The Green Bay Packers havent returned a kickoff for a touchdown in almost a decade. Since Allen Rossums 92-yard runback for a score at Lambeau Field on Nov. 19, 2000, helped beat the Indianapolis Colts, 26-24, the Packers kickoff return game has gone dark.
Were talking about 48 different return men over a span of 159 games combining to run back 632 kickoffs, and not once could they take one back for a touchdown.
When asked if he knew about the severe drought, current Packers return man Will Blackmon replied: Uh, I wasnt aware of it.
Blackmon pointed out the dubious streak would have ended in 2008 against the Houston Texans, except that his 99-yard return was nullified by a pair of holding penalties.
Unfortunately for the Packers, that doesnt count. The fact is, the Packers appear jinxed when it comes to returning kickoffs.
No, theres no jinx, Blackmon said. Its just a matter of getting everybody on the same page and understanding the common goal. I know we can get it done. Its just a matter of when.
When or if it happens again is anyones guess after 10 long years of aimless wandering.
The Packers have tried wide receivers (Javon Walker, Jordy Nelson), fullbacks (Najeh Davenport, William Henderson), conerbacks (Ahmad Carroll, Tramon Williams) and halfbacks (Vernand Morency, Brandon Jackson) with no luck.
They have tried small men (Antonio Chatman) and big men (Nick Luchey) with no success. They have attempted to tap into their glorious Super Bowl past (Dorsey Levens, Antonio Freeman) but found no relief.
They tried players named Moses and Noah J.J. Moses in 2002; Noah Herron in 2006 but received no divine assistance.
Not even Charles Woodson, who has scored more defensive touchdowns than any Packers player in history, could lead the team out of its special teams funk. Nor could the teams all-time leading rusher (Ahman Green) or pass catcher (Donald Driver).
What in the name of Travis Williams, the franchises greatest kickoff return specialist who shares the NFL record with four touchdowns in one season, is going on?
Scoring on a kickoff return used to be a fairly regular event in Green Bay. The Packers produced at least one touchdown in eight of their previous 11 seasons before the current dry spell began.
If anyone can solve this nagging problem, Blackmon believes hes the man for the job. He has returned three punts for touchdowns so he knows his way down the field. But due to an extensive injury history he has completed just one of his four NFL seasons on the active roster.
Instead of fretting about that, Blackmon has high hopes.
Although he is better at returning punts than kickoffs, he wants to handle both jobs.
I know that Im supposed to be here to make an impact, said Blackmon. So thats what Im going to do.
I definitely believe Im going to be the guy to come in and make a huge impact.
Blackmons supreme confidence could easily be mistaken for cockiness, except that he tempers his high expectations with a healthy dose of humility.
The biggest thing I need to do is just earn everybodys respect and prove that I can be accountable from here on out, he said.
Blackmon said he learned a lot from his extended time on the injury list.
He admits he didnt put enough effort into preparation in his younger days. I would solely rely on my talent, he said, and try to get away with being athletically gifted.
His attitude has changed dramatically.
The best players on our team are the ones that always prepare the best, he said. It sounds so clich but its the truth. Everybody is athletic, everybody is fast, everybody is strong.
Blackmon, who is coming off an ACL injury, says hes on track to be ready for training camp.
I cant wait to get out there, he said. I watched long enough.
And maybe after all these years, Blackmon will return a kickoff for a touchdown. The Packers and their fans have watched and waited long enough.
"Packers Gazzette" wrote: