Rodgers ‘excited’ to work with McCarthy

While Favre’s decision will have a huge impact on Rodgers’ life, Rodgers will be happy either way.
If Favre retires, Rodgers is the Packers’ likely starting quarterback. That, he said, would be “great.”
If Favre returns, Rodgers’ learning process will continue for at least one more year under “one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time,” he said.
“I worry about the things that I can control and everything else will take care of itself. I can’t control what Brett does,” Rodgers said. “I can just be the best player I can be.”
Rodgers is preparing like the job is going to be his. He’ll spend most of the next three months in Green Bay, working with coach Mike McCarthy to learn the offense.
“I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m excited,” Rodgers said. “I met with Coach McCarthy about two weeks ago and just got a great sense of what he wants to do with the offense.”
Rodgers and McCarthy got to know each other a year ago when McCarthy was the offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, who were considering taking Rodgers with the No. 1 pick.
The Niners passed on Rodgers to take Utah quarterback Alex Smith, but McCarthy said he couldn’t be more excited about having the chance to coach Rodgers.
“Just the fact that he was considered with the No. 1 pick speaks volumes about him as a prospect,” McCarthy said. “I am very excited that Aaron Rodgers is a Green Bay Packer.”
Rodgers feels much the same way about playing for McCarthy, even if it comes a year later than he initially expected.
“First of all, he was an offensive guy, and second of all, because we really clicked pre-draft when I met with him at the 49ers’ facility. I really thought, coming out of that interview, that we were going to have a good working relationship with me playing for the Niners. It didn’t work out.” Rodgers said.
“A year removed, I think we’re going to have a great relationship, and he’s got a great mind for the offense, some really good ideas with the quarterback position and what he wants to do with that.”
During the offseason, Rodgers went on a cruise with several other players as well as Favre’s mother, Bonita and sister, Brandi. He quickly realized that he wasn’t the only one in the dark about Favre’s future.
“They said, ‘He doesn’t know. We don’t know.’” Rodgers said. “So, I don’t know.”
Rodgers admitted he’s a little surprised that he’s not all consumed by wondering whether Favre will return.
“I think it’s a positive either way,” Rodgers said. “If he comes back, I’ve got another year to learn from him, and to learn this new offense. If he doesn’t, I think I’ll be ready to play.”
Rodgers said he’s doing everything he can during this offseason to make sure he’s ready if Favre retires.
“From about Week 6 on last year, I just made some real big strides, and I plan on picking up where I left off and continuing to improve,” Rodgers said. “I think I’ve got a long way to go, I think my potential is still untapped.
“I’m excited about this offense. I really think, in meeting with Coach McCarthy, that I can be really successful. Any quarterback, like me or Brett, can be successful in this offense.”

Off-season fun is just beginning

The NFL is officially now in the "free agent zone." After the owners and players were finally able to hammer out a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, free agency began at midnight on Friday.
The Green Bay Packers are poised to be players in the market. The Packers entered free agency about $35 million under the new salary cap of $102 million per team. And Green Bay got some positive things accomplished before free agency started.
First, the Packers re-signed RB Ahman Green to an incentive-filled one-year deal. The Packers are taking little risk in the transaction while also hoping that Green can return to Pro Bowl player form. Green Bay also freed up some cap space by releasing veteran linebacker Na'il Diggs, who was scheduled to count nearly $3 million against the cap this year.
On the eve of free agency, the Packers re-signed DE Aaron Kampman to a four-year contract worth about $20 million. Kampman is a steady and high effort player that will help stabilize the Packers defensive front. Expect more weaponry to join him soon.
The Packers also have had some recent issues. For one, Brett Favre has not made up his mind about returning for a 16th season in the NFL. I am in the forum that believes Favre will return. Ted Thompson's actions in the next few days can cement the decision for Favre to come back. Re-signing Green and Kampman will help the cause.
Then we have the annual Javon Walker complaint fest. For the second year in a row, the Packers' talented wide receiver is voicing his dissatisfaction with the club. This year Walker is even more rebellious. He says he will never play for the Packers again. That he will retire first. Yeah, right Javon! It was hoped that when Walker fired Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, that the new representative for Walker, Kennard McGuire, would offer better advice. That obviously hasn't happened. The Packers need to keep their resolve regarding this situation.
Walker needs to find a better agent, again, and keep quiet. Keep quiet and keep rehabilitating. The money and respect will follow. One Pro Bowl doesn't equate to the off field antics that Walker is putting the team through.
The Packers also have let several players hit the free agency market, including K Ryan Longwell, C Mike Flanagan, FB William Henderson, WR Rod Gardner, DT Grady Jackson, OL Kevin Barry, RBs Najeh Davenport and Tony Fisher, and QB Craig Nall. The Packers can probably get a few of these players back because of age and injury issues. Two that would fall into that category are Henderson and Flanagan. Jackson might fall into that group as well. Both Henderson and Flanagan still have tread left on their tires, plus they are team leaders. They are both true professionals.
The Packers tried to re-sign Longwell, but the kicker looked like he would fly south to Tampa Bay, where his old friend P Josh Bidwell resides. However, in a surprise move, Longwell signed with the Vikings on Saturday.
The Packers also can see value in the other players as well. Gardner played well when given an opportunity last year and he fits the profile of the type of WR head coach Mike McCarthy is looking for. That would be big targets for Favre or who ever lines up behind center. Barry is a talented player that can be a dominant run blocker. The new offensive staff might be able to better utilize his talents, possibly inside at guard. Because the situation at RB is still somewhat murky, the Packers may still bring back Davenport or Fisher. That probably won't be decided until after the draft. The Packers also would like Nall to return as well, but have allowed him to test the market. The fact that he is going into free agency might be a hint that Favre is returning. Nall probably knows as he is Favre's best friend on the team. If Favre was leaning toward retirement, Nall would be in a position to compete for the starting job at QB with Aaron Rodgers.
But who will the Packers target from other teams? I have listed a few that I would look at, or who the Packers have reportedly shown interest in.
S Marquand Manuel (Seattle Seahawks)It was reported earlier this week that the Packers would sign the Seahawk safety to a multi-year deal early in free agency. Those reports were true as the Packers and Manuel agreed on a contract on Saturday. Manuel started most of last year for the NFC champions and played well.
Thompson knows Manuel well, as he signed him as a free agent while he was still in Seattle. New defensive coordinator Bob Sanders knows Manuel as well, having been on the coaching staff at Florida when Manuel played his college ball in Gainesville.
DT Ryan Pickett (St. Louis Rams)It has been reported that Pickett will pay the Packers a visit on Sunday. Pickett has his best pro season in 2005. Pickett would fill the large void left by the loss of Grady Jackson. Pickett has youth and talent on his side in that comparison. The addition of Pickett, along with the re-signing of Kampman would really make the defensive front formidable.
The Packers still have DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and are in position to get DE Mario Williams in the draft as well. Sanders has to like that possibility. Everything starts in the trenches and the Packers could have one of the best fronts in the NFL under this scenario.
DT Rocky Bernard (Seattle Seahawks)It has been reported that the Packers are interested in Bernard, which makes sense. Thompson drafted Bernard and the DT had his best season as a pro in 2005. Bernard is a classic one-gap DT that also has pass-rushing skills as evidenced by his 8 1/2 sacks in 2005.
K Adam Vinatieri (New England Patriots)The Patriots won three Super Bowls in four years. They won all three Super Bowls by a field goal. Vinatieri is the guy who kicked those field goals. He might be the best "clutch" kicker in NFL history. And he's no stranger to cold weather. The Packers have had one of the best kickers in the league recently with Longwell. Longwell is good. Vinatieri is great. The Packers found out last year what a difference a kicker can make in a game. In a season. Vinatieri has proven he is a difference maker. In big games. A weapon like that can not be under estimated. The Packers should aggressively look at signing Vinatieri. It might help that Vinatieri's former agent is Andrew Brandt, the Packers VP of Player Finance/General Counsel. Vinatieri could be the difference for the team making the playoffs. And succeeding in the playoffs.
LB Nick Greisen (New York Giants)Greisen has the ability to play inside or outside. He also is always around the football. He was a tackling machine when he played at Wisconsin. I'm sure he wouldn't mind returning to his home state, especially if opportunity presents itself. And judging by the lack of depth at the position, opportunity is knocking.
CB Deshea Townsend (Pittsburgh Steelers)Townsend would be an instant upgrade over CB Ahmad Carroll. He also has a knack for finding the football with 14 interceptions since he became a starter in 2001. Townsend plays a physical style at corner, similar to Al Harris. Townsend can also bring pressure to the QB, as he is an excellent blitzer.
G Steve Hutchinson (Seattle Seahawks)Hutchinson is a transition free agent which means the Seahawks can match any offer. Still, Hutchinson will test the market, but the Minnesota Vikings have already offered him a seven-year, $49 million contract.
Hutchinson would be a natural fit for the Packers. Thompson knows him well as he drafted him. Hutchinson is one of the top guards in the league and he already knows the Packer offense. He probably will cost too much, but the Packers need to take a serious look at him.
WR Brian Finneran (Atlanta Falcons)New Packer offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski is very familiar with Finneran. Finneran is a large target at 6-5, 210 pounds, and would be a dangerous receiver in the red zone. Finneran has the ability to get separation in the secondary as well.
Time will tell who the Green Bay Packers will look at and sign in free agency. They are in a great position to make some serious noise. What they do in free agency will also impact what they will do in the draft. Not to mention the impact it will have on a quarterback who is probably on a tractor right now.
The candy store is officially open. Is Ted Thompson the kid who wants all the candy he can get his hands on? Or is he the kid that has his eyes only on certain candy? I believe the latter is the case, but still the Packers will most definitely improve their talent and depth on the squad. Sit back and enjoy the fun!

Fan Fest '06 Provided Enduring Memories

As the second annual Fan Fest wrapped up in the Lambeau Field Atrium on Sunday, the devoted Packers faithful left with indelible recollections. "(It's) just a wonderful weekend," Executive Vice President and COO John Jones said. "We've had folks from so many different states that are visiting Green Bay."Michelle Valdez, who sports a Packers "G" tattoo on her lower back, came all the way from Vero Beach, Fla. to attend all three days of Fan Fest. She accompanied her uncle and aunt from Peshtigo, Wis. On Friday Packers legend Jerry Kramer signed a picture from Super Bowl II, owned by Valdez's father. Unable to keep the autograph a surprise, she phoned her father shortly after Kramer signed it."I had to call him," Valdez said. "He cried almost. It sounded like he was tearing up."The 2,982 fans who attended Sunday's events experienced a wide range of emotions as well. Fan Fest offered the unique opportunity for fans to stroll through and take pictures of the Packers' locker room, an off-limits area during Packers tours."We're walking where Brett Favre walks," exclaimed Sara Englebretson of Green Bay, Wis.The ambience of the locker room, which includes several televisions and open oak-colored lockers, impressed the visitors. Jodi Minesal of Slinger, Wis. said her jaw dropped upon seeing the tidy, oval-shaped room."I am very surprised the locker room is this clean. I can't believe it. I mean my house is clean. I'm a woman, but this is clean," she said. "I'm shocked ... It's beautiful. Oh my gosh!"The weekend's autograph sessions served as another highlight. Fans received a chance to have current and past Packers sign their prized possessions.Jack Bowalisz of Two Rivers, Wis. brought two Packers helmets for members of the three Super Bowl-winning teams to sign. He celebrated his 45th birthday at Fan Fest on Sunday. His wife gave him tickets to Fan Fest as an early birthday gift a couple of weeks ago.When Mike Waterland and his two sons saw former defensive tackle Gilbert "The Gravedigger" Brown was signing autographs, they rushed to a hardware store to buy a green and yellow shovel for him to sign. Die-hard Packers fans, they made the three-and-a-half hour journey from New Lenox, Ill. That area is considered Chicago Bears country, but the Waterlands hope to make those residents Packers fans."We've converted quite a people from down there," Waterland said. "We're always working on that."In addition to collecting autographs, fans could buy Packers memorabilia, including pictures and wood carvings. All proceeds went toward the Packers Foundation.Another popular booth allowed fans to don a headset and provide play-by-play of any of four memorable Packers contests and receive a CD of their broadcast. Scott Folger of West Allis, Wis. came to Fan Fest last year and announced cornerback Al Harris' game-winning touchdown from the 2004 wildcard playoff game.This year Folger called wide receiver Antonio Freeman's miracle catch against the Minnesota Vikings. Even though he had school the next day, he stayed up to the wee hours of the night in 2000 to watch the original version of that overtime Monday night game."It was a great catch," Folger said. "I remember that catch like it was yesterday."And like the many attendees of Fan Fest, he will have memories from this past weekend as well.

WFRV, Packers agree to contract extension

The Green Bay Packers and WFRV-TV, Channel 5, have agreed to a six-year extension of preseason game coverage along with Packers-related series and specials.
The previous contract was for three years. The new one coincides with the new National Football League contract with the parent company of WFRV.
“Since we work with CBS Sports, we know that all of the resources will be in place for a minimum of six more years,” said R. Perry Kidder, WFRV vice president and general manager.
The contract was announced Friday evening.
The deal calls for preseason game coverage to seven stations, six of which would also broadcast “The Mike McCarthy Show” that WFRV would produce.
The booth announcers for the games are not yet known. They are expected to be named within 10 days, Kidder said.
Jessie Garcia of Milwaukee’s WTMJ would continue as the sideline reporter.
WFRV will broadcast up to four preseason games to Green Bay, Wausau/Rhinelander, Madison, Milwaukee, La Crosse, Duluth-Superior and Marquette, Mich.
The overall package includes such weekly programs as Head Coach Mike McCarthy’s show, “Larry McCarren’s Locker Room” and “Inside Lambeau;” annual specials for Fan Fest, the NFL draft, training camp, Packers Hall of Fame induction and the holiday period; historical specials for changes and celebrations in the Packers organization; three newscast segments; and promotion of tourism.
“They have demonstrated a great understanding of the uniqueness of this franchise and a great ability to tell its story to our fans, be it through our preseason games or our weekly shows through the season,” John Jones, Packers executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a statement.
WFRV is paying the Packers an undisclosed sum for rights.
“Just like when I buy ‘Regis and Kelly’ or ‘Entertainment Tonight,’ (the payment) goes up a little bit every year,” Kidder said. “But it is a sound financial plan for both sides of the equation, no question about that.”
In the previous agreement, tourism to Lambeau Field was promoted in Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis. To those cities have been added Marquette, Mich.; Rockford, Ill.; and Rochester, Minn.
“That’s hundreds of thousands of dollars in tourism marketing that goes into all of those markets that brings tourism dollars back to Brown County and the surrounding area,” Kidder said. “That’s a big part of this.”