Green Bay has been a pass first team over the last decades with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers at the helm. However, during that time there have been a handful of receivers in Green Bay helping Favre and Rodgers eclipse numerous NFL records.

With Donald Driver retiring just a few short weeks ago and the recent news that the Green Bay Packers will not franchise tag wide receiver Greg Jennings, the 2013 Packers’ wide receiver group will look a bit different.

With the departure of Driver and Jennings, it got me to thinking: where do these two men rank on the Packers’ all-time wide receiver list?

Without further ado, here are your top 10 wide receivers in the history of the Green Bay Packers.

10. Caroll Dale

Stats: 275 receptions, 5,422 yards, 35 touchdowns, 19.7 yards per catch average

Carroll Dale is a bit of an unknown in Packers’ history, but his statistics speak for themselves.

Dale was brought to Green Bay in a trade in 1965 with the Los Angeles Rams. Prior to his days in Green Bay, Dale never was part of a winning team in L.A.

All that would change in Green Bay, however. Dale and the Packers won the three league championships and the first two Super Bowls, all within Dale’s first three seasons as a Packer.

Dale’s glory years in Green Bay came between 1968-70.

In 1968, Dale totaled 42 receptions, 818 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns all while being named to the All-NFL second team in 1968.

Dale left the Packers in 1972 to join the Minnesota Vikings, but only played one season in Minnesota before retiring in 1973.

9. Greg Jennings

Stats: 425 receptions, 6,537 yards, 53 touchdowns, 15.4 yards per catch average

It appears Greg Jennings has played his last down in Green Bay. With the team not franchise tagging him, and the Packers unwilling to shell out the reported $12 million a year Jennings wants, all signs point to both sides moving on.

Jennings has been a staple for the Packers the last seven seasons. His numbers stack up well against the best receivers the league has to offer since joining the Packers in 2006.

Jennings’ best season as a Packer came in 2010-11 when he caught 76 passes for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns. 2010-11, of course, was the year the Packers would go on to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, 31-25. Jennings caught four passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.

In just seven seasons Jennings has climbed up the list for Packers’ all-time receiving records. If he were to stay in Green Bay, Jennings could have easily challenged any receiving record previously set in Green Bay.

However, if we have seen the last of Jennings in Green Bay, it was a great run that saw Jennings and the Packers hold up the Lombardi trophy.

8. Boyd Dowler

Stats: 448 receptions, 6,918 yards, 40 touchdowns, 15.4 yards per catch average

Boyd Dowler was a member of the Packers Glory Years in the 1960s. As a primary weapon in a historic offensive scheme, Dowler led the Packers to five championships, including Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II.

In 1963, Dowler had his best season as a pro. He caught 53 passes for a career-high 901 yards and six touchdowns.

Dowler’s career moment came in Super Bowl II when he caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bart Starr in a Packers’ victory. Dowler finished the game with two receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.

Of Dowler’s 11 seasons in Green Bay, he led the team seven times in receiving yards, which is third all-time in Packers’ history.

Dowler left the Packers after the 1969 season. He would sit out the 1970 NFL season, then join the Washington Redskins in 1971, but only played one season for the Redskins.

Dowler was a two-time Pro Bowler in 1965 and 1967. His 6,918 career receiving yards is good for fifth all-time in Packers’ history.

7. Billy Howton

Stats: 303 receptions, 5,581 yards, 43 touchdowns, 18.4 yards per catch average.

Billy Howton just missed the Packers’ dynasty years of the 1960s. In just seven short seasons as a Packer, Howton racked up an impressive career in the Green and Gold.

Howton was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the 1952 NFL Draft.

As a rookie, Howton immediately made an impact on the field. He set a Packers’ record (which still stands today) with 1,231 yards receiving in his rookie season.

Howton was best known for his tremendous speed and big play ability

Howton led the NFL in receiving yards twice (1952 and 1956) and led the Packers team in receiving for six straight years from 1952-57.

Vince Lombardi was hired to be the Packers’ coach in 1959 following a 1-10-1 season. One of Lombardi’s first moves as coach was trading Howton to the Cleveland Browns in 1959 in exchange for two players. The move was very controversial, but worked out for Lombardi as he went on to dominate the 1960s.

Like Jennings, if Howton would’ve been in Green Bay longer he would have had a great opportunity to break many Packers’ receiving records.

Howton broke the Packers’ single-game receiving record in 1956 against L.A Rams when he caught seven passes for 257 yards.

Howton was inducted into the Packers’ Hall Of Fame in 1974.

6. Max McGee

Stats: 345 receptions, 6,346 yards, 50 touchdowns, 18.4 yards per catch average

Max McGee was one of the longest-tenured receivers in Green Bay history playing 12 seasons for the Packers.

The Packers took McGee in the 5th round (51st overall) of the 1954 NFL Draft. McGee had a solid rookie season with 36 catches for more than 600 yards and nine touchdowns. His nine touchdowns as a rookie is good enough for second all-time in Packers’ history.

However, McGee would take the next two seasons off to join the Air Force before returning to Green Bay for the 1957 season.

McGee’s best season as a pro came in 1961 when he caught 51 passes for 883 yards and seven touchdowns.

McGee led the NFL in yards per catch in 1959 with 23.2. However, the Packers would have their worst season in team history with a 1-10-1 record.

McGee is fifth all-time in Packers’ history with 50 career touchdown receptions. He led the team in receiving for four times (1958, 1960-62).

McGee won five NFL Championships, including the first two Super Bowls. He would retire following the Packers’ victory in Super Bowl II over the Oakland Raiders.

McGee was inducted into the Packers’ Hall Of Fame in 1975.

5. Antonio Freeman

Stats: 431 receptions, 6,651 yards receiving, 57 touchdowns, 15.4 yards per catch average

The Green Bay Packers selected Antonio Freeman in the third round (90th overall) in the 1995 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech.

In his rookie season, Freeman appeared in 11 games and only caught eight passes in an exclusive kick/punt returning role for the Packers.

In his second season, Freeman’s role would dramatically increase. He caught 56 passes for 933 yards and nine touchdowns. In the Packers’ Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, Freeman caught three passes for 103 yard and a touchdown in the victory.

The following year, the 1997-98 season, Freeman had his breakout year. Freeman started all 16 games for the Packers. He caught 81 passes for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. In the Packers 1998 Super Bowl loss to the Denver Broncos Freeman caught nine passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. However, it was his drop on third-and-6 on the Packers’ final attempt at a game-tying drive that would do the Packers in.

Freeman’s best season came in the 1998-99 season where he caught 84 passes for 1,424 and 14 touchdowns. His 1,424 yards receiving in 1998-99 is good enough for the third most receiving yards in a season in Packers’ history.

Freeman was an All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection following his career season in 1998-1999.

Freeman became a member of the Packer’s Hall of Fame in 2009.

4. James Lofton

Stats: 530 receptions, 9,656 yards, 49 touchdowns, 18.2 yards per catch average.

The Packers selected James Lofton with the sixth overall pick in the first round in the 1978 NFL Draft out of Stanford.

In Lofton’s rookie season he caught 46 pass for 818 yards (second most by any Packers’ rookie) and six touchdown receptions.

From 1980-86 Lofton was practically impossible to defend. His unique mixture of size (6-3) and speed made him a matchup nightmare for defenses around the NFL.

In his nine seasons in Green Bay, Lofton was named to the Pro Bowl seven times and a member of the All-Pro team four times.

Lofton’s best season as a Packer came in 1981 when he caught 71 passes for 1,294 and eight touchdowns.

The only knock on Lofton’s tenure as a Packer was the late 1970s and 1980s were a stage of mediocrity for the Packers. The team struggled to win consistently, so the play of Lofton wasn’t always recognized, which is part of the reason he decided to leave Green Bay following the 1986-87 season.

Lofton holds the Packers’ record for most games of 100 or more receiving yards in a game at 32.

He is also third all-time in Packers’ history for total yards from scrimmage with 9,901.

Lofton is a member of the 1980s NFL All-Decade Team. He was selected to the Packers’ Hall of Fame in 1999.

Lofton became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

3. Donald Driver

Stats: 735 receptions, 10,137 yards receiving, 61 touchdowns, 15.6 yards per catch

The Green Bay Packers took a flier on Donald Driver in the seventh round (213th overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft.

Driver was the longest-tenured receiver in Packers’ history before retiring last month.

Being an undersized wide receiver from a little school and being drafted in the seventh round, Driver always played like there was a chip on his shoulder.

Driver’s breakout year came in 2002, his fourth NFL season, when he caught 70 passes for 1,064 yards and a career-high nine touchdown receptions.

For 14 seasons Driver was the definition of durability, missing only four games in his career.

Driver helped finish the career of Bret Favre and launch the career of Aaron Rodgers in his time in Green Bay.

His trademark smile and love for the Packers fans have made him arguably the most liked Packer of all-time. As great a player as Driver was on the field, he was even a better person off the field.

In his time in Green Bay Driver set numerous Packers’ receiving records including most seasons of 1,000 or more yards receiving (7) most career receiving yards (10,137) most seasons of 50 or more receptions (9) and most receptions in a career (735).

Driver and the Packers’ won their first Super Bowl in 14 seasons in 2010-11.

2. Sterling Sharpe

Sharpe was an outstanding player and contributed to the Packers’ offense right away. His rookie season he caught 55 passes for 791 yards and a touchdown.

The following season, 1989-90, Sharpe broke out and caught 90 passes for 1,423 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Sharpe’s best season came in 1992 when he broke Art Monk’s record of 106 receptions in a season (since broken by Marvin Harrison’s 143 in 2002). Sharpe finished that season with 108 receptions for 1.461 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, Sharpe’s brilliant young career was cut short in 1994 after he suffered a neck injury. Sharpe’s injury put him in the same class as Bo Jackson and Gale Sayers as great talent cut short by injury.

Sharpe was a five-time Pro Bowl selection in just seven NFL seasons in Green Bay. He was also a three-time All-Pro selection in 1989, 1990 and 1992. He led the NFL in receptions three times (1989, 1992, 1993). He led the NFL in touchdown receptions twice (1992 and 1994).

One of only seven players in the history of the NFL to hold the NFL’s receiving version of the “Triple Crown” which entailed leading the league in receptions, touchdowns, and yards.

Sharpe holds the following Packers’ receiving records: most receptions in a season (112) and most receptions in a rookie season (55).

Sharpe is a member of the Green Bay Packers’ Hall of Fame, but not of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

1. Don Hutson

Hutson was able to put up numbers in the 11-game schedule at the time that players would struggle to accomplish in the 16-game schedule now played in the NFL. For example, in 1942 Hutson caught 74 passes for 1,211 yards and 17 touchdowns all while only “starting” four games that season.

Forget Packers’ receiving records for the moment, Hutson still owns a number of NFL records. These records include most seasons leading the league in receptions (8) most seasons leading the league in receiving yards (7) most seasons leading the league in touchdown receptions (9) and most seasons leading the league in scoring (5).

In his day, Hutson wasn’t just a star receiver, he was a defensive back and punter. In 1943 he intercepted eight passes and had 30 for his career.

Hutson was an eight-time All-Pro (1938-45), three-time NFL Champion, a member of the 1930s All-Decade team, according to NFL.com he is rated as the No. 9 NFL player of all-time.

Don Hutson holds the following Packers’ records: most seasons leading team in receiving (10) most receptions in a game (14) most games of 200 or more yards receiving (4) most touchdown receptions in a career (99) most consecutive games with 100 or more yards receiving (4) among others.

He is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Green Bay Packers’ Hall of Fame.

His No. 14 jersey is retired by the Green Bay Packers.

He is your No. 1 receiver in the history of the Green Bay Packers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Safety’s Sake: Packers James Lofton Gets Defensive

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

The Packers and Bucs line up in the Snow Bowl

Tooling around YouTube tonight, I came across a Green Bay Packers’ game that I remember well, but had not thought about for many years – the famed Snow Bowl that featured the likes of Lyn Dickey, Steve Young and about 36,000 no shows.

It’s got to be the only game that’s not featured a filled Lambeau Field in recent memory.

That’s because a foot of snow fell prior to the game and another five covered the field during the three hours the game was played.

This edited version of the original broadcast on Channel 7 out of Wausau even includes a crawler that announces another 8-14 inches of snow was being projected to fall during that night, so the fans traveling west from Green Bay probably had a tough go of it – if indeed there were any travelers.

I remember turning this noon game on and being flabbergasted it was even being played in those conditions. It sure was fun to watch and reliving it here was just as much fun – especially watching a very youthful Steve Young struggle as the Bucs quarterback.

Anyway, I hope you find watching this post as much fun as I had finding it and bringing it to you.

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

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

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

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

And enjoy the post below.

James Lofton Expects a Tough Camp

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

Lynn Dickey, wearing his number 10 jersey, didn't get back on the field from his broken leg until late in the 1979 season.

One of my favorite Packers quarterbacks of all time, Lynn Dickey, was known for his pin-point accuracy and his ability to throw the long ball – especially to receivers like Hall of Famer James Lofton, JJ Jefferson and tight end Paul Coffman.

However, Dickey was also the oft-injured player whose inability to stay on the field, irritated both fans and team personnel with his knack for getting hurt.

The story below presented by the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame (one of my favorite websites, by the way) details one of those injuries that affected Dickey and the Packers during the height of his career.

Though the statement by doctors at the time that the removal of a plate from Dickey’s leg wouldn’t affect the weight-bearing abilities of the Packers’ quarterback, it clearly did. Dickey didn’t make it back to the field until well into the 1979 season.

In fact, Dickey played in just five games that season, starting three of them. He was 60-119 for 787 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. Of course, Dickey went on to some very productive seasons after 1979, including 1983 when he threw for more than 4,400 yards – a longstanding record for the Packers.

But for the story about his leg injury in 1979, check out the posting by the Hall of Fame below.

Lynn Dickey Undergoes Surgery

July 5, 1978 – Packers quarterback Lynn Dickey is reported to be doing well after surgery to remove a plate from his injured left leg. “The plate was removed and Lynn is doing well,” Dr. James Nellen, the team’s orthopedic consultant, says. “The only pain he has is from the incision, and it will not affect the weight bearing or strength of the leg.” Dickey broke his leg in the ninth game of the 1977 season against the Rams. Unfortunately for Dickey, all does not go well and he does not return to action until well into the 1979 campaign.

Lynn Dickey played 10 years for the Green Bay Packers

One of my all-time favorite players was Lynn Dickey, the rifle-armed quarterback who connected so many times with Hall of Famer James Lofton, tight end Paul Coffman and and plethora of running backs.

When the Packers announced on this date back in 1986 that they would be releasing all rights to the quarterback it not only shocked me, but set the Packers back several years. Randy Wright took over for the veteran QB and we all know how that all turned out. It wasn’t until the Majik Man, Don Majkowski, took over under center that that the Packers finally started to find the win column again.

Courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is this piece about Dickey’s release … enjoy.

Packers Give Up Rights to Lynn Dickey

June 11, 1986 – The Green Bay Packers announce they have notified the NFL that they are relinquishing all rights to veteran quarterback Lynn Dickey. The decision to cut ties with Dickey comes down to money, and it occurs a little more than 10 years after he was obtained in a trade (with the Houston Oilers) to bring stability to the quarterback position. “We just had to make a decision, based on what his worth to us is,” Packers coach Forrest Gregg says. “I don’t think 110 percent of his salary is a fair figure.” Dickey, 36, notified the team that he would re-sign for that amount ($935,000), but the price tag was well above the $215,000 the Packers reportedly offered him in February to retain his rights.

Aug 8, 2010; Canton, OH, USA; James Lofton emcees the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Enshrinees Gameday Roundtable at the Canton Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Remember the days of holdouts in the NFL?

This one focuses on the situation between the Green Bay Packers and wide receiver James Lofton. It’s kind of tough to remember this happening, but it seems like every season there were holdouts by many, many veterans.

Enjoy

Lofton Tells Packers He’s  Willing to Sit Out Season   May 20, 1981 - ”I’m serious about not playing. If that’s the route I have to go (sitting out the season), that’s what I’ll do. There’s no reason to be back there (in Green Bay) until this gets resolved.” With those words, receiver James Lofton makes clear his position in his salary dispute with the Packers. The team’s top receiver since being selected with the sixth pick overall in the 1978 draft, Lofton doesn’t end his dispute until the eve of training camp. Even then he’s not a happy camper. “Basically I wanted to see how this organization felt about me. To them, I’m just basically another player,” he says and adds: “I’m a little disappointed they feel that way, but it’s something I’ll have to live with.”       Photo of James Lofton

Aug 8, 2010; Canton, OH, USA; James Lofton emcees the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees Gameday Roundtable at the Canton Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

May 2, 1978, is a day that should live on in all Packers fans hearts and minds.

For it was on this date the Packers drafted James Lofton and John Anderson in the first round.

It turned out to be one of the most productive rounds of the draft in team history. Both players thrived for many years in the league as stars.

Courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, enjoy this short post:

Donald Driver, you just got your first Super Bowl ring in your memorable 12-year NFL career: What’s next?

Good question.

Green Bay’s elder statesman has indeed had one heckuva career, and he’s signed for two more years of a total $17.8 million contract. However, at age 36, he’s clearly on the decline, having just completed what stands statistically as his worst season since 2001.

Not counting playoffs, Driver has 698 receptions for 9,615 yards in his career, numbers that will forever etch him as one of the best pass-catchers ever to don the green and gold. However, two things seem to be plaguing the Packers mainstay: injuries and drops.

When Donald Driver is good, he's really good. But, at age 36, is he running out of gas?

A lingering quad injury limited him to just 51 catches for 561 yards this past season, numbers well below his impressive string of six straight 1,000-yard seasons. Then, after a solid playoff run, he got hurt early in this year’s Super Bowl victory over the Steelers and was a non-factor. (more…)