“@jasonjwilde: Mark Tauscher has been released by the @packers.”
That tweet, instantly relayed by dozens of Jason Wilde’s followers today, was simple, striking, and emotional all in one. News of 11-year veteran Mark Tauscher’s release by the Green Bay Packers was to be expected; however, many had hoped the statement would be about his retirement instead.
Along with bookend left tackle Chad Clifton, Tauscher has been one of the foundations of the Packers’ offensive line for just over a decade. Selected in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft, he became a full-time starter after Earl Dotson suffered a back injury early in the season. He has made 132 regular season starts since that time.
Mark Tauscher has earned a large spot in Wisconsin’s heart, and that will make it hard for fans to see him go. A native of the Badger State, he began his football career at Auburndale High School and was a two-time All-Conference honoree. He also actively participated in baseball and basketball, earning state honors in those sports as well.
After graduating from high school in 1995, Tauscher went on to the University of Wisconsin as a walk on, where he played his first few years as a backup to Chris McIntosh. He finally saw playing time during his fourth year in unbalanced line formations, and became the full-fledged starter at right tackle in his fifth and final season. Tauscher was considered an essential blocker in the line that gave success to Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne.
As a Packer, Mark Tauscher continued his high level of play and gained further adoration from Wisconsin fans. His work ethic and charm made him one of the great faces of the organization.
The past two seasons have, unfortunately, been an omen to his final days in Green Bay, as he only played a total of 13 games during that span of time. It seemed the injury bug had hit him, with a torn ACL at the end of 2008 and a shoulder injury early last season. He was replaced after the most recent injury by 2010 first-round draft pick Bryan Bulaga, who started for the remainder of their championship year.
While many will be sad to see Mark Tauscher go, his age and injuries have certainly caught up with him. Now that the Packers have found a solid replacement in Bulaga, it’s clear they feel comfortable moving on without him. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, his release will clear $4.58 million in salary cap money this year.
We wish Mark Tauscher the best of luck in all his future endeavors and hope that he can find a way to make it back to the Green Bay Packers in some fashion or another.
——————Chad Toporski, a Wisconsin native and current Pittsburgh resident, is a writer for AllGreenBayPackers.com. You can follow Chad on twitter at @ChadToporski
Follow @ChadToporski——————
No one in the modern era has represented the Green and Gold better. Hope the Packer orgnization can make a place for him in another capacity. He was loyal, hard working and a good guy. Best of everything to co-alumnus at the UW and a hero of mine in the Green and Gold. You will be missed.
P.S. Stay close to home Mark they may need you again.
5:15 CST
Nandi – Off Jets and Cowboys lists. Philly? Packers? No way TT puts that lind of money into his D Backfield, it just piss off a developing unit.
He’s certainly a fan favorite. We were lucky to have him and Cliffy at the tackle spots all those years.
I don’t think its out of question he comes back if there is nothing better out there.
Sad face.
Sad.
An unfortunate reminder that the NFL is a business.