Catching up with Packers, former and current

Just a bit of a break from the usual chit chat about the Green Bay Packers as their showdown with the Chicago Bears approaches on Monday evening.

There's been a variety of news about former and current Packers floating recently, so thought we'd just take this opportunity to catch up on it a bit.

Starr contributes items to Packers Hall of Fame
While in Green Bay last weekend for the annual Packers Alumni Day, Packers legendary QB and former head coach, Bart Starr, and his wife, Cherry, donated three of Starr's World Championship rings, Cherry's necklace and other items to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. You can see a cool photo gallery here. And if you want to see an extensive gallery of Packers' alumni who attended Sunday's game, then you have to check this out.

Taylor's new book
Another Glory Years' Packer, RB Jim Taylor, appeared on WTMJ4 TV early this morning discussing his new book, "The Fire Within." He was also at a book signing in the Milwaukee area this evening. On the show, Taylor mentioned that he still works on his physical conditioning. And he looks like it. Taylor also said that when he was a player his approach was to initiate contact rather than the other way around. For those old enough to remember seeing Taylor during his playing days with the Pack, or who have seen clips of him, there was no tougher running back around. Taylor would look for guys to run over. In his book, he apparently has a line about playing a game where you know there is going to be pain...and looking forward to it. Great to see Mr. Taylor, and the book sounds like it would make a fine addition to any Packer fan's library.

Ryan Grant says surgery went well
Ryan Grant Tweeted the following yesterday: "Hey guys letting everyone know that surgery went great (that’s what I was told) lol but feeling good and wanted to truly thank everyone … Everyones prayers n support has made this an easy process so far and I’m looking forward to coming back even more of a beast..work time".

Nick Barnett gets tat from Kat
On last night's episode of LA Ink on the A&E Network, which is already airing reruns of the episode called "Black Widow," Packers LB Nick Barnett gets inked by Kat Von D herself. For those curious and who haven't see the episode (hope I don't spoil it for you), Barnett had an image of his father tattooed on his left inside bicep. He told the story to Kat and the camera that his father was really the one who encouraged him as a young man to participate in football and go to practice. Barnett said he really wasn't into football that much as a youngster and his father pretty much had to make him go to play. His father passed away in 2004, he said, on the day of a game no less, and this is the way he can always keep his memory present.

Ron Wolf sighting at Lambeau
Former Packers' GM and architect of the 1990s franchise turnaround, Ron Wolf, was in Lambeau Field this week. And, he was watching game film! Now, for all the Ted Thompson haters out there that might raise hopes that Wolf might come back. But nothing could be further from the truth. Wolf is quite happily retired, is traveling, and hasn't watched any games this season until he sat in an office in Lambeau Field this week to watch the Packers last two games. Oh, he was getting up to speed courtesy of his son, Eliot, assistant director of pro personnel for the Packers. In an interview with Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wolf (that would be Ron not Eliot) also brought us up to date with what he's doing these days, as well as offered his opinion on the job Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy are doing, as well as opined on a few of the current Packers players...as well as the fellow he says he's almost attached at the hip with, Brett Favre. Nickel's article is a great read. Check it out here.

Packers-Da Bearz upcoming
We'll start pounding the drum over the next several days about the upcoming clash. But...the above is enough for now.