.

He even admitted that the first step was when Favre and Aaron Rodgers appeared together on stage during the NFL awards to present the comeback player of the year honor.

“I thought that was great,” Murphy was quoted as saying today. “It was kind of a good first step, and our intent all along is we want to bring him back into the family and retire his number. He deserves it.”

The majority of fans are looking forward to that day as well. Ok, full disclosure here – I love Brett Favre, but never liked what he did his last three years in the league. I’ve tended to try to wipe those years from my memory.

Many Packers fans aren’t able to do that and there are still plenty of haters out there.

Clearly, Murphy hadn’t heard that Greg Jennings bragged today about being helped to a decision to join the Minnesota Vikings through personal phone calls from Favre himself. To me, that’s rubbing it in a bit – twisting the knife.

Still, we have to get beyond that silly move by Favre. It is what it is.

Like Murphy, we need to honor Favre for what he did for the franchise while he was a Packer, not for what he’s done since.

“It’s got to be sitting down, the organization, whether it’s myself or others, sitting down with him and working on the timing of it,” Murphy said.

Let’s hope it’s soon.

Brett Favre was on the phone with Greg Jennings to help him make the decision to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers fans had gotten over the fact that Greg Jennings has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, but the former Packers wide receiver twisted the knife even more today by raising the name of “He Who Shall Not be Named.”

For many, the gloves are now off.

Yes, it was reported today on nfl.com, among other places today, that Vikings officials had Brett Favre on the phone with Jennings upon landing in Minnesota for his visit prior to his signing with the team.

“Literally, as I got off the plane and (offensive coordinator Bill) Musgrave walked up to me, I’m on the phone with Brett,” Jennings said on KFAN-AM, via Min.Scout.com.

And if that’s not enough to tick off those who disliked Favre for his move to Minnesota in 2009, Jennings said it wasn’t just one phone call from the former Packers quarterback that he received. ”I spoke with Brett two or three times throughout this process. He shot me straight. I knew if there was one person that would shoot straight and tell me exactly what I wanted to hear and things I possibly didn’t want to hear, it would be Brett. He did that for me.”

Yes, we’re sure Favre shot him straight alright.

Packers fans who already have a grudge against Favre will no doubt add this nugget of information to their arsenal.

We wonder if Favre had anything good to say about Green Bay. After all the love he and Aaron Rodgers appeared to share on the stage of the NFL awards program last month, it’s become pretty clear that it was all for show.

We also wonder how Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy are feeling after hearing this news … disappointed, at the least. Probably pretty ticked off.

Leave it to the Vikings to pull every possible trick out of their bag to get Jennings to sign with them.

I guess you can say they were successful … for now.

Zigi Wilf, can’t you develop your own players?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Enough is enough!! This is an open letter to Mr. Zygi Wilf of the Minnesota Vikings.  Are you that pathetic of an owner that you can’t build your own team?  Does your scouting staff stink so badly that you have to look eastward to take our scrap players because even our worst is better than your best (minus Adrian Peterson)? Since 2005 you have coveted Darren Sharper, Ryan Longwell (2006), Robert Ferguson (2007), Brett Favre (2009) and you have been unsuccessful in trying to get William Henderson, Aaron Kampman and James Jones.

Brett Favre as a Packer

Can’t you find your own players?  What is even sadder is that out of all those players the only one who amounted to anything was Longwell and you cut him!  Favre came close but in the end did the best thing any Packers’ fan could wish for, he crushed your hopes and dreams of a Super Bowl with a final season-ending interception. Those of us in Green and Gold thought maybe you would have learned by now and tried to draft and develop your own players.  If you like our model so much, then copy it, follow it, and use it.  Heck you can even clone Ted Thompson, if you want to be like us that badly. What have our free agents done for you?  Since 2005 you have a record of 64-64 with two North Division Titles and have played in three playoff games and lost all three. After getting rid of those players you so happily took, we have gone on to a record of 78-50, three North Division Titles, 10 playoff appearances with a 6-4 record, and a Super Bowl victory. So it is clear that as you keep taking our players, thinking it will improve your team, you are actually helping us to be better and more successful.  So with that in mind I gladly will give you Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley today for another Super Bowl Lombardi Trophy tomorrow. Open your eyes, wise up and realize that you cannot be what we are.  You do not have the fans that we have, the history we have and more importantly you do not have Lambeau Field.  You play in an inflated garbage bag (yes I have been there and yes I know it is inflated because the best thing about that place is when you leave, you get sucked out the doors!). So my advice to you is, you will never be any better than a bunch of Packer wannabes.  Man up, and develop your own players.  Maybe then you won’t have to rely on our scrap heap to try to be what we are!  CHAMPIONS GO PACK GO

Freddie Mitchell, the receiver who caught the infamous 4th and 26 first down conversion from QB Donovan McNabb had his comeuppance today when he pleaded guilty to tax fraud.

I guess what goes around, comes around – especially for former Philadelphia Eagles‘ wide receiver Freddie Mitchell. Today, according to a report by Josh Alper of profootballtalk.com, Mitchell has pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges.

Alper cites the Orlando Sentinel in describing how Mitchell faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his role in the scheme to intentionally file false tax returns for another individual.

Here’s how Alper described things:

Mitchell and two others filed false tax returns on behalf of another athlete, identified only with the initials “A.G.” The plan was devised to receive a larger refund from the IRS and was done without the other athlete’s knowledge. Mitchell’s role was to recruit athletes and the two others filed the returns while also charging for their services as tax preparers.

Here’s what the Orlando Sentinel wrote about Mitchell and his statement to the judge presiding over the case:

“…he knew fraud was being committed and yet he did not stop the illegal activities or report it to law enforcement …”

Packers fans will remember Mitchell for his role in the playoff game completion in Philadelphia that would forever be etched in Packers’ fans memories as the “4th and 26″ play.

The Packers were leading the Eagles 17-14 late in the Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, playoff game. Faced with a fourth and 26 from their own 25 yard line, no timeouts and just 1:12 left on the clock, quarterback Donovan McNabb dropped back and hit Mitchell who had run his route down the middle uncontested and right between the Packers defensive backs, catching the ball at the first down marker.

The Eagles’ David Akers would kick the game-tying field goal to send the game into overtime where Packers quarterback Brett Favre would throw an interception to Brian Dawkins. The Eagles drove the ball down into field goal range where Akers again would convert to win the game, 20-17.

Packers fans will never forget Freddie Mitchell … today, the court system will never forget – or forgive him – either.

I hate to do it to you, Packers fans – but here’s the video …

Johnny Jolly was at the top of his game when his life spiraled out of control.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Often those who have shined the brightest have come to understand that there is no greater education than adversity – just ask Johnny Jolly who is asking for absolution from the Green Bay Packers.

Three years after being suspended indefinitely by Roger Goodell for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Jolly has been reinstated by the league. Jolly, as many know, had a number of problems with the law as a result of an addiction to codeine. With the reinstatement, Jolly was awarded a second chance, the ability to rekindle an NFL career that seemed to be very much on the rise.

Johnny Jolly with former Packer Aaron Kampman await the start of play during a 2009 game at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograh

At 6-3 and 310 pounds, Jolly was positioning himself to become the anchor of the Packers defensive line. In his first and only season in Dom Capers’ 3-4 defensive scheme Jolly tallied 24 tackles, one sack and 10 passes defended, including an interception that put his athleticism on full display. His length, ability to take up space and absorb blockers, coupled with speed and quickness, exceptional for a man his size, made him an ideal fit for the Packers’ defense.

His talent and untapped potential made it particularly frustrating for Packers Nation when Jolly’s legal troubles began to mount, ultimately resulting in the indefinite suspension and a prison sentence. Jolly was arrested four different times on drug possession charges. In November 2011, Jolly was sentenced to six years in a Texas prison. However, after serving just six months he was released and put on “shock probation” for the next decade.

With the shock probation Jolly caught a break. This was an opportunity to, first and foremost, get his life in order and secondly, the ability to resurrect his sidetracked career in the NFL. The Packers retain his rights and will need to decide if they will invite Johnny Jolly back into the Packers family.

A November 2011 ESPN Outside the Lines episode well documented Jolly’s troubles, a result of an addiction to prescription cough syrup, prometh with codeine. A beverage mixed with Sprite and Jolly Ranchers to create an opiate-laced concoction that was fashionable with the Houston Texas rap community in the 1990s. What began as recreational drug use ultimately spiraled out of control into full-fledge addiction that turned Jolly’s world upside down.

Within the Packers fan base there seems to be mixed emotions regarding bringing Jolly back to the Packers. From a practical perspective, Jolly has been out of football for three seasons. One would assume he is a bit rusty. However, a quick surf of the Web will direct you to blogs and tweets that reveal another sentiment in which Packer fans are more jaded and view Jolly as a criminal who doesn’t deserve another chance in Titletown.

It is true Johnny Jolly is a criminal. But his illicit behavior is a result of an opiate addiction. It is also true that this addiction stems from poor choices Jolly made to recreate with the codeine-laced beverage often known by the name “Purple Drank.” However, it should also be considered that Jolly is a high profile person whose struggle is illuminated in the limelight of NFL stardom.

Opiate addiction in the United States is a real problem. Jolly is one of millions who are struggling with an opiate addiction. It is estimated that nearly 30 million people or 10 percent of the population have used opiate-based pain medicine for non-medicinal reasons. Jolly, like numerous others in the United States, can recover from this addiction and be a contributor to society.

Jolly celebrates following a big play for the Packers.

Another thing to consider is Jolly is not the first member of the Packers family to struggle with an opiate addiction. In February 1996, Packers MVP quarterback Brett Favre slipped into a violent seizure following a surgery to remove a bone spur and chips from his ankle. Doctors said the seizure could have been attributed to his addiction to Vicodin, a narcotic analgesic painkiller.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported in a May 27, 1996, article that Favre said he quit using Vicodin cold-turkey after the seizure.  Favre’s opiate addiction was not a minor problem. King also reported that Favre checked into rehab willingly in accordance to NFL policy but was not initially thrilled with the idea. Favre ultimately was very open about his addiction.

In an October 2011 radio interview, Aaron Rodgers told ESPN Milwaukee radio host Jason Wilde that he felt the NFL shouldered some of the blame for Jolly’s continued struggle with addiction. Rodgers expressed concern about taking a person like Jolly away from his support system. Although Favre was eventually much more forthcoming about his addiction it seems he received a little different treatment from the NFL than did Jolly. It appears where Favre was assisted by the NFL, Jolly was subsequently exiled. But maybe there is more to Johnny Jolly’s story than we know.

If Jolly is sincere about his quest to return to football and most importantly a life apart from getting high on codeine he most certainly should get a second chance with the Packers.

A successful return by Jolly to the Packers and the NFL is good for everyone. If able to shake the rust, Jolly could be a big addition to the Packers’ defensive line. Even more important, Johnny Jolly can be a shining example of someone who overcame adversity and succeeded.

He doesn’t deserve this chance, he is worth the chance. And if he is genuine and committed, he earned the chance.

Sterling Sharpe was one of, if not the best, of his time – a time that was cut way short because of injury.

In my mind, today is known as “The day the game died” – for on this date in 1995, the Green Bay Packers released “with reluctance” Sterling Sharpe, the wide receiver who so silently glided through his career in Titletown.

His career in the NFL and the Packers was cut short by a neck injury – cutting him down in his prime after only seven seasons with the Packers. Though he refused to talk to state reporters because of an incident early in his career, he let his actions on the field speak for him.

Drafted seventh overall in the first round by the Packers out of South Carolina in 1988 after a record-breaking college career, Sharpe caught 55 passes his first season and then started to come alive in his second season, grabbing a league-leading 90 receptions for 1,423 yards.

It seemed like bright lights and a Hall of Fame career was ahead, as Sharpe broke records belonging to the great Don Hutson along the way that second season.

In his third and fourth seasons, the rug got pulled from beneath him – his battery mate, Don “Majik Man” Majkowski, was hurt and had trouble staying on the field, so Sharpe had to take the gridiron with the likes of quarterbacks Blair Kiel, Anthony Dilweg, and Mike Tomczak. His production dropped significantly.

In 1990, Sharpe caught just 67 passes for 1,105 yards and in 1991 the numbers were similar – 69 receptions for 961 yards.

Brett Favre’s first game against the Bengals included several pass completions, including the 40-yarder just before the game-winning touchdown throw to Kittrick Taylor. After catching the pass near mid-field, Sharpe left the game because of a nagging rib injury.

Then a miracle occurred … Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman and Mondovi, Wisconsin, native Tim Krumrie sacked Majkowski in the third game of the 1992 season. When Majik writhed in pain on the field, Brett Favre warmed up on the sideline, entered the game, and wouldn’t be unseated from the position for 16 years.

The next three seasons cemented the connection between Sharpe and Favre and had Sharpe not gotten injured at the tail end of the 1994 season, who knows what kind of statistics the two of them could have put up? In my humble opinion, it could have matched, if not exceeded the numbers that were put up by the Joe Montana/Jerry Rice combination. In addition, the Packers, under Mike Holmgren and Ron Wolf, were just starting to put together a team that would go to two straight Super Bowls, winning in 1996.

In 1992, Sharpe had what may have been his finest season ever, but followed it up in 1993 and 1994 with comparably great seasons.

Sharp caught everything that was thrown his way in 1992. He had a career high 108 pass receptions for 1,461 yards, 13 touchdowns and an average 0f 91.3 yards per game. His longest reception of that season went for 76 yards. We were watching history in the making.

He followed up that performance in 1993 with 112 receptions (a new career high) for 1,274 yards, 11 touchdowns and a per-game average of 79.6.

Then in 1994, his final season, Sharpe recorded his third straight 1,000-yard season with 94 catches for 1,119 yards, a career high 18 touchdowns and a per-game average of 69.9 yards.

What was even more phenomenal was that Sharpe never missed a game over that seven-year span. He started 112 games, caught 595 passes for 8,134 yards, 65 touchdowns, and a per-game average of 72.6 yards.

August 3, 2011; Canton, OH, USA; Shannon Sharpe is presented with his bust by brother Sterling Sharpe at the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

His brother, Shannon, upon his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said it best when he said he was the second best receiver in his family.

“I’m the only player, of 267 men that [have] walked through this building to my left, that can honestly say this: I’m the only pro football player that’s in the Hall of Fame, and I’m the second best player in my own family.”

Had Sharpe not gotten injured, would this team have established a dynasty that could have matched the Packers of the 1960s? We’ll never know, but the possibilities at that time seemed endless.

So when Sharpe announced that he was forced to retire because of the injury, it was indeed a sad day – “the day the game died.”

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Here and below are Sterling Sharpe’s career statistics:

Here are some videos of Sharpe in his heyday:

Here is a video entitled “Sterling Sharpe Gets Career-Ending Injury.” While Sharpe suffers a neck stinger on this particular play, it was the injury that forced him to retire. That would come later in the season when the Detroit Lions’ Bennie Blades hit him. However, this video shows the play when Sharpe’s neck condition came to the forefront – at least publicly.

May 22, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson (right) visits with Texas A

Packers’ general manager Ted Thompson has one hell of a hard job. His decisions are viewed and analyzed by millions who take them personally. Even calls that are objectively easy, like not re-signing Donald Driver, can gather storm clouds in the form of angry Green Bay fans. It often takes years before his moves are given due credit.

Such is likely the case once again with Charles Woodson’s release.

Many cried foul in the wake of the Woodson news. A 15-year veteran, seven with the Packers, Woodson was widely acknowledged as the “heart” of Green Bay’s defense. The common themes amongst the angst-ridden were Packers GM Ted Thompson’s “insensitivity,” “disloyalty,” and “stupidity.” If the only opinions that mattered were those of the fans, Thompson would be joining Woodson on his way out of Green Bay.

But those opinions – formed largely through emotion and sentimentality – don’t matter. The only opinions that mean anything are those of Thompson and his assistants.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson operates like a mathematician. He crunches numbers, projects production, and makes the personnel decisions. And more often than not, Thompson has made the right calls: calls that fans, so often emotional and sentimental, can’t understand. What those fans fail to understand is that in order for a GM to be successful, he needs to approach decisions as a detached third party. That may feel wrong to fans, but success is built through proper perspective.

When Thompson analyzed Woodson, he weighed the production the Packers would receive versus the $10 million cost. He then looked at the replacement options. With the emergence of slot corner Casey Hayward and safeties Jerron McMillian and M.D. Jennings, the decision was simple.

Woodson’s release, along with the pending departure of Greg Jennings, is part of a big picture approach to team building. Few would argue that there isn’t a drop off from those veterans to their inexperienced successors, but these moves aren’t made in a vacuum.

Thompson knows this isn’t a decision between Woodson and McMillian. It’s a decision between Woodson and B.J. Raji, or Woodson and Matthews, or any of the other players in need of a contract extension. Because Thompson is so skilled as a talent evaluator, there are just too many good players to keep on one roster. At that point, the best move for the Packers is to retain the younger players who can contribute for longer. Woodson fell on the wrong side of that equation.

Defensive end Joe Johnson, one of the most disappointing free agent signings in Green Bay Packers history.

If you find yourself questioning this approach, just think back to the Mike Sherman era. Sherman was aggressive in free agency and ignored age in doing so. In 2001, Sherman signed Joe Johnson, a 30-year-old defensive end with 21 sacks over the previous two seasons. Johnson received a six year, $33 million contract, much of which was guaranteed. In return, the Packers received only 11 games played.

The biggest disappointment wasn’t how ineffective or unavailable Johnson was, but rather how much valuable cap space the contract ate up. By deferring much of Johnson’s signing bonus, Sherman guaranteed that the Packers would lose valuable assets in the years to come. That debt was paid following the 2004 season when the Packers lacked the cap room to re-sign All-Pro guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera.

Mike Wahle (68) talks with Marco Rivera (62) during their final season together in 2004.

Those twin losses effectively ended the Mike Sherman era as well as the Packers’ early 2000s run as contenders. Without Wahle and Rivera, the offense changed overnight. Favre, sacked only 12 times in 2004, was dropped behind the line 24 times the following year. Not coincidentally, his interception total rose to a league high 29. Green Bay wouldn’t have a winning record again until 2007.

Would Woodson have gone the way of Joe Johnson had he been retained? Likely not, but that doesn’t alter the cap ramifications of such a move. Woodson’s return would have meant departure for someone important, if not this year than next.

And it’s not only the big names that could be leaving. Sam Shields, Brad Jones, Bryan Bulaga, James Jones, Morgan Burnett, and Desmond Bishop are among those whose contracts expire over the next two years. At 36, Woodson doesn’t have the value to Green Bay as those players.

Fans may view Thompson’s decision on Woodson as inglorious, but choosing long-term championship contention over sentimentality is anything but.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardiave.com. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Brett Favre is done throwing passes to players, but we wonder about his work with his cell phone.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I’m not sure this is appropriate for Valentine’s Day, but I happened across this story about Brett Favre. Maybe I’m a bit out of the loop on this one … I hadn’t heard about his sexting for a three-some with a couple of other New York Jets employees other than Jenn Sterger.

According to a story in the New York Daily News earlier this week, Christine Scavo, a former Jets massage therapist is suing Favre and the Jets for sexual harassment for his alleged text inviting her and another unidentified therapist for a “three-some.” Both Scavo and the other employee were fired not long after the sexting. The Jets claim it was because of a move to another facility.

The lawyers this week were apparently attempting to gain more time to interview Scavo under oath. They were denied the interview.

So, where do we go from here, Mr. Favre?

On this Valentine’s Day, we can only hope the Deanna has taken away your phone or maybe she will buy you one of those made for senior citizens where the only functions available are for calling the health helpline … or maybe the sex therapy helpline.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Bringing Brett Favre back into the fold of the Green Bay Packers franchise is well overdue, according to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is never one to mince words and when he talks, people listen – such was the case this past week when he stated on his ESPN Radio show that it’s time former quarterback Brett Favre, the Packers organization and their fans should forgive and move on.

Last week, Rodgers and Favre appeared together on stage at the NFL Honors program to announce the comeback player of the year award and it was Rodgers who was involved in helping make it happen.

Aaron Rodgers considers himself the face of the Packers franchise.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

“As the face of the franchise now,” Rodgers said, “[it's] a role that I take very seriously. I have the responsibility and enjoy having the opportunity to represent my team. I think it’s important to realize that it is probably time to move forward.”

That’s something that four years ago seemed like decades off. Favre retired from the Packers after the 2007 season and the Packers wasted no time in handing the keys to the Cadillac to Rodgers. The Packers had moved on. Then Favre wanted to come back and the Packers told him to get lost. They traded him to the New York Jets where he played for one season, got hurt, and retired again … but only temporarily.

Favre announced another comeback … this time with the hated Minnesota Vikings. It was clear that Favre wanted to stick it to his old team and in 2009, that’s what he did. Not only did Favre lead the Vikings to a North Division title, but he led them to two wins over Rodgers and the Packers. Packers fans were incensed, but were overjoyed when Favre threw a game-deciding interception in the NFC Championship – a game where Favre was brutalized by the New Orleans Saints and their bounty-driven defense.

Brett Favre was emotional after his final game at Lambeau – a loss to the Packers in 2010.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Many felt that had the Viking and Favre won that game they would have easily beaten the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl. But we’ll never know.

What was even more satisfying for Packers fans was that the Packers and Rodgers got revenge in big ways in 2010. Not only did the Packers beat the Vikings and Favre twice that year, but the Packers went on to win Super Bowl XLV and Rodgers earned a place in the pantheon of Packers quarterbacks … helping fans to completely forget Favre.

Well, maybe not completely.

There are many (myself included) who still love Brett Favre – we just don’t appreciate what he did to the Packers at the end of his career.

Like Rodgers, I count myself among those who fee that the Packers and Favre must forget about the indiscretions and honor what Favre did for and meant to the franchise. He was a Packer and always will be a Packer. It’s time to recognize that, give Favre his day and Lambeau Field and retire his #4.

Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers watch the action at training camp back in 2007.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

What many didn’t know about their appearance together on stage is that Favre and Rodgers spent a great deal of time talking about how they would present themselves and though there were portions that seemed “awkward,” that was the joke they were attempting to portray … and they did it well.

“That was the joke,” Rodgers said, who said the plan was for the pair to start hugging but then back away and say, “Too soon?” That didn’t work out quite that way – but it was a good plan.

“Brett is two years removed from the game. He’s going to obviously be in the Packers Hall of Fame. He’ll get his number retired, and he’ll be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the next few years. It’s important, I think, to make sure that he’s recognized for all the accomplishments that he’s achieved in our organization especially. He’s still very dear to many of our fans for the things that he’s done for the Packers on the field. You can never take that away.

“As the face of the franchise, I felt like it was important that I took a leadership role in that. Not that one was needed now, but I thought it was good timing to just let the fans know, let Brett know, let’s move forward. Let’s heal things up and let’s move forward.”

Brett Favre is a Packer and always will be a Packer.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I think Rodgers is playing a great middle man here. He is the face of the franchise (sorry, Donald Driver), and his legacy will be one that carry on for decades … as will Favre’s … They join Bart Starr as Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks who have had a tremendous amount of success in helping the franchise continue to be the standard bearer for the entire league.

Having Brett Favre back into the Packers family will go a long way in helping the whole of Packers Nation heal.

It’s time. I only hope the Packers brass feel the same.

Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers met on stage Saturday nigh at the NFL Honors program.

We all understand that Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre have had a tough past. The Old Gunslinger was entrenched as the Green Bay Packers quarterback, having broken every passing and longevity record known to the NFL.

Then came the retirement, the reconsideration and the divorce. The Packers decided to move on and away from Brett and Aaron stepped in as the team’s number one player. Brett wanted to come back, but the team didn’t want him.

Brett went on to the Jets, Aaron manned a 6-10 Packers team in 2008. Brett retired again, then reconsidered and then signed with the Minnesota Vikings for one more shot at shafting his former team.

He did just that in 2009 when he led the Vikings to two wins over the Packers and the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game where his downfall came. There he threw that infamous interception that eventually led to a Saints field goal and a trip to the Super Bowl.

Aaron and Brett during a time that was a bit more stressful.

The Packers continued to improve and Rodgers would get the best of Favre in 2010 when the Packers beat the Vikings twice and helped bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown.

So Saturday night’s meeting of the two former Most Valuable Players and Super Bowl champions on stage warmed our hearts, brought tears to our eyes and helped to heal the hurt for so many Packers and NFL fans who know that someday the Packers will hold a Brett Favre Day to retire his number and add his name to the ring of honor.

Tonight’s meeting may have been the beginning of a renewed relationship … at least that’s our hope.

Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre will be together again tonight at the NFL Honors program. They were photographed backstage.

Brett and Aaron shake hands during a moment that Rodgers called “awkward,” but healed a lot of hearts in Packers Nation.

If you haven’t heard … Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre … yes, those two guys … will make a presentation on stage together during the NFL Honors program.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy tweeted, “There’s an unlikely pairing of presenters you will have to see on #nflhonors 9p ET on CBS. their numbers added up to 16.”

Well, given the picture that was included, anyone with a first grade education could have figured that one out.

So as we inch closer to that time, you might want to tune in to CBS before they hit the stage.

Will it be must-see television? Well, considering the rocky relationship between the two former teammates, it will be interesting to see how they work together on stage. Hopefully, no swings are thrown.

Enjoy.

Donald Driver, who will formally announce his retirement next week after 14 years in a Green Bay Packers uniform, breaks a tackle after one of his patented catch and runs.

From his humbled beginnings living in a U-Haul trailer, his adolescent dalliance with drug dealing, and the transformation which turned him into the Green Bay Packers all-time leading receiver, Donald Driver’s life story has been well chronicled. His incredible tale has been woven into the fabric of Packers’ history. Even the most casual fans know Driver’s narrative much as they do the pledge of allegiance. Yet somehow the full account of Driver’s rise to prominence manages to be even more remarkable still.

In commemoration of Donald Driver’s illustrious career, let us return to 2002; the year a legend was born.

The 2002 offseason began with a mandate: revamp the receiving corps. The previous year had ended with the debacle in St. Louis, a game which saw Brett Favre throw 6 interceptions while regular season leading receiver Bill Schroeder managed only 2 catches and 39 yards. Mike Sherman, in his first year as general manager, let Schroeder leave along with longtime Packer and fan favorite Antonio Freeman. Sherman also left Corey Bradford unprotected in the Houston Texans expansion draft, and he was promptly scooped up. With running back Ahman Green’s 594 yards the highest remaining receiving total, the Packers’ offense was set to feature a very different look in 2002.

Sherman’s first move was the high profile acquisition of disgruntled wide receiver Terry Glenn. Glenn brought with him the pedigree of a decorated collegiate career, rookie of the year honors, and an All-Pro season just a few years prior. Sherman felt Glenn provided the vertical threat that the Packers lacked. To further bolster the group, Sherman used a first round draft pick on receiver Javon Walker.

Everyone expected that these two moves, coupled with anticipated development from second year wide-out Robert Ferguson and red zone specialist Bubba Franks, would return the Packers’ offense to its mid-90s dominance.

In his Chicago Sun-Times feature “Helping Hands for Favre,” reporter Dan Pompei chronicled how strongly the Packers coaching staff felt about the new look receiving corps. Photos of Glenn were prominently displayed, as well as quotes and scouting reports for Franks, Ferguson, and the new additions. Not until the very last paragraph did Pompei include a word about fourth year receiver Donald Driver.

And why should he have? Driver had only 13 receptions the previous year and just 37 in his three years in the league and appeared mostly on special teams. The coaches viewed Driver as a backup kick returner who might, if  they were lucky, develop into a fourth or fifth receiver. With Glenn, Walker, Ferguson and Franks ahead of him, no one expected that by the end of the season Driver would become the Packers number one target.

Driver spent training camp and the preseason outworking and outsmarting the inexperienced Walker and Ferguson. Driver, now famous for his offseason workout regimen, had put on 10 pounds of muscle. His newfound strength along with having the most exposure to Sherman’s offense gave Driver a head start over the other wideouts.

While he remained below the others on the depth chart, the coaches took notice. By the start of the regular season, Driver had gone from a possible roster cutdown casualty to being guaranteed some snaps in games. Now all Driver needed was an opportunity in the regular season.

As fate would have it, that opportunity came right away. Ferguson was hurt before the season opener. With the rookie Walker still learning the playbook, Driver was thrust into the starter’s role. He responded, leading all receivers that day with 7 catches for 78 yards.

Driver scored his first touchdown of the season the next week while catching 4 passes for 51 yards. The now healthy Ferguson had officially been displaced on the depth chart. While most observers were impressed with Driver’s early season production, he was still thought of as merely an overachieving role player. That perception changed over the next three weeks.

In a must-have game in Detroit, Driver wasted little time in demonstrating his abilities. His first quarter consisted of receptions of 25, 8, 19, and 21 yards, the last of which was for a touchdown. He would have another 21-yard catch later on, establishing himself as the missing vertical threat in the Packers’ offense.

The following week brought Driver’s first multi-touchdown performance, along with the first Lambeau Field chant of “Double-D.” Finally, as if to leave no doubt that he had arrived, Driver produced one of the all-time great performances in the Packers-Bears rivalry. In the much chronicled Monday Night Football matchup, Driver burned the Chicago secondary for the now infamous 85-yard touchdown. Driver’s score gave the Packers a lead they would never relinquish. From that point on, no one questioned if the Packers’ offense could stretch the field. Neither did anyone question who their go-to receiver was.

By the end of the year, Donald Driver had accumulated 70 receptions for 1,064 yards and 9 touchdowns, all team bests. The tumultuous offseason which led to the much-ballyhooed additions of Terry Glenn and Javon Walker had culminated in the first of Driver’s many Pro-Bowl selections. The vertical element missing from the Packers’ passing game had been there all along, waiting for his opportunity.

In a mere season, Driver had straddled both ends of the roster. He had gone from the outhouse to the penthouse. Through his hard work and persistence, Driver had made himself into a team leader and star performer. Most importantly, he had set himself on the path to becoming one of the all-time greats in Green Bay Packers’ history.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardiave.com. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

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