Good Memorial Day, Inbox. While we thank and remember all that have given the ultimate sacrifice to our country, let’s not forget that so many may not have lost their lives but still need to be honored. I do have a question though. Was it common for NFL players to serve their country during the first two World Wars and what effect did it have on the league? Besides Pat Tillman, I know very little of these heroes. Is this addressed in Cliff’s “Greatest Story in Sports.” Hoping everyone has a safe day.
Happy Memorial Day, everyone. Jerry, that’s a great question. The NFL wasn’t around yet during the first World War, but I know the second did have impact on the league. Many of the Lombardi Packers also served in the late-50s and ’60s. I’m gonna send the rest of your question up to Cliff. He’s a much better person to ask about 1940s Packers.
If I had to describe the roster Brian Gutekunst is building for the Packers in one word, it would be “flexible.” It seems he values that as much as anything. What might yours be?
This isn’t math, just statistics. By my research, which could be wrong, Aaron Rodgers had a 92 passer rating, a 64% completion percentage with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2022, well below his standards. If Jordan Love had those numbers this year, would you consider it a success? If Love had those numbers, would you expect a similar season record of 7-9 wins? If we had 7-9 wins, would you consider that a success? I would but would like to hear your thoughts.
I would consider that a success for Love and the Packers, though it would be better if the win total was closer to nine than seven. Either way, that stat line gives Love a foundation to build upon in 2024 and beyond, similar to what Rodgers did in 2008 when he threw for 4,038 yards, 28 TDs and 13 INTs (93.8 passer rating). That’s what I’m looking for in 2023, more than anything else.
James from Chippewa Falls, WI
Watching the interviews with the first-year players, they mention going to Aaron Jones with questions. That is the one player I would like to meet.
For good reason. Jones is the genuine article. He still has a lot of football ahead of him, but if Aaron so chooses, he’d be a wonderful ambassador for both the NFL and Green Bay Packers when his playing days are over.
Good morning, Wes. Just trying to recall…what other Packers players famously wore the No. 10? Dennis Claridge comes to mind but that’s way back in the ’60s.
Twenty-four players have donned a No. 10 jersey in the regular season for the Packers, including Claridge, Eddie Kotal, Lynn Dickey, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud, Al Del Greco, Blair Kiel, Matt Flynn, Jeremy Ross, and of course J-Love.
What do you think would be the better move: Sign a veteran quarterback or sign a veteran receiver?
This upcoming season has me more excited than I have been in years…30 years, to be exact. I think we’re headed into the most competitive divisional battles since the old “Black and Blue” Central Division. Mike Ditka used to tell his Bears, “Just control your division and take it from there.” Appreciate the small things this year, Packers Faithful. I think we’re going to be just fine.
The NFC North won’t be a cakewalk by any means this year. Each game will be a battle, but every win is progress and another step into the future. How Green Bay handles Detroit, Minnesota and Chicago will be a great indicator of a young team’s development from Week 1 to 18.
Dan from Cross Plains, WI
This is a season when I’m going to keep in mind the old adage…All disappointment is relative to expectation.
John from Rhinelander, WI
I might have missed the plan for Mark Murphy at Green Bay, but I thought he was going to have to retire soon from his position due to an age requirement. If that is true, it seems he would miss out on the conclusion to all his work that is bringing the draft to Green Bay. Do you have any information on what will happen?
The age limit for the Packers’ President/CEO – and all board members – is 70. Mark turns 70 in July 2025, a little less than three months after the NFL Draft. So, this will be one of his final acts as the head of table in Green Bay, a tremendous capstone to a very successful run.
How many former college teammates are currently on the Packers’ roster? The trio of Georgia players, obviously. Jordan Love and Dallin Leavitt played together for a year at Utah State, when Love redshirted in 2016. Also, Lukas Van Ness and Tyler Goodson played at Iowa but who else?
There are quite a few college teammates on Green Bay’s roster. Rookie draft picks Colby Wooden and Anders Carlson played together at Auburn, AJ Dillon and Isaiah McDuffie at Boston College, Tyler Davis and Tariq Carpenter at Georgia Tech, and Jonathan Ford and Jonathan Garvin at Miami. The Packers also have two other rookies from the U, center DJ Scaife and defensive lineman Antonio Moultrie. Jon Runyan and Rashan Gary played together at Michigan, Sean Clifford and Rasheed Walker at Penn State, and Yosh Nijman and Luke Tenuta at Virginia Tech.
Tony from Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hi Wes, thank you very much for answering my question about Packers and public ownership. There are so many things I admire about the Packers, but public ownership is icing on the cake and worth a root beer or two to toast such a great organization. Great news about the draft, as well!
The Packers are the exception to every rule in professional sports. This community kept this organization in business several times. Today, fans worldwide ensure Green Bay continues to flourish among giants. There is no better owner in sports.
