The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is excited to announce an exclusive screening of the feature-length documentary film, You Can If You Will: The Jerry Kramer Story. The screening event will take place in Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 3pm and 8pm.

About Jerry Kramer

Jerry Kramer (born January 23, 1936, in Jordan, Montana) is a former professional football player, author and sports commentator, best remembered for his 11-year NFL career with the Green Bay Packers as an offensive lineman. As a 6'3", 250 pound right guard, Kramer was an integral part of the famous "Packer Sweep", Vince Lombardi’s signature play. Kramer was an All-Pro five times, and a member of the NFL's 50th anniversary team in 1969, but surprisingly, it took 50 years to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

A Life Beyond Football

Jerry Kramer’s life is not only about winning football championships with Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, it’s about helping people around him reach their full potential. This film will take the viewer on a journey of Jerry’s life, from a small-town family with modest means to the mountaintop of NFL glory as part of Superbowl I Champions Green Bay Packers. This special event features a post-show Q&A with the film’s director, Glenn Aveni, and the legend Jerry Kramer himself!

Get Your Tickets Today

A limited number of VIP ticket packages are available that include prime seating, a copy of the film on Blu-ray as well as a meet and greet and photo opportunity with Jerry Kramer. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Downtown Milwaukee, by phone at 414-273-7206, or online. Groups of 10 or more should call Groups Sales at 414-273-7121 x210.

About Marcus Performing Arts Center

Established in 1969, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is the premier performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin, bringing high-quality arts and cultural programming to the region. As a mission-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization, MPAC strives to act as a bridge between cultures and an energizing force for collaboration and advocacy in the community.

The touring Broadway series, sponsored by Johnson Financial Group, is recognized as bringing the best of Broadway entertainment to Milwaukee since 1996, and provides opportunities to educate, entertain, and engage audiences. As a presenter, MPAC offers its own diverse arts and cultural programming and outreach, such as MPAC Presents, Rainbow Summer Reimagined, KidZ Days, ArtsConnect, and additional performances from internationally-renowned performing artists.

The Marcus Performing Arts Center is also home to a variety of resident arts partners, including First Stage, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera Company, Black Arts MKE, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, and more. MPAC is proud to be a dedicated War Memorial facility, honoring those who bravely served our country. For more information, visit www.marcuscenter.org

Years ago, The Discovery Channel aired a television series entitled Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe. The series, which ran from 2005-2012, documented some of the dirtiest and unappreciated jobs in America. The idea of the show, beyond entertainment, was to make people more appreciative of the men and women who go unnoticed, yet fulfill such vital roles in society. On the Green Bay Packers football team, there is a man who does their “dirty work” on the field: Allen Lazard.

The Green Bay Packers’ offense has a plethora of stars. Aaron Rodgers is a three-time MVP and future Hall of Famer. Davante Adams is an All-Pro wide receiver who has also made four consecutive Pro Bowls. Aaron Jones,  is a Pro Bowl running back. Both players have done past appearances and autograph sessions with Mayfield Sports Marketing.  However the time is now and it is the “under-the-radar” work of Allen Lazard that makes much of their success possible.

One of the most unappreciated and overlooked jobs of wide receivers, especially in the Packers’ offense, is blocking. In this aspect, there are few better than Allen Lazard. Indeed, Lazard is one of the best blocking wide receivers in the entire NFL. On Sunday, teams recognized National Tight End Day. In his postgame press conference, Lazard joked that he felt that he deserved an honorable mention on that day based on the tight end-like work that he does.

 

 

In addition to this, Lazard opened up about how grateful he is to the Packers, especially head coach Matt LaFleur, who affectionately refers to Lazard as “Goon.”

Allen Lazard’s Career

Allen Lazard was not drafted by the Green Bay Packers. In fact, he was not drafted by any NFL team. Despite participating in the 2018 Senior Bowl, Lazard did not get any phone calls during the NFL Draft’s three day event. According to some scouts, teams were concerned about an apparent lack of speed from him.

The Green Bay Packers, though, signed him as an undrafted free agent. Lazard appeared in one game, for one snap, that season. He caught a pass for seven yards. The next year, 2019, Lazard proved to be a reliable player in the Packers’ offense. In addition to blocking in the run and short-pass games, Lazard caught 35 passes for 477 yards (still his career high) and three touchdowns. In addition, Lazard provided solid play on special teams, though he only played in 39% of snaps for that unit.

In 2020, with Davante Adams out, Lazard had the best game of his career against the New Orleans Saints. Lazard hauled in six receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he suffered a core injury that required surgery and forced him to miss weeks of the season. He finished last season with 33 receptions, 451 yards, and three touchdowns in just 10 games.

Allen Lazard in 2021

This season, many fans have been focussed on the bigger names in the Packers’ offense. Additionally, Allen Lazard did not appear to be getting much attention in the passing game. However, he has been a mainstay on the field. As mentioned previously, Lazard has played a major role in blocking for his teammates, freeing them for big plays down the field.

So far this season, Lazard has 15 receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He has caught a touchdown pass in each of the Packers’ last two games (versus the Bears and Washington).

Recently, it was reported that the Packers had to place Davante Adams on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. With Marquez Valdes-Scantling still questionable with an injury, it stands to reason that it will be Lazard who will be called upon to be the Packers “wide receiver one.”

As he showed in the New Orleans Saints game last season, Lazard is completely capable of putting the team on his back and carrying the load. However, as Lazard himself is quick to point out, football is a team game. The Packers will need the combined efforts of all their players to knock off the NFL’s best team (Arizona is 7-0). When the Green Bay Packers last won the Super Bowl in 2010, they had over 20 players on injured reserve. The “next man up” mentality became their mantra, and this year’s team has a similar attitude. Thanks in part to Allen Lazard and his willingness to do the dirty jobs, this could very well be the year the Packers finally break through and bring the Lombardi Trophy home where it belongs.

Allen Lazard  Booking Agent Contact Information

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Allen Lazard for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Already a host of Clubhouse Live and aspiring entrepreneur with his own ATT brand clothing, Allen Lazard can be contracted by booking agent, Mayfield Sports Marketing. MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with Allen.

Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Allen Lazard appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today.

The Wisconsin Badgers football team is known for producing solid NFL players. JJ Watt and TJ Watt have carved out careers that have made them known as some of the best defensive players in the NFL. However, the bread and butter of Wisconsin football has always been its offensive line and running backs. Over the past decade, there have been several running backs from Wisconsin who have had productive careers in the NFL. However, only two of them, thus far, have produced a Pro Bowl caliber season: Montee Ball and Melvin Gordon. Here at Mayfield Sports Marketing, we are proud to partner with Melvin Gordon, one of the most successful Wisconsin running backs in the NFL.

Time at Wisconsin

The talent that the Wisconsin Badgers football team had at running back in the early 2010’s was absolutely incredible. When Melvin Gordon was a freshman in 2011, he was the third running back behind Montee Ball and James White. All three of these running backs ended up in the top ten career leaders in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns at Wisconsin.

Player Rushing Yards All-Time Rank Touchdowns All-Time Rank
Montee Ball 5,140 3 77 1
Melvin Gordon 4,915 4 45 T-4
James White 4,015 6 45 T-4

 

Melvin Gordon, as might have been expected, did not play much in his first season at Wisconsin. In 2011, he appeared in just four games and received just 20 rushing attempts. He made the most of them, though, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown.

In 2012, Gordon saw his role increase as he played in all 14 of Wisconsin’s games. He had an astounding 10.0 yards per rush, accumulating 621 yards on 62 rushing attempts. He scored three touchdowns on the ground and added another one as a receiver.

The next season, technically his sophomore season, Gordon became Wisconsin’s premier back. He rushed the ball 206 times for 1,609 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, for Gordon and Wisconsin, the best was yet to come.

In 2014, as a junior, Melvin Gordon had the best season for a running back in Wisconsin football history. In one game against Nebraska, Gordon rushed for 406 yards on the ground, breaking Ron Dayne’s school record of 331 rushing yards in one game. Additionally, Gordon rushed for 2,587 yards for the season. Only Barry Sanders, in 1988, rushed for more in a collegiate season (2,628 yards). Ron Dayne and Jonathan Taylor are the only other two running backs in Wisconsin history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a season. Unsurprisingly, Melvin Gordon declared for the NFL Draft after the season ended.

Melvin Gordon in the NFL

The San Diego Chargers (now the Los Angeles Chargers) made Melvin Gordon the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Gordon became an important part of the Chargers’ offense. As the starting running back in 12 games, Gordon rushed for 641 and a 3.5 yards per carry average. However, he did not score his first professional touchdown until the following season.

The touchdowns came in bunches that next season as Gordon’s play improved. Playing in 13 games (11 starts), Gordon rushed for 997 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 3.9 yards per carry. For his efforts, he was named to his first Pro Bowl despite the Chargers finishing just 5-11.

The next season, 2017, Gordon was even better. He played in and started all 16 games and had his first 1,000 yard season. Gordon carried the ball 284 times for 1,105 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. He added 476 receiving yards giving him 1,581 all-purpose yards, the most in his career.

In 2018, Gordon was limited to 12 games (all starts), but still had an incredible season. In just 12 games, he rushed for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns. His play was good enough for him to be named to his second career Pro Bowl. His 490 receiving yards that year (a career-high) gave him 1,375 all-purpose yards, and his third consecutive 1,300+ all-purpose season.

After a down season in 2019, Gordon signed with the Denver Broncos. Again, he made an immediate impact, appearing in 15 games (10 starts). On a Broncos team that struggled for much of the season, Gordon provided the team with some bright moments, rushing for 986 yards and nine touchdowns.

Thus far in 2021, Gordon has 332 rushing yards and is on pace for yet another 900-yard season on the ground. As this is the final year of his deal with the Broncos, teams and fans will be monitoring his performance closely. There is no doubt that Gordon could be a valuable contributor to any team that he is on. We here at Mayfield Sports Marketing are proud to continue our partnership with Melvin Gordon and are thrilled to see him continuing to succeed on the highest level.

Melvin Gordon Booking Agent Contact Information

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Melvin Gordon for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a Melvin Gordon booking agent, Mayfield Sports Marketing will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with Melvin.

Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Melvin Gordon appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today.

There are times in every franchise's history when popular players are let go for one reason or another. Never was this more true for the Green Bay Packers than when Jamaal Williams was not brought back after the 2020 season. Williams was long considered to be the Packers’ RB1B, meaning that he was so good that he could have been a starter on most other teams. Along with fellow 2017 NFL Draft Pick Aaron Jones, Williams provided Packers’ fans with some incredible memories both on and off the field.

Jamaal Williams in Green Bay

Jamaal Williams started his career with Green Bay Packers when they selected him in the fourth round (134th pick) of the 2017 NFL Draft. The year previous, Eddie Lacy and Ty Montgomery were the Packers’ running backs. After disappointing years from both, the Packers focused on improving their backfield through the draft. In addition to Williams, Aaron Jones was also selected in the fifth round (182nd pick).

Even though it was Aaron Jones who became the primary back in the Packers’ offense, Jamaal Williams was the one who received the most starts for Green Bay in 2017. Williams played in all 16 games, starting seven of them, and accumulated 556 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. In addition, he caught 25 passes for 262 yards and two more scores. These numbers remain the best of Williams’ career up to current day.

This, however, is not to say that Williams became less effective. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Over the next three seasons, Aaron Jones took on more carries in the offense while Williams fulfilled an equally important role: protecting Aaron Rodgers. During his time in Green Bay, Williams established himself as the best blocking running back in the entire NFL. There were countless plays over the past few years that might have ended in disaster had Williams not cleaned up blitzing defensive players.

In 2018, Williams again played all 16 games and started eight of them. He had 464 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. In addition, he had 210 receiving yards. As far as total yards from scrimmage go, it was the least productive season of his career.

Enter Matt LaFleur and a new offense in 2019 and Williams, once again, began to thrive. In 14 games (two starts), Williams 460 rushing yards and a score. What was so amazing about this was that he reached that total with just 107 carries, which was the fewest in his career. Williams saw his receptions go way up as he became a bigger weapon in the passing game. In 2019, he had a career-high 39 receptions for 253 yards and five touchdowns.

2020, Williams’ last in Green Bay, was even more productive than his 2019 season. While his receiving yards went down from 253 to 236, his rushing yards went up from 460 to 505. What might be most admirable, though, is the role Williams took on as mentor.

Jamaal Williams as a Mentor to AJ Dillon

Despite having both Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones on the roster, the Green Bay Packers selected AJ Dillon with their second round draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Needless to say, it was a selection that indicated someone’s days in Green Bay were numbered, whether it was Williams or Jones.

It is never easy to accept that one is replaceable, but both Williams and Jones embraced the young rookie and helped him develop throughout the season. Nowhere was this more evident than the late December game in which Williams was injured. Filling in for his mentor, Dillon rushed for 120 yards and two scores. Fans may be sure that there was no one more happy for the rookie than Jamaal Williams.

Dancing in Detroit

After the Green Bay Packers’ disappointing loss in the NFC Championship Game, Williams signed with the Detroit Lions. All across social media, Packers’ fans bid fond best wishes to Williams, who was known for his dancing ritual before, during, and after games. It was not uncommon to see fans posting something along these lines: “I hope the Packers beat the Lions 35-28, and that all four touchdowns for the Lions come from Jamaal Williams.”

In Detroit, Williams is on pace for the best statistical season of his career. Through five games, Williams is on pace for 748 rushing yards, 372 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. Though he is on another team, he is still the fun-loving player that he was in Green Bay.

Williams still dazzles fans with his incredible dance routines and endears himself to the media with hilarious press conferences. One time, in preseason, two reporters tried to ask a question at the same time. Williams proceeded to make the two play rock-paper-scissors to determine who got to go first.

Conclusion

While Jamaal Williams may not currently sport Green and Gold, fans can be assured that he is, and will always, Carry the G. Once a Packer, Always a Packer, as Lil’ Wayne so eloquently put it in his hit Green and Yellow. Green Bay is proud to have played a part in the career of Jamaal Williams, and we at Mayfield Sports Marketing are proud to continue our partnership with him as he continues his career in Detroit.

Jamaal Williams Booking Agent
Contact Information

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Jamaal Williams for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a Jamaal Williams booking agent, Mayfield Sports Marketing will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with Jamaal.

Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Jamaal Williams appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.

The Green Bay Packers’ 2021 season did not get off to the start they and their fans had hoped for. Following the team’s 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints, many wonder if the Packers will finally return to the Super Bowl after an 11-year absence. Of all the players who played in Green Bay, only two remain: Aaron Rodgers and Mason Crosby. All others have retired or are finishing their careers with other teams. Charles Woodson, the star defensive back on that team, was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. While Aaron Rodgers has dominated the headlines as of late and has received just about every accolade a player can receive, it has been Mason Crosby who has remained a quiet but consistent leader in Green Bay.

Mason Crosby Had Big Shoes to Fill

Prior to Mason Crosby’s rookie season in 2007, the Green Bay Packers had Dave Rayner as their kicker. Rayner did not perform up to standards in his lone season with the Packers. He was just 26 for 35 on his field goal attempts that season, prompting the Packer to select Mason Crosby in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Prior to Rayner, though, the Packers were fortunate to have Ryan Longwell as their kicker from 1997-2005. In his nine seasons with Green Bay, Longwell connected on 361 out of his 434 field goal attempts, good for over 83% accuracy. At the time of his departure to Minnesota via free agency, Longwell was the Packers’ all-time leading scorer.

Mason Crosby’s Legendary Career

It may appear odd to call Mason Crosby’s career in Green Bay legendary given that he has made no Pro Bowls. However, now in his 15th season as the Packers’ kicker, Crosby has become Green Bay’s all-time leading scorer.

In 2007, the young Crosby led the NFL in field goal attempts with 39, and made 31 of them. It was the first of three times that Crosby would hit at least 30 field goals in a season. He also went 48 for 48 on extra point attempts in his rookie season. He finished that season with the highest point total by any kicker in franchise history and the third highest point total of any Packers’ player in any season ever.

The next season, 2008, Crosby led the NFL in extra point attempts and makes, hitting all 46 of his attempts. In fact, he did not miss an extra point until his third season in the NFL, when he went 48 for 49.

In 2010, the Packers’ last Super Bowl season, Crosby was 22 for 28 on his field goal attempts and a perfect 46 for 46 on his extra point attempts. The next year, Crosby again led the NFL in extra point attempts and makes, going 68 for 69.

2012 was a disaster season for Crosby. That year, he hit just 21 of his 33 field goal attempts (though he was a perfect 50 for 50 on extra points). His 63.6% accuracy that season was the worst in the NFL. Many fans wondered if the time had come to find another new kicker.

However, Crosby bounced back in a big way in 2013. That year, Money Mason Crosby connected on 33 of his 37 field goal attempts and all 42 of his extra point kicks. His 89.2% accuracy rate that year was a career-best at the time.

As the years have gone on, Mason Crosby has aged like fine wine. In 2019, Crosby was 22 for 24 on his field goal attempts and was 40 for 41 on his extra point attempts. His accuracy rate on field goals was 91.7%, the best of his career at that point. Last season, Crosby tied the NFL record for field goal accuracy, connecting on all 16 of his attempts for 100% accuracy. Additionally, he led the NFL in extra point attempts and makes again, going 59 of his 63 extra point kicks.

This season, Mason Crosby was once again elected as one of the team captains by his teammates. As he enters his 15th season, the Packers are just as fortunate to have Crosby as they were the day they drafted him.

Mason Crosby Booking Agent

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Mason Crosby for your corporate appearance or product endorsement.  Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker.

Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top Wisconsin and National Athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Mason Crosby appearances cost and booking fee, please call us today at 262.366.8188.

Mason Crosby Autograph Session with Mayfield Sports Marketing

Mayfield Sports Marketing Agency is proud to partner with Mason Crosby for a public autograph session on October 23, 2021. Please see below for details:

Signing location: Stadium View Sports Bar & Banquet Hall 1963 Holmgren Way Green Bay, WI 54304

Signing start time: 4 PM

ALL TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE THE DAY OF THE SIGNING FOR PICKUP AT STADIUM VIEW STARTING AT 3 PM. NO ADVANCE TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW FOR PURCHASE!

Mason Crosby autograph on YOUR item (item not included):

Any item autograph $49.99

Inscriptions $25 each (MAX 3 WORDS)

GBP All Time Leading Scorer Inscription $30

***MR CROSBY WILL NOT ADD INSCRIPTIONS TO ALREADY SIGNED ITEMS***

Call E- 5  Sports at 414-249-3448 or click here for more information. 

 

Allen Lazard had many note-worthy moments on the field last year, but for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin’s Clubhouse Live fans it was the guests he brought with him each week that had them talking. Each week Lazard entertained fans with celebrity guests like Davante Adams, Jaire Alexander, AJ Dillon, Elgton Jenkins, Darnell Savage, Adrian Amos, Marquez Veldes-Scantling, and Robert Tonyan. Number 12 himself, Aaron Rodgers even stopped by for a visit and chat. Get ready for another All-Pro effort as Lazard has agreed to return for another season!

That's right, Allen Lazard, wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, is returning as a Clubhouse Live co-host for a second year. Local fans can stop by The Clubhouse Sports Pub & Grill in downtown Appleton to enjoy the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin live show each week or catch it online on YouTube, or www.clubhouselive.com.

Premiering last week, Monday, September 13th Lazard joined co-hosts Ricardo Arguello and Brett Christopherson to review the Packer - Saints game while giving fans a glimpse into his life off the field. Fans also have a chance to ask questions during the show either in real time or online chat.

While Lazard isn't making any guarantees as to which teammates will be joining him this season, he's psyched for another interactive season of Clubhouse Live where funs get to meet and see the personalities both on and off the field that make up the 2021 Packer lineup.

Allen Lazard Booking Agent

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule a Packers Legend for your corporate appearance or product promotion.  Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker.

Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers Legends’ appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today

The NFL Network started an interesting series back in 2011 called NFL 100. The network polled NFL players and asked them to rank the 100 best players in the league. This year, two Green Bay Packers players ranked in the top ten. Aaron Rodgers was ranked third, and Mayfield Sports Marketing partner Davante Adams was ranked sixth. Additionally, our partners Aaron Jones (30) Jaire Alexander (41) were voted onto the list by their peers.

In addition to current Packers, we at Mayfield Sports Marketing partner with Packers’ legends. Many of these players are Super Bowl XXXI Champions and were top players in the NFL during their careers. As we looked at the NFL 100 list this year, we inserted the Super Bowl XXXI players who partnered with us using stats from the best season of their careers.

Dorsey Levens- 1997 Season: NFL 100 Rank: 26

 

Dorsey Levens remains an immensely popular Green Bay Packers legend. In 1997, Levens had one of the most productive seasons in the history of Packers running backs with over 1,800 all-purpose yards. In this year’s NFL 100, the 26th ranked player was Cleveland’s, Nick Chubb. While many may believe this is too high to rank Levens, consider how his numbers in 1997 compared to Chubb’s in 2020.

Dorsey Levens Nick Chubb
Rushing Attempts 329 190
Rushing Yards 1,435 1,067
Rushing Yards per Game 89.7 88.9
Rushing Touchdowns 7 12
Receptions 53 16
Receiving Yards 370 150
Receiving Touchdowns 5 0
Catch Percentage 79.1% 88.9%
Total Yards 1,805 1,117

It should be noted that Chubb played 12 games in 2020 whereas Levens played 16 in 1997. Nevertheless, Levens’ production still should have placed him higher than Chubb on this list.

Antonio Freeman- 1998 Season: NFL 100 Rank: 53

Between 1997 and 1999, Antonio Freeman put up three straight 1,000 yard seasons. In the middle of this run, his 1998 season, Freeman put up one of the best receiving seasons in Packers history. That year, in 15 games, Freeman led the NFL in both receiving yards and receiving yards per game. His production would have been good enough in 2020 to supplant Minnesota rookie Justin Jefferson for 53rd on the NFL 100 list.

Antonio Freeman Justin Jefferson
Receptions 84 88
Receiving Yards 1,424 1,400
Touchdowns 14 7
Receiving Yards per Game 94.9 87.5
Catch Percentage 54.9% 70.4%

As seen above, Freeman had more yards, yards per game, and touchdowns in one less game than Jefferson played in 2020. Had Freeman played in the 16th game, he surely would have had more receptions too. Jefferson is a young star on the rise. However, if 1998 Antonio Freeman had been in the NFL last year, he would have been ranked higher than the Vikings’ rookie.

Gilbert Brown- 1996 Season: NFL 100 Rank: 78

The “Gravedigger” is one of the most iconic Packers players in recent memory. A force on the defensive line, he did not always need to rack up the stats to make an impact. His massive frame plugged up holes disallowing running backs from making big gains. His best season came in 1996 when he helped the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI.

During that season, Gilbert recorded a single sack. Research of the number of tackles he recorded that season did not render any results. However, his dominance in stuffing runners would have led him to rank 78th on the list. Of special note, Gilbert’s plugging of running lanes helped the Packers hold Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin to just 42 rushing yards in the Super Bowl.

Santana Dotson- 1997 Season: NFL 100 Rank: 63

Unlike the lost stats for Gilbert Brown’s 1996 season, the stats for Santana Dotson’s 1997 campaign are readily available. 1997 was, arguably, his best for the Green Bay Packers. Though he did not make the Pro Bowl that season, his numbers in many ways surpass those of Fletcher Cox. Cox has been named to the Pro Bowl six years in a row.

Santana Dotson Fletcher Cox
Tackles 71 41
Sacks 5.5 6.5
Forced Fumbles 2 1
Fumbles Recovered 0 0

The signing of Dotson in 1996 is one of the most underrated free-agent signings in Packers history. Additionally, he is one of the most underappreciated players from that Super Bowl team. As seen by his 1997 numbers, he was an absolute monster on the defensive line.

Desmond Howard- 1996 Season: NFL 100 Rank: 100

This may be a bit of a stretch. After all, no one on the NFL 100 is a punt or kick returner by trade. This is why we have put Desmond Howard at the 100th rank on the list. 

That being said, if there was an NFL 100 list in 1997, the year after Howard’s astounding season with the Packers, he surely would have been on it. 1996 was the only full season in which Howard played with the Packers. During that campaign, he led the NFL in the following categories:

Punt Returns 58
Punt Return Yards 875
Touchdowns 3
Yards per Return 15.1

After dominating special teams all season, Howard did it again in the Super Bowl. In the Packers’ victory over the Patriots, Howard gained 154 kick return yards, returned a punt 90 yards (a record at that point), and became the first special teams player to be named Super Bowl MVP.

Packers Legends Booking Agent

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule a Packers Legend for your corporate appearance or product promotion.  Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker.

Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers Legends' appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.

The "Gravedigger Tailgate Party" is returning to Stadium View Sports Bar and Banquet Hall for the 2021 NFL Season featuring Packers Legend and Super Bowl Champ, Gilbert "The Gravedigger" Brown!  Gilbert is excited to be back in Green Bay and Stadium View to party with fans before each Packer home game.

Stadium View Sports Bar and Banquet Hall

Join Gilbert and special guests at every Packers home game throughout the season at the BEST TAILGATE LOCATION IN GREEN BAY! They will be taking photos and signing autographs at each home game. Autograph rates will vary for each player.

Few establishments as large as Stadium View have remained in a single family for as long as they have, entering their 29th Packer season as the favorite local “Mom & Pop” sports bar to meet up with friends and catch the game. Mayfield Sports Marketing and Gilbert Brown were honored when second-generation owners Bob and Amanda Watson approached them about teaming up to host the Exclusive Gilbert “The Gravedigger” Brown Tailgate Party before each Packer home game. With a full staff that is second to none when it comes to cold drinks, delicious food, and fun there is no better place to start the game day experience than at Stadium View Sports Bar and Banquet Hall.

Mayfield Sports Marketing

Mayfield Sports Marketing is a leading speakers bureau and sports marketing agency helping large and small companies book celebrity athletes for speaking events, athlete appearances, and autograph sessions. Interested in bringing Gilbert Brown, Eugene Robinson, Ahman Green, or another celebrity athlete to your next event? Contact The Mayfield Sports Marketing team at 262-366-8188 or by completing our online form requesting a quote.

The Green Bay Packers have a plethora of talent on their team this year. Many players who would be locks for other team’s rosters may end up getting cut from the Packers’ final roster. Of the players who are locks, Packers Wide Receivers Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, two players whom we at Mayfield Sports have worked with in the past, are in an interesting competition. Both players are entering contract seasons. Additionally, both are candidates for the Packers’ second wide receiver position.

Of course, Davante Adams is the Packers’ number one wide receiver. After him, though, there is a battle for which player will take the second guaranteed starting spot. Both Lazard and Valdes-Scantling (MVS) had opportunities to be the second starter last season. Both had some fantastic games, but also had their separate struggles. Coming into camp, there was no clear-cut number two option at wide receiver. Undoubtedly, however, it will be one of these two players.

Allen Lazard and MVS in 2020

The decision of which of the two players will start at the second wide receiver position is very difficult. Each brings unique strengths to the offense. The question is which one is better or has the most potential to be a number two option. What complicates it further is that their stats from last season do not lend much help.

Lazard MVS
Games 10 16
Receptions 33 33
Yards 451 690
Touchdowns 3 6
Catch % 71.7 % 52.4 %
Drop % 10.9 % 11.1 %
Yards/Game 45.1 43.1
Yards/Rec. 13.7 20.9

From the stats above, it would appear that MVS had a much better season than Allen Lazard. However, it should be taken into consideration that Lazard missed six games due to a core muscle injury that required surgery. Additionally, he came back midseason and was still hampered by the injury. Taking that into consideration, one would assume that had the two played the same amount of games, it would have been Lazard with better statistics. After all, Lazard had a higher catch percentage and lower drop rate than MVS. That being said, “what ifs” do not help answer the question.

The 2020 Playoffs

The Green Bay Packers played two playoff games last season. As the number one seed, they were able to sit out of the Wild Card round before facing the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. Here is how MVS and Lazard compared in that game:

Player Receptions Yards Touchdowns
MVS 4 33 0
Lazard 4 96 1

After defeating the Rams, the Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship. Again, here is how the two receivers faired in that contest:

Player Receptions Yards Touchdowns
MVS 4 115 1
Lazard 3 62 0

Based on these games, the two receivers combined for roughly the same stats. In other words, they were equally productive. Clearly, the answer to the question must come from training camp and preseason games.

The 2021 Preseason

As head coach Matt LaFleur stated, no player that he deems valuable to the Packers’ preparation from Week One of the regular season will play a snap of any preseason games. That means that neither MVS nor Allen Lazard will be on the field in any of the team’s remaining preseason games. The answer to our question of who will be the number two receiver, then, will be determined in training camp.

The Case for Allen Lazard

The case for Allen Lazard to be the team’s number two wide receiver is that he is a reliable target. He had a 71.7% catch percentage last season, which was second on the team (behind Davante Adams). Additionally, Aaron Rodgers had a 124.5 passer rating when targeting Lazard. By comparison, he had a 109.9 passer rating when targeting MVS.

Lazard showcased his potential last season in the game in which he actually injured his core. Against the Saints in Week Three, Lazard had six receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown. For a brief moment, it appeared as if he had locked up the second receiver position for good.

The Case for MVS

Few wide receivers in the NFL last season were criticized as much as MVS was. That being said, few wide receivers are as fast as MVS is. While the drops were a problem last season, reports from training camp state that he is using his body less to catch passes, a technique that led to drops last season. If MVS can cut those dropped passes in half, the Packers will have a second 1,000 receiver on the team.

The reason why MVS put up the numbers he did was because of his speed. He is a lethal downfield weapon who can blow by most defenders. His 20.9 yards per reception last season led not only the Packers, but the entire NFL.

Conclusion

There is no clear answer to this question, and with limited eyes on the practice field it will be difficult to guess what Matt LaFleur is going to do. One thing is for sure, though: both players are highly qualified and will be key contributors to the Packers’ 2021 season, and hopefully their Super Bowl run.

MVS and Allen Lazard Booking Agent

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule or Packers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and / or Packers Allen Lazard for your corporate appearance or product endorsement.  Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker.

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The NFL is stocked with talented cornerbacks. Xavien Howard, for example, in Miami has grabbed many headlines over the past year with his ridiculous numbers. Last season, he led the NFL with 10 interceptions and 20 pass deflections. The Dolphins think so highly of him, that they restructured his contract just two years into the deal. However, as dominant as Howard is, there is an argument to be made that Jaire Alexander, cornerback for Green Bay is easily the NFL's best corner. 

Early Scouting Reports

When Jaire Alexander declared for the NFL Draft, many experts tabbed him as one of the best in the class. According to walterfootball.com, his strengths include:

  • Very instinctive
  • Excellent athleticism
  • Fast
  • Prevents separation
  • Runs routes with receivers
  • Route recognition
  • Good hands
  • Times contact well
  • Can take over a game

According to the same report, Alexander’s weaknesses were:

  • Short
  • Could have problems with 50-50 passes and tall receivers
  • Durability

Reaction to the Packers’ Drafting Jaire Alexander

The Packers selected Jaire Alexander with the 18th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. In order to get him, they worked out a trade to move up seven spots. At the time, cornerback was a dire need for the team. The Packers taking him was a very popular move by many who cover the team.

Proving the Doubters Wrong

Jaire Alexander was an immediate success in Green Bay. In his rookie season, he played in 13 games, starting 11 of them. He had just one interception but also had 11 pass deflections. Those 11 deflections were the most on the team.  Only Josh Jackson came close to that total with 10.

There were some bumps in the road, though. Alexander gave up a 100.0 passer rating when targeted and had a missed tackle percentage of 10.8. Despite these shortcomings, the Packers knew they had a bonified number one corner on their hands.

In 2019, Alexander was even better. He stopped worrying about being a flashy player and instead focused on taking the receiver he was covering out of the action with intense coverage. As a result, he notched two interceptions and 17 pass deflections. His 17 deflections again led the Packers (Kevin King had 15). Alexander’s missed tackle percentage jumped to 12.1% in 2019, but his overall coverage improved. Quarterbacks had a passer rating of just 85.8 when targeting Jaire.  His completion percentage allowed dropped from 64.8% to 53.6%. Clearly, he was getting even better.

Last season, Jaire Alexander stormed into the discussion as one of the NFL’s best corners. He made a name for himself by shutting down opponents’ number one receivers week after week. However, he did this with sticky coverage as opposed to coming up with flashy interceptions. Alexander only had one interception last year, which diminished the media’s coverage of him. However, he was even better than he had been in 2019.

Alexander had 13 pass deflections in 2020, which again led the team. His missed tackling percentage dropped significantly to 8.9%, and opposing quarterbacks completed just 51.3% of their passes when targeting him. Additionally, they only had a 67.4 rating when throwing his way.

How Does Jaire Alexander Match Up with Xavien Howard

In order to better compare Jaire Alexander and Xavien Howard, take a look at how they stacked up against each other in 2020.

Jaire Alexander Xavien Howard
Interceptions 1 10
Pass Deflections 13 20
Opponents QB Rating 67.4 48.3
Completion Percentage 51.3% 51.5%
Yards Given Up 375 719
TD’s Allowed 2 4

Upon first glance, it appears that Xavien Howard has every advantage over Jaire Alexander. However, the yards given up is a very telling stat. Howard was targeted 101 times last season; Alexander just 80. While there is no doubt that Xavien Howard is one of the best in the NFL, Alexander was so elite that opposing quarterbacks would not even throw his way! Of course, Alexander is not going to have the flashiest stats. How can he get them when the offense will not throw his way?

Conclusion

As stated, there are numerous talented cornerbacks in the NFL. Xavien Howard gets the most press coverage because of the insane numbers that he is able to put up. It is time, though, to put some respect on the name of Jaire Alexander. He may not get the stats, but that is because he is better at his job in coverage than any other player out there, and it shouldn't minimize his place as the NFL's best corner. There is little doubt that he will be First-Team All-Pro this season.

Jaire Alexander Booking Agent

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