Local Boy Trying to Make it Big

Every kids lifelong dream growing up is to play in the NFL. Everyone thinks you have to go to a big time University such as Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, etc... to make it to the big show. Well Jared Jenkins thinks otherwise and is trying to prove everyone wrong. Not even division 2 players get that much exposure if you are good enough to play. But others say if your good enough, they will find you no matter what. Some division 2 greats that are in the NFL now are Danny Woodhead and John Kuhn just to name a few. But a division 3 player making it to the big show is seldomly heard off! Jared Jenkins of Univeristy Wisconsit- Stevens Point is trying to prove people wrong. The 6"4, 215lb. Jenkins is 2nd all time at Stevens Point in career receptins with 273 and 34 touchdowns. Jenkins numbers shoot out to NFL scouts and thats why he is gaining NFL scouts attention. Cecil Shorts the 3rd is the only other division 3 prospect to gain NFL scouts attention in this years draft. Jenkins has a possibility of a 6th or 7th round draft pick but he said he wants to be signed as a free agent to a place that needs a wide out. This weekend Jenkins has a private workout set up for the Seatlle Seahawks which he will be flying to. Every team has contacted Jenkins atleast once except the Oakland Raiders, and the Chicago Bears. Jenkins, from Milwaukee, WI had a private workout a couple weeks ago in front of scouts from the Packers organization. I would personally think it would be pretty sweet if the Packers signed Jenkins where he attended a small division 3 school in Wisconsin, and also being a local boy from Milwaukee. Jared has been putting in hardwork this offseason as he works out at NX Level with former Badger J.J. Watt. When Jenkins worked out for the Packer scouts, he ran a 4.47 forty, 35 inch vertical, and an astonishing 12"8 broad jump. Those are the type of numbers in my opinion that will catch any scouts attention. Jenkins also attended the University of Wisconsins pro day and also attended an NFL elite combine for players not invited to the NFL combine. When asked about this all Jenkins replied "all it takes is one". He wants his shot at the NFL and I support him. I think this would be an amazing story for Jenkins to make it to the NFL as he is from Wisconsin, attended a division 3 school and showing people that you can make it from any level. Pierre Garcon for the Colts is the last big division 3 player to make it big, Jenkins is hoping to make it big also!

http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110405/PKR01/304060033/UW-Stevens-Point-WR-seeks-to-catch-scouts-attention

Underwood, not making fans in Green Bay

Last summer, at a Lake Delton resort in the Wisconsin Dells, Green Bay Packers draft pick from Cincinatti Brandon Underwood was involved in a prostitiution criminal complaint. There were several Packer players at the resort last year supporting a charity event going on in Lake Delton. Two women were charged with prostitution as Underwood at the time was fined $379 as he entered a no-contest plea. Underwood offered both women $250 to take pictures with him at a gentlemen's club. After that, both women came back to Underwood's room where they took photos and had sexual intercourse. Underwood then paid both women $500 to have sex with him. One of the girls then reported the next day that Underwood raped her and files were charged but then dropped as police said they found no evidence of a rape occuring. If convicted of there charges, both women face up to $10,000 in fines and a possibility of 9 months in jail for prostitution. In my opinion, I think the women should get a more severe penalty for prostitution and I also think the NFL should step in and either suspend or give a hars fine to Underwood. You are a NFL elite player with people looking up to you and you are involved with something like this? Come on man, you are better than that. Underwood is not making any fans with his play on and off the field. I would really like to see him step up for his actions off the field, and this year (if an NFL) see some athletic plays he showed while playing college football and wining the Packer fans trust back!
http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110329/PKR01/110329023/2-women-charged-with-prostitution-in-Underwood-case



Posted nine tackles on special teams in 2009, the most among Packers rookies.

• In Wild Card game at Arizona, became the first Packer since WR Antonio Freeman (at St. Louis, Jan. 20, 2002) to recover an onside kick in a playoff game.

• Named first-team All-Big East at safety in 2008 with four interceptions, including one of Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma.

• Transferred to Cincinnati after spending redshirt year plus two seasons at Ohio State.

• Older brother, E.J., lettered three years at cornerback for Ohio State (2002-04).

• Became Packers’ first draft pick from Cincinnati in 42 years (C Jay Bachman, 5th round, 1967).

33 at a glance...

• Posted nine tackles on special teams in 2009, the most among Packers rookies.

• In Wild Card game at Arizona, became the first Packer since WR Antonio Freeman (at St. Louis, Jan. 20, 2002) to recover an onside kick in a playoff game.

• Named first-team All-Big East at safety in 2008 with four interceptions, including one of Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma.

• Transferred to Cincinnati after spending redshirt year plus two seasons at Ohio State.

• Older brother, E.J., lettered three years at cornerback for Ohio State (2002-04).

• Became Packers’ first draft pick from Cincinnati in 42 years (C Jay Bachman, 5th round, 1967).

PRO CAREER: Speedy, long-armed cornerback will look to compete for more playing time in his second season after contributing primarily on special teams as a rookie... Played in 11 games in ’09 and led all Packers rookies with nine tackles on special teams... Saw some time at dime back late in the season, and recorded five tackles (all solo) and a pass defensed... Overcame academic difficulties early in his college career that led to a lost scholarship at Ohio State by transferring to Cincinnati and paying his own way, turning in a standout final collegiate season with the Bearcats... Playing both cornerback and safety when injuries in the secondary dictated the need, was named first-team All-Big East at safety, finishing with four interceptions and earning Cincinnati’s special teams player of the year honor... A nationally ranked recruit out of Hamilton (Ohio) High School, originally went to Ohio State, where older brother, E.J., lettered three years as a cornerback (2002-04)... Redshirted his first year and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the season opener the following season... Played sparingly in eight games as a redshirt sophomore in 2006 before losing his scholarship to academic troubles... Transferred to Cincinnati and sat out 2007 before returning to the field in ’08, when he helped lead the Bearcats to the FedEx Orange Bowl... Played in the East-West Shrine Game, one of six Bearcats to accept a postseason all-star invitation that year.

2009: Played in 11 games, mostly on special teams, and led the team’s rookies with nine special teams stops... Posted five tackles (all solo) and a pass defensed on defense... Healthy scratch for first four games of the season, and also missed contest at Pittsburgh (Dec. 20) due to hip injury sustained in the previous game... Vs. Detroit (Oct. 18): Made NFL debut, seeing time on special teams... Vs. Minnesota (Nov. 1): Played on special teams and posted first career tackle, assisting on stop on kickoff return... Vs. San Francisco (Nov. 22): Saw first action of his career on defense, coming in at dime back in the fourth quarter after starting CB Al Harris went down with a season-ending knee injury. Recorded one solo stop on defense and a career-high two tackles on special teams... At Chicago (Dec. 13): Posted a stop on special teams, but left game in the first quarter due to a hip strain and did not return... Vs. Seattle (Dec. 27): Matched his career high with two tackles on special teams, and also registered two solo tackles and a pass defensed on defense. Tackled WR Deion Branch in the left flat for a 1-yard loss on fourth-quarter reception... At Arizona (Jan. 3): Saw significant action at LCB in second half when starters were pulled. Posted two solo tackles, including a stop of RB Tim Hightower for a 1-yard loss on third-quarter reception... At Arizona (NFC Wild Card, Jan. 10): Served as dime back and posted a solo tackle. Became the first Packer since WR Antonio Freeman (at St. Louis, Jan. 20, 2002) to recover an onside kick in a playoff game. With Green Bay trailing 31-17 midway through the third quarter, caught Mason Crosby’s kick off of one bounce at the Packers’ 43; the offense utilized the field position to score a TD in eight plays to narrow the Cardinals’ lead to 31-24... 2009 Draft: Selected with the second of the Packers’ two sixth-round draft choices, No. 187 overall. Taken with a selection originally obtained from the New Orleans Saints in a 2008 draft-day trade. Became just the fourth player drafted by the Packers out of Cincinnati and the first since C Jay Bachman in 1967.

COLLEGE: Finished his career at Cincinnati after spending first two seasons at Ohio State... Playing both CB and S when injuries in the secondary dictated the need, earned first-team All-Big East honors at S with the Bearcats in ’08... Majored in criminal justice and African-American studies... Senior season (2008): Started all 14 games for the Bearcats, earning first-team All-Big East honors at S... Posted four INTs, a team-leading three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles... Was named Cincinnati’s special teams player of the year... Posted six tackles and an interception off of Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford at Oklahoma (Sept. 6)... Finished his college career with six tackles, a sack, and an INT against Virginia Tech (Jan. 1) in the FedEx Orange Bowl... Junior season (2007): Sat out after transferring to Cincinnati from Ohio State... Sophomore season (2006): Played sparingly in each of the final eight games of the season, including a special-teams appearance in the BCS National Championship game vs. Florida (Jan. 8)... Redshirt freshman season (2005): Posted three tackles in season opener vs. Miami of Ohio (Sept. 3), but injured his shoulder in the game and missed the remainder of the season.

PERSONAL: Given name Brandon Danté Underwood... Nicknamed ‘B.U.’ and ‘B-Wood’... Born in Cincinnati... Married to Brandie, the couple has two sons, Cameron, 2, and infant Amari... Older brother, E.J., lettered three years at CB for Ohio State (2002-04)... After losing his scholarship at Ohio State and transferring to Cincinnati, worked a job at a Hollywood Video store to help put himself through school... High school: Played CB and WR at Hamilton (Ohio) High School... Was ranked the 13th-best overall prospect in the state by The Ohio Football Recruiting News, the 16th-best CB prospect in the nation by Rivals.com, and the 14th-best CB prospect in the nation by TheInsiders.com... Had 60 tackles his senior year... Had three INTs, 15 passes broken up and 50 tackles as a junior... Also ran track and qualified for the state meet as a sprinter in the 4x200- and 4x400-meter relays, and the 200-meter dash... Community involvement: ...Hobbies/interests: Enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and singing and dancing... Lists Family Guy and Seinfeld as his favorite TV shows and Office Space as his favorite movie... Has a Great Pyrenees named Rusty... Residence: Cincinnati.

Rodgers on Madden?

The talks about who will be on the cover on Madden NFL 2012 has begun. This year, the person on the cover will be selected differently than past years. ESPN's sports nation has just started a contest to see who will be on the new cover. The contest started on Monday, and ends on April 26th. The contest holds the top 32 players from each team and Aaron Rodgers is the Green Bay Packers player that received the highest bidding. Video gamers that support the Green Bay Packers really like this as their top elite quarterback could be viewed on the cover, but just hold on. What about the Madden curse? The Madden curse is something that has been going on for a long time and the player viewed on the cover is not so lucky. Since 2001, the player viewed on the cover of Madden did not have that typical of a year to that players name. Here is the link to every year to which player was on the cover, and what happened to them during the season.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madden_NFL#Madden_Curse

Even Aaron Rodgers is into the curse hype, as he tweeted on Monday, " Lots of interesting Madden curse tweets, is it real"?

Personally as a Green Bay Packers fan, and a big Aaron Rodgers fan, I would not like him to win the contest and be viewed on Madden's new cover because I believe, if there is an NFL next year, the Packers could repeat as champions again. If this curse is real, something drastically will happen to the Packers or Rodgers and I would not like to see that.

Murphy, Fans want Football!

No football for a year? Last week Saturday, March 12th marked the first date of this years NFL lockout as of right now. 12:01 eastern time started that lockout. You ask fans around the league supporting every team, they want football. How could you possibly go a year without Americas favorite sport? That question is still up in the air. Green Bay Packer fans want football and so does their owner, Mark Murphy. In a recent article on http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110315/PKR01/110315144/Murphy-NFL-owners-want-to-continue-talks-with-players Murphy stated owners and the players union want football and want to try and continue negotiations. As for the players themselves? Not so much. they want a new re-constructed financial transperency. The owners are trying their best to bargain with players and meet their own needs and also the players. It's like a mini war going back and forth between owners and players. One wants more of the other and vice versa. As soon as the lockout started, I asked myself, what would you do on a Sunday afternoon without football? Or Americas biggest game of the year, the Superbowl! If there is no football for a year, me beeing a Packer's fan, I get to celebrate one extra year for winning the last Superbowl. Hopefully there is football this coming year and the draft does not get boycotted by top name prospects and we can all agree and have Americas sport back!

Going Home!

Spring break, 2011. Green Bay, Wisconsin style. While everyone usually goes to a warm climate place for spring break such as Florida, Texas, or Mexico, I went home to a colder climate to see my superbowl champs hometown and my hometown. I made the 10 hour trip on I-94 back home with a buddy of mine and could not wait to see my homeland and the Green Bay Packers. When I got home and rested up after a day of traveling, I went and visited Lambeau field and the atrium. The Superbowl champions flag was waiving proud above Lambeau field along with the American flag. The fence painters had their new sangs painted on there fences catching the eyes of fans and players. The atrium was packed with people taking tours exploring Lambeau field, and viewing the glory of historic Lambeau field and the great new atrium. Then I went into the Packers merchandise store. Man let me tell you, it was packed! It was packed with every Superbowl merchandise you could think of along with people everywhere! I mean everywhere. The two story store was absolutely rocking and bumping. There was so many people, the lines were out to the atrium and that was four weeks after the Superbowl champs made a return home. I have never seen that many people at Lambeau field just viewing the stadium and beeing there. Curly's bar was also bumping. The place was packed as people waited to eat some of the best food Lambeau has to offer. Beeing home was amazing and I wanted to stay alot longer than the week I was home. I hope these next weeks fly by so I can be home celebrating along with the people of Green Bay untill the next Superbowl!

Artwork

In today's society, tattoos are almost a must. If you look at almost every professional athlete, they have some type of body piercing or artwork tattooed onto their body. Some people like them, others dont, It is your own opinion. For me, I like tattoos and have three myself and soon to have five or six by the end of summer. I view tattoos as artwork on my body that resemble something special to me along with many other athletes. Then there are some people that get tattoos that just get them to look cool or fit in. Not me, or any other Green Bay Packer players. All three tattoos I have mean something to either me, or my family. I have the polish eagle on my chest, my zodiac sign on my arm along with a cross with my initials. I've had almost every person ask what they mean when they saw my tattoos. To me it's showing off what I believe in and like and love in my family. My next tattoo that I'm getting resembles my younger sister. In a recent article by several local Green Bay news companies, they asked several Packer players what tattoos mean to them. They stopped by a local tattoo artist that tat's up Packer players "Tattoos by Rick".

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenbaypressgazette.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D2011101020562&h=b8800

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In this interview Joe Buck even mentions "Tattoos by Rick" in one of many favorite hobbies for former cornerback Al Harris.



Here is a picture of Donald Driver getting tattooed by Rick.


My former neighbor Scott Wells getting ink by Rick's assistants along with former Safety Will Blackmon.


One of the most tattooed players on the team, middle linebacker Nick Barnett.

You can see several more current and former Green Bay Packer players getting tattoos by Rick by clickin the following link.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=42628&id=169518583076536

Excitement!!

With the Green Bay Packers fans still riding high right now after the Packers returned home after an exciting Superbowl 45 performance which fans saw their team bring the Lombardi trophy back home. Not to much has been going around in Packer talks lately, but fans have other words. Every Packer fan is wondering what Linebackers will have a job next year with the Superbowl 45 champs and have a chance at repeating? Only Ted Thompson should know that answer in the coming months. Fans are also wondering what will happen with the starting Runningback position and who will start that first game next year. Packer fans have also been greeted that most likely next year the Packers will host the opening game on a Thursday night to open the NFL season in either hosting the New Orlean Saints, or the Packers long time rivals, the Chicago Bears on the home opener. No matter what team comes to titletown, it will be a great opening night for the Green Bay Packers. Fans heard bad news on Monday, as one contender of the never miss a Superbowl club passed away last Thursday. The Visa commercials that aired throughout the NFL season hosted a group of guys which had never missed a Superbowl since the Superbowls started. Bob Cook of Brown Deer, Wisconsin passed away last Thursday at the age of 79. Cook, and former friends had attended 44 straight Superbowls and had not missed one. The Wisconsin native watched his beloved Green Bay Packers this Superbowl from a hospital bed which brought him a wave of excitement as his team won the Superbowl. Also, fans were shocked when a news article slipped out that Clay Matthews had shaved his head this week. There were pictures released this week that Clay Matthews reported shaving his head for an episode on Jimmy Kimmel live and show Matthews without his blonde lovely locks flowing. Matthews tweeted he would never shave his head and gave fans a sign of relief as Clay is known for his flowing blonde hair.

Homecoming

Superbowl champs returning home to Green Bay could not bring anymore excitement to a city after winning the superbowl. Yesterday at 1:40 central time the Green Bay Packers organization landed at Austin Straubel Airport. They were greated by fans as soon as they landed. The first person off the plane was CEO and owner Mark Murphy hosting the Lombardi Trophy that was finally brought back home. The Packers were escorted down Packerland Drive then onto Lombardi Avenue then turned into Lambeau field were there was an estimated 50,000 fans waiting for their team to return to titletown. The buses were escorted by a motorcade with police cars and fire trucks leading the way. Not beeing able to celebrate this with my family coming from Green Bay was hard to take in but watching live stream video online felt like I was almost there in my own city celebrating along with several fans!

Teach Me How To Raji!

B.J. Raji from Boston College could not be a happier person. A sensation hit on you tube right now for his dance known as Teach Me How To Raji also known as a song Teach Me How To Dougie is making a huge hit on YouTube right now for his infamous dance he performed last weekend after he intercepted a pass from Colorado State Quarterback Caleb Hannie. He returned the interception for a touchdown and performed his own TD celebration dance. Instantly he became known as the "Freezer" and his dance was famous around the country. Raji is a huge 1st round pick up for Ted Thompson because fans were starting to doubt his draft choices after Justin Harrel has not performed up to his ability and has now been hurt for 4 consective years. The two 1st rounders of the 2010 draft have proved fans otherwise of Ted Thompson and his ability to draft players as he selected B.J. Raji and then later drafted up the 1st round for Clay Matthews a former walk-on at USC. Raji should aslo spark a huge Packer defense in Superbowl 45 as starting rookie pro-bowl center Maurkice Pouncey is ruled out of the game with a broken ankle. Raji should clog up the middle easily and take on double teams providing the Packer linebackers and safeties free gaps to fill in the run game. The packers should have their hands full in the run game stopping former Big 10 runningback Rashard Mendenhall. I believe if Raji can clog up the middle, Safeties Charlie Peprah and Nick Collins should have no problem stopping the run and the Packers linebackers will be making plays all day stopping the run and the air attack of the Steelers.

Undrafted Rookie

Two words. Sammy Shields. This guy has been having a huge role in the packers success on defense in the playoffs. Shields is playing like he is a veteran on this team and he is a rookie stepping up making huge plays. Just in this past weekends playoff victory over the rivalry Bears, Shields had two interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble. Usually seeing those stats you think of Tramon Williams, or Charles Woodson. But nope, this is an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami stepping up making huge plays. Without Shields plays this weekend, I dont know how the Packers would have succedded because he was a huge factor in the game. Through the season, there was rants and raves for Shields. Some fans loved his play, others didn't and didn't say he desevered to play. Thompson believed in the rookie and left him in and gave the defense a spark. What is so interesting to me and other people is Shields only played Cornerback one year. He played CB his senior year at the U and all his other years he played receivers. So thinking about it, he could have an advantage because he can read the receivers and he knows what routes there running. He is also having alot of success learning behind Tramon Williams, and 2nd team all-pro Charles Woodson. It will be interesting in Superbowl 45 to see how Shields does, and who else steps up. The Packers and fans should also be proud of their punter Tim Matshay. He was booming punts all day and kept the ball out of Hester's hands all day. Matshay had 3 punts downed inside the 20, shaping up to be a great day for him and winning the special teams game for the Packers.

Rivalry? I Think So

Packers, Bears. What more could you ask for in an NFC Championship Game! This old rivalry dates back to who knows when and is the oldest rivalry in the game of football. To be played on Sunday at two, winner going to the Superbowl and representing the NFC shall be an amazing game. These two teams beat eachother up pretty good in the regular season both going 1-1 in the NFC north division against eachother. This game is up in the air for both teams to take, but who knows the outcome. With the Packers defense playing like they have, they will beat up on Jay Cutler and cause many turnovers and the so called great defense the Bears have, will be torn apart single handly by the right arm of Aaron Rodgers. As long as the Packers special teams can keep Devin Hester in check, you might as well give the victory to the Packers right now. If the Packers make it to the Superbowl it will be a miracle. One of the youngest, and most depleted teams in the NFL due to injury and the number six seed making the Superbowl will never be forgotten across the nation and one of the greatest stories of the decade. I am just wondering what superstar will show up this weekend to be the hero of the game. The Eagles game, James Starks sets a rookie rushing record in the playoffs, the Falcons game, Tramon Williams and Jordy Nelson step up and have huge games. Who will it be this week? We should wait and see!

1st Blog

Hi, my name is Lukas Katers. I am a freshman at the University of Mary starting a blog for a class. I am from Green Bay, WI and a die hard Packer's fan!! My blog will be about insight on packer news, rumors, injury reports, and any other breaking news. Thank you for following!!!