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 …

Donald Driver made an appearance on ESPN Thursday.

If you missed it yesterday, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver spent a few minutes on ESPN talking about football. Dressed to the hilt, sporting his shiny diamond earrings and and wide smile, DD made a good impression, was articulate and insightful, and demonstrated that why whatever he does, he will be successful.

During his few minutes on the show, Driver talked about the signing of Ed Reed by Texas, about Brian Urlacher and his divorce from the Chicago Bears, Greg Jennings moving on to the Minnesota Vikings and he talked about his own decision to retire and how difficult it is for a football player to see the big picture and make that “difficult decision.”

In addressing the situation between the Bears and Urlacher, Driver was diplomatic and went so far as to say that it might be time for the face of the Chicago Bears to hang it up and retire as a Bear – in fact, he said that he hoped that would be the case.

On Jennings, Driver said he was out of the country when he got the phone call about the former Packer going to the Vikings. Again, being the diplomat, Driver said that he supported his former teammate in his decision and said that he would continue to support him because he felt Jennings made the move because it was the best for his family.

Driver, the complete professional on the field, is surely transferring that professionalism to the many ventures he’s undertaking off the field.

Watching him on this program only emphasizes what we Packers fans have known for years.

He’s a special man … check out the broadcast. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

If you’re interested in casting your vote on the player who you would most like to see on the cover of EA Madden this coming season, check out the basketball-style tournament bracket page where you can cast your vote.

The brackets are set up into two categories – “old school” and “new school.” Clay Matthews, who has made it to this second round of the tournament, is of course bracketed in the “new school” portion and is matched up against Andrew Luck. The voting during this round will continue through March 27 before moving on to the third round.

There are no Packers included in the “old school” brackets.

Matthews, to date, is trailing Luck in their voting, 89-61 percent, so he’s got a ways to go if he is going to advance.

The question is, considering the jinx, does anyone really want to win this honor?

Well, somebody’s got to win, so it might as well be someone the Packers play next season – so it could be Kaepernick … he’s due for the sophomore slump anyway. Matched up against Cincinnati’s A.J. Green, Kaepernick trails in balloting, 69-62 percent.

Those players garnering more than 90 percent of the voting in the old school side of the brackets are Joe Montana, Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice, and Deion Sanders – Not a bad team in their own right.

If interested in voting, check it out here …

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder found success off the field Monday when he and ESPN sideline reporter Samantha Steele were married at the St. Croix County Courthouse in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, the headline may be a bit misleading – Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder wasn’t literally married in my backyard, but having grown up just a hop, skip and a poorly thrown Ponder pass from Hudson, Wisconsin, Ponder did indeed figuratively get married in my backyard.

According to the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Ponder and his bride-to-be, ESPN sideline reporter Samantha Steele, stole across the border Monday to Hudson and were married surreptitiously in the St. Croix County Courthouse by Court Commissioner Stephen Dunlap. Coincidentally, my Dad was the St. Croix County Court Commissioner many, many years ago – and he was a huge Vikings fan, too. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the opportunity to marry any Vikings players.

But I digress.

We all know that Ponder is the worst quarterback in the league – at least Jimmy Johnson thinks so and so do thousands of Minnesota Vikings fans. The question is this: Will being married make him any better under center? Only time will tell as the Vikings only have two games left – the final one being against the NFC North Division Champion Green Bay Packers.

No doubt, he will continue to be very good at handing off to Adrian Peterson, but we are uncertain if his passing completion percentages will go up. At least his pass to Steele hit home.

We wish him the best of luck off the field and, of course, the worst of luck on it.

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October 9, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) is grabbed from behind by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle C.J. Mosley (99) in the fourth quarter of the game at EverBank Field. The Bengals beat the Jaguars 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Cedric Benson – Green Bay Packers. Could they become synonymous?

Well, the news as originally reported early Friday evening by Chris Mortenson of ESPN that Benson was in Green Bay and was poised to be signed by Ted Thompson.

Though as of late last night the deal hadn’t been sealed, it looked impending and was described as “probable.”

The Packers’ running game is in disarray. James Starks, the rookie phenom who helped lead the Packers to their most recent Super Bowl, hasn’t been the answer, Brandon Saine is watching from the sidelines with an injury, Alex Green is being eased back into playing shape after last year’s knee injury and Marc Tyler looked decent in Thursday’s preseason opener until he fumbled on the final play of the game.

Though still unsigned, the Packers don't seem interested in bring Ryan Grant back. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers could have brought back Ryan Grant, the Packers’ main man the past four years, but don’t seem willing to go in that direction. He remains unsigned.

Enter Benson, who at 29 is coming off three straight 1,000 yard seasons at Cincinnati and may be considered a retread by many. This is the age at which most running backs hit the wall and show decline. Apparently the Packers are willing to take that chance. Maybe Ted Thompson knows something we don’t about the bruising between-the-tackles back. Maybe he just thinks it’s time the team bulk up its running game  and take some pressure off the league’s MVP.

Whatever the reason, it will be interesting to see what Benson can bring to balance the Packers already-vaunted passing attack. The hope is that it can make it an even better offense – and judging from the initial look at the Packers running game Thursday night, it just might need that boost.

It will be fun to watch.

Do you think it matters to this young Packers fan, or any other Packers fan for that matter, that the most recent ESPN poll shows the Dallas Cowboys are the most popular team in America? Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Sometimes a poll is slanted toward a specific segment of society. Sometimes the numbers are simply fudged to get the results wanted.

Though I have no evidence whatsoever, I simply can’t believe this most recent poll set out by ESPN, that network that historically has been tilted toward Dallas. In fact, for every poll like this one that shows the Cowboys are America’s Team, I could probably find another that shows the Packers or the Giants or the Steelers are the country’s favorite football team.

I’m not a Cowboys hater or a Skip Bayless naysayer most of the time, but when I see polls like this it just turns my crank. First of all, polls like this mean absolutely nothing. Fans are fans and loyalty to a team isn’t something that is going to be swayed from one week to the next. If you’re a Cowboys fan, fine. Congratulations. If there are more of them than there are Packers or Giants fans, then that’s fine, too.

Just don’t go puffing out your chest … take a look at the scoreboard. The last time the Cowboys were in the Super Bowl was 1995. The Packers, Giants and Steelers have all dominated Super Bowls since then. And all of those teams have histories filled with tradition and championships.

Championships are what count … not how many claim to be a fan.

Anyway, Check out the site if you want to see where your team stands in this recent poll. BTW, if you’re a Jaguars fan you will probably be really disappointed.

The results are also below:

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.

The Packers will play the Saints again this year, but exactly when is still to be determined. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The story about a leaked 2012 NFL schedule broke very early last Wednesday morning and exploded across the Internet over the next couple of days with just about every NFL blog picking up on it and even some of the major NFL outlets posting stories about it.

The NFL came out and said the schedule was “bogus,” and they were right.

Put together by eaglesstats2012.blogspot.com, the author late Sunday night came clean with a lengthy explanation posted on his website. While it was fun taking a look at the schedule while it lasted, now we can wait for the NFL to post the authentic schedule, which is expected within the next couple of weeks.

What will be interesting is to see how closely this fake schedule mirrors the NFL’s.

If you want to visit the blogspot site, click here, but if you want to just stay here, the following is the complete posting:

Enjoy …

http://yfrog.com/0w9moqj

Donald Driver will be using his moves on Dancing with the Stars. Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

Here is a compilation of some Packers and NFL news that have drawn some interest lately.

It was announced today that Donald Driver of the Green Bay Packers will compete on Dancing with the Stars. It has become a tradition that each season includes an NFL player competing on the show. With all the uncertainty surrounding Driver and his future with the Pack, this will be a good way to take his mind off this lingering issue. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers tweeted shortly after finding out about Driver being on the Dancing with the Stars saying, “Quickie on DWTS?? Guaranteed to be in the finals.” It does seem that the Packers could elect to restructure Driver’s contract so he can stay with the team.

It is becoming more likely that the Packers will have to part ways with All-Pro center Scott Wells. This is because the Packers, as reported by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, have an interest in Houston Texans’ center Scott Myers. Though it is technically illegal for the Packers to have any sort of contact with potential free agents before the actual start of free agency, it is still done frequently between players and team management behind closed doors. This just seems to be reassuring the probability that Wells will be going somewhere else.

Aaron Rodgers is more popular in Wisconsin and among Packers fan than any celebrity in recent memory. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The state of Wisconsin is currently in the process of making 12/12/12 officially Aaron Rodgers Day. This just provides further evidence on how passionate and unique Packer country is.

Following up on a past article I did about the Pro Bowl, Commissioner Roger Goodell told ESPN’s Mike and Mike right before the Super Bowl, “After what I saw last Sunday, the NFL will consider eliminating the Pro Bowl.” I do not want the Pro Bowl to end but if the NFL just added some incentives to winning the game then maybe players would try harder. As of right now, the winning team receives $50,000 per player while the losing team receives $25,000. Obviously for players receiving millions of dollars per year, there really is no extra incentive to play harder.

You will find nuggets of valuable tidbits about the Packers, Lions, Bears and Vikings.

Of particular interest is the Vikings dealings in getting a stadium deal finalized. It sounds like a majority of the Minneapolis City Council would like to see the issue go to referendum – something that nearly everyone feels will be defeated.

The Bears officials are talking to Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd and the Lions officials are talking about how to conduct their business without reducing Calvin Johnson’s cap number.

All this and more can be found at Siefert’s blog.

Take a jog on over to his site.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Former quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and TV personality Ron Jaworski was removed from the Monday Night Football broadcast team. Howard Smith-US PRESSWIREHoward Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Everyone agrees that the Monday Night Football broadcast booth was never the same after the original team of Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford and Dandy Don Meredith were split up.

But I have to agree with those who are today complaining today about the removal of Ron “Jaws” Jaworski from the current lineup – in fact, Dandy Don and Howard are surely rolling in their graves about the shakeup.

Don’t get me wrong, Jon Gruden seems to be a personable fellow and of course has shown that he knows a bit about football – after all, he does have a Super Bowl ring or two.

However, if there is one suckup of an individual these days, it’s Gruden, and everyone knows it.

How many glowing adjectives can the guy come up with for a coach or player on a team that’s on a 2-12 team? Well, Gruden’s pretty good at that. Sure, it’s his job to sell the game and make sure those watching don’t turn to reruns of The Wheel of Fortune or Gilligan’s Island, but Gruden takes that sell job over the top many times. And most of the time it’s just plain annoying or even embarrassing.

Because of that, I was hoping he would get back into the coaching ranks where he belongs.

He doesn’t belong in the booth and I can only reiterate the comments being made by so many today that the wrong man was pulled from the broadcast.

I always liked Jaworski. He’s honest, knows the game and doesn’t glamorize and sugar coat reality.

I’m sure Jaws will land on his feet, but this decision only cheapens Monday Night Football and downgrades it one more notch.

Packers fans will go the limit to help the team. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Do you need to question just how important football is to fans in Green Bay, Wisconsin?

All you have to do is take a look at how many showed up to help clear the snow out of Lambeau Field today.

Though they are paid a nominal amount, folks from all walks of life show up. The Packers will put out a call the day before, asking folks to come to the stadium to help clear the snow for the coming weekend’s game.

Of course, all games are important, but this weekend’s NFC Divisional Playoff showdown with the New York Giants makes the task even that much more important. It’s a game that will have national exposure, so Packers officials surely want the stadium looking spiffy and for fans to have the best experience.

Though hardy already, Packers fans would certainly not be offended by having to sit with their family and friends in snow, but it’s also a safety issue and the Packers surely want all fans and visitors to Lambeau Field to have a great and safe experience.

So, dozens, maybe even hundreds showed up this morning …

A nice story was done this morning by Kevin Seifert, the ESPN NFC North writer.

Check it out here or below …

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Clipped from: espn.go.com (share this clip)

Former Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly was sentenced to six years in prison today.

Green Bay Packers former defensive end Johnny Jolly was sentenced today to six years in prison, according to reports by the Associated Press.

Despite the tearful pleas by the defendant for another chance Judge Denise Bradley sentenced Jolly in her Houston courtroom.

Phyllis Jolly, mother of suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end collapsed and screamed after her son was sentenced to prison.

Jolly was sentenced for violating the terms of his probation on a drug charge. He was charged with possession of a compound containing codeine and tampering with evidence after a traffic stop in October. It was his third drug arrest in three years.

(more…)

Johnny Jolly was a formidable lineman for the Packers from 2006-09. Here he snatches the only interception of his career, which came against the Bears in 2009.

Former Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly has traveled a tough road the past four years, being arrested three times for possession of codeine … A narcotic he describes as his “only friend” during an interview with ESPN that’s scheduled to air today, Wednesday, Nov. 16.

He had what many thought was a great life – playing four seasons with the Green Bay Packers – but it was his addiction that dragged him to rock bottom where missed the opportunity to be a member of a Super Bowl-winning team last year.

Suspended after his arrests, Jolly didn’t celebrate the Packers’ Super Bowl win. Instead, he said, “I didn’t want to be around anyone. I didn’t want to answer no questions. And so I stayed in the room, just drunk, and watched.”

“My only friend was the codeine, and it kept me numb,” Jolly says in an “Outside the Lines” report by Mark Fainaru-Wada. “It kept me from losing my mind. Me losing football is like me losing a loved one, or a bunch of loved ones, at one time.”

Being suspended indefinitely by the NFL in 2010, Jolly faces a lengthy jail sentence.

For a teaser of Jolly’ interview on ESPN, check below.

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The season opening performance by Cobb not only ignited the Packers and their legions of fans, but it caught the eyes of the producers of ESPN’s Sport Science who will feature The runback as the play of the week.

Of most interest to the science of the play is Cobb’s ability to take a hit, spin out of it, keep his balance, land and continue running in what seemed a single motion.

Quoted in a story by Tyler Dunne today on JSonline.com, Sport Science host John Brenkus says, “In the fifth of a second between his contact with Torrence and his likely impact with the ground, three arms keep the play alive: Cobb’s right arm, and the arms of running running back John Kuhn. For less than a third of a second, these arms support the majority of Cobb’s weight, but it’s all the time he needs to get his feet back under him.”

It was an amazing play that can only be explained through science. 

This video helps explain things:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Xr-3lludjq8