At the end of the 2009 season, the Packers put out a 132-page synopsis of the year, a program essentially filled with statistics, game recaps and highlights of individual players.
The entry for Justin Harrell is exactly two sentences, which boiled down the entire year basically like this: he never really recovered from multiple back surgeries and spent the year on injured reserve.
Having spent nearly nine months removed from any football practices or games, Harrell returned to the field this week for the first week of Green Bays Organized Team Activities.
He was a full participant Wednesday for a full practice and said the year off allowed him to give his body, and his back, every chance to hold up for an NFL season.
Harrell was dare we say it even encouraged and enthused.
I havent felt this good in awhile since I hurt it, said Harrell. No other major issues, no setbacks, just a little soreness but thats expected. As long as Im feeling good, I can be out there thats all I can ask.
The defensive end got a regular rotation of snaps during the nearly two-hour practice.
The former first round draft pick in 2007 was asked if this was make-or-break year and he believed it was.
Im what, year four of my contract? I really havent done anything since Ive been here, said Harrell. So its easier for people to say this is going to be the year for me. But Im just trying to go out every day and just work as hard as I can. Im doing what I can and well see what happens.
Harrell said he has heard the talk, perhaps from fans, that he has been labeled a bust. It does bother him, but theres a sense that he hasnt had any control over the injuries that have dogged him since his senior year of college.
He sounded like someone happy to practice healthy, for once.
I know I can play at this level. I know why they drafted me. Thats never been a concern to me whether I can play in the NFL, said Harrell. Its about getting over these injuries; once I let that happen I can let my play speak for itself.