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Letters From Camp

Packers wrap LaFleur's first Training Camp

by Mark Daniels

One more (there have been plenty)  short practice brought Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur's first training camp to a close today.    The team will roll out their second and third stringers again on Thursday night for the final Pre-Season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field.

For five weeks, LaFleur laid out his plan for the team, installed his offensive system and slowly but surely, rid himself of the rehabilitative foot to knee boot that protected his healing  left Achilles tendon surgery.    He thought it went pretty well for his first one:

 (Audio: Matt LaFleur)

The 90 rostered players hunkered down at St. Norbert College for only a couple of weeks, checking out just after the Houston Texans game.

Camp isn't what it used to be.   Players were tortured with two a day practices and were sequestered for twice the amount of time in the dormitory.    Curfew breaking escape jobs were legendary.   Rookies in particular,  got homesick.  They'd write letters home, wondering if an NFL future was in store for them.

Now it's e-mail of course and while I couldn't hack into some of the players' accounts,  But after watching nearly every camp practice and visiting with the guys in the locker room, I have a pretty good idea of what they might have written.

Here's a sampling.

Dear Mom,

Remind me never to throw away that invitation I got from the Packers for their rookie tryout camp.    I didn't think my Subaru would make it to Green Bay from Fargo for summer camp,  but I'm sure glad it did.   I tried my best every day and was able to catch the ball pretty well.   They also let me handle some kick returns.   I'll admit, getting called the "Camp Darling" is a bit annoying but I really think I have a shot to make the team.   If it happens, I'll be home for the game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead in October.   Keep your fingers crossed.

Darrius "Shep"

********

Hi Mom and Dad,

Guess I should have showed up this spring after all.   Didn't get traded, didn't get much of a look and then my illness flared up again.  I'll be coming home this weekend, Dad, still have the number of that CFL agent?

Your son,

Josh

*********

Dearest Danica,

If training camps are this easy under the new guy, I'll be able to play until I'm 45.   Only a couple of two hour workouts and no pre-season games!   That get off the plane with a tight back story you suggested worked like a charm in Baltimore.   Soon as we return from Chicago, whaddya say we jet  back up to Winnipeg, had time to find a couple of charming restaurants.

AR

*********

Dad,

I know it's been a while since Giorgio was in town but I haven't felt this queasy since the flight home from Detroit last year.   Sam really has a strong leg and he got a leg up on me while the calf was healing early in camp.   It's apparent the Packers are unafraid of dumping salary after what happened to Daniels but they're not gonna cut the all-time leading scorer, are they?    I DON'T want to kick for the Bears.   

PS: The kids say hi Grandpa.

Love,

Mason

(A thin group of four inside linebackers in drills on camp's final day)

Hi guys,

I'm getting a little paranoid here.   So jacked for this season after how I played a year ago but everybody's different in my room.  No Clay, Antonio.  Jake's ACL last summer was an omen.   Now Oren blows a pec,  Bolton goes down two weeks later, am I next? Who's gonna play next to me?    Someone else's cut?   

Please advise,

Blake

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Dear Blog readers,

Tomorrow, I'll take the annual stab at the opening day roster with my 53.

All the best,

Mark

Mark Daniels

I’ve got Green and Gold in my blood having grown up in Titletown and it’s been a treat watching and covering sports from the Packers to the preps for you in Green Bay for Midwest Communications.
As a kid, I chased Packer players for autographs, I’m still chasing ‘em now for quotes on the big play or big game. I’ve had the opportunity to cover Super Bowls, the World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA playoffs and major championship golf over the years but I get just as much enjoyment following the college scene at UWGB or St. Norbert, the Green Bay Gamblers and high school sports.
Our prep coverage was honored as the best of 2007 reinforcing our commitment to give these hard working boys and girls their due.
My work has also been recognized by the Associated Press and Wisconsin Broadcasters Association with several achievement awards.
Outside of the studio, off the field or away from the gym, I’ve had the pleasure of helping dozens of organizations over the years. I’ve served as race announcer and master of ceremonies at the Bellin Run almost from it’s beginning, spoken to various service clubs and hosted charity golf events or team banquets.
My wife Kari and I have raised two active children which has kept us involved in both school and club athletics for nearly 15 years. Chances are you’ll see me on a golf course when the weather’s nice. My roots are deep and that’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this area’s sporting scene, and as I often say, “Watching kids play games helps keep me young!”
Thanks for listening and see you at the game.