You know it's slow when...

Zzzzzz...Zzzzzz...Zzzzzz...

That's pretty much been the sound around Packerland these days. Not much going on. As is evidenced when a couple of the stories reporters are writing these days have to do with Herbert "Whisper" Goodman (remember him?) and the defunct NFL-Europe. Really. That's been about it. Oh, there was also former Packers center Frank Winters talking about Favre's retirement. And then there was an announcement about the Packers Hall of Fame banquet. So...I know you're on the edge of your seat...without further ado...

Whisper
If you are starved for news that is even remotely tied to the Packers, then you'll be glad to know that a former Packers RB -- the one with arguably the best nickname ever -- is now setting his sights on becoming a world mixed martial arts (MMA) champion. Herbert "Whisper" Goodman is a rising star in the MMA world. He has an 8-3 record and, if you want to see him in action and happen to be near Milwaukee, you can see him headline tonight (Sat. May 17) at State Fair Park in a MMA event called Gladiators Fighting 52 "Thunderdome." Or, you can just read about ol' Whisper here.

NFL-Europe
As to the demise of NFL-Europe -- which for the last 15 years gave us hardcore football fans a fix in Spring and early Summer -- and its impact upon Packers' scouting and player personnel programs, you can read more here.

"Bag-a-Donuts"
Former Packers center Frank Winters was interviewed on 620WTMJ radio recently about Favre's retirement, etc. Worth a listen. And, by the way, Winters' "Bag-a-Donuts" nickname isn't bad either is it? That was a fave of John Madden, too.

Favre & Starr at Packers Hall of Fame banquet
Speaking of Frankie Winters, he's going to be inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame along with Gilbert "The Gravedigger" Brown -- man, there's another great nickname! -- and video director Al Treml, who regrettably has no nickname...as far as we know. Winters' snap partner, Brett Favre, will do the honors of presenting him for induction. Bart Starr will be presenting Al Treml. Santana Dotson will do the honors for Gilbert. Another Packers Hall of Famer (that's the Packers Hall of Fame not the NFL, to be clear), center, and now radio game analyst Larry "The Rock" McCarren will emcee the event, which will be held July 19 at the Lambeau Field Atrium. By the way, if you were planning on getting tix...nope. Already sold out.

In addition to the induction of Winters, Brown, and Treml, this year's FAN honoree, Richard 'Ike' Eisenhauer, will also be recognized.

Geez, is there anyone that doesn't have a nickname?

Packers Fan Hall of Fame voting underway

If you weren't aware of it, the Packers not only have their own Hall of Fame for their outstanding players but also have a Fan Hall of Fame for those fans who are exceptional in their love and support for the Pack. (I know, I know, who isn't, right?) They've had this up and rolling since 1998. Nominations are submitted and then a group of finalists is selected that the public can vote upon. Only one person is selected for the honor each year.

All candidates certainly are worthy of consideration. However, I'd like to put in a special plug for one of the finalists, Bill Riley. You can read about him here. Bill was born in Milwaukee in 1949 but has lived in California since the age of 3.

Now, all true Packer fans can stake claim to certain occasions when their devotion leads them to do some amazing things to see a game. But the mark of someone who deserves recognition in the Fan Hall of Fame is a lifetime of such actions. Extraordinary actions. In Bill's case, that notion is especially true. As you'll discover in his bio, Bill is reliant on a wheelchair to get around. Check this out (from his bio): "One of the many challenges Bill has overcome is traveling alone to see the Packers play. Despite his walking disability, Bill managed to fly alone to Green Bay to see the Packers in 1996, took a bus to Green Bay in 2004 (3 days each way), and traveled by train to San Francisco to see the Packers against the 49ers last December. His latest trip was flying to Green Bay to watch the Packers play against the Redskins in October 2007. His dream was to see Brett Favre play before he retired. These stories are just a few reasons why Bill Riley should be the 2007 Packer Fan of the Year."

Read his story and then please vote for Bill. You have until Friday, Dec. 7 to do so. The winner will be announced by Friday, Dec. 14.

Good luck, Bill! Here's hoping to see you in the Green Bay Packers Fan Hall of Fame!!!