Glory Years CB Bob Jeter Dies

Cornerback Bob Jeter, #21, who played with the Packers from 1962-1971 and was part of three World Championships with the team, passed away unexpectedly at his Chicago home yesterday. According to reports, death was apparently due to cardiac arrest. Jeter was 71.

Jeter was arguably one of the best cornerbacks of his time. He made the Pro Bowl in 1967 and 1969. He played in 107 regular season games with the Packers, plus an additional three years with Da Bearz after being traded to them in 1971. Jeter finished his career with 26 interceptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame.

With this kind of record, one might think this was the position Jeter played from college onward. Nope. He was a running back at Iowa. He actually set a Rose Bowl record in 1959 with 194 yards rushing in just nine carries as the Hawkeyes beat California 38-12. Wow.

Instead of playing in the NFL, however, Jeter signed a contract before the NFL draft with the Canadian Football League, where he played two years. This contract signing, though, didn't prevent Vince Lombardi from spending a second round draft pick on him anyway just to have his rights. After sitting out a year after leaving Canada, as required by NFL rules at the time, Jeter joined the Pack. Lombardi apparently wanted to play him at receiver, and envisioned him as a backup to Boyd Dowler. But after dislocating a finger on one hand, and then on the other, on two consecutive days, the story goes that Lombardi told him he had "soft bones" and to start practicing with the defense. Thank goodness those soft bones still let him haul in those 26 interceptions and, along with Herb Adderly, be part of one of the best cornerback duos of that era.

Jeter's son, Rob, is currently head coach of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's men's basketball team.

If you want to read more about Jeter, check out this story.

Blasts from the Past: Podcasts with Lombardi Legends

The 37th Annual Vince Lombardi Golf Classic tournament is taking place this weekend in Milwaukee...well, Menomonee Falls actually, a Milwaukee suburb. And it is one of the best places to see a lot of former Packers and other NFL and sports celebrities gathered together. Inevitably, stories turn to days of yore. After all, this is a tournament in honor of The Coach himself. Some stories relate to today, as well. On occasion, a microphone is nearby and we get to listen in.

We are treated to two such episodes in the form of podcasts courtesy of 620WTMJ radio in Milwaukee. Sports poobah (and did you know that the term "poobah" originated in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado?), Bill Michaels, landed both interviews.

One compelling conversation is with Packers great Jerry Kramer, one of the best guards to ever play the game and who is still not in the Hall of Fame...but that's a whole other topic. In this interview, Kramer talks about his fight for better pensions and treatment of former NFL players. He has created an organization dedicated to this effort called Gridiron Greats which, by the way you can find in the Links area of PackerFansUnited.com. You can listen to this podcast by clicking here.

Michaels also hosted a one-of-a-kind roundtable discussion with a group of Packers who played in the Ice Bowl 40 years ago: Bart Starr, Jerry Kramer, Max McGee, Bob Jeter and Zeke Bratkowski. WTMJ's Jay Sorgi also helped facilitate things. Check it out here.

Barry Released

Packers offensive lineman Kevin Barry -- of "U71" package fame -- was released by the team yesterday. Barry was a favorite of former coach Mike Sherman for the power run blocking scheme he favored. However, with the move last season under new head coach Mike McCarthy toward a zone blocking scheme Barry no longer was a good fit. He was also hurt in training camp, rupturing a thigh tendon which sidelined him for the season. A Racine, Wisconsin native, Barry was a fan favorite. Being released by the Packers stung a bit, according to reports. But immediately upon being released his agent began receiving calls. A player of his size and ability, assuming he can make a full recovery from his injury, will certainly find a place somewhere in the league. Good luck, Kevin. It was fun watching you pancake opposing players. Just hope you don't do it to any of your former teammates any time soon.