OFFICIAL Green Bay Packers 2010 Season Thread - SUPER BOWL XLV!!! Vs. Pittsburgh.

 
Packers reached an injury settlement and then released Allen Barbre, the team's 4th-round pick in 2007 and RT starter in '09, a source said.

Greg Bedard- Twitter
 

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Greg_A_Bedard

NT Anthony Toribio has been released by Packers @TomSilverstein reports, but will likely land on practice squad if not claimed.

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Greg_A_Bedard

RB Kregg Lumpkin has been released. That means Packers are keeping all 3 FBs (likely) or 5 TEs

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Greg_A_Bedard

RT @TomSilverstein: The Packers have also cut DE Ron Talley, but asked him to consider the practice squad if he isn't claimed.

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Greg_A_Bedard

Frank Zombo has made the team, and Cyril Obiozor has been released. (Sure glad I switched my final 53)

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# S/KR Will Blackmon has been released. Imagine there's an injury settlement (shouldn't have changed on that 1) #Packers less than 20 seconds ago via Echofon

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WR Charles Dillon has been cut by the Packers. He was in competition with Brett Swain for No. 5 spot, but there's talk Packers might keep 4.

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Returner / wide receiver Jason Chery, who had a 75-yard punt return TD vs. Colts has been cut. With Blackmon gone, no clue who will be KOR.

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TomSilverstein

Sort of a shocker. Sources say Packers are going to cut TE Spencer Havner if they can't trade for him. Chances aren't good for a trade.

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Greg A. Bedard Greg_A_Bedard

Evan Dieteich-Smith was told he'll be released if Packers can't trade him.


I dont like the Havner cut at all... if anything he was a good special teamer.


And ??????????????????? @ who will be getting KR duties with Blackmon and Jason Chery cut
smh.gif
smh.gif


Maybe Sam Shields will make strides in that area but hes gotta be able to catch the damn ball off the kicks for that to happen.
Click to expand...
 
 
Packers reached an injury settlement and then released Allen Barbre, the team's 4th-round pick in 2007 and RT starter in '09, a source said.

Greg Bedard- Twitter
 

Quote:
Greg_A_Bedard

NT Anthony Toribio has been released by Packers @TomSilverstein reports, but will likely land on practice squad if not claimed.

Quote:
Greg_A_Bedard

RB Kregg Lumpkin has been released. That means Packers are keeping all 3 FBs (likely) or 5 TEs

Quote:
Greg_A_Bedard

RT @TomSilverstein: The Packers have also cut DE Ron Talley, but asked him to consider the practice squad if he isn't claimed.

Quote:
Greg_A_Bedard

Frank Zombo has made the team, and Cyril Obiozor has been released. (Sure glad I switched my final 53)

Quote:
# S/KR Will Blackmon has been released. Imagine there's an injury settlement (shouldn't have changed on that 1) #Packers less than 20 seconds ago via Echofon

Quote:
WR Charles Dillon has been cut by the Packers. He was in competition with Brett Swain for No. 5 spot, but there's talk Packers might keep 4.

Quote:
Returner / wide receiver Jason Chery, who had a 75-yard punt return TD vs. Colts has been cut. With Blackmon gone, no clue who will be KOR.

Quote:
TomSilverstein

Sort of a shocker. Sources say Packers are going to cut TE Spencer Havner if they can't trade for him. Chances aren't good for a trade.

Quote:
Greg A. Bedard Greg_A_Bedard

Evan Dieteich-Smith was told he'll be released if Packers can't trade him.


I dont like the Havner cut at all... if anything he was a good special teamer.


And ??????????????????? @ who will be getting KR duties with Blackmon and Jason Chery cut
smh.gif
smh.gif


Maybe Sam Shields will make strides in that area but hes gotta be able to catch the damn ball off the kicks for that to happen.
Click to expand...
 
dayum havner

obviously they are really hoping quarless can make an impact on special teams

jordy nelson is def gonna be returning kicks now and let sam shields grow into that roll...which i think he'll do
 
dayum havner

obviously they are really hoping quarless can make an impact on special teams

jordy nelson is def gonna be returning kicks now and let sam shields grow into that roll...which i think he'll do
 
I got this from a different forum, thought i'd share. This is a list of how any players per team were cut and then signed by another team.

GB-6
MIA-2
MIN-2
DAL-2
PIT-1
CHI-1
DET-1
NE-1
OAK-1
NYG-1

6 of our guys were cut from our 75, but good enough to make another team of 53. Should this say alot about how well TT is running things right now? The depth is pretty impressive.
 
I got this from a different forum, thought i'd share. This is a list of how any players per team were cut and then signed by another team.

GB-6
MIA-2
MIN-2
DAL-2
PIT-1
CHI-1
DET-1
NE-1
OAK-1
NYG-1

6 of our guys were cut from our 75, but good enough to make another team of 53. Should this say alot about how well TT is running things right now? The depth is pretty impressive.
 
[h1]Green Bay Packers 2010 season preview: The players, ranked from No. 1 to No. 53[/h1]

Just six of the 53 players that Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson inherited from Mike Sherman in January 2005 remain on the 53-man roster.

Additional information
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Thompson has undertaken a major rebuilding project constructed largely through the draft. A total of 31 of his 58 selections over the past six drafts are on the current team, including six picks in each of the past four years.

Thompson’s roster also consists of three unrestricted free agents, two acquired via trade, two plucked off the waiver wire and nine signed as street free agents.

Here is a ranking of the Packers’ roster, from most important to least important:

1. Aaron Rodgers

He’s being mentioned as a potential NFL MVP candidate and is the catalyst of the Packers’ high-powered offense. After becoming the first player in league history to post 4,000-yard passing seasons in his first two years as a starter, the only thing lacking on his resume is a playoff victory.

2. Charles Woodson

The reigning NFL defensive player of the year makes everyone around him better. He is a turnover-producing machine who in four seasons in Green Bay has 28 interceptions and a franchise-record eight defensive touchdowns.

3. Jermichael Finley

He has the potential to become the best pass-catching tight end in the league and will give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. He’s too big for defensive backs to cover and too fast for linebackers.

4. Clay Matthews

He produced a rookie-record 10 sacks and became the first Packers rookie Pro Bowler in 31 years. He is being counted on to spearhead a desperately needed pass rush from his outside linebacker post.

5. Chad Clifton

There can be no greater responsibility than protecting the franchise player’s blind side, which is why the team gave their veteran left tackle a new contract at age 34.

6. Greg Jennings

He’s the best big-play receiver on the roster with an NFL-leading 21 catches of 40-plus yards over the past three seasons.

7. Cullen Jenkins

Perhaps the team’s most underrated player, he contributed to the Packers’ No. 1-ranked run defense and also rushed the passer. He was one of only eight NFL defensive linemen last year to post at least 50 tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles.

8. Ryan Grant

He’s reliable if not flashy as the go-to running back, with back-to-back 1,200-yard rushing seasons and 291 straight carries without a fumble.

9. Nick Collins

The first Packers safety to earn back-to-back Pro Bowl berths since LeRoy Butler, he leads all NFL safeties with 13 picks since 2008 and is No. 1 among all players in interception return yards (405).

10. B.J. Raji

He has been moved to the all-important nose tackle position in the 3-4 defense and is expected to occupy multiple blockers and contribute mightily to the run defense.

11. Tramon Williams

Reliable starting cornerbacks are a necessity in a pass-happy league, and he is sorely needed in light of Al Harris’ absence and the inexperienced players behind him on the depth chart. Taking on the punt return duties only increases his value.

12. Nick Barnett

He overcame major knee surgery to lead the team in tackles (122) last season and showed the ability to rush the passer in the 3-4 defense with a career-high four sacks.

13. Mark Tauscher

Without him in the first half of last season, the offensive line was a mess. With him, things settled down and Rodgers could breathe easy as sack totals plummeted.

14. Ryan Pickett

He served a key role in the Packers’ top-ranked run defense as a nose tackle and now shifts to end where he fills the spot vacated by Johnny Jolly.

15. Donald Driver

His six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons has been matched only by Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne among NFL receivers. He continues to produce at age 35.

16. Scott Wells

He reclaimed his starting job at center early last season and never gave it back. The wily seventh-year veteran serves as an anchor in the middle of the offense.

17. Brad Jones

When healthy, he is a proven contributor with four sacks in seven regular-season starts at outside linebacker. The defense needs him to improve on those pass-rushing skills.

18. Josh Sitton

The best run-blocker on the line, he played all 1,093 snaps on offense last season and appears entrenched as the starting right guard for years to come.

19. Morgan Burnett

It’s a lot of responsibility to thrust a rookie into the starting lineup, but he is learning on the job and made some plays during the preseason.

20. Daryn Colledge

Once again, he rose to the challenge when his starting left guard job was on the line and beat back rookie first-round draft pick Bryan Bulaga.

21. A.J. Hawk

He’s steady if not spectacular from his inside linebacker post, has been No. 1 or No. 2 on the team in tackles in each of his four seasons, and was praised for having his best training camp.

22. Brandon Chillar

His versatility is valued, which explains the new contract he signed last December. He serves as the primary cover linebacker in the nickel package and can play outside in a pinch.

23. Mike Neal

The second-round draft pick is big and strong, provides much-needed depth on the defensive line and looks to be an immediate contributor.

24. Jordy Nelson

He will serve as the primary kickoff return man now that Will Blackmon has been put on the shelf. He also elevated his receiving skills in training camp.

25. Brandon Jackson

He’s the only halfback on the roster besides Grant and serves a vital role as a third-down back and pass-blocker.

26. Sam Shields

The undrafted rookie likely will assume the all-important nickel cornerback job, which involves taking more than 50 percent of the snaps. He’s developing his raw skills and didn’t play the position until his senior season in college.

27. John Kuhn

He can catch, block and play special teams, but elevated his value even more with his role as the No. 3 halfback.

28. Mason Crosby

There’s no substitute for a reliable kicker, especially the way the Packers move the ball. He came on strong after a slow start in camp.

29. Brady Poppinga

One of three survivors from Thompson’s original draft class in 2005, he will serve as the No. 3 outside linebacker and make major contributions on special teams.

30. Donald Lee

He has been overshadowed by Finley but brings valuable experience at tight end.

31. James Jones

He came on strong late in camp and could make his biggest impact since his rookie season as the No. 3 wideout.

32. Korey Hall

He has been a consistent special teams performer and is interchangeable with Kuhn at fullback.

33. Matt Flynn

He passed for more than 300 yards in the preseason finale against Kansas City and is starting to receive attention as one of the better backup quarterbacks.

34. Bryan Bulaga

He potentially could fill in at left tackle or left guard and the offense wouldn’t miss a beat. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes a starter.

35. Brandon Underwood

He is largely unproven but could be called on as the nickel back if Shields can’t hack it.

36. Jarrett Bush

The much-maligned defensive back proved he can make an occasional play in the preseason and is valued on special teams.

37. Derrick Martin

He’s not a starting-caliber safety but will fill the role as a stopgap backup and special teams demon.

38. Tim Masthay

His nerves should be battle-tested after winning a duel with Chris Bryan, and perhaps the Packers’ two-year punting nightmare finally will end.

39. Jason Spitz

The one-time starter provides valuable insurance backing up at center or either guard position.

40. Frank Zombo

Maybe it’s a pipe dream to think an undrafted rookie free agent can make an impact, but his sack and forced fumble against Peyton Manning in the preseason was an eye-opener.

41. Brett Goode

He’s largely unnoticed and forgotten and only appreciated when his replacement starts snapping footballs all over the yard.

42. Desmond Bishop

He’s not starting material as an inside linebacker and will make most of his contributions on special teams.

43. Justin Harrell

After managing to stay healthy for an average of just four games per season, he has much to prove.

44. Charlie Peprah

He is likely holding a roster spot only until Atari Bigby returns from the physically unable to perform list.

45. Pat Lee

He has fallen down the cornerback depth chart and might be released when Al Harris comes back from the PUP list.

46. T.J. Lang

He ranks No. 8 on the offensive line depth chart and won’t see much action.

47. Brett Swain

Unless he emerges as a viable return man, he is destined to spend a lot of Sundays on the inactive list.

48. C.J. Wilson

The rookie showed enough potential to bump Jarius Wynn off the roster and could potentially surpass Harrell on the defensive line depth chart before long.

49. Tom Crabtree

He came out of nowhere to earn a job as a tight end but will make his mark mostly on special teams.

50. Quinn Johnson

He’s only the third-best fullback and still developing as a special-teamer.

51. Marshall Newhouse

As the No. 9 offensive lineman, he will have plenty of time to groom his skills in practice and watching from the sideline.

52. Andrew Quarless

Despite what Thompson claims, his No. 4 tight end made the team based on potential.

53. Nick McDonald

As the 10th-best offensive lineman, he would be the first to go in case of a waiver wire pick-up.
Click to expand...
 
[h1]Green Bay Packers 2010 season preview: The players, ranked from No. 1 to No. 53[/h1]

Just six of the 53 players that Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson inherited from Mike Sherman in January 2005 remain on the 53-man roster.

Additional information
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Thompson has undertaken a major rebuilding project constructed largely through the draft. A total of 31 of his 58 selections over the past six drafts are on the current team, including six picks in each of the past four years.

Thompson’s roster also consists of three unrestricted free agents, two acquired via trade, two plucked off the waiver wire and nine signed as street free agents.

Here is a ranking of the Packers’ roster, from most important to least important:

1. Aaron Rodgers

He’s being mentioned as a potential NFL MVP candidate and is the catalyst of the Packers’ high-powered offense. After becoming the first player in league history to post 4,000-yard passing seasons in his first two years as a starter, the only thing lacking on his resume is a playoff victory.

2. Charles Woodson

The reigning NFL defensive player of the year makes everyone around him better. He is a turnover-producing machine who in four seasons in Green Bay has 28 interceptions and a franchise-record eight defensive touchdowns.

3. Jermichael Finley

He has the potential to become the best pass-catching tight end in the league and will give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. He’s too big for defensive backs to cover and too fast for linebackers.

4. Clay Matthews

He produced a rookie-record 10 sacks and became the first Packers rookie Pro Bowler in 31 years. He is being counted on to spearhead a desperately needed pass rush from his outside linebacker post.

5. Chad Clifton

There can be no greater responsibility than protecting the franchise player’s blind side, which is why the team gave their veteran left tackle a new contract at age 34.

6. Greg Jennings

He’s the best big-play receiver on the roster with an NFL-leading 21 catches of 40-plus yards over the past three seasons.

7. Cullen Jenkins

Perhaps the team’s most underrated player, he contributed to the Packers’ No. 1-ranked run defense and also rushed the passer. He was one of only eight NFL defensive linemen last year to post at least 50 tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles.

8. Ryan Grant

He’s reliable if not flashy as the go-to running back, with back-to-back 1,200-yard rushing seasons and 291 straight carries without a fumble.

9. Nick Collins

The first Packers safety to earn back-to-back Pro Bowl berths since LeRoy Butler, he leads all NFL safeties with 13 picks since 2008 and is No. 1 among all players in interception return yards (405).

10. B.J. Raji

He has been moved to the all-important nose tackle position in the 3-4 defense and is expected to occupy multiple blockers and contribute mightily to the run defense.

11. Tramon Williams

Reliable starting cornerbacks are a necessity in a pass-happy league, and he is sorely needed in light of Al Harris’ absence and the inexperienced players behind him on the depth chart. Taking on the punt return duties only increases his value.

12. Nick Barnett

He overcame major knee surgery to lead the team in tackles (122) last season and showed the ability to rush the passer in the 3-4 defense with a career-high four sacks.

13. Mark Tauscher

Without him in the first half of last season, the offensive line was a mess. With him, things settled down and Rodgers could breathe easy as sack totals plummeted.

14. Ryan Pickett

He served a key role in the Packers’ top-ranked run defense as a nose tackle and now shifts to end where he fills the spot vacated by Johnny Jolly.

15. Donald Driver

His six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons has been matched only by Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne among NFL receivers. He continues to produce at age 35.

16. Scott Wells

He reclaimed his starting job at center early last season and never gave it back. The wily seventh-year veteran serves as an anchor in the middle of the offense.

17. Brad Jones

When healthy, he is a proven contributor with four sacks in seven regular-season starts at outside linebacker. The defense needs him to improve on those pass-rushing skills.

18. Josh Sitton

The best run-blocker on the line, he played all 1,093 snaps on offense last season and appears entrenched as the starting right guard for years to come.

19. Morgan Burnett

It’s a lot of responsibility to thrust a rookie into the starting lineup, but he is learning on the job and made some plays during the preseason.

20. Daryn Colledge

Once again, he rose to the challenge when his starting left guard job was on the line and beat back rookie first-round draft pick Bryan Bulaga.

21. A.J. Hawk

He’s steady if not spectacular from his inside linebacker post, has been No. 1 or No. 2 on the team in tackles in each of his four seasons, and was praised for having his best training camp.

22. Brandon Chillar

His versatility is valued, which explains the new contract he signed last December. He serves as the primary cover linebacker in the nickel package and can play outside in a pinch.

23. Mike Neal

The second-round draft pick is big and strong, provides much-needed depth on the defensive line and looks to be an immediate contributor.

24. Jordy Nelson

He will serve as the primary kickoff return man now that Will Blackmon has been put on the shelf. He also elevated his receiving skills in training camp.

25. Brandon Jackson

He’s the only halfback on the roster besides Grant and serves a vital role as a third-down back and pass-blocker.

26. Sam Shields

The undrafted rookie likely will assume the all-important nickel cornerback job, which involves taking more than 50 percent of the snaps. He’s developing his raw skills and didn’t play the position until his senior season in college.

27. John Kuhn

He can catch, block and play special teams, but elevated his value even more with his role as the No. 3 halfback.

28. Mason Crosby

There’s no substitute for a reliable kicker, especially the way the Packers move the ball. He came on strong after a slow start in camp.

29. Brady Poppinga

One of three survivors from Thompson’s original draft class in 2005, he will serve as the No. 3 outside linebacker and make major contributions on special teams.

30. Donald Lee

He has been overshadowed by Finley but brings valuable experience at tight end.

31. James Jones

He came on strong late in camp and could make his biggest impact since his rookie season as the No. 3 wideout.

32. Korey Hall

He has been a consistent special teams performer and is interchangeable with Kuhn at fullback.

33. Matt Flynn

He passed for more than 300 yards in the preseason finale against Kansas City and is starting to receive attention as one of the better backup quarterbacks.

34. Bryan Bulaga

He potentially could fill in at left tackle or left guard and the offense wouldn’t miss a beat. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes a starter.

35. Brandon Underwood

He is largely unproven but could be called on as the nickel back if Shields can’t hack it.

36. Jarrett Bush

The much-maligned defensive back proved he can make an occasional play in the preseason and is valued on special teams.

37. Derrick Martin

He’s not a starting-caliber safety but will fill the role as a stopgap backup and special teams demon.

38. Tim Masthay

His nerves should be battle-tested after winning a duel with Chris Bryan, and perhaps the Packers’ two-year punting nightmare finally will end.

39. Jason Spitz

The one-time starter provides valuable insurance backing up at center or either guard position.

40. Frank Zombo

Maybe it’s a pipe dream to think an undrafted rookie free agent can make an impact, but his sack and forced fumble against Peyton Manning in the preseason was an eye-opener.

41. Brett Goode

He’s largely unnoticed and forgotten and only appreciated when his replacement starts snapping footballs all over the yard.

42. Desmond Bishop

He’s not starting material as an inside linebacker and will make most of his contributions on special teams.

43. Justin Harrell

After managing to stay healthy for an average of just four games per season, he has much to prove.

44. Charlie Peprah

He is likely holding a roster spot only until Atari Bigby returns from the physically unable to perform list.

45. Pat Lee

He has fallen down the cornerback depth chart and might be released when Al Harris comes back from the PUP list.

46. T.J. Lang

He ranks No. 8 on the offensive line depth chart and won’t see much action.

47. Brett Swain

Unless he emerges as a viable return man, he is destined to spend a lot of Sundays on the inactive list.

48. C.J. Wilson

The rookie showed enough potential to bump Jarius Wynn off the roster and could potentially surpass Harrell on the defensive line depth chart before long.

49. Tom Crabtree

He came out of nowhere to earn a job as a tight end but will make his mark mostly on special teams.

50. Quinn Johnson

He’s only the third-best fullback and still developing as a special-teamer.

51. Marshall Newhouse

As the No. 9 offensive lineman, he will have plenty of time to groom his skills in practice and watching from the sideline.

52. Andrew Quarless

Despite what Thompson claims, his No. 4 tight end made the team based on potential.

53. Nick McDonald

As the 10th-best offensive lineman, he would be the first to go in case of a waiver wire pick-up.
Click to expand...
 
clifton smith is legit

he was on my fantasy team last year just because he racked up the KR yardage

i think he has a concussion/injury problem tho...
 
clifton smith is legit

he was on my fantasy team last year just because he racked up the KR yardage

i think he has a concussion/injury problem tho...
 
been debating whether I should purchase a jersey this season...any sites you guys get them from, possibly for cheaper?
 
been debating whether I should purchase a jersey this season...any sites you guys get them from, possibly for cheaper?
 
Authentics on packers pro shop at packers.com are only like $179.99 which is a lot cheaper than most teams authentics.
 
Authentics on packers pro shop at packers.com are only like $179.99 which is a lot cheaper than most teams authentics.
 
NFL preview
[h1]Rodgers took hits on, off the field in 2008[/h1]
mjs-packers15-5-packers15-packers15%282%29.jpg
[h4]Journal Sentinel[/h4] [h4]Aaron Rodgers is a fan favorite now, but that was not the case when he replaced Brett Favre in 2008.[/h4]
By Lori Nickel of the Journal Sentinel

Sept. 9, 2010 |(198) Comments

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Aaron Rodgers absorbed the hits and mostly held everything in, which went against his very nature. Then he braced himself for every awkward encounter. At the store, a function, an interview, he mentally dropped his dukes and prepared for yet another cheap shot.

Didn't we all remark at how bravely Rodgers handled that messy, painful transition of Brett Favre's departure? Didn't we admire his maturity, class and strength? Before we ever knew Rodgers could thread a needle 50 yards downfield or take 50 sacks and get up every time, didn't we marvel at how the man held his head above the sewage flow that was the summer of 2008?

But really, we had no idea. . . .

About the nasty letters. The hateful comments. The intrusion on his property. The brazen confrontations.

Two years ago, as Green Bay's first new quarterback in 16 years, Rodgers thought the only way to handle angry fans who still wanted No. 4 at the helm was to speak up but not out, to make people laugh and to take the verbal sacks.

Privately, however, his days as the punching bag certainly were numbered. He would not take the body blows forever. He was young but he was no victim. And so when the calendar changed years, Rodgers changed his own rules.

"I was really beat down," Rodgers said. "My teammates helped me out a bunch.

"But in '09, I just said, 'I'm going to take back my life.' "

Rodgers sits under a shaded cabana hut in the backyard of his beautiful house in the hills of San Diego. This is the kind of place where shoes are optional year-round. He's barefoot. It's July, and he just came back from his favorite week in the summer, golfing in Lake Tahoe with Michael Jordan and every other celebrity in the sports world.

He's in a great mood. He opens up.

This used to be a subject that was off-limits, that would get a "no comment" through clenched jaws. Rodgers will share it now, only because he was asked - again - and because he'd like to explain that Sunday armor does come off.

And he heard those boos at that first Favre-less practice in 2008, the sarcastic rooting for the New York Jets, the hecklers every time he wound up.

And he felt those boos during Family Night, when he made his official debut as the Packers' starting quarterback at Lambeau Field.

And his jaw dropped at the kid who cussed at him.

He was often aware of the nasty comments on local and national blogs.

He found his truck keyed at Miller Park.

He read derogatory comments written on his driveway (although we must chuckle at that because it was written in sidewalk chalk).

But it was no joke when he and former teammate Ruvell Martin were harassed at a gas station.

The letters, well, there were too many to count.

"It was ugly," Packers receiver Greg Jennings said. "They didn't always mean harm. But it was very harmful, what they were doing.

"I remember this one lady saying, 'I'm a Favre fan. I don't dislike Aaron; I just don't like the fact that he's our quarterback.'

"I was like, are you serious right now? This guy hasn't done anything! He didn't ask to be here. He didn't ask to get drafted by the Packers. He didn't ask to be behind a future Hall of Famer. He didn't ask Brett to leave."

Rodgers didn't tell most of his teammates what he was experiencing, and two years later most of them still don't know.

"I heard and saw the fans say things. I heard things at practice. Fans are not always nice," running back Ryan Grant said. "Aaron kept that to himself as much as possible."

Even in the sanctity of his home in Green Bay, Rodgers could not escape the jabs.

"It was all the stuff that was said on TV," receiver James Jones said. "The guy took so much heat on TV and I mean, you watch ESPN, you watch NFL Network, and everybody is just saying bad things about you. That's tough to deal with."

Even as Rodgers kept it to himself, the Packers who once blocked and bled for Favre clamored to support Rodgers because they could sense he needed it.

"The more moral support he got from us, that other stuff kind of fell on deaf ears," Jennings said. "Well . . .  deaf ears . . .  we still heard it. But he handled it better than anyone with some of the most pressure you can have. Yeah, that was ridiculous.

"It was very disappointing to me to hear those boos. You want to boo the guy who is supposed to lead you to a Super Bowl someday? It was very disappointing, but at the same time we knew we had to support him. We kind of took ownership. We had to make plays. We have to make plays for this man."

Buoyed by their support and mentally strong already after a lifetime of being overlooked, Rodgers put up a front for the public. He said most of the right things. He threw for 4,000 yards. He fought off injury. He played well and faced his critics.

But remember the grunge hair? No accident. Everything Rodgers does, even down to his physical appearance, has a purpose and so did that beach-bum look.

"I don't take myself too seriously. I grow my hair out, grow a mustache in training camp. It's for comic relief," Rodgers said.

It was, in part, a way to get all the guys on the team to at least laugh with him and maybe that would lead to unity.

"Well that's my secret. It's not going to be a secret anymore obviously," Rodgers said. "There's not many things that I do that aren't thought out. I'm not just a whimsical person. If more people are going to talk about my mustache than Brett Favre in 2008, that's a win for me. It's not like I just woke up one day, 'Oh, I am going to do this.' "

Whenever possible, Rodgers flashed a disguising grin. But by the end of the year, he'd heard enough.

"People have some funny ways of trying to get under my skin," Rodgers said. "The common one is just comparing me to Brett. Which . . .  it doesn't affect me. It doesn't affect me at all.

"I don't want to be him.

"I just got to a point where I couldn't not do something about it. It hurts when I open my car door and a guy yells 'F you' to me. You just hold all that in, and I have a hard time holding all that in."

In the end, that 2008 season was a mixed bag. Rodgers played well but the Packers finished with a 6-10 record. At least the world could put the transition in the rearview mirror.

"I said, 'I'm going to take back the normalcy that I want,' " Rodgers said. "In '08, I didn't really do much, I didn't go out much. But in '09 I was like, whether we win, lose, whether we're terrible or I'm terrible or whether I play well, I've got to be myself. I'm going to go to the restaurants I want to go to, go to the store when I need to."

Last year, the 11-5 Packers went to the playoffs and Rodgers played brilliantly. He had once vowed to turn the Family Night boos into cheers, and he did it.

"I couldn't think of anybody just going about his business better than Aaron," Grant said. "I bet it just motivated him even more. He played with a chip on his shoulder."

Now seen as a quarterback in his own right, and not Favre's replacement - which is really all he wanted - Rodgers also has allowed his outspoken side to come out. Now that he truly feels like the leader of a strong and proud franchise, the strong and proud son of Chico, Calif., often shares his viewpoints on wide-ranging topics, from urging former teammate Aaron Kampman to embrace the new 3-4 defense, to critiquing football TV commentators to even telling someone on Twitter to get a life and get out of his.

Rodgers almost always has a thought on any issue. That's not new. He just feels comfortable expressing it now.

Of course, he must choose his battles. Rodgers started to tell another story but stopped, explaining that he's not looking for pity. Then he seems like he doesn't want to get into it.

He's nudged.

While Rodgers was golfing in Tahoe, a fan lashed out.

"A guy said he hopes I break my F-ing leg this year because I didn't sign his jersey," Rodgers said.

Rodgers paused, for such a long time it seemed only the birds in the palm trees were going to continue.

"How does that not affect you? I mean, it affects me big-time," Rodgers said. "I can't believe that guy had the audacity to say that to me. And he only did it because there's a gate between us and there are 200 witnesses if I were to punch his lights out.

"What kind of person says that, in general, in life? Saying something inappropriate because I can't punch you back or I can't do anything because I'm a public figure and you can sue me?"

He adjusts his aviator sunglasses and for a second the irritated anger in his eyes is unmistakable.

"In no way did I tell the stories of '08 to try and draw any sympathy from anybody," Rodgers said. "More to draw an awareness of the fact that we're people first. And, how ridiculous is this.

"I have gotten to the point where I don't feel like I should be just a punching bag that can't punch back. If someone says something highly inappropriate, then there's no reason I shouldn't respond. It's ridiculous."

The subject is changed. There are 9 million stories to share in the life of 26-year-old Aaron Rodgers. This was just one chapter. It has been told and it's over.

Rodgers reclines, grins and relaxes again, but that body language is deceiving. He is tougher than ever and ready for any fight.

"A lot of people were partial to Brett Favre and rightfully so," cornerback Charles Woodson said. "That's just them stating their loyalty to Brett. But I knew once Aaron started playing, that wouldn't matter.

"And I think it's over. It's done with. This is his time."
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[h1]Rodgers took hits on, off the field in 2008[/h1]
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[h4]Journal Sentinel[/h4] [h4]Aaron Rodgers is a fan favorite now, but that was not the case when he replaced Brett Favre in 2008.[/h4]
By Lori Nickel of the Journal Sentinel

Sept. 9, 2010 |(198) Comments

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Aaron Rodgers absorbed the hits and mostly held everything in, which went against his very nature. Then he braced himself for every awkward encounter. At the store, a function, an interview, he mentally dropped his dukes and prepared for yet another cheap shot.

Didn't we all remark at how bravely Rodgers handled that messy, painful transition of Brett Favre's departure? Didn't we admire his maturity, class and strength? Before we ever knew Rodgers could thread a needle 50 yards downfield or take 50 sacks and get up every time, didn't we marvel at how the man held his head above the sewage flow that was the summer of 2008?

But really, we had no idea. . . .

About the nasty letters. The hateful comments. The intrusion on his property. The brazen confrontations.

Two years ago, as Green Bay's first new quarterback in 16 years, Rodgers thought the only way to handle angry fans who still wanted No. 4 at the helm was to speak up but not out, to make people laugh and to take the verbal sacks.

Privately, however, his days as the punching bag certainly were numbered. He would not take the body blows forever. He was young but he was no victim. And so when the calendar changed years, Rodgers changed his own rules.

"I was really beat down," Rodgers said. "My teammates helped me out a bunch.

"But in '09, I just said, 'I'm going to take back my life.' "

Rodgers sits under a shaded cabana hut in the backyard of his beautiful house in the hills of San Diego. This is the kind of place where shoes are optional year-round. He's barefoot. It's July, and he just came back from his favorite week in the summer, golfing in Lake Tahoe with Michael Jordan and every other celebrity in the sports world.

He's in a great mood. He opens up.

This used to be a subject that was off-limits, that would get a "no comment" through clenched jaws. Rodgers will share it now, only because he was asked - again - and because he'd like to explain that Sunday armor does come off.

And he heard those boos at that first Favre-less practice in 2008, the sarcastic rooting for the New York Jets, the hecklers every time he wound up.

And he felt those boos during Family Night, when he made his official debut as the Packers' starting quarterback at Lambeau Field.

And his jaw dropped at the kid who cussed at him.

He was often aware of the nasty comments on local and national blogs.

He found his truck keyed at Miller Park.

He read derogatory comments written on his driveway (although we must chuckle at that because it was written in sidewalk chalk).

But it was no joke when he and former teammate Ruvell Martin were harassed at a gas station.

The letters, well, there were too many to count.

"It was ugly," Packers receiver Greg Jennings said. "They didn't always mean harm. But it was very harmful, what they were doing.

"I remember this one lady saying, 'I'm a Favre fan. I don't dislike Aaron; I just don't like the fact that he's our quarterback.'

"I was like, are you serious right now? This guy hasn't done anything! He didn't ask to be here. He didn't ask to get drafted by the Packers. He didn't ask to be behind a future Hall of Famer. He didn't ask Brett to leave."

Rodgers didn't tell most of his teammates what he was experiencing, and two years later most of them still don't know.

"I heard and saw the fans say things. I heard things at practice. Fans are not always nice," running back Ryan Grant said. "Aaron kept that to himself as much as possible."

Even in the sanctity of his home in Green Bay, Rodgers could not escape the jabs.

"It was all the stuff that was said on TV," receiver James Jones said. "The guy took so much heat on TV and I mean, you watch ESPN, you watch NFL Network, and everybody is just saying bad things about you. That's tough to deal with."

Even as Rodgers kept it to himself, the Packers who once blocked and bled for Favre clamored to support Rodgers because they could sense he needed it.

"The more moral support he got from us, that other stuff kind of fell on deaf ears," Jennings said. "Well . . .  deaf ears . . .  we still heard it. But he handled it better than anyone with some of the most pressure you can have. Yeah, that was ridiculous.

"It was very disappointing to me to hear those boos. You want to boo the guy who is supposed to lead you to a Super Bowl someday? It was very disappointing, but at the same time we knew we had to support him. We kind of took ownership. We had to make plays. We have to make plays for this man."

Buoyed by their support and mentally strong already after a lifetime of being overlooked, Rodgers put up a front for the public. He said most of the right things. He threw for 4,000 yards. He fought off injury. He played well and faced his critics.

But remember the grunge hair? No accident. Everything Rodgers does, even down to his physical appearance, has a purpose and so did that beach-bum look.

"I don't take myself too seriously. I grow my hair out, grow a mustache in training camp. It's for comic relief," Rodgers said.

It was, in part, a way to get all the guys on the team to at least laugh with him and maybe that would lead to unity.

"Well that's my secret. It's not going to be a secret anymore obviously," Rodgers said. "There's not many things that I do that aren't thought out. I'm not just a whimsical person. If more people are going to talk about my mustache than Brett Favre in 2008, that's a win for me. It's not like I just woke up one day, 'Oh, I am going to do this.' "

Whenever possible, Rodgers flashed a disguising grin. But by the end of the year, he'd heard enough.

"People have some funny ways of trying to get under my skin," Rodgers said. "The common one is just comparing me to Brett. Which . . .  it doesn't affect me. It doesn't affect me at all.

"I don't want to be him.

"I just got to a point where I couldn't not do something about it. It hurts when I open my car door and a guy yells 'F you' to me. You just hold all that in, and I have a hard time holding all that in."

In the end, that 2008 season was a mixed bag. Rodgers played well but the Packers finished with a 6-10 record. At least the world could put the transition in the rearview mirror.

"I said, 'I'm going to take back the normalcy that I want,' " Rodgers said. "In '08, I didn't really do much, I didn't go out much. But in '09 I was like, whether we win, lose, whether we're terrible or I'm terrible or whether I play well, I've got to be myself. I'm going to go to the restaurants I want to go to, go to the store when I need to."

Last year, the 11-5 Packers went to the playoffs and Rodgers played brilliantly. He had once vowed to turn the Family Night boos into cheers, and he did it.

"I couldn't think of anybody just going about his business better than Aaron," Grant said. "I bet it just motivated him even more. He played with a chip on his shoulder."

Now seen as a quarterback in his own right, and not Favre's replacement - which is really all he wanted - Rodgers also has allowed his outspoken side to come out. Now that he truly feels like the leader of a strong and proud franchise, the strong and proud son of Chico, Calif., often shares his viewpoints on wide-ranging topics, from urging former teammate Aaron Kampman to embrace the new 3-4 defense, to critiquing football TV commentators to even telling someone on Twitter to get a life and get out of his.

Rodgers almost always has a thought on any issue. That's not new. He just feels comfortable expressing it now.

Of course, he must choose his battles. Rodgers started to tell another story but stopped, explaining that he's not looking for pity. Then he seems like he doesn't want to get into it.

He's nudged.

While Rodgers was golfing in Tahoe, a fan lashed out.

"A guy said he hopes I break my F-ing leg this year because I didn't sign his jersey," Rodgers said.

Rodgers paused, for such a long time it seemed only the birds in the palm trees were going to continue.

"How does that not affect you? I mean, it affects me big-time," Rodgers said. "I can't believe that guy had the audacity to say that to me. And he only did it because there's a gate between us and there are 200 witnesses if I were to punch his lights out.

"What kind of person says that, in general, in life? Saying something inappropriate because I can't punch you back or I can't do anything because I'm a public figure and you can sue me?"

He adjusts his aviator sunglasses and for a second the irritated anger in his eyes is unmistakable.

"In no way did I tell the stories of '08 to try and draw any sympathy from anybody," Rodgers said. "More to draw an awareness of the fact that we're people first. And, how ridiculous is this.

"I have gotten to the point where I don't feel like I should be just a punching bag that can't punch back. If someone says something highly inappropriate, then there's no reason I shouldn't respond. It's ridiculous."

The subject is changed. There are 9 million stories to share in the life of 26-year-old Aaron Rodgers. This was just one chapter. It has been told and it's over.

Rodgers reclines, grins and relaxes again, but that body language is deceiving. He is tougher than ever and ready for any fight.

"A lot of people were partial to Brett Favre and rightfully so," cornerback Charles Woodson said. "That's just them stating their loyalty to Brett. But I knew once Aaron started playing, that wouldn't matter.

"And I think it's over. It's done with. This is his time."
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