Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Under Construction

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

Lot of Angst - The Packers are in the process of building a new underground parking garage for the players and coaches. It's being built under where the players park now, which means the construction will make Lot 1 (tailgate central for Packers fans) unavailable this season. A lot of people (pun intended) are pretty upset about this. They are being relocated to Lot 9, on the other side of the stadium. I assumed proceeds of the recent Packers stock sale were being used for this project, but the NFL dictates proceeds from such sales must be used to benefit the fans. From what I understand, the disruption will only be for one year, so surely we can sacrifice some fun so the players can avoid us gawking fans, can't we?

Home Sweet Home - Clay Matthews has put his custom-built Santa Monica mansion, which was featured in Architectural Digest, up for sale. If you're from Wisconsin, there are quite a few things to remind you of home. Reclaimed barn wood and a chandelier made of deer antlers both came from Wisconsin, along with other items. And for Packers fans, there is an 800-gallon fish tank (created by those guys from the Animal Planet show, "Tanked") featuring coral reef goalposts and an underwater cheesehead. The 14,000 sq ft home can be yours for $24.9 million (a drop from the original $29M asking price. 

Kevin Kingaroo - While logic would indicate his time with the Packers should be over, am I the only one surprised he hasn't been re-signed on the cheap for one year?

Oh, Odom? - Former Packer Chris Odom won USFL Defensive Player of the Year. Does this mean Odom has improved dramatically or is the USFL that bad? I haven't watched a single USFL game, so I can't really make that assessment. If Odom has, in fact, unlocked his talent key, could he make his way back to the Packers? If there's one position that could use some better quality depth, it'd be edge rusher.

Sorry, Chicago - I saw someone mention on Packers.com Insider Inbox that coming into this season, da Bears have the most all-time regular-season wins with 783. The Packers are only one win behind and play the Bears in week 2. How sweet it would be to pass them that day by beating them.

 

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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

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6 points
 

Comments (39)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Lphill's picture

June 29, 2022 at 06:26 am

I agree on Odom I have seen reports on him that he was doing well .

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pantz_bURp's picture

June 29, 2022 at 06:36 am

Da Bears STILL suck...

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Johnblood27's picture

June 29, 2022 at 06:42 am

Hi Al,

There will be no less beer and cheer in the parking areas at Lambeau, shed no tears for lot 1. It is a shame that the opportunity to actually view our football heros without their armor on will be reduced by the new player parking. Maybe this is a preparation for the rebuild and some losses foreseen in the future? Protection for the fragile egos of our football Gods as they become humbled? How sad.

I hope whoever ponies up for CM3's old digs has the commodes changed before they take possession. Getting a good plumber to clean all the drains of excess hair might be a good idea as well... just sayin...

With Nixon as CB4, King is looking better every day... I have no faith in SJC or KE to step up. King as a #4 isn't bad - if he takes #4 money...

I also have not seen a single snap of USFL football, so my opinion is just that, an opinion. As thin as the GBP back-up situation at OLB is, I would take a flyer on Odom, however if i was Odom, I would be looking for a better opportunity than mop-up snaps in GB. I cannot see Odom taking the small $$ available for back-up duty in GB over what should be a better offer from some team that doesn't have Gary and PSmith starting. Odom might also look at Garvin, Ramsey, Enagbare, Galeai, Hamilton, Jones, Manac and perhaps some Walker OLB snaps and say to himself... There's gotta be a better path to the NFL than through those guys... Odom ain't no world beater, just sayin...

Never, never feel sorry for anything that befalls Chicago or duh bares. Never. As a reminder... they still suck.

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dobber's picture

June 29, 2022 at 09:32 am

"Odom taking the small $$ available for back-up duty in GB over what should be a better offer from some team that doesn't have Gary and PSmith starting."

I don't know...just because he played well in a league with a bunch of nobodies and never-wases doesn't drown out the fact that he had a cup of coffee with a series of NFL and CFL teams but struggled to stay on rosters and motivate anyone to keep him around. I think he'll get calls. When rosters are at 90, there's always room to speculate on a guy like him, but his first priority has to claw his way onto someone's 53...starting?

"Odom might also look at Garvin, Ramsey, Enagbare, Galeai, Hamilton, Jones, Manac and perhaps some Walker OLB snaps and say to himself... There's gotta be a better path to the NFL than through those guys... Odom ain't no world beater, just sayin..."

He might also look at that group and say, "I'm better than all those guys."

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Johnblood27's picture

June 30, 2022 at 07:25 am

Your take on what Odom might think is where your and my mind would probably be at.

My take was far more Taryn-esque...

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Oppy's picture

June 29, 2022 at 07:02 pm

Probably not protection for fragile egos.

Reality is that walking through a parking lot exposed to the elements could easily result in a slip and fall resulting in a multi-million dollar player loss that could have been prevented.

Also, and you can file this in the 'morbid but true' category.. In today's crazy times, there's nothing standing between a nut job with a fire arm and the players as they enter the building.. but I digress. The bottom line is, underground parking is a way to eliminate some unnecessary risk exposure. These guys still ride bikes to and from training camp practice. If you want to test the players and see if they're fragile, you can do that twice a day every day during training camp.

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pantz_bURp's picture

June 29, 2022 at 06:58 am

I feel for the fans (young and old) that may not see the Packer players as readily as before.

For me, yawnnn...it saves me from having to witness #12 miss a wide open parking space...again. 😁

Go Park Go!

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

June 29, 2022 at 07:34 am

😀

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pantz_bURp's picture

June 29, 2022 at 07:19 am

Sorry in advance but, I am seeing #52 doing his Terminator-esque celebration in the AM after dropping a serious deuce...

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dobber's picture

June 29, 2022 at 09:01 am

Put your binoculars away, P_B!!!

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Rarescope's picture

June 29, 2022 at 09:14 am

My goodness but he is in rare form today.

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pantz_bURp's picture

June 29, 2022 at 05:18 pm

I am in rarescope form. ;)

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NickPerry's picture

June 29, 2022 at 07:11 am

King... I'm a bit curious but maybe King is waiting for an injury to happen so he could sign for a bit more than the minimum. Not on the Packers necessarily but any team. Didn't King play the "3rd Safety" at times last year and actually play well? Maybe I'm wrong but I seem to remember something like that happening.

Odom...We don't need Odom...We got Kingsley Enagbare!!!! This guy is/was a steal and he'll show it right away. I still can't believe we got this guy with the 179th pick in the NFL draft. He did his work in the SEC Conference and he did it well.

The Bears...The Bears still suck and will suck this year, next year, and the year after. The Bears will ALWAYS suck. Rodgers isn't the only one that "owns" them. The entire Packers organization does!!

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dobber's picture

June 29, 2022 at 09:06 am

Odom--I'm reminded of this exchange from the movie Major League, edited for the Packers...

Matt LaF: “There's Chris Odom...he was an All-Star in the USFL, wasn’t he?”
GM Brian Gutekunst: “Yeah, before that he was in the CFL. Couldn't get on the field or stay on a roster.”
DC Joe Barry: “Wish we had him four years ago.”
Gutekunst: “We did.”
Barry: “Five years ago, then.”

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wildbill's picture

June 29, 2022 at 11:39 am

So rare to see the words “King” and “played well” used together

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mrtundra's picture

June 29, 2022 at 07:35 am

I am a bit surprised that Kevin King has not been offered a team friendly deal, yet. At least, I think he has not been offered a deal, yet. He does know the system and is a dependable back up, in man coverage. I'm thinking the Pack and King will be talking when training camp rolls around, unless Gute finds a FA, he likes better and comes with a better deal. As far as passing the Bears, this season, in regular season wins, I'm all for it! GO PACK, GO!!!

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dobber's picture

June 29, 2022 at 09:11 am

I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers bring King back on a contract at or just above the vet minimum. In the end, teams will burn through their CB depth over the course of the season, and as veteran depth who has played in the system, he's not a bad option.

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MarkinMadison's picture

June 29, 2022 at 07:41 am

Lot 1 is more fun. It just is. People there are professional tailgaters. They got their game on. And they gave me free donuts. So there is that. Sadness.

Dropped my youngest daughter off in Pasadena two weeks ago. Yeah. If they figure out their water issues, and smog issues, I'd stay. I'd probably be living in the tool shed off the back of CM3's mansion, but the weather is nice, so there is that.

In an NFL designed to favor the offense, Kevin King gives up some big plays. Go figure. OK, he gives up more than he should and at really bad times, but you get my point. Don't hate the player, hate the game.

I haven't watched an USFL games. So I have no opinion. Period.

I started following the Packers in 1992. For the most part, the Bears have been teddy bears in my time. I hate the Vikings. I also hate certain ex-Lions. I just can't get too riled up about the Bears.

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dobber's picture

June 29, 2022 at 09:20 am

"I haven't watched an USFL games. So I have no opinion. Period."

I watched a few games. It was football...it wasn't good football. You have to ask yourself how he was being used, but a guy who is dominant at a marquee position--even in that setting--is probably worth a look.

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MarkinMadison's picture

June 29, 2022 at 12:12 pm

For sure. I'd be surprised if they haven't been keeping a file on Odom. They must have a system. There is too much money floating around to not keep up with this stuff.

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LLCHESTY's picture

June 29, 2022 at 04:21 pm

CM3's tool shed is a two bedroom, 1½ bath with a man cave/full bar. It also has a jacuzzi but no pool, just a pond.

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

June 29, 2022 at 07:40 am

This time of year creates quite a conundrum for me. On one hand I can't wait for the season to start, while on the other hand I hate speeding summer up to get to fall/winter weather.

On a positive note making the journey again this year to Family Night to see all the Packer players during beautiful weather on the field both young & old.

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crayzpackfan's picture

June 30, 2022 at 11:56 am

I’m taking my family to that event as well. We actually got pretty seats. My son is beyond amped for it. Enjoy.

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stockholder's picture

June 29, 2022 at 07:43 am

A New underground garage.- Yep, got to protect those big buck cars. Not to mention the VIPs that ride in them. When do they stop riding bicycles? CM3-Time to make money. From Santa Monica to a bomb shelter? King should be resigned. But he cooked his own goose in the trainer’s room. He’s broken. Odom - Why not? Rodgers owns the Bears. -Thats a Good Bet.

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dobber's picture

June 29, 2022 at 11:20 am

"When do they stop riding bicycles?"

The bicycles are a practice/training camp thing. As long as the locker rooms are at Lambeau and practice is across Oneida St. at the Hutson Center, there will be kids offering their bikes and players reaching out to those fans.

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stockholder's picture

June 29, 2022 at 04:22 pm

Yes, I know that.

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croatpackfan's picture

June 29, 2022 at 09:26 am

Interesting as always Al.

Yeah, I know, Kevin is almost hated amongst Packer fans. But, I like how he handled himself through his bad moves and days. He said nothing negative about Packers, his team mates and I believe he really tried to give the best to Packers.

I know, 2021 Bucs will always be in Packers Nation memory connected to Kevin King, but we do not know what formation and duties on the snap at the end of the first half was given to him and why there was no safety behind him. Maybe it was his mistake, but maybe he didn't do anything wrong. Maybe someone else made terrible mistake in that case. Regarding holding penalty call on that 3rd down at the end of that game I just want to say that it was the only defensive holding/PI call during the whole game. And there were obvious calls that referees was silent when those holdings and PIs was made by TB defense - to remind only one that happen in the first half on Allen Lazard when TB DB was pulling back Allen holding him around waistline. Croatian announcers where stunned that there was no call on that play. When I was looking game again on NFL Game Pass same reaction was from the US crew. Also, later through the game Croatian announcers made conclusions that zebras decided to not call PIs and defensive holdings in the secondary.

Regarding Odom. No opinion on that but by reports about how Packers (Brian Gutekunst) see Packers OLB unit I just doubt they will make any move in that direction. But, who knows... Also, as I understand, USFL is just a bit closer to the level of NFL than the top College conferences. So, be the best there does not mean he is ready for NFL, at least not yet...

I do not care about Bears. I do not hate them (they are so distant for me that I have no hatred feelings towards them), but just opposite, I like them. Why? Because Packers are already 2-0 every season because they are playing in the same division. I like that!

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HarryHodag's picture

June 29, 2022 at 10:23 am

King: the Packers might have grown weary of paying him(albeit less) to sit on the bench recovering from yet another injury.

While I sympathize with fans upset the players won't be seen after construction of the new parking lot, there's a reason for this. These folks are just going to work same as many others do. I don't know that I would like someone gawking at me while I stumble into the 8-5. I saw first hand some of what the players have to put up with. I was at a gas station in GB and a Packer player(remaining unnamed) was at another pump filling up. Out of another car comes an entire family demanding pictures with the player etc. Aaron Rodgers' recent very cute picture with a 4- year- old fan brought national headlines, but I couldn't help but wonder what it's like for him to do the mundane things we all take for granted.

Fans make the Green Bay Packers a success, but many time those same fans are not very considerate of the players. Yes, I know they make a lot of money, but does that give you carte blanche to approach them? Especially now with as many loons walking around?

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TarynsEyes's picture

June 29, 2022 at 11:12 am

"but does that give you carte blanche to approach them? Especially now with as many loons walking around?"

The NFL, as a whole, and a majority of the players support the ideologies that have created the streets of loons walking around freely, so they must endure that which they sowed.

I ponder often, especially when I see people rush to get close to famous people, and I cannot make sense of it still. When I see a famous person near where I might be, I embrace the instant reflex to leave that area from fear of the loons rushing toward whoever, and that's the assumed sane loons. They often say after being mobbed, that they want to be everyday people when about them, but do everything they can to make their presence a show for attention.

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Rarescope's picture

June 29, 2022 at 12:38 pm

I think it's kinda part of the deal, I don't particularly feel sorry for people getting paid millions of dollars per year being approached by the fans who are ultimately responsible for them getting paid. Sure there is a balance, it doesn't give people the right to camp out next to Arods mailbox waiting for an autograph, but pulling up to Lambeau... eh.... that seems to fall a little more on the "owe it to the fans to be seen" side of things. I don't go to live games though so I'm pretty meh on the whole parking lot thing.

Personally I can barely keep up with who is who on the field when they're wearing shirts that personally identify each and every one of them let alone what they look like out of uniform.

On a side note though, I was going out for breakfast at a cafe in Sturgeon Bay (Door County) last fall when I heard a voice I knew I recognized. Turns out it was the lead actor from "Coach" (Craig T. Nelson). I quietly explained who he was to my wife who did a quick lookie loo, then we carried on about our day. Looked like he had a captive audience at his table as he waxed philosophical already :D (In hindsight I kinda wish I'd have said hi, from what I overheard I think he'd be a cool dude to have a conversation with).

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LLCHESTY's picture

June 29, 2022 at 04:25 pm

Everybody-"There's nothing to complain about today."
TarynsEyes-"Bet me."

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x24's picture

June 29, 2022 at 10:26 am

Detroit is benign.

The Minnesota Vacuum always manage to punch themselves in the face.

But the Bears? I can't help myself. I am a complete homer when it come to the Bears. I don't think "hate" is a strong enough word- and I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. If you could write the word "hate" on every grain of sand on the Oak Street beach you'd be getting close...

The schadenfreude from a win in week 2 will be nearly overwhelming- as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced

I feed on that silence

3 points
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Rarescope's picture

June 29, 2022 at 12:40 pm

Being a somewhat younger fan the Bears have always sucked to me, so I kinda feel sorry for them and root for them if they're playing a team I could NOT care less about aka the Miami Dolphins or any other team from the hellscape known as Florida.

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x24's picture

June 29, 2022 at 02:47 pm

I was raised by a bears hater- a position that has served me well in all but 1 of my 50 plus years. Yes, the Bears have been terrible for a long time, but every August it's 1985 in Chicago

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Johnblood27's picture

June 30, 2022 at 07:21 am

Rarescope, the upside of your mindset is that the more successful duh bares are, the more it hurts when we exert ownership on their sorry asses!

Win bares, win... then succumb to the greater power, the GBP!

bare tears are sweet...

1 points
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Johnblood27's picture

June 29, 2022 at 02:26 pm

For all of those who seem to think that the bares are a benign annoyance, like a pimple, and not a malignant growth like lung cancer, do yourselves and all other knowledgeable Packer fans a favor and pick up a copy of the book "Mudbaths and Bloodbaths" by Gary D'Amato and Cliff Christl.

The hours you could spend after your reading of the book with both Packer and bare fans reciting the reasons why the Packer-bare rivalry is real will be worth every minute. The NFL did not begin with Super Bowl I...

Join the ranks of true bare haters...

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pantz_bURp's picture

June 29, 2022 at 04:58 pm

Truth be told... two of my favorite RBs come from that Windy City team: Gale Sayers and Sweetness!

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

June 30, 2022 at 05:07 am

Correction.

"How sweet it will be to pass them that day by beating them."

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Leatherhead's picture

June 30, 2022 at 12:05 pm

Keeping King would mean releasing somebody else who is younger and perhaps available more often.

The underground parking facility......a sad but true fact is that there are nutjobs who would seek opportunities to hurt one of these players. In fact, I'm kind of surprised it hasn't happened already. Nobody thought musicians needed to think about their security until John Lennon got shot. Security at tennis matches didn't improve until Monica Seles got attacked.

So if this garage makes it better and safer, I'm 100% in favor of it.

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