After 40+ Years, Finally Made It To OTA’s
How exciting would it be, attending your first game at Lambeau? There is something unique about waking up knowing you might be traveling to Green Bay for the first OTA (Organized Team Activities). You will often hear fans say, they would do anything to attend a practice. Now, I completely understand. Imagine being a fan for 40+ years and seeing your first practice ever; especially since it’s been 4 months since we’ve seen them on the field? Safe to say; I was stoked!
Check this out; I get up Tuesday morning at 6:00 AM and in a moments notice, decide to drive 2.5 hrs to Green Bay from Kenosha. This is a completely different situation if you are an out of state fan; it would take a tremendous amount of planning to attend practice.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with numerous people that literally moved to the Green Bay area, to attend events like OTA’s and minicamp. Why’s that you ask? Because attending a game or two a year wasn’t enough; they needed to attend year-round functions. How many of you have considered it? Most of us can relate with destination Green Bay.
As I headed North towards the Don Hutson Center, I noticed very few vehicles. My first thought was that it might be cancelled. The wind was howling; it was overcast and about 50° outside. Even at the end of May, that was not uncommon for North Central Wisconsin.
I pulled into the main parking lot approximately 50 feet from Hinkel field. Btw, parking was free. Bonus!
While walking towards Allied Forces Drive and approaching the Don Hutson Center, I observed multiple media and networking people uncomfortably lugging heavy cameras by their side. I thought, “that’s cool but where are all the fans?”
As I walked up to the fence, I gazed at the players jogging onto the field for the first time in 4 months. My eyes were wide open and once again, I noticed very few people in attendance. In my estimation, there were approximately 200 fans present surrounding the west side field. That was shocking as I anticipated at least 1000-2000. Not that day! So you know what that meant; “look at me I’m in the front row!”
As I walked along the perimeter looking to find the best spot possible (which wasn’t hard with so few people) the first person I recognized was one of my favorite sports writers, Rob Demovsky. Rob is a writer for ESPN and covers everything about the Green Bay Packers (my kinda guy). He seemed cold as hell as if a golf course in South Florida would’ve been much more appealing at that moment. If you didn’t know, he loves to swing the sticks.
I showed him the DHPF page and he thanked us for sharing his material. I was going to ask him to take a selfie with me but I didn’t have the guts. Plus, it didn’t feel right as the poor guy was freezing his jewels off. Oh well, I shook his hand and we both gracefully walked in different directions.
Show Time!
My immediate interests took me right to Coach James Campen and the offensive lineman. All I can say is Jahari Evans is a beast and looks ready to step right in and make an impact. Left tackle David Bakhtiari, has some of the quickest feet I’ve ever saw for a guy his size. Quite frankly, I don’t think there is a better left tackle in the league. When watching Bakhtiari alongside 10 other lineman, it’s obvious why they pay him 10 million a year. He’s worth every penny. Basically, he’s a man amongst boys.
My next course of interest was in the DB class. With all drafted and undrafted free agents, plus practice squad players, I was glad they handed out pamphlets. When you have 90 players on the field it becomes difficult remembering who the players were, from last year and recognizing the new players this year. Plus, they all have similar builds ranging from 175-200 lbs.
It was disappointing not seeing Kevin King, but I respect him finishing up his College education at the University of Washington. An education lasts a lifetime and we all know a career in the NFL can end at any given moment.
It was great to see Quinten Rollins and Damarious Randall on the field. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Rollins as a backup to veteran Davan House and second-round pick Kevin King who are probable as the opening day starters outside at CB. Randall has plenty of experience at safety and is a great tackler so he would be an ideal candidate in the nickel position.
Josh Jones was as speedy as can be and flying all over the field. In my eyes, he stood out more than any player. I will continue looking forward to his play tomorrow.
When I glanced over and started watching all 4 quarterbacks throwing the ball to multiple receivers running routes, it was obvious who the number one man is in Green Bay. I am a huge fan of Brett Hundley, but when he’s side-by-side with Rodgers, the realization of Aaron’s greatness is obvious.
All I can say folks is we better enjoy it while it lasts.
