The Packer Pundit

Hasselbeck follows Favre's lead
By Jason Wilde / madison.com
During his three years as Brett Favre's understudy, Matt Hasselbeck learned plenty of useful lessons from the Green Bay Packers' legendary quarterback. Unfortunately for Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, Hasselbeck also picked up a few of the ol' gunslinger's bad habits, too. "I have to tone him down every once in awhile, just like I had to do with Brett," said Holmgren, who coached Favre in Green Bay from his rookie season of 1992 through '98, coached Hasselbeck in '98 as a rookie sixth-round pick on the practice squad, and has had him in Seattle since trading for him in March 2001. "I've used this expression with both of 'em: 'You know, you're not at the playground anymore, just kind of telling everyone to go out for a long one. It's a different game.' "But I could preach to both of 'em 'til I'm blue in the face, and the fun part of football will always be there for those two guys." Then, Holmgren chuckled. "This is really something that's the same: If they do something on the field that they know I don't really want them to do - but it works - both of 'em have that little gleam in (their) eye and they talk to me like, 'Don't worry. See, I told you it was going to be OK.' But I love that about both of 'em. They're both great guys. Brett was wonderful to coach, and Matt is too." -- More



Safety Manuel is struggling
By Dylan B. Tomlinson
Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers
Marquand Manuel is extremely defensive, but not in the way the Green Bay Packers want him to be. When the Packers signed Manuel to a five-year, $10 million contract this offseason, he was supposed to be the answer to their problems at strong safety. Manuel started 11 games for the Seattle Seahawks last season and was expected to be the upgrade the Packers needed. Instead, Manuel, who has yet to become the impact player the Packers expected him to be, has struggled. On Wednesday, Manuel stood at his locker and did his best to dodge questions about his play. Marquand, are you happy with the way you're playing? "Am I having fun playing football? Is that what you're asking me?" Manuel said. Are you happy with the way you're playing? "Are you asking me if I'm happy with the way I'm playing, and do I play the game for fun?" Manuel said. "That's what you're asking me. That's how I'm interpreting the question." If Manuel were able to deflect passes as well as he can deflect questions, the Packers' pass defense might not be ranked 31st among the NFL's 32 teams. -- More



In tribute:
Williams honors lost loved ones
By LORI NICKEL / journalsentinel.com
Posted: Nov. 23, 2006
Given everything Green Bay defensive tackle Corey Williams has been through, the holidays bring a mixed bag of emotions. He lost his father, mother and daughter within an eight-year period of his young life, so turkey and tree trimmings without them just aren't the same. But he's also thankful for the baby daughter he has now and the money he makes as an NFL player so he can make sure his nephews and nieces enjoy their Christmas presents as much as he does every one of his sacks. Most everyone eventually finds a purpose that drives them through grief and loss. For Williams that purpose has always been to fulfill the wishes of his parents. Williams grew up the youngest of five children in Camden, Ark. At 15, his father, Ernest Lewis, died of pneumonia. When Williams was 20, his mother, Mary, died of a stroke. Just beginning his life, Williams was without the people he counted on the most. So he relied on siblings Felicia Owens, Kimberly Scott, Dalvin Lewis and Ernest Lewis, and his grandmother, Lillian Golden. "They did a good job keeping me on the right path because there were times where I was like, 'Man, I am just going to give up,' " Williams said. "I remember one time thinking I am just going to give up. I'm tired of it. My grandmother was like, 'If your mom would have one more word to say to you, what do you think she would tell you?' I thought, I know she wouldn't want me to quit. Because my parents ain't never raised a quitter. They told me that if you start something, finish it, regardless if you come in first place, second place or last place. You start it, you finish it, and that's pretty much the attitude I've had." -- More






Meet Acacia
Minnesota Vikings
Cheerleader

Education or Profession:
Education: Received her master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota
Occupation: 2nd grade teacher

Professional or Future Goals:
Personal goals: To never stop chasing her goals and dreams and to live a balanced life.
Career goals: To continue working as an elementary school teacher and someday move into an educational administration role.