Editor's Note: Bruce Ciskie, a lifelong Packers fan, opines about the state of his beloved team.
High expectations greeted the Green Bay Packers in August, as the team arrived at training camp. Practices -- held across the street from Lambeau Field -- were very physical, as the Packers tried to show they wouldn't be bullied around like they were far too often in 2008.
That 6-10 season, we all were told, was a memory. It was a fluke. It wasn't how things would be conducted in Green Bay. Bad tackling, soft defense, poor special teams play, and stupid penalties were going to be a thing of the past.
Outside of Sunday being a day many Packer fans have dreaded for months, it's just another football Sunday in Green Bay.
The hype surrounding this regular-season battle of NFC North rivals surpasses anything most fans will see in their lifetimes. The reality is that football fans in Wisconsin are stuck in the middle of the tension that developed between Brett Favre and the Packers. It was this way in August of 2008, when the whole thing blew up, and it isn't going to change for some time.
In February of this year, upon his second retirement from the NFL, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was very clear about his initial return to the league. He reneged on his first retirement as the Packers opened training camp in 2008, and was traded to the Jets for a draft pick.
Favre told Peter King of Sports Illustrated that he, at least in part, wanted to "stick it to Ted," a reference to current Packers general manager Ted Thompson. On a conference call with Wisconsin reporters Thursday, though, in advance of his first-ever game against the Packers Monday night, Favre denied ever saying that.
News of Brett Favre's decision to hop on a plane from Mississippi to Minnesota traveled fast Tuesday. While Viking fans reacted with elation and nearly rioted on team headquarters, there was also reason to reach across the border for reaction from Green Bay.
The Packers were practicing when the news broke, but reporters flocked for the chance to ask players, coaches, and the general manager for their thoughts. To the surprise of precisely no one, the media didn't get much out of their energy and zeal for a story.
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson wouldn't rule out signing disgraced quarterback Michael Vick, which is all this Brett Favre-weary town needs to hear.
Asked specifically if there was any way the Packers would sign Vick, Thompson sighed and gave a loaded response.
"Uh, what is the answer that we give to questions like this? We're always looking to improve our team and we look to all options at all times," said Thompson, who is renowned for keeping door open for any player. "I wouldn't care to speculate in terms of the odds or anything like that."
The words "Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers" don't roll off the tongue easily. After all, Brett Favre gave Packer fans 17 glorious years, setting records and building a Hall of Fame career in Green Bay.
Some fans haven't come to grips with Favre's initial departure from the Packers, and they certainly won't handle it well when Favre ends up spending the 2009 season with the rival Minnesota Vikings. While all that is going on, however, Rodgers continues to handle his job with grace and dignity.
The seemingly never-ending saga of Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings will eventually end, right? After all, if Favre really wants to stick it to Ted Thompson take one more shot at a Super Bowl, he should at least show up for training camp.
As the Vikings approach the start of camp July 31, Favre is still unsigned. Let's just assume for a second that -- despite reports of a contract being in place -- this whole thing isn't a done deal. Exactly what is taking so long?
Update (June 24): Jennings' extension is officially done, according to a press release issued this afternoon by the Packers. No terms were released, other than that the deal is a "long-term" one.
The Green Bay Packers have developed a bit of a reputation. While general manager Ted Thompson has made clear through his actions (or lack thereof) that he doesn't like overpaying for free agents, he does like to reward his homegrown players with contract extensions.
We're well on our way to the inevitable. As much as Green Bay Packer fans may not want to think about it, Brett Favre, their 16-year icon, appears destined to play for the division rival Minnesota Vikings. How do the fans feel? Well, there are some who appear to be sticking with the team no matter what, while others are talking about following Favre wherever he goes -- even if that's to Minnesota. Who's right? Both of them have their points, which Bruce Ciskie will lay out as he essentially debates himself.
We're well on our way to the inevitable. As much as Green Bay Packer fans may not want to think about it, Brett Favre, their 16-year icon, appears destined to play for the division rival Minnesota Vikings. How do the fans feel? Well, there are some who appear to be sticking with the team no matter what, while others are talking about following Favre wherever he goes -- even if that's to Minnesota. Who's right? Both of them have their points, which Bruce Ciskie will lay out as he essentially debates himself.
Editor's Note: Bruce Ciskie, a lifelong Packers fan, opines about the state of his beloved team.
Outside of Sunday being a day many Packer fans have dreaded for months, it's just another football Sunday in Green Bay.
In February of this year, upon his second retirement from the 
News of Brett Favre's decision to hop on a plane from Mississippi to Minnesota traveled fast Tuesday. While Viking fans reacted with elation and 
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay Packers general manager 
The words "Green Bay Packers quarterback 
The seemingly never-ending saga of 
