Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Purple Packer Eaters

Well, another Packer has gone over the purple wall.

Last year, Greg Jennings turned down a multiyear extension worth $11 million per year, asking $15M per from the Packers. This year, the wide receiver was looking for $11M, and the Packers were only offering $8M. His contract with the Vikings averages about nine million over each of five years, with a $10M signing bonus.

He joins a group of notable former Packers who have switched green jerseys for purple (even though the Vikings will no longer be using the Packers' shade of gold starting next season).

Placekicker Ryan Longwell was already the Packers' all-time leading scorer with 1,054 points (a title he wrestled from legend Don Hutson) before defecting to Minnesota in 2006. He played nine seasons in Green Bay and six with the Vikings before wrapping up his career as a replacement with his hometown Seattle Seahawks.

The year before, Packers safety Darren Sharper had traded Lambeau Field for the Metrodome, signing with the Vikings after playing eight years in Green Bay.

I'm sure there was another guy who made the same move...

Oh, yeah.

Seriously though, guys? Those purple uniforms are hideous. You'd have to throw a ton of extra money at me.

Speaking of which, I rather like Grantland writer Steven Hayden's take on the situation:

2 comments:

cynicalbuddha said...

Now Vikings fans will be able to enjoy watching Jennings sit on the bench injured.

A_Lerxst_in_Packerland said...

That Grantland headline is classic! Love it!