VOL. VIII; NO. 1 GREEN BAY, JULY 26, 2006 TRAINING CAMP Packers Public Relations Lambeau Field Atrium 1265 Lombardi Avenue Green Bay, WI 54304 920/569-7500 920/569-7201 fax Jeff Blumb, Zak Gilbert, Sarah Quick, Adam Woullard, Mike Spofford, Jeff Harding, Aaron Popkey CIRCLED IN RED ON THE FAMILY CALENDAR: Earlier this sum- mer, Milwaukee’s Summerfest, the nation’s largest music festival, brought to Wisconsin Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mary J. Blige, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails and Alan Jackson. And this month’s Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) “AirVenture,” the most spectacular airshow on earth, will bring the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels to nearby Oshkosh. But in this state, the most anticipated event on most family calendars is Friday — when the Green Bay Packers open training camp. Many homes look forward to it as an annual vacation. Packers training camp, now in its 61st year, brings an estimated 111,000 visitors to Lambeau Field and the Packers’ nearby practice fields, according to the Packer Country Visitor and Convention Bureau. Many of those visitors travel more than 150 miles to Green Bay. RVs with license plates from all over the country line the Lambeau parking lot each week during camp. What’s more, Packers camp delivers a $66 million impact on the local economy, based on figures supplied by the Packer Country VCB. And none of those figures factor in the team’s annual intra-squad scrim- mage, ‘Family Night, Presented by FOX 11,’ the NFL’s most popular prac- tice which annually sells every available seat in Lambeau Field. Last year, the Packer Country VCB conducted visitor intercept surveys, partnering with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Professional Programs in Business Administration to reveal the above numbers. The study also showed that the average travel party size was 3.9 people. Most are traveling with family, friends or both. A total of 100 percent stated that their visit either met or exceeded their expectations, with 82 percent saying that they were very likely or defi- nitely visiting the Green Bay area again in the next year. CAMP McCARTHY: Training camp under Mike McCarthy will attempt to simulate a game-like atmosphere as much as possible. One aspect of those game-like conditions will be prime-time practices. Green Bay will practice under the lights on Clarke Hinkle Field eight times this summer. The first of those night practices, a "Friday Night Lights" this week, kicks off the four-week camp and the Packers' preparations for McCarthy's first season in Green Bay. And the team won't just hit the ground running, they'll be hitting, too. Having installed their new playbooks during two May mini-camps and June organized team activities, the Packers will don full pads for that first practice, a 6:30 p.m. affair Friday. Plus, like those offseason workouts, McCarthy will start rookies and vet- erans from the same point. Early warmup practices for rookies are a thing of the past. The first session is a full-squad practice. Traditional "two-a-days" are a thing of the past as well. Those night ses- sions are part of McCarthy's new "2-1-2-1" training camp schedule, used by a handful of teams around the NFL. In an effort to practice more effi- ciently, Green Bay in general will practice twice one day and once the next. On days when the team practices twice, the first session will take place at 9 a.m. and the second at 6:30 p.m., finishing under the lights. In between, the club will break down film of the morning practice. Then, on the following day, the Packers will report in the morning to evaluate the previous night's practice, hit the field at 2 p.m., and return to the film room that night. Important dates on the preseason calendar: Saturday, Aug. 5 — Family Night intra-squad scrimmage, 6:30 p.m., Lambeau Field Saturday, Aug. 26 — Last practice open to public, 10 a.m., Hinkle Field Tuesday, Aug. 29 — NFL-mandated roster reduction, to 75 players, by 3 p.m. CDT Saturday, Sept. 2 — NFL-mandated roster reduction, to 53 players, by 3 p.m. CDT NEW SCHEDULE FRIENDLY TO FANS: The new camp schedule cre- ates several opportunities for fans. On days with two practices (morning and night), fans now will have more mid-day flexibility to explore several shopping and dining options offered by the area. As they have in years past, fans also will have the opportunity to visit the Packers Hall of Fame, take a stadium tour and enjoy Curly's Pub and other Atrium eateries, all at Lambeau Field. With the element of night practices, other offerings will be developed for fans in the Atrium to help plan their schedules. Also, the night sessions offer those who live in the immediate area more opportunities to see the team practice after the workday concludes. PRESEASON Date Opponent Wis. Time TV Sat., Aug. 12 at San Diego Chargers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 p.m. state Sat., Aug. 19 ATLANTA FALCONS (Gold Pkg.) . . . . . . .7 p.m. state (Midwest Shrine Game) Mon., Aug. 28 at Cincinnati Bengals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 p.m. ESPN Fri., Sept. 1 TENNESSEE TITANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 p.m. state (Bishop’s Charities Game) REGULAR SEASON Date Opponent Wis. Time TV Sun., Sept. 10 CHICAGO BEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3:15 p.m. FOX Sun., Sept. 17 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (Gold Pkg.) . . .12 noon FOX Sun., Sept. 24 at Detroit Lions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 noon FOX Mon., Oct. 2 at Philadelphia Eagles . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m. ESPN Sun., Oct. 8 ST. LOUIS RAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 noon FOX Sun., Oct. 15 Open Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun., Oct. 22 at Miami Dolphins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 noon FOX Sun., Oct. 29 ARIZONA CARDINALS . . . . . . . . . . . .12 noon FOX Sun., Nov. 5 at Buffalo Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 noon FOX Sun., Nov. 12 at Minnesota Vikings . . . . . . . . . . . .*12 noon FOX Sun., Nov. 19 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (Gold Pkg.) . .*12 noon CBS Mon., Nov. 27 at Seattle Seahawks . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 p.m. ESPN Sun., Dec. 3 NEW YORK JETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*12 noon CBS Sun., Dec. 10 at San Francisco 49ers . . . . . . . . . .*3:05 p.m. FOX Sun., Dec. 17 DETROIT LIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*12 noon FOX Thurs., Dec. 21 MINNESOTA VIKINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 p.m. NFLN Sun., Dec. 31 at Chicago Bears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*12 noon FOX *—Kickoff and broadcast subject to change (flex-scheduling option) NFL POSTSEASON DATES Jan. 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AFC and NFC Wild Card Playoffs Jan. 13-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AFC and NFC Divisional Playoffs Jan. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AFC and NFC Championship Games Feb. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Super Bowl XLI at Dolphins Stadium, Miami Feb. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . .AFC-NFC Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium, Honolulu
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VOL. VIII; NO. 1 GREEN BAY, JULY 26, 2006 TRAINING CAMP
Packers Public Relations Lambeau Field Atrium 1265 Lombardi Avenue Green Bay, WI 54304 920/569-7500 920/569-7201 faxJeff Blumb, Zak Gilbert, Sarah Quick, Adam Woullard, Mike Spofford, Jeff Harding, Aaron Popkey
CIRCLED IN RED ON THE FAMILY CALENDAR: Earlier this sum-mer, Milwaukee’s Summerfest, the nation’s largest music festival, broughtto Wisconsin Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mary J. Blige, Pearl Jam,Nine Inch Nails and Alan Jackson. And this month’s Experimental AviationAssociation (EAA) “AirVenture,” the most spectacular airshow on earth,will bring the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels to nearby Oshkosh.
But in this state, the most anticipated event on most family calendars isFriday — when the Green Bay Packers open training camp. Many homeslook forward to it as an annual vacation.Packers training camp, now in its 61st year, brings an estimated 111,000visitors to Lambeau Field and the Packers’ nearby practice fields,according to the Packer Country Visitor and Convention Bureau. Many ofthose visitors travel more than 150 miles to Green Bay. RVs with licenseplates from all over the country line the Lambeau parking lot each weekduring camp.What’s more, Packers camp delivers a $66 million impact on the localeconomy, based on figures supplied by the Packer Country VCB.And none of those figures factor in the team’s annual intra-squad scrim-mage, ‘Family Night, Presented by FOX 11,’ the NFL’s most popular prac-tice which annually sells every available seat in Lambeau Field.Last year, the Packer Country VCB conducted visitor intercept surveys,partnering with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's ProfessionalPrograms in Business Administration to reveal the above numbers. The study also showed that the average travel party size was 3.9 people.Most are traveling with family, friends or both. A total of 100 percent stated that their visit either met or exceeded theirexpectations, with 82 percent saying that they were very likely or defi-nitely visiting the Green Bay area again in the next year.
CAMP McCARTHY: Training camp under Mike McCarthy will attemptto simulate a game-like atmosphere as much as possible.
One aspect of those game-like conditions will be prime-time practices.Green Bay will practice under the lights on Clarke Hinkle Field eight timesthis summer.The first of those night practices, a "Friday Night Lights" this week, kicksoff the four-week camp and the Packers' preparations for McCarthy'sfirst season in Green Bay.And the team won't just hit the ground running, they'll be hitting, too.Having installed their new playbooks during two May mini-camps andJune organized team activities, the Packers will don full pads for thatfirst practice, a 6:30 p.m. affair Friday. Plus, like those offseason workouts, McCarthy will start rookies and vet-erans from the same point. Early warmup practices for rookies are athing of the past. The first session is a full-squad practice.Traditional "two-a-days" are a thing of the past as well. Those night ses-sions are part of McCarthy's new "2-1-2-1" training camp schedule, usedby a handful of teams around the NFL. In an effort to practice more effi-ciently, Green Bay in general will practice twice one day and once thenext. On days when the team practices twice, the first session will takeplace at 9 a.m. and the second at 6:30 p.m., finishing under the lights.In between, the club will break down film of the morning practice. Then,on the following day, the Packers will report in the morning to evaluatethe previous night's practice, hit the field at 2 p.m., and return to the filmroom that night.
Important dates on the preseason calendar:SSaattuurrddaayy,, AAuugg.. 55 — Family Night intra-squad scrimmage, 6:30 p.m.,Lambeau FieldSSaattuurrddaayy,, AAuugg.. 2266 — Last practice open to public, 10 a.m., Hinkle Field TTuueessddaayy,, AAuugg.. 2299 — NFL-mandated roster reduction, to 75 players, by3 p.m. CDTSSaattuurrddaayy,, SSeepptt.. 22 — NFL-mandated roster reduction, to 53 players, by 3p.m. CDT
NEW SCHEDULE FRIENDLY TO FANS: The new camp schedule cre-ates several opportunities for fans. On days with two practices (morningand night), fans now will have more mid-day flexibility to explore severalshopping and dining options offered by the area. As they have in yearspast, fans also will have the opportunity to visit the Packers Hall of Fame,take a stadium tour and enjoy Curly's Pub and other Atrium eateries, all atLambeau Field. With the element of night practices, other offerings will bedeveloped for fans in the Atrium to help plan their schedules.
Also, the night sessions offer those who live in the immediate area moreopportunities to see the team practice after the workday concludes.
PPRREESSEEAASSOONNDDaattee OOppppoonneenntt WWiiss.. TTiimmee TTVVSat., Aug. 12 at San Diego Chargers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 p.m. stateSat., Aug. 19 ATLANTA FALCONS (Gold Pkg.) . . . . . . .7 p.m. state
THE TRADITION CONTINUES: The Packers open their 61st organizedtraining camp Friday. In 1946, Curly Lambeau began preseason practicesat Rockwood Lodge in northeast Green Bay.
Affable Scooter McLean spent one year as the Packers’ head coach,1958, and Green Bay went 1-10-1, the NFL’s worst record (ironically, sixfuture Hall of Famers were already in place, one year before VinceLombardi arrived in 1959).McLean’s legacy, however, lives with the team every summer, becausehe started that ill-fated ‘58 season with the team’s first training camp atSt. Norbert College. The private school, in nearby De Pere, Wis., doesn’thost any on-field activities, but it does serve as the team base for livingarrangements (the Packers use their regular practice, meeting and lock-er-room facilities on the Lambeau Field campus). The Packers haven’tdramatically changed their preseason logistics in nearly 50 years.
LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN: With several intriguing roster bat-tles, this year figures to go down as one of the more competitive trainingcamps in recent Packers memory.
Training camp is no longer a time to get in shape for the regular season.That took place during the Packers’ offseason workout program, whichdrew record attendance this past winter/spring.No question, competition will be intense. And that’s no coincidence.General Manager Ted Thompson has loaded the roster with 91 players,21 of which were drafted in the past two years alone.The school of thought, as it was when Bum Phillips used to bring inplayers to push Thompson for his job as a linebacker with the HoustonOilers, is that competition makes a team better.
SPECIFICALLY, AT RUNNING BACK: If as expected Ahman Greenand Najeh Davenport return from season-ending injuries, the Packers’offensive backfield will be as deep as any in the NFL.
Green says he approaches every offseason with the mentality that he’scompeting for his job. But unlike 2004, when he was coming off the bestseason by a back in franchise history, this year competition will besteeper than at any point in his Green Bay career.In recent years, the Packers were one of a handful of teams with twolegitimate NFL starters, Green and Davenport. But this season, thePackers enter camp with what many scouts consider to be three backscapable of starting.But a silver lining in the injuries that ended their seasons was the emer-gence of Samkon Gado, who became the first rookie to lead the Packersin rushing since Kenneth Davis in 1986.Gado last Dec. 11 vs. Detroit piled up 171 yards, the most ever by aPackers rookie.That means Green Bay’s backfield is one of only two in the NFL withthree players who’ve rushed for at least 170 yards in a game. The otherteam is Cleveland (Reuben Droughns, William Green and Lee Suggs).All told, 16 NFL teams have three backs on their camp rosters who’vestarted at least one NFL game.
NOT YOUR TYPICAL 4-12 TEAM: The Packers last season sustainedtheir first losing record since 1991, snapping the NFL’s longest streak of.500-or-better seasons. But looking beyond the record:
The Packers sustained five losses by three points or less, most in theleague ahead of San Diego and Atlanta (four each).The Packers outgained opponents in 12 of their 16 games, and enteredthe season’s final month having actually scored more points than oppo-nents. For most of the year, the Packers could hang their hat on the factthat no team had blown them out, and that they had a legitimate oppor-tunity to win every game, including a 17-3 loss at Detroit, Sept. 11, whena penalty nullified Javon Walker’s potential game-turning 55-yard recep-tion. The 2005 Packers also were the first team in NFL history to:
Score more points than opponents through 11 games with no more thantwo wins (Green Bay opened 2-9 but outscored the other team 232-223)and…Score as many points as opponents through 13 games with no morethan three wins; the Packers were 3-10 but had matched opponents inscoring, 255-255.Plus, on only four occasions — Sept. 11 at Detroit, Sept. 25 vs. TampaBay, Nov. 21 vs. Minnesota and Dec. 19 at Baltimore — opponents putup more total offense than the Packers.Green Bay’s 2005 slate included both Super Bowl finalists (Pittsburghand Seattle), half of the eight division champions (Seattle, Cincinnati,Chicago and Tampa Bay), and five playoff teams (Cincinnati, Chicago,Tampa Bay, Carolina and Seattle).The Packers also faced each of the NFL’s top five defenses (Tampa Bay,Chicago, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, in order of final ranking).All told, the cumulative record of Green Bay’s 2005 opponents was 136-120-0 (.531), the toughest schedule in the Brett Favre era (1992-2005).And, according to Elias Sports Bureau, among teams that finished withfour or fewer wins in NFL annals, the Packers were among the top all-around teams on paper:
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, SINCE 2000Top offensive teams, four-or-fewer wins
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, SINCE 1985Top defensive teams aaggaaiinnsstt tthhee ppaassss, four-or-fewer wins
YYeeaarr TTeeaamm WW YYddss//GG1986 St. Louis Cardinals 4 164.811988 Kansas City Chiefs 4 152.131992 Seattle Seahawks 2 166.312004 Miami Dolphins 4 162.0022000055 GGrreeeenn BBaayy PPaacckkeerrss 44 116677..5500
…AND TO THAT 4-12 TEAM: Green Bay made several personnelmoves, notably:
Adding five unrestricted free agents,most signed by a Packers team sincebefore the 1998 season.Upgrading the league’s No. 7 defense(No. 1 against the pass), Green Baybrought in unrestricted free agentsMarquand Manuel, Seattle’s startingsafety in Super Bowl XL, DT RyanPickett, who led all NFL defensive line-men with 115 tackles last year, and CBCharles Woodson, a four-time ProBowler and potential two-way threat.Plus, the Packers re-signed potential
Two years after he co-founded the Packers with Curly Lambeau, George Calhoun began writing a piece called The Dope Sheet,which served as the official press release and game program from 1921-24.
PPgg.. 33unrestricted free agent Aaron Kampman, who enjoyed his best careerseason in 2005.Drafting 12 players, most in the NFL. Up to one-third of that talentedclass — A.J. Hawk (LB), Daryn Colledge (G), Greg Jennings (WR) andJason Spitz (G) could conceivably start early in 2006.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Clarke Hinkle Field needs a little extrawork to get ready for Friday evening’s opening training camp practice. Itneeds lights.
The lights will be installed and tested on Thursday to assure everythingis in working order prior to Friday’s 6:30 p.m. practice, the first of eightprime-time sessions during the first three weeks of training camp.The Packers are renting 11 mobile towers from Magnum Products, LLC,to light the field. Five units will be placed along the Don Hutson Center,five will be spaced out along Oneida Street on the street side of thefence, and an extra unit will be located in the alley behind the field to theplayer/coach parking lot.Ted Eisenreich, the Packers’ director of facility operations, noted thatwhen the subject of night practices was first broached by Head CoachMike McCarthy, the team did explore permanent lighting for Hinkle Fieldbut decided against it for now.“We’re still working on it,” Eisenreich said, “and if this is something wecontinue to do in the future we may still go that route, but that didn’twork out this year.”The team tested temporary light towers from two different companies.One tower was similar to traditional stadium lights, but the size of thetowers restricted the placement to Oneida Street only. Without beingable to set up any towers along the Hutson Center, the lighting wasn’tadequate on that side of the field.The towers from Magnum are approximately 30 feet high and are smallenough to be installed on both sides.“They gave us more even light, so that problem went away,” Eisenreichsaid.Magnum Products is based in Berlin, Wis., and was recently named the2005 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year for medium-sized companies.Magnum employs 252 people and has been a leading supplier of mobilelight towers and portable generators for the U.S. military efforts in Iraq.The company also has worked with NASA’s space shuttle program, andwith transportation departments. On a family vacation this summer,Eiesnreich noticed one of Magnum’s towers at Yellowstone NationalPark.Cost of the rental units is still being determined in negotiations withMagnum.After Friday, the team’s other evening practices will take place on July30, Aug. 1, Aug. 3, Aug. 7, Aug. 10, Aug. 15, and Aug. 17.Each night practice will shut down traffic on Oneida Street near HinkleField.
A NEW TRADITION BEGINS IN 2006: Young fans of the Green BayPackers will have a new opportunity to see their favorite players up closeduring training camp.
The new “Future Lambeau Leapers” area will give children ages 12 andyounger the chance to meet players, shake their hands, and potentiallyget autographs after practice.The area will replace the formal autograph tables the Packers had usedin recent years. It will be located on the south side of the Oneida NationGate at Lambeau Field.General Manager Ted Thompson came up with the idea after seeingyoung fans struggle to pass items for autographs over the fences nearthe Packers’ facilities, and after noting how such a limited number ofpeople were able to get tokens or tickets to the autograph tables.“We hope this will be an opportunity for more kids to enjoy the uniqueexperience of Packers training camp, getting up close with players andmeeting them,” Thompson said.The more traditional opportunities to interact with the players, such aswhen they are walking to and from practice, entering and exiting the
practice field, and mingling near the bike corral at the facility entrance,still will be available to all fans.Access to the “Future Lambeau Leapers” area will be limited to childrenages 12 and under, but no tokens or tickets will be needed.The team cannot guarantee that every child in the area will receive anautograph, but those seeking autographs are encouraged not to ask anindividual player to sign more than one item.Eight to 10 players will appear in the area for approximately 20 or 30minutes following the first practice of the day (either the 9 a.m. or 2 p.m.workout). The area will not open following night practices. The identityof players appearing in the area won’t be announced until after practice.The team’s security department will monitor and facilitate the area.
ROOKIE HEAD COACHES IN ONE DIVISION: The NFC North fea-tures three first-time NFL head coaches in 2006: Minnesota’s BradChildress, Detroit’s Rod Marinelli and McCarthy.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, over the period since the 1970 leaguemerger, this marks the first instance that three rookie head coaches haveoccupied the same division at the start of a season. The last time there were three rookie head coaches in a division at anypoint in a season was 2000, when Dallas’ Dave Campo, Arizona’s DaveMcGinnis and Washington’s Terry Robiskie battled in the NFC East.
BUILDING A ROSTER IS A NUMBERS GAME: While the upcomingPackers training camp will focus on getting the team ready for the 16-gameseason that begins Sept. 10, it will simultaneously build the final roster ofthe 2006 Packers.
The latter exercise is a numbers game that is likely to have some toughdecisions at its conclusion for General Manager Ted Thompson andHead Coach Mike McCarthy.The Packers currently have 91 players on the roster. The team is abovethe 80-man roster limit for the start of camp because of unsigned draftpicks and exemptions for players who participated in NFL Europe.The first roster cut, down to 75 players (with no more NFL Europeexemptions) must be made on Aug. 29, the day after the third presea-son game. The final cut to 53 players must happen by 3 p.m. on Sept.2, the day after the fourth and final preseason game.That's a total of 40 players who will not be on the final roster six weeksfrom now, and many of them aren't going to leave without a fight.Injuries will always factor into final decisions, but competition for rosterspots, as well as starting spots, is just what Thompson and McCarthyhave been aiming for to help the Packers rebound from their 4-12 markin 2005.Here is a position-by-position breakdown of what the roster looks likeand some areas to keep an eye on as training camp opens. The firstnumber after each position is the number of players currently on the ros-ter. In parentheses is how many were on the 53-man roster for the reg-ular-season opener last year.
QQUUAARRTTEERRBBAACCKK —— 44 ((33))BBrreetttt FFaavvrree attended the majority of offseason workouts to help learn thenew terminology of McCarthy's version of the West Coast offense asquickly as possible.Many eyes in the preseason games will be on backup AAaarroonn RRooddggeerrss,who will look to improve upon his game performances from his rookieseason.Fifth-round draft pick IInnggllee MMaarrttiinn went from a big-time recruit at theUniversity of Florida to a record-setter at small-town Furman Universityand is an intriguing prospect.
RRUUNNNNIINNGG BBAACCKK —— 99 ((55))Excluding fullbacks for the moment, there are six running backs vyingfor probably three or four spots, but how this position shapes up willdepend largely on health.AAhhmmaann GGrreeeenn (ruptured quad tendon) and NNaajjeehh DDaavveennppoorrtt (brokenankle) are coming back from severe injuries and are expected to returnsometime during camp, though perhaps not at the beginning. SSaammkkoonnGGaaddoo and NNooaahh HHeerrrroonn proved to be valuable pickups last year.The veterans at fullback are WWiilllliiaamm HHeennddeerrssoonn and VVoonnttaa LLeeaacchh, withsmall-college rookies BBeenn BBrroowwnn (Tabor) and AA..JJ.. CCooooppeerr (North DakotaSt.) the challengers.How many total running backs will be kept could depend on thedemands of the new zone-blocking scheme, and whether any of thebacks are versatile enough to play running back and fullback. Herrontook some snaps at both spots during the June organized team activities(OTAs).
TTIIGGHHTT EENNDD —— 55 ((33))In his address to the team's shareholders on July 19, Thompson notedthis may be the team's strongest position with BBuubbbbaa FFrraannkkss, DDaavviiddMMaarrttiinn and DDoonnaalldd LLeeee leading the group. Of the challengers, TToorryyHHuummpphhrreeyy was on the Packers' practice squad late last season and wasactivated for the final game.
WWIIDDEE RREECCEEIIVVEERR —— 1122 ((55))This is by far the most wide open position coming into camp, with theonly sure thing being DDoonnaalldd DDrriivveerr as the No. 1. After that, RRoobbeerrttFFeerrgguussoonn, RRoodd GGaarrddnneerr and MMaarrcc BBooeerriiggtteerr are the only receivers withlegitimate NFL experience, but that doesn't mean their spots are set instone.
Draft picks GGrreegg JJeennnniinnggss and CCoorryy RRooddggeerrss will be worth watching intheir first NFL training camp with playing time seemingly there for thetaking. Among the other challengers, CChhaadd LLuuccaass, RRuuvveellll MMaarrttiinn andVViinnccee BBuuttlleerr finished 2005 on the Packers' practice squad, with Lucasleading NFL Europe in touchdown catches and making the all-leagueteam this spring. LLeeoo BBooookkmmaann, who focused on track rather than foot-ball at Kansas, has attracted some attention for his speed.
OOFFFFEENNSSIIVVEE LLIINNEE —— 1144 ((1100))The interest here isn't so much who will make the team, but who willultimately earn one starting guard position and how quickly therevamped unit can come together.Second-year pro JJuunniiuuss CCoossttoonn and rookie third-round draft choiceJJaassoonn SSppiittzz are vying for the starting job at right guard, and the two wentback-and-forth during the mini-camps and OTAs working with the firstunit.The winner of that battle is expected to join veteran tackles MMaarrkkTTaauusscchheerr and CChhaadd CClliiffttoonn, center SSccootttt WWeellllss and rookie guard DDaarryynnCCoolllleeddggee in the starting unit up front.The season-ending injury to KKeevviinn BBaarrrryy (ruptured quad tendon) hasnecessitated the youth movement and hurt the overall depth, but fifth-round pick TToonnyy MMoollll has the versatility to play tackle or guard, WWiilllliiaammWWhhiittttiicckkeerr and AAddrriiaann KKlleemmmm appear to be moving from guard (wherethey played last year) to backup tackle spots, and center CChhrriiss WWhhiitteemade the 53-man roster last season as an undrafted rookie.
DDEEFFEENNSSIIVVEE LLIINNEE —— 1144 ((99))Aside from tight end, this position got probably the strongest endorse-ment from Thompson at the shareholders' meeting. The depth on theroster right now is impressive, but that also means there isn't a spot foreveryone who may be capable of contributing.If it's assumed the returning players who notched the most starts lastyear (AAaarroonn KKaammppmmaann, KKaabbeeeerr GGbbaajjaa--BBiiaammiillaa and CCuulllleenn JJeennkkiinnss) andthe most notable free-agent acquisitions (RRyyaann PPiicckkeetttt and KKeennddeerriicckkAAlllleenn) will make the final roster, that still leaves a significant log jam forthe other spots among several draft picks and other noteworthy freeagent signees.KKeennnnyy PPeetteerrssoonn (2003), CCoorreeyy WWiilllliiaammss ('04), MMiicchhaaeell MMoonnttggoommeerryy('05), JJoohhnnnnyy JJoollllyy ('06) and DDaavvee TToolllleeffssoonn ('06) all have been draftedby Green Bay in the past four years, while part-time 2005 starter CCoolliinnCCoollee was signed two years ago and JJeerroommee NNiicchhoollss (who made the all-NFL Europe team by tying for the league lead in sacks) were picked upthis year.There simply isn't room for them all, and it's possible someone, or morethan one, on this list may be good enough to make another team's ros-ter in 2006.
LLIINNEEBBAACCKKEERR —— 1111 ((66))Thompson believes this area went “from a position of concern to a posi-tion of strength” in the offseason and the group has a chance to be“remarkable.”As of now, the starters are NNiicckk BBaarrnneetttt in the middle, first-round pickAA..JJ.. HHaawwkk on the weak side, and free-agent pickup BBeenn TTaayylloorr on thestrong side. But there should be some depth behind them as well.Third-round pick AAbbdduull HHooddggee is expected to contribute in some fash-ion, RRooyy MMaannnniinngg played in nearly every game last year, 2005 seventh-round pick KKuurrtt CCaammppbbeellll spent all of last year on injured reserve, andTTrraaccyy WWhhiittee was another veteran free-agent pickup like Taylor.The wild card in the mix is promising second-year pro BBrraaddyy PPooppppiinnggaa,who sustained a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament late last season butis reportedly far ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. If he's healthy
PPgg.. 55 JJUULLYY 2266,, 22000066enough to hold an active roster spot Sept. 10, which seemed like wish-ful thinking a few months ago, this unit will look even better than it didright after the draft and the competition for the final spots will be fierce.
DDEEFFEENNSSIIVVEE BBAACCKK —— 1166 ((99))The sheer volume of secondary players on the roster now is startling,but it should make for some spirited battles.The projected starters heading into camp are returnees AAll HHaarrrriiss andNNiicckk CCoolllliinnss at one corner and safety spot, respectively, and free-agentacquisitions CChhaarrlleess WWooooddssoonn and MMaarrqquuaanndd MMaannuueell at the others.Third-year pro AAhhmmaadd CCaarrrroollll performed well in mini-camps and OTAsand is probably the leading candidate for the nickel slot.Beyond that, players will be watched closely to see who emerges.Veteran MMaarrkk RRoommaann has started 31 of 32 games his two years in GreenBay, 2005 draft picks MMaarrvviieell UUnnddeerrwwoooodd and MMiikkee HHaawwkkiinnss will look tocontinue their development, 2006 draft picks WWiillll BBllaacckkmmoonn and TTyyrroonneeCCuullvveerr will see their first live NFL action (though Blackmon is recoveringfrom a broken foot suffered in spring practice), and third-year pro JJaassoonnHHoorrttoonn will look to rebound from a shoulder injury that landed him oninjured reserve last November.There may not be enough room for all of them, let alone when you addin four free-agent pickups from last year (PPaattrriicckk DDeennddyy, AAttaarrii BBiiggbbyy,TThheerrrriiaann FFoonntteennoott and JJeerrrroonn WWiisshhoomm) who were all on the roster at sea-son's end.As will be the case at linebacker, the final roster spots at defensive backwill be at a premium and may be determined by which players can pro-vide the most help on special teams.
SSPPEECCIIAALLIISSTTSS —— 66 ((33))RRoobb DDaavviiss is headed for his 10th season as the Packers' long snapper.But competition is open at kicker between BBiillllyy CCuunnddiiffff and DDaavvee RRaayynneerr,while the same is true at punter between JJoonn RRyyaann and BB..JJ.. SSaannddeerr.Cundiff and Ryan currently hold the edge in those battles, but at thesepositions it's never out of the question that the players who ultimatelyget the jobs aren't even on the roster yet.
SLEEPERS WORTH WATCHING: Aside from the games themselves,training camp is the best proving ground in the NFL. It's when players wholook dynamite running mini-camp drills in shorts can be exposed for theirshortcomings. It's also when relative unknowns who have remained underthe radar can begin to emerge and find their place on the team.
Longshots do make it every once in a while. Like last year, when thePackers had two non-drafted rookies in LB Roy Manning and C ChrisWhite earn spots on the 53-man roster by the end of camp.Who might be the sleepers of training camp in 2006? There's no tellingfor sure, but here are five guys to keep an eye on as things unfold:
SS AAttaarrii BBiiggbbyy — There's a glut of defensive backs competing for rosterspots, but Bigby is one of the outsiders who improved his chances in theoffseason with a strong performance in NFL Europe. Playing free safetyfor the Amsterdam Admirals, Bigby led the team in tackles with 61 (43solo), defended four passes and added five solo tackles on specialteams. That experience should give the coaching staff a more polished,instinctive player to evaluate than the one who was signed to the prac-tice squad last November and activated for just one game…“I think hisconfidence level will pick up to where he's going to get out here andknow he can play,” said McKenzie. “I think he already knew he couldplay, but when you get out there and play and do it, you gain more con-fidence, and he did. His speed and his size and his toughness, that wasalways there. To be free safety over there in Europe, he was kind of likethe team captain, communicating with the guys."RRBB NNooaahh HHeerrrroonn — Of the players listed here, Herron by far has gar-nered the most attention. Signed off the Steelers’ practice squad lastNovember, Herron played in the Packers’ final five games, rushing 45times for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Herron was quickly noticedfor his ability to pick up the system…“He's a smart player,” McKenziesaid. “He's an instinctive runner, and he catches the ball very well.People want to hammer him because he's not a blazing speed guy, buthe's fast enough. The guy can run.”…Herron carried that momentumfrom a strong finish into the offseason and made a strong impressionduring mini-camps and OTAs while backfield mates Ahman Green andNajeh Davenport were still recovering from injuries…“He alwaysshowed confidence, that part wasn't an issue,” McKenzie said. “Oneissue was his decisiveness and burst. When he makes a decision itseems like he's ready to burst through the hole now. That improved asfar as he's concerned.”TT JJoosshh BBoouurrkkee — A non-drafted free agent from Grand Valley State inAllendale, Mich., Bourke was a Division II All-American last year aftermissing the 2004 season with a knee injury. Thus far, Bourke made animpression with his athletic ability for such a big guy (6-foot-7, 314pounds), a quality that's needed up front in the Packers' new zone-blocking scheme…“He understands angles and leverage, and for a tall,6-7 guy, he can bend,” McKenzie said. "He can play both left and righttackle, he has the ability to move, to block speed and block power. He'swhat you look for in a tackle, and it seems like he's got some toughnessabout him.”TTEE TToorryy HHuummpphhrreeyy — Another player who improved his stock in NFLEurope, Humphrey had 19 catches for 206 yards (10.8 avg.) and atouchdown. In studying the film from overseas, McKenzie saidHumphrey's blocking ability stood out…“He has good speed, reallygood hands, he has the total package of a complete tight end,” McKenziesaid. “All he needed was some playing time so he could get his confi-dence level up.”…Humphrey's biggest challenge will be cracking the
PPgg.. 66JJUULLYY 2266,, 22000066 Packers' solid top three at tight end, with Bubba Franks, David Martinand Donald Lee seemingly entrenched in their spots…“Any other timeyou could kind of pencil him in, but right now he's going to have to com-pete like the dickens to get on (the final roster), and I don't believe forone minute he won't do it,” McKenzie said. “Because he will compete,and I think he's going to make it hard on those coaches.”FFBB AA..JJ.. CCooooppeerr — A non-drafted free agent from North Dakota State,Cooper is a college tight end making the switch to fullback in the pros.At 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, he looked the part in mini-camps and OTAs,and with so many question marks about the overall health of the runningbacks, there's no telling how things will shake out…“He's got good sizeand really good hands as a fullback, and it seems like he understands thegame,” McKenzie said. “It's hard to get a true judge of those guys, thefullback and linebacker-type guys, until they get the pads on. That'swhere we have to make sure, ‘Can he block?’ and we don't know thatyet.”
CAMP EVEN HAS ITS OWN WEB SITE: The Packers in 2005launched a new Web site, wwwwww..ppaacckkeerrssttrraaiinniinnggccaammpp..ccoomm, an online loca-tion designed to assist Packers fans as they make plans to visit theirfavorite team's training sessions each summer.
A vacation-planning resource, the site features a practice schedule aswell as information on other Lambeau Field attractions, including thePackers Experience, the Packers Hall of Fame, Stadium Tours, thePackers Pro Shop and dining options.A key feature of the site is the daily practice schedule, which will includeany up-to-the-minute changes that may occur. Other links include infor-mation on directions, parking and autograph sessions.Another important link takes viewers to The Packer Country Visitor &Convention Bureau's Web site, which features important information onaccommodations, as well as other Green Bay summer activities, placesof interest, dining options and airport and rental car information.
2006 MEDIA GUIDE: The 77th annual Packers media guide is due outlater this month. The team designed the 624-page book to commemoratethe first year of Mike McCarthy’s tenure, Reggie White’s induction into thePro Football Hall of Fame and the 10th anniversary of Green Bay’s SuperBowl XXXI triumph.
The team made three significant additions to the records and historysection. With the help of Elias Sports Bureau, the Packers added year-by-year team and individual statistics, and primary starters dating backto 1940. Plus, the section now includes a page on the five retired num-bers and the team’s official song (which marks its 75th anniversary in2006).The guide also reflects standardized offensive, kicking and punting sta-tistics as part of a 2005 agreement consummated among NFL publicrelations staffs. Now, all NFL media guides are to have baseline mini-mum career statistical categories in player biographies. In 2007, cate-gories of defensive players will become standardized (although mostteams will continue to use coaching staffs to tabulate official numbers).To assist media in finding information quickly, the book continues tohave the largest and most detailed index of any professional mediaguide, a six-page section near the end of the book.
CAMP BIRTHDAYS: WR Chris Francies (today), punter B.J. Sander(Saturday), LB Kurt Campbell (Sunday), LB Byron Santiago (Aug. 2), T/GWilliam Witticker (Aug. 2), CB Ahmad Carroll (Aug. 4), WR Ruvell Martin(Aug. 10), QB Ingle Martin (Aug. 15), S Nick Collins (Aug. 16), DT CoreyWilliams (Aug. 17), DE Michael Montgomery (Aug. 18), T/G Tony Moll(Aug. 23), TE Zac Alcorn (Aug. 24), DE Jason Hunter (Aug. 28), TE DonaldLee (Aug. 31), LB Ben Taylor (Aug. 31).
SLEEPING ROOMS AT ST. NORBERT: Venerable Victor McCormickHall on the St. Norbert campus, a 60-room dormitory, will continue a longtradition of housing the players and staff.
Not your father’s dormitory, each room contains two beds, one bath-room, cable TV and computer data hookups, and air conditioning.The school hires 6-8 housekeepers to clean every room, change sheetsand restock towels each day.
BACK AT LAMBEAU FIELD: Red Batty’s equipment staff is required tooutfit more than 90 players with one set of shoulder pads, one helmet, onepractice jersey, one pair of pants with pads, at least two mesh bags, at leasttwo pairs of socks and up to four pairs of shoes.
According to assistant Tim Odea, in years past at least one of the fivewashing machines near the Lambeau locker room runs non-stop duringnormal waking hours. During camp, players get their only jersey andonly pair of pants washed between practices.The team easily can use 600 towels and 200 pairs of socks, per day.
TRAINING CAMP COACHING AIDES: The Packers are fortunate towelcome three intern coaches to 2006 training camp, two of which playeda combined 25 years in the National Football League. They will arrive withthe team this week and depart after Aug. 10.
GGaarryy BBrroowwnn — A former NFL running back, Brown played eight seasonsfor the Houston Oilers (1991-95), San Diego Chargers (1997) and N.Y.Giants (1998-99). He averaged 4.2 yards per carry (1,032 attempts,4,300 yards, 21 TDs), including a pair of 1,000-yard seasons (1993,‘98). Now the offensive coordinator at Susquehanna University inSelinsgrove, Pa., Brown also interned with the Giants during 2005 train-ing camp. Recommended by Green Bay’s director of pro personnelReggie McKenzie, he’ll work with the Packers’ running backs and specialteams.JJeerrrryy FFoonntteennoott — A 17-year NFL veteran, Fontenot lined up at center forthe Chicago Bears (1989-96), New Orleans Saints (1997-2003) andCincinnati Bengals (2004). He played in 239 games, starting 195 con-tests. Recommended by Head Coach Mike McCarthy, Fontenot will workwith the Packers’ offensive line.CChhrriiss SSiimmppssoonn — The linebackers coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, he enters his sixth season at the collegiate level. Media andfans will see him working with both the linebackers and special-teamscontributors. A former linebacker at Whitewater, Simpson comes rec-ommended by another product of the school, Packers offensive coordi-nator Jeff Jagodzinski.
ROSTER DATES: Aug. 29 — Reduction to 75 players by 3 p.m. CDT;Sept. 2 — Reduction to 53 players by 3 p.m. CDT; Sept. 3 — Teams mayestablish a practice squad of eight players after 11 a.m. CDT.
HINKLE’S NEW SURFACE ENTERS YEAR 2: Clarke Hinkle Field, thePackers’ practice field for training camp, received a new surface in 2005.It is the final component of a practice field upgrade that included installa-tion of FieldTurf on Ray Nitschke Field in 2004. "Hinkle Field was totallyrebuilt from top to bottom," fields manager Allen Johnson said. "The organ-ization wanted to improve the drainage and create a softer field." The oldsoil could not hold water sufficiently and took a long time to drain, caus-ing the surface to become muddy, slick and unsafe for the players. The newroot zone composed of sand and a few organic materials will eliminatethose drainage problems and create a softer playing field. "The big differ-ence is the moisture-holding capacity," Johnson said.
The grounds crew worked with Desso DLW Sports Systems to install theartificial stitching, known as DD GrassMaster. It’s a natural grass pitchthat has been reinforced with artificial grass fibers. A sand based stabi-lization product, it was developed in the Netherlands in the 1980s andinstalled in playing surfaces since 1992. To date, it has been installed inover 200 fields with many more currently under construction.Roughly 40 million individual strands of a combined polyethylene andpolypropylene materials sit eight inches below the surface with one inchexposed on the top. Tents surrounding stitching machines, which put innearly 90,000 kilometers of yarn, protected the spools of yarn from
PPgg.. 77 JJUULLYY 2266,, 22000066becoming entangled by wind or weather.Although the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and PhiladelphiaEagles use the synthetic surface and sand-based soil in their stadiums,the Packers become the first NFL team to use it on a practice field.European soccer fields — Real Madrid (Spain), Liverpool FC (UK), NAC(The Netherlands), West Ham United FC (UK) — also have used thetechnology.The new field, which drains much better and handles wet weather moreefficiently, should cut down on the number of times the team has to headindoors to practice due to an unsafe field.Upgraded at considerable cost, the field is one way that the LambeauField Atrium has helped the team’s business success create more oppor-tunties for on-field success.
PLAYER TRANSACTIONS: The Packers today have signed draft choiceJason Spitz and waived QB Tom Arth and RB Chaz Williams. On Monday,the club waived TE Garrett Cross.
2006 CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULE: Any practices moved inside tothe Don Hutson Center due to inclement weather, poor field conditions orfor any other reason will be closed to the public due to space limitations.All other practices listed are expected to be open unless listed otherwise.All outdoor practices are expected to be held on Clarke Hinkle Field (adja-cent to Oneida Street). All dates and times are tentative.
PPrraaccttiiccee ttiimmeess ——DDaattee MMoorrnniinngg MMiidd--ddaayy EEvveenniinnggFri., July 28 6:30 p.m. - full padsSat., July 29 2 p.m. - full padsSun., July 30 9 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full padsMon., July 31 2 p.m. - full padsTues., Aug. 1 9 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full padsWed., Aug. 2 2 p.m. - full padsThurs., Aug. 3 9 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full padsFri., Aug. 4 2 p.m. - TBDSat., Aug. 5 6:30 p.m. - full pads
((FFaammiillyy NNiigghhtt ssccrriimmmmaaggee))Sun., Aug. 6Mon., Aug. 7 9 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full padsTues., Aug. 8 2 p.m. - full padsWed., Aug. 9 9 a.m. - full padsThurs., Aug. 10 9 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full padsFri., Aug. 11Sat., Aug. 12 PPrreesseeaassoonn ggaammee aatt SSaann DDiieeggoo CChhaarrggeerrss -- 99 pp..mm.. CCDDTTSun., Aug. 13Mon., Aug. 14 2 p.m. - shellsTues., Aug. 15 9 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full padsWed., Aug. 16 2 p.m. - full padsThurs., Aug. 17 9 a.m. - shells 6:30 p.m. - full padsFri., Aug. 18Sat., Aug. 19 PPrreesseeaassoonn ggaammee vvss.. AAttllaannttaa FFaallccoonnss -- 77 pp..mm..Sun., Aug. 20Mon., Aug. 21 2 p.m. - shellsTues., Aug. 22 9 a.m. - shells closed practiceWed., Aug. 23 closed practiceThurs., Aug. 24 10:30 a.m. - TBDFri., Aug. 25 10:30 a.m. - full padsSat., Aug. 26 10 a.m. - shellsSun., Aug. 27Mon., Aug. 28 PPrreesseeaassoonn ggaammee aatt CCiinncciinnnnaattii BBeennggaallss -- 77 pp..mm.. CCDDTT
ALL PRACTICES CLOSED TO PUBLIC FOR REMAINDER OF SEASON
PPgg.. 88JJUULLYY 2266,, 22000066
DDEEPPTTHH CCHHAARRTTUnofficial, July 26, 2006
OOFFFFEENNSSEEWR: 89 Robert Ferguson 85 Greg Jennings 13 Chris Francies
81 Cory Rodgers 8 Leo Bookman5 Chad Lucas
LT: 76 Chad Clifton 70 Adrian Klemm 75 Tony MollLG: 73 Daryn Colledge 61 Wayne LucierC : 63 Scott Wells 68 Chris White 69 Pete TraynorRG: 62 Junius Coston 72 Jason SpitzRT: 65 Mark Tauscher 78 William Whitticker 67 Josh BourkeTE: 88 Bubba Franks 87 David Martin 86 Donald Lee
84 Tory Humphrey 49 Zac AlcornWR: 80 Donald Driver 82 Rod Gardner 83 Marc Boerigter
SSPPEECCIIAALL TTEEAAMMSSK: 2 Billy Cundiff 16 Dave RaynerP: 9 Jon Ryan 11 B.J. SanderH: 9 Jon Ryan 11 B.J. Sander 18 Ruvell Martin
12 Aaron RodgersPR: 21 Charles Woodson 85 Greg Jennings 27 Will Blackmon
81 Cory Rodgers 89 Robert Ferguson80 Donald Driver
KR: 44 Najeh Davenport 27 Will Blackmon 85 Greg Jennings81 Cory Rodgers 8 Leo Bookman28 Ahmad Carroll 89 Robert Ferguson35 Samkon Gado 43 Ben Brown23 Noah Herron 40 A.J. Cooper
PC: 60 Rob Davis 45 Thomas GaffordKC: 60 Rob Davis 45 Thomas Gafford
## Rookies and first-year players are underlined ##
HHeeaadd CCooaacchh:: Mike McCarthy, first yearAAssssiissttaannttss:: Rock Gullickson (Strength & Conditioning Coordinator), Jeff Jagodzinski (Offensive Coordinator), Bob Sanders(Defensive Coordinator), Mike Stock (Special Teams Coordinator), Edgar Bennett (Running Backs), James Campen(Assistant Offensive Line), Tom Clements (Quarterbacks), Carl Hairston (Defensive Ends), Ty Knott (Offensive QualityControl), Eric Lewis (Defensive Quality Control), Ben McAdoo (Tight Ends), Winston Moss (Linebackers), Robert Nunn(Defensive Tackles), Joe Philbin (Offensive Line), Jimmy Robinson (Wide Receivers), Kurt Schottenheimer (Secondary),Shawn Slocum (Assistant Special Teams), Lionel Washington (Defensive Nickel Package/Cornerbacks).