Packers Draft 2008

I will not claim to have any sort of original thought on the NFL draft picks made by Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers. For the first time in 22 years, the Packers did not pick in the first round. In later rounds, they picked two quarterbacks, Louisville's Brian Brohm in the second round and LSU's Matt Flynn in the seventh. The Packers haven't picked two QB's in a draft since years before Favre even came to the team. So like 1984 or something.

I would presume these two, along with starting Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, are each fantasising about becoming the "next Brett Favre". Anyone would I suppose, especially football players with all that machismo at play. I am not looking for another Favre, I am looking for a winning season following Favre's retirement and a decent price for my Packers tickets.

Who is this Brohm guy? It seems like buzz has surrounded him and his performance on the field since the guy was in high school. As far as his response to being drafted by the Packers, Brohm said, "It was a long wait, but I'm just excited to be in the NFL and to be with the Green Bay Packers. I'm just pumped up. I want to come in and compete and be the best player I can be. I know they have a good team and I just want to do what I can to help out."

Favre on Letterman

What a treat that was! When Brett Favre, dressed in a nice pair of jeans, and a brand new linen jacket (maybe a blend, but nice, nonetheless) walked on to the Late Show with David Letterman stage, one could hear a collective sigh from the ladies in America.

He is much-loved and rarely seen in an interview setting. Letterman was great, pushing for information on Favre signing his retirement papers. Favre said he just didn't do it, not to read in to anything and that Letterman "must watch a lot of TV". Favre confirmed that the fact that the Green Bay Packers didn't recruit wide receiver Randy Moss had nothing to do with his decision not to play quarterback for the team. Letterman was so complementary, as he should be, to Favre and his accomplishments on and off the football field. I literally had a smile on my face from beginning to end. My two favorite salt and peppered-hair dudes!

Daunte Culpepper. A Green Bay Packer?

Rumor has it the Packers are looking to bring in a backup quarterback with some experience for Aaron Rodgers. With that being the case, Culpepper fits the bill, but this is pigs-flying kind of stuff. Daunte Culpepper played quarterback for longtime Packers rival to the north, the Minnesota Vikings for years. He was recruited by the Vikings in 1999 and played with such Packers-haters as Randy Moss, Michael Bennett and Chris Carter. Many trips to Lambeau Field must have affected his feeling to wear green and gold? The real question is why do the Packers think they need a back up with experience? Do we not recall the comment former-Packers quarterback, one Mr. Brett Favre said? He said, and I quote, “It would be hard to pass up, I guess. … It’s only speculating. I think the world of that team. I had a lot of fun, not only this year, but over my career. Those guys I played with this past year, a lot of young guys, a lot of fun. … And if that opportunity presented itself and they did call, it would be tempting. And I very well could be enticed to do it.” Enticing to us the fans too! Sorry Aaron, this doesn't come from a place of uncertainty of your ability more of a place of love for Favre.

BRETT FAVRE IS GOING TO BE ON LETTERMAN

I can't think of a better pairing. Two dudes, both with a special place in my heart going toe to toe in a wit-filled discussion on retirement, no retirement, filing paperwork, or not filing. Letterman is a huge Indianapolis Colts fan; he likes football and is always a great interviewer when it comes to professional athletes.

Having been to see Letterman a couple times in my life, I would have to say, sitting in that ice cold studio and seeing former Green Bay Packers quarterback, BRETT FAVRE come out as one of his guests for the night would be way crazy. (My best was Kanye West and Ray Romano.) I wonder what he will wear. My money is on some old jeans and a button down shirt with a ratty t-shirt underneath. Super hot. Sorry Deanna. This is, presumably, one of my last opportunities to ramble on.

Brett Favre will appear as a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman a week from today, Thursday, April 24.

Maybe he's making some other big announcement? (Hands in the air: Packers tickets vs. Letterman tickets?)

Green Bay Packers 2008 Schedule

Good Stuff. Seriously, super good stuff. Something to look forward to post-summer in the Midwest. A winter break to New Orleans in November to watch the Packers take on the New Orleans Saints. I can taste the burgers at Port of Call and the beignets at Cafe du Mond. Yum. Maybe Favre will be ready for a trip to Bourbon Street when he isn't expected to play quarterback for the Green and Gold a la Super Bowl XXXI. I also like to see the Dallas Cowboys coming to get a feel for a road trip to Lambeau Field.

Green Bay Packers Pre Season Schedule
Mon., Aug. 11
Cincinnati Bengals(Bishop's Charities Game)
7 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 16
@ San Francisco 49ers
8 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 22
@ Denver Broncos
8 p.m.

Thurs., Aug. 28
Tennessee Titans (Gold Pkg.)(Midwest Shrine Game)
7 p.m.

2008 Green Bay Packers Regular Season Schedule

Mon., Sept. 8
Minnesota Vikings
6 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 14
@ Detroit Lions
12 noon

Sun., Sept. 21
Dallas Cowboys (Gold Pkg.)
7:15 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 28
@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12 noon

Sun., Oct. 5
Atlanta Falcons
12 noon

Sun., Oct. 12
@ Seattle Seahawks
3:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 19
Indianapolis Colts
3:15 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 26
Open Date


Sun., Nov. 2
@ Tennessee Titans
12 noon

Sun., Nov. 9
@ Minnesota Vikings
12 noon

Sun., Nov. 16
Chicago Bears (Gold Pkg.)
*12 noon

Mon., Nov. 24
@ New Orleans Saints
7:30 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 30
Carolina Panthers
*12 noon

Sun., Dec. 7
Houston Texans
*12 noon

Sun., Dec. 14
@ Jacksonville Jaguars
*12 noon

Mon., Dec. 22
@ Chicago Bears
7:30 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 28
Detroit Lions
*12 noon

THEN POST SEASON??? I am throwing it out there, that I expect a 10-6 season, with a solid chance in the post season. Yes, last season everything pointed to fate taking the Green Bay Packers all the way to the Super Bowl, but this year the cosmic cards are still in a different, but similar alignment. Favre retires. Rodgers steps in and takes his knowledge from Favre all the way. Didn't anyone see The Karate Kid? Hello.

Packers Preseason Schedule

We already know the Packers will face the Vikings at Lambeau to open the 2008 NFL season, but what we now can add to that is the preseason opponents. On Monday, August 11, the Packers play the Cincinnati Bengals at home. Then they are on the road for a game at the San Francisco 49ers and at the Denver Broncos Invesco Field at Mile High, or whatever that place is called now. The last game before we can all get REALLY excited for the regular NFL season to begin is against Tennessee back at home. Have we played the Tennessee Titans in every preseason for the last 5 years? Not that there is anything wrong with it...What is so right about it is the price of preseason Packers tickets! These are the games to take kids to and not feel like you broke the bank! I would suspect the first home game will offer up the least spendy tickets as it is a Monday night which leaves a lot of people out of the picture. Speaking of pictures, check out Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Oh, to be a fly on their shoulders. Or wherever.

Packers Schedule To Be Announced Soon

We usually have to wait until the end of April to learn of the complete Green Bay Packers schedule, but it looks as if we can make our travel plans for an away Packers game as soon as this coming Monday. The rumor mill has churned out the promise of a complete Packers schedule this coming Monday. I know I am looking for a good date on the Packers Saints game in New Orleans. Can you think of anything more fun than that road trip?

Rumor Mill

If I have to wake up one more morning hearing the local radio guys talking about the latest rumor involving my Brett Favre Quarterbacking for another NFL team, I might just lose it. It started with the rumor that Favre hadn't filed his retirement papers and might go play for the San Francisco 49ers. Then he was going to play for the St. Louis Rams or the San Diego Chargers. NOW, it appears that they say Favre is going to bookend his football career with the Atlanta Falcons. Say it isn't so. This cannot go on much longer. We have the announcement of the Packers Vikings Monday Night Football game opening the 2008 NFL season in Lambeau Field on September 8. This news has Packers fans riled up, but with the excitement comes the stress of our former lover cheating on us. RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR OWN EYES.

This better not be true. Favre, you really do look best in green and gold.

Packers GM NFL Executive of the Year

Sporting News magazine conducted a recent poll and named our Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson as the NFL Executive of the Year. Sounds about right, given the unexpected year the Packers had!


Ted Thompson's other titles include executive vice president and director of football operations for the Packers. He received the most votes (19) among the 48 votes cast by NFL GM's and other executives for the George Young NFL Executive of the Year.

Jerry Reese, the New York Giants' general manager, came in second in the poll with nine votes.
Sporting News said Thompson had a good eye for talent and the ability to maintain the right mix of players on the Packers. Also mentioned is the fact that Thompson hired current Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, who won the division championship in just his second year as head coach. He didn't pull off the NFC Championship, but he came darn close and for that Packernation is grateful.

Hopefully this picture of Thompson and Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will continue the legacy.

Free Agency Moves for Packers

The Green Bay Packers agreed to a two-year, US$5.4-million deal with free-agent linebacker Brandon Chillar. Big news for the Packers who rarely deal in free agency.

Free-agent linebacker, Brandon Chillar has just signed with the Green Bay Packers for two years and $5.4 million, plus incentives. Chillar comes to Green Bay from the St. Louis Rams and will likely compete with Brady Poppinga for the starting spot. He was drafted by the Rams in 2004 from UCLA.

At six-foot-three, 242-pounds, Chillar started 15 games last season with the Rams, made 65 tackles, including 52 solo tackles. Brandon Chillar had a career-high 2 1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles last season.

Welcome to the Frozen Tundra, Guy.

Is it noon yet?

10 Ways to Keep Your Packers Spirit Alive Until Fall

10. Road trip to the Packers Hall of Fame.

9. Book your hotel in Canton for the first weekend in August 2013. Do I need to explain?

8. Buy some fresh and clean Packers gear for cryin' out loud.

7. Quit the tears over Brett Favre's retirement and get on board the Aaron Rodgers' train.

6. Start thinking about your Fantasy Football 2008 draft.

5. Start a Green Bay Packers blog to get your thoughts down versus floating around in your head.

4. Post your favorite Packers fan memory on Packers.com for all the world to enjoy. Warning; Some make you tear up.

3. Take a tour of Lambeau Field with your family.

2. Green and Gold paint, a friend with benefits and a bottle of tequilla.

1. Move to Hattiesburg, MS and do some good, old fashioned stalking.

Did you change your mind yet Brett?

Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (that hurts to write) may have had the best teacher to help prepare him for the upcoming NFL season, but until he takes snaps in back to back games, I will be cautiously optimistic.

Another 13-3 season for the Green Bay Packers would be unreal. Playing host to another NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field would be unbelievable. Ushering in a replacement for beloved #4 in Rodgers and having it go swimmingly would be a dream come true. A dream I wasn't planning on having for another year or two, but I will go with it if it's what makes Brett happy.

The Sports Illustrated Commemorative issue is on the newstands and on ebay and on my nightstand. As someone else wrote, "a super hot dude just retired from the NFL". I concur.

Day One Post Favre Press Conference

WOW. Once set to music by my local Fox affiliate, the Brett Favre retirement press conference brought me straight to tears. I kept my composure at the office as we all listened to Favre speak. Favre was so great. He spoke from the heart, without a word written in front of him, he answered the reporters' questions honestly and unapologetically. Favre said if it just required him on the football field Sunday afternoons, no NFL player would ever retire, but the mental time and energy fully preparing for a successful NFL season was something Favre couldn't commit to. I give him credit for being so honest with himself. Checking his ego. What ego I ask myself? He has been in a unique position, playing arguably the toughest position in all of sports, for the MOST beloved team in all of sports. Ok, in all of football. Yes, that includes the Cowboys. Please.

Brett Favre even said the pressure of this last surprisingly great season piled up and piled up each week so much so that when a game ended one week he started mentally preparing and watching film for the next week's opponent immediately. The sign of a true competitor, yes. But exhausting for sure.

It was great to see Deanna Favre there. She sure has been through a lot. I hope they find their forthcoming quality time together fulfilling. Nothing like retirement to bring a couple together. Right, Mom and Dad?

Now we have to sit and wait. Wait and sit. For Aaron Rodgers. For the Packers. For the first Green Bay Packers game without Brett Favre.

I will miss you Brett!! Have fun hunting and mowing the lawn.

Brett Favre Press Conference

Reports are that Brett Favre will hold a press conference Thursday to discuss his retirement from football and the Green Bay Packers. Maybe Favre will have a change of heart between now and 11am cst Thursday? Maybe he will hit the podium and say, "Just kidding guys; one more year". That would be awfully crazy, but a welcomed remark. It is a long shot.

The media coverage of Favre's retirement is never ending. Not that I am complaining, but one has to be impressed with the work that print reporters and videographers have done to mark Favre's accomplishments. Hours and hours of primetime television hours were dedicated to his retirement. Thanks to my DVR I will be in good shape for my Favre fix for years to come. Seeing Favre's fashion through the years is a trip! The rolled-up, cut off jean shorts, the sport coat when he announced his rehab trip to the casual fashion of recent years is enjoyable.

I wish Favre and his family nothing but the best, but I sure would love to see a change of heart??? Come on Brett, one more year?

Go Packers!

Looks Official; Favre Retires

The cruel, cruel world. The news came as I was pulling in to my parking lot at work. What a wonderful way to start a work day! With the terribly sad news of my quarterback, Brett Favre deciding to retire from football and the Green Bay Packers. He has led the team from all of these years. When he first hit the field for the Packers I was graduating from high school and now look at me, all mature and responsible and so on. Just kidding, but when you look at what you have done in your personal life since 1992, it is crazy to think that each of those years, Brett Favre was our quarterback. Packers fans the world over are shedding a collective tear today.

Eight Minutes of Hell..."Favre Retires" on Packers Site

When I heard the news that the Packers site posted the news that Brett Favre was retiring I was immediately hit with the such sadness. What would I do? What would my future hold? Would Aaron Rodgers ever come close to filling the void left by #4? Would Packers tickets become the easiest get in town? Would Favre want to hang out with me in his spare time?

So many questions. So few answers. The Packers people immediately said the article posted was something they have had "ready" at the end of the last few seasons. It wasn't to be taken as insider information at all, and that a formal announcement from Favre is expected to come within the next week or so.

The Green Bay Packers' new president and CEO, Mark Murphy, earlier this week said that he believes Packers quarterback Brett Favre will return next season.

Packer Fan Fest 2008 Right Around the Corner

If you signed up with the hope you'd have the chance to buy Packers Fan Fest tickets, you'd know by now if you won the chance as tickets are now in the "winners" hands. The event, held in Lambeau Field Atrium March 7-8, is a popular one. The following Green Bay Packers players have said they would be in attendance signing autographs and chit-chatting with the Packers fans in attendance.

Donald Driver, Aaron Kampman, Al Harris, Atari Bigby, Nick Collins, Junius Coston, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Ryan Grant, Korey Hall, Cullen Jenkins, James Jones, Ryan Pickett, Brady Poppinga, Koren Robinson, Aaron Rodgers, Jason Spitz and Scott Wells.

Also expected are a few Packers alumni like John Brockington, Willie Buchanon, LeRoy Butler, Willie Davis, Antonio Freeman, Bob Harlan, Marco Rivera, Dave Robinson, Frank Winters and Ron Wolf.

Brown County Green Bay Packers Ticket Drawing NOW

If you are a resident of Brown County, WI, and not currently a Green Bay Packers Season ticket holder, now is the time to register your name for a chance to purchase tickets to a 2008 Packers game at Lambeau Field. This will be the 6th year 4000 tickets for each home game will be made available for purchase for those fans who helped pay with their tax dollars for Lambeau Field's expansion of a few years ago.

While they aren't the best seats in the house, the 300 level seating the Packers make available are certainly better than no seat at all.

If you have already registered in the past, you don't need to again. If you haven't, then go to the Packers Pro Shop, the service desk in Lambeau Field's Atrium or the Packers ticket office for a form to fill out. Hurry though, you have to have your information in their hands by March 12, 2008.

Ten Things to do in Wisconsin Prior to the Packer Season

At first I thought I would be a real smart ass for this little time-killer. Given the fact that I am looking out of my window at ten feet of snow and a forecast of 7 degrees, being sincere will take a little more effort. As a lifelong Wisconsinite, or Sconny, I appreciate this place, but can name a million other places I would like to set up shop. There are Packer bars all over, right? No Lambeau Field though without a flight from the beach. So until I can enjoy Brett Favre suited up in his green and gold and watch the Packers stomp all over the competition in fall, here is what I would recommend checking out in my part of Wisconsin - Brew City.

10. World's Largest Music Festival Summerfest will eat up 10 days. Make that 11 to allow for recovery.

9. Train for Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon. I say this every year. It's like The Secret.

8. Do some real damage at Anthroplogie in Milwaukee's Third Ward. There isn't a better store.

7. Given the kid-factor, I anticipate numerous Milwaukee County Zoo and Betty Brinn Children's Museum trips.

6. Harley Davidson's 105th Anniversary Party will be super fun! Bruce Springsteen is playing on Saturday, August 30, 2008 outside the Summerfest grounds.

5. Anticipate the Milwaukee Bucks moves in the NBA draft. Without hope you have nothing. Who said that?

4. Give yourself a little love. Not like that....Take a road trip to remind yourself of that special love you have for Lambeau Field. Road trip to Geeebzzz and have lunch at Curly's Pub.

3. Get outside. The number of beautiful days in Milwaukee is so low, you have to eat each one right up. Plant. Run. Bike. Walk. Swim. Each day.

2. One more road trip. A quick hour drive to Madison will be a treat. It doesn't get much better. The Wisconsin Badgers wouldn't be named a top party school for kicks.

1. I guess we gotta get on board. Brewers fever is coming; I feel it. I am a little achey and sweaty. Milwaukee Brewers Opening Day at Miller Park April 4 is a must do. The bright side is that Milwaukee Brewers tickets are a lot cheaper than Packers tickets!

Favre and McCarthy Win NFL 101 Awards

Announced earlier this week, Packers quarterback Brett Favre and Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy were selected to win NFL 101 Awards. I must live under a rock because I have never heard of these awards, which some consider to be the fanciest, classiest sports award event. The NFL 101 Award began in 1969 and it's recipients include the finest NFL players. The 101 in the name refers to the 101 sports writers and and broadcasters who vote for the winners.

NFL 101 NFC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Brett Favre - Quarterback, Green Bay Packers

Became the NFL's all-time leader in touchdown passes (442), completions (5,377), attempts (8,759) and wins (162). He finished the regular season with an NFL record 253 consecutive starts and was the first player to ever win 3 MVP awards and he did it in consecutive years. Brett Favre led the Green Bay Packers to NFC North Division Championship and an appearance in the NFC Championship game.

NFL 101 NFC COACH OF THE YEAR

Mike McCarthy - Head Coach, Green Bay Packers

Engineered remarkable return to prominence for Packers franchise in 2007, compiling 13-3 regular season record, capturing the NFC North Title, a playoff victory over Seattle and berth in NFC Championship Game (losing in overtime to NY Giants). McCarthy took over a 4-12 Packers team two years ago and led them to 8-8 as rookie coach last year and then to 13-3 this year.