Inbox: It was always about the Packers

[Cheesehead]

Because that’s the way he wanted it, but don’t take it personally. I interviewed Ted one-on-one in his office a couple of times for Yearbook feature stories, and what I’ll always respect about him more than anything is he never made it about himself. It was always about the Packers, and plenty of what he did worked. Not every move did, but all were made with the right motivations. He knew he wasn’t perfect, and he never demanded perfection from others, just the best of intentions. My favorite story is one I’ve told briefly before, about sitting next to him in the press box at Jerry’s World for Super Bowl XLV. On the play when Howard Green hit Roethlisberger’s arm in the end zone, and Big Ben’s deep ball fluttered toward the sideline, Thompson started to get up out of his chair and muttered, “That’s our ball.” As Nick Collins swooped over and was clearly sizing up the interception, Thompson got a tad louder. “That’s our ball!” Realizing he was supposed to be quiet in the press box, he contained himself as Collins weaved through traffic to the end zone. Then he clapped his hands once and sat back down as Collins crossed the goal line. I didn’t look at him, for fear he might interpret a glance as some displeasure toward his minor breach of press box decorum. I just stuck out my fist, and he bumped it.


Jeff from Brooklyn, WI


He made it in the Packers HOF but does Ted Thompson have enough credentials to be in Canton?


I wish I could be more optimistic, but realistically, I think it’s going to be difficult for him to get that recognition, much as it has been for Holmgren. If the Seahawks had won Super Bowl XL, or if the Packers had won another Super Bowl (XXXII in Holmgren’s case, another one this decade in Thompson’s), I think both would get much stronger consideration. It’s not as easy as saying Wolf is in, so Thompson should be, too. Wolf took over a moribund franchise and re-established it as a winner again after more than a quarter-century drought. I’m sure Thompson would admit it wouldn’t be fair to draw a comparison with what his mentor did.


Jake from Shoreview, MN


Congratulations for the honor of entering the Packers HOF Ted! Tell us one underrated impact Ted made on the Packers organization in his time here...something beyond the draft, etc.


I tried to do that toward the tail end of my story from the induction banquet.


A.J. from Brisbane, Australia


Apart from Rodgers, is David Bakhtiari Ted Thompson's best draft pick?


It’s difficult to choose a No. 2, because Thompson selected so many players instrumental in winning a Super Bowl. But a franchise left tackle in the fourth round is hands down the best value pick of his tenure, and it’s really not close.


Nicholas from Superior, WI


I loved Spoff’s article about TT’s Packers HOF induction. At the end it listed his Pro Bowl players. He acquired at least one Pro Bowler every year from 2005 to 2014. That is an impressive list! Do you think any of his 2015 to 2017 acquisitions (draft or free agent) have a shot at making the Pro Bowl during the rest of their careers? If so, who?


Thanks for the kind words. No one wants to work on a Saturday night, but since I had to, I figured I’d make the most of the piece. I think Kenny Clark, Blake Martinez, Kevin King and Aaron Jones are all candidates who could add to Thompson’s list of Pro Bowl draft picks.


Michael from Berrien Springs, MI


Sounds funny, but I was actually excited about the UDFA list you put out. Some “big” OL guys and, though they seem on the smaller side (5-10-ish/180s), I'm guessing some of the CBs are fast? Eaton's size is great and he sounded well-spoken in your article. It also looked like good depth pickups. Think they're excited knowing GB has a rep for keeping and developing some of their UDFAs?


No question. I really enjoyed my chat with Matthew Eaton. At first glance, he looks exactly like Geronimo Allison when he first arrived. I wish him well. The best thing the young hopefuls can do is not worry about the 53, counting guys at their position and so on. They should think of it as 63 spots, because with the practice squad, the numbers at various positions matter even less, if at all.


Carroll from Madison, WI


A challenge to you and my fellow II readers: Come up with an alternative to the phrase "skill position," which absurdly suggests that all the other positions are "unskilled." Is there some other label we can use for the guys who regularly advance the ball (QB, RB, TE, WR, K?), one that both does a better job of describing what's unique about them and avoids suggesting that only they can be "impact" players? No Latin, please.


McCarthy often referred to them as perimeter players. We could try to stick with that, and it’s English.


Bruce from Green Bay, WI


I agree with Wes, Trevor Davis is a lot better than most recall as a kick returner. There is more to the position than just running to the end zone AFTER catching the football. In your opinion what is the most vital skill one should have to master being a top return specialist?


The most important skill is ball security. The most important quality is fearlessness.


Xavier from Los Angeles, CA


What did you think of Giannis' gritty in performance Game 3?


I wouldn’t call it gritty. It was an MVP effort that elevated the game of the role players around him. The bench did what it did because Giannis did what he did.


Steve from Middletown, KY


The Bears have something like eight rookie kickers in camp. A report said they were 2-of-8 from their dreaded 43 yards out. What's the chance the first game of the season could be decided by a missed FG(s)?


I can only imagine the collective nervous energy in Soldier Field if the kickoff opener comes down to the Bears needing a field goal in the final seconds.


Jamie from Rhinelander, WI


Do you think Clay will make it to Canton?


I’d say right now his case is borderline, and he needs a strong finish to his career to boost his chances.