Adam Czech is away in enemy territory this weekend (Chicago). Evidently, they don’t allow any Packers writing on Sundays in Chicago, so I’ll be filling in.
Before he left he mentioned he’d be going to Mike Ditka’s restaurant and not soon after, the news came across the wires that the Bears would be retiring Ditka’s #89. Cooincidence? Or is Czech a Bears double agent? An investigation shall commence.
In the meantime, when I heard the news about Ditka, my first reaction was, “what the heck took them so long?” Shouldn’t this have been done many years ago? He’s a Pro Football Hall of Famer and a Super Bowl Champion as both a player and a coach for the Bears. This should be a no-brainer, right?
Well, it seems that, unbeknownst to me, The Bears have a little problem when it comes to retiring numbers. Seems they have retired too many – more than any other team in the NFL!
Ditka’s No. 89 is the 14th jersey number to be retired by the bears, joining, No. 3 (Bronko Nagurski), 5 (George McAfee), 7 (George Halas), 28 (Willie Galimore), 34 (Walter Payton), 40 (Gale Sayers), 41 (Brian Piccolo), 42 (Sid Luckman), 51 (Dick Butkus), 56 (Bill Hewitt), 61 (Bill George), 66 (Clyde “Bulldog” Turner) and 77 (Harold “Red” Grange).
I can make a case for seven. Some of the others were chosen for sentimental reasons rather than talent. Some had the talent, but were not even with the Bears that long.
In any case, this presents a logistics problem for the Bears, and as such, they’ve announced that Ditka’s #89 is the LAST number they’ll be retiring.
Sorry Brian Urlacher…
Getting back to the Packers, Jason, Marques and Kris have put out another fantastic show, bringing you up to date with OTA news and other recent Packers happening. I promise you it’s worth a listen:
This Week’s ALL Packers Talk Podcast:
If you haven’t yet subscribed to the Packers Talk Radio Network on itunes, you’re going to have some ‘splaining to do… Just click on the link, then “View in Itunes,” then “subscribe.”
Packers News, Notes and Links
- Evan Western at Acme Packing Company tells us why he thinks B.J. Raji should only play nose tackle. I’ve written in the past that I think it’s his best position, but I don’t think he’s better than Ryan Pickett in that spot.
- Aaron Rodgers says Brian Urlacher was his favorite player to play against. Here Brad Biggs summarizes Rodgers’ comments on the Jim Rome radio Show.
- Pete Dougherty of PackersNews.com takes an in-depth look at Nick Perry and his suitability/preparation for the OLB role he will play with the Packers.
- Johnny Jolly completed his court-ordered drug treatment program and was commended by the same judge that sentenced him, as reported by Chris Roth of WBAY-TV.
- That prompted John Rehor over at PackersTalk.com to write about Jolly’s opportunity to fix his life and possibly play football again.
- Brian Carriveau has some fun over at CheeseheadTV.com with his “Far Too Early Packers Roster Predictions.“
- Playing off the recent news of a “Cheeseheads” reality show, the hilarious crew over at PackerRanter.com, come up with some other great ideas for wacky Packers reality shows.
Non-Packers Links and Other Nonsense
- NJ Shore towns racing to rebuild and be ready for summer visitors after the Hurricane Sandy destruction.
- 2013 is the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, which has sold over 50 million copies.
- One of the original Apple 1 computers was recently auctioned off for $668,000. Wish I were more of a pack rat…
Follow Jersey Al:
Follow @JerseyAlGBP
Add to Circleson
Jersey Al Bracco is the founder and editor of AllGreenBayPackers.com, and the co-founder of Packers Talk Radio Network. He can be heard as one of the Co-Hosts on Cheesehead Radio and is the Green Bay Packers Draft Analyst for Drafttek.com.
——————
Currently waiting in line at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. Looking forward to seeing the exhibit titled: “Floating Belly Up: The Bears Super Bowl Chances as long as Aaron Rodgers is the Packers QB.”
Also, the pot roast nachos at Ditka’s restaurant are amazing. Forget his playing and coaching career, he should be in the hall of fame for those nachos.
Why don’t they do what the Packers do,retire the jersey not the number.This is what was done with Reggie White.The Packers can still use #92 But it’s unlikely they will for a very long time.
Reggie’s number is retired. A Packer in the ring of honor get his number retired IIRC.
I take that back actually. A Packer in the NFL HOF gets in the Ring of Honor. Not all get their number retired. But don’t quote me on this.
The Packers have 22 names up in Lambeau Field, but they don’t call it a Ring of Honor or Ring of anything. Their numbers are not retired. They are Packers who are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (James Lofton, Forrest Gregg, Mike Michalske, Willie Wood, Jim Ringo, Herb Adderly, Clarke Hinkle, Robert (Cal) Hubbard, Henry Jordan, Tony Canadeo, Don Hutson, E.L. (Curly) Lambeau, Johnny (Blood) McNally, Arnie Herber, Vince Lombardi, Willie Davis, Ray Nitschke, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, Paul Hornung and Reggie White.) The one exception is Ron Wolf, who was put up there in 2006. Finally, the Packers have retired just five uniform numbers: Canadeo, Starr, Nitschke, Hutson and White.
Its what I call it… Its a lot easier to say, whether its the official name, who gives a rip.
As the Packers all-time leading receiver, Donald Driver makes the Pro Football Hall of Fame or not?
Not a chance! Driver wasn’t nearly that good. Andre Reed was much better and he’s not in Canton. Good lord the Driver lovefest is just absolutely ridiculous! Driver was a great Packer, he wasn’t a Great NFL player. He was very good, not nearly Great enough to make the NFL HOF.