Packer Nation Rejoices » Brats & Beer

April 27, 2006
posted under: Brett Favre, Charles Woodson, Javon Walker, Packers

The black cloud has lifted and the sun shines warmly on Packer Nation today, for Brett Favre has strode in on his trusty steel lawn mowing steed to save the day. Yes, Number Four has finally announced he’ll return for (at least) one more campaign in the name and the glory of the Green & Gold. And just in time for the Draft.

Was there dancing in the streets throughout the land upon hearing that the three-time MVP will be back for his 15th Packer season? Probably not. But I think there was at least a big sigh of relief: Relief that among all the things we may have to suffer through, breaking in a rookie QB won’t be among them, and relief that we can stop hearing “breaking news” about Favre having not made a decision. Of course, the sports infotainment industry has already started its countdown clock to the end of the season when the pride of Klin will surely hang up his #4 jersey for good, and already the production assistants at CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, and ESPN are busy at work preparing their “end of an era” video packages.

OK, enough of all that folderol and foolishness, what real news have we got coming out of 1265 Lombardi Ave.? What kind of clever strategy is Ted Thompson cooking up in his secret laboratory of cleverness? Bring in cornerback Charles Woodson, of course. Now, there’s been no official word from Green Bay just yet, but every news outlet is reporting that the Packers have offered the former Oakland Raider and 1997 Heisman Trophy winner a seven-year deal worth somewhere north of $50 million. Of course, he’ll only see the first couple of those years if he’s lucky and stays healthy, which is a big if for Woodson: He hasn’t played a full slate of games since 2001. A hip injury kept him out of three games in 2004 and last year he suffered a broken leg after six games. On the other hand, if this means less time on the field for Ahmad Carroll, even for one season, I’m all for it.

The Packers have also signed defensive tackle Kenderick Allen, a fourth year man out of Louisiana State who played in 14 games for the Giants last year. He recorded 21 tackles and two sacks, and he recovered two fumbles. Not outstanding, but not bad all the same. Every little bit helps. Meanwhile, it looks like Javon Walker might get his wish — a free ticket out of Wisconsin — after all.