Packers' Murphy: Team set for next decade with QB Aaron Rodgers
Team will retire Favre's number, Murphy just not sure when
By Richard Ryman and Pete Dougherty, July 30, 2009
The Green Bay Packers were severely tested with the Brett Favre situation last year, but we felt we had to act in best long-term interest of the Packers and I think we did that, President and CEO Mark Murphy told shareholders this morning.
That comment drew applause from those attending the meeting, held inside Lambeau Field.
Murphy added: One thing we found out is we have a pretty good quarterback in Aaron Rodgers . The reality of the NFL is unless you have a good play at the quarterback position youre going to struggle. I think were set for the next decade with Aaron Rodgers.
Murphy also said the challenging economic situation was one of the reasons ticket prices werent raised. When fans applauded that, Murphy jokingly said hopefully youll applaud next year when we raise ticket prices.
At a media press conference after the meeting, Murphy said theres no question the team will retire Favres number.
He deserves it, Murphy said. I cant answer when that time will be. It will be an appropriate time for both parties.
Murphy also said the team is close to having an agreement with the Wisconsin State Lottery to put patches on practice jerseys. The NFL this year authorized teams to put advertising patches on their practice uniforms and market in partnership with state lotteries. "I think well be able to announce something soon.
In his state-of-the-team speech, General Manager Ted Thompson talked about the quarterback situation, the 3-4 defense and draft picks:
On the quarterback situation. We feel Aaron (Rodgers) played very well last year and I think youre going to be pleasantly surprised with (backups) Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm. Theyve been able to go through a full offseason of the quarterbacks school. Were looking forward to watching their advancement in training camp.
On the new 3-4 defense: I think youll find it exciting. Theres a lack of predictability in what were going to do.
On first-round draft picks B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews: Raji is a special kind of player because of his size and quickness. Matthews is ideally suited for what we are trying to do (3-4 defense).
Thompson also said team officials were working diligently on getting deals for Raji and Matthews finished for the start of training camp Saturday. Im sure that will work out fine.
Thompson also gave owners a brief history on the NFLs collective bargaining agreement with players.
The drizzle, which was fairly heavy when the meeting started at 10 a.m., stopped about 15 minutes into the event. The meeting ended about 11:30 a.m. and tours of Ray Nitscke Field and the Don Hutson Center were to take place.
Read more about tailgating, shareholders from before annual meeting
New vice president of finance
The Packers also announced this morning they've named Paul Baniel vice president of finance.
Baniel, 47, is a certified public accountant. For past six years, he was chief financial officer for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino. Before that he was vice president of finance for the Milwaukee Brewers. He will begin his new role Aug. 10.