A 1992 flashback

No...not that kind of flashback. This one came courtesy tonight of The NFL Network: the Sept. 20, 1992 game between the Pack and Bengals in which Wisconsin's own Tim Krumrie crunched then-starting QB Don Majkowski's left ankle allowing a 2nd-year player by the name of Brett Favre to enter the game. (I know, that was a long sentence...take a breath and start reading again when ready...)

This game marked Brett's first win and first game-winning comeback all rolled into one. It was also Mike Holmgren's first victory as Packers' head coach.

One of the interesting comments made by the NBC announcers (Jim Lampley and Ahmad Rashad) was that "You live and die with somebody like Brett Favre" after he fumbled inside the Pack's own 30, down 10-3 late in the third quarter. That statement applied as well in that first game as it did in the last. But we wouldn't have had it any other way.

Another interesting aspect of this game were some of the names involved: Edgar Bennett, Jackie Harris, Bryce Paup, Terrell Buckley (who, characteristically, dropped a sure interception...but, to be fair, he also had a punt return for a TD...but then also, characteristically, fumbled a punt at a critical time in the game), Ken Ruettgers, Robert Brooks, Johnny Holland, Vince Workman, Brian Noble, LeRoy Butler, Sterling Sharpe (who caught Brett's first NFL TD pass), John Jurkovic, Harry Sydney, Tony Bennett, Ed West, Chris Jacke, Tootie Robbins, and Sanjay Beach (who goes down in football history as being the receiver who caught Brett's first pass...other than the deflected one which Brett caught himself, of course.)

It was also fascinating to see just how bad Brett looked for much of that game...lots of fumbles, lots of sacks, lots of missed throws, lots of "What the heck is going on out there?!" (to quote the late, great Vince Lombardi). But you also saw those flashes of what would make Brett the greatest QB the game ever saw: a rocket arm, a never-give-up attitude, and a guy that could take a pounding and still keep coming back.

It was an interesting glimpse back in Packers history...and at the start of a legendary career.

Oh yeah...if you recall, the Pack won 24-23 with 13 seconds to go on a bomb down the right sideline from Brett to Kitrick Taylor, and a PAT by Jacke. The throw was a classic. And so was Brett's response: just as he did in his Super Bowl win, Brett took his helmet off and ran around like a little kid. Wow. It was the first of many "Wows" we had as Packer fans with Brett at the helm.

You can read more about this legendary game here.

Bits & Pieces

Nothing of major importance to report today. Just bits and pieces...this and that...miscellaneous stuff...you get the idea.

Brooks & Butler in PHoF
Packer greats Robert Brooks and LeRoy Butler took their place alongside other Packer luminaries when they were formally inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame on Saturday evening. Both earned their spots with years of dedication to the team, on and off the field, and exceptional play. (Despite rumors to the contrary, Butler did not earn his place in the Hall for inventing "The Lambeau Leap.") You can read a nice article about Butler here.

Training Camp at "City Stadium"
For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Packers will practice at "City Stadium," the team's former home from 1925 through 1956, when they take to the field on Tuesday, July 31. The last time the team practiced there was Aug. 5, 1961, when the team held an intra-squad scrimmage. City Stadium is now the home football field for Green Bay East High School. But once upon a time, it saw the likes of such legendary Packer players as Don Hutson, Curly Lambeau, Arnie Herber, Tony Canadeo and Clarke Hinkle, among others. One hopes the young Packer players of today will appreciate and sense the history that surrounds them on that old field. It is anticipated that there will be a large crowd on hand for this historic one-of-a-kind practice session. You can read more here.

New Charity Cap Campaign
For the last few years, the Packers have teamed up with American Family Insurance in the creation of a special cap design from which a portion of the proceeds goes toward a designated charity. Over the last two years, the cap campaigns have raised nearly $1.5 million for charities fighting breast cancer and heart disease. This year, the goal is to raise money to support service men and women, veterans and their families. Cost of the cap -- a very nice black washed cotton design -- is $15, with $5 from each sale going towards the charity effort. You can learn more about the cap campaign here. Or if you just want to cut to the chase and order your cap now, go here.

That's all for now. Over and out...

Packers Hall of Fame Welcomes Brooks and Butler

Two of the cornerstones of the Packers' success in the 1990s were named to the Packers Hall of Fame today, and will be officially inducted this summer. Wide receiver Robert Brooks and defensive back LeRoy Butler -- fan favorites during the Super Bowl years as well as now -- will take their rightful place among other Packer greats.

You can read the official announcement, and become reacquainted with each of these players, by going here.