Gurley sticks with the Packers

by PackApologist on Dec 15, 2011 9:17 PM CST

There are lots of reasons why I love being a Packer fan right now. There are the obvious reasons of coarse, the championships, Super Bowls, perfect season so far, etc. etc. But there is a different little thrill that so many of us get after we signed on to the TT & MM way of thinking. It's that rush you get when you see one of the young players grow into a contributor for the team. As such we revel in seeing D.J. Smith, Sam Shields, and T.J. Lang come out of no where and show they are ready for playing time. It's also why some people almost irrationally push Vic So'oto.

One of those guys who seems to have that sort of following around Packer circles is Tori Gurley. He's a guy who is promising, but is also playing in a position group that is loaded for the Packers. In the preseason the debate that raged was how to keep a promising talent like Gurley versus keeping something of a balanced roster. Most who feared him on the practice squad were afraid of another team snatching him away. Well, that fear was pretty rational because another team made an offer to Gurley and he turned it down. You know what the funny part is though? That other team was the Vikings.

Yup, Gurley would rather be a Packer on the PS than a Viking. So the moral of the story is that the Vikings aren't done picking over our roster and the Tori Gurley is smart enough to know that his future is brighter here than it is on the other side of the Mississippi.

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This is falt out amazing.

How could you be a fan of another NFL team? I am not just saying that because I am an owner.

"Illusion, Michael. A trick is something a whore does for money."

by Berryjs on Dec 15, 2011 11:11 PM CST reply actions

Those who have twitter should tweet him thanks...

for loving the Pack and vindicating our status as the best team and fans in the NFL.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 15, 2011 11:30 PM CST reply actions

I completely agree

Having watched Tori Gurley in college quite a bit, I am surprised that he isn’t battling for a starting spot elsewhere right now. But once again, it feels great to know that players are also beginning to realize the value of being part of a great organization. I believe that Gurley has great upside, and could possibly make the 53 next year. What a great feeling to have what I would say 80-85% of your players be homegrown and brought in via the draft. However, there are some added that I would never give back (Woodson, Grant).

Also, one more question…Anyone else getting the vibe that Ryan Grant is going to have a big postseason?

by JRemien12 on Dec 15, 2011 11:35 PM CST reply actions

Grant

I think that depends on Starks. If he’s healthy, then I expect it will be primarily Starks as it has been for most of the season. But the running game was a factor in the post season for the Packers last season. And it could be an even bigger factor with playoff games in Green Bay.

by Brandon on Dec 16, 2011 12:05 AM CST up reply actions

a little bit, yeah

I think he’s a good bad weather running back… but I may be putting far too much stock in one snowy afternoon back in early 2008

football does not build character, it reveals character.

by sheehan on Dec 16, 2011 12:08 AM CST up reply actions

Good call on Grant

He looked really fast on his TD run. That was the Ryan Grant of ’07. If he can stay healthy… Look out, baby.

That said, I don’t actually expect him to have a big postseason for a couple reasons.

A) The Packers tend to prefer running by committee.
B) There’s no escaping the fact that Grant’s getting old. The committee approach might just be essential to his rejuvination. With an injury-riddled vet, the key to keeping him healthy is to limit his touches. So, either he’ll play sparingly or he’ll get worn down/re-injured. One way or the other, he won’t put up a bunch of stats.

by Curly Lambeau on Dec 16, 2011 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

You thought he looked fast?

I thought he looked like he always has… A heavy footed runner. Good enough straight line speed, but certainly not fast. I agree he won’t have a big post season. Grant is well behind Starks in the pecking order and Starks will be good for the playoffs if not before, so Grant will get very few touches.

Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!

by Strohman on Dec 16, 2011 7:14 PM CST up reply actions

Just another sign...

Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013

by PackFaninFL on Dec 16, 2011 12:07 AM CST reply actions

Gurley

The Packers have been able to keep players from leaving their practice squad to another practice squad, but usually they have to place them on the active roster to keep him from bolting. He made some good points: it’s a great learning experience in Green Bay, a chance to go to the Super Bowl. It makes sense, but I’m still surprised.

by Brandon on Dec 16, 2011 12:13 AM CST reply actions

A surprise and a sign of good things

I was surprised on two things out of this story….that the Packers were able to keep him and not move him up to the 53 (I remember hearing rumblings this week that he might get the bump up) and that it was the Vikings going after him. No matter what his decision I won’t look a gift horse like this in the mouth, he was one of the more exciting UDFA’s we had this year.

And thanks again for the bump to the main page Brandon!

by PackApologist on Dec 16, 2011 12:22 AM CST up reply actions

Getting paid like he's on the active roster

Probably helps ALOT. From what I read, the Packer are paying him like a roster player to keep him. It also shows how much the Packers want him and that he is very likely going to be on the roster next year, much to Drivers chagrin. But at least Gurley is smart enough to realize which is the better situation long term.

Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!

by Strohman on Dec 16, 2011 8:15 AM CST up reply actions

Why is that to Driver's chagrin?

He’s still a good productive reciever who makes a great catch here and there but he has to be seeing like everyone else that he’s declining. The Packers aren’t forcing him out, they are preparing for his likely retirement

"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"

by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Dec 16, 2011 8:45 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 3 recs

Driver isn't Favre, he's already said he'll bow out gracefully.

All things considered, he’s played well and it’s been a good thing that he stayed, but he’s gotta put his health into consideration. What else does he have to accomplish, especially if the Packers win another Superbowl?

by Charlie Kelly on Dec 16, 2011 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

if they go perfect this year, driver bows out

and goes the way of mercury morris. you’ll never hear the end of it from those two. they’ll become great friends and never let the patriots ever hear the end of missing out on their little fraternity.

by Nels Winkler on Dec 16, 2011 8:40 PM CST up reply actions

Nope

Driver has said more than once he is returning.

by glblank on Dec 16, 2011 9:08 PM CST up reply actions

Whats his answer if the Packers tell him he can't come back?

I don’t see anyway they give up on Gurley’s potential to keep and even less impactful player. Driver can say that all he wants, what matters is what the Packers want. So he can retire or play for another team, something he has also said he won’t do…

Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!

by Strohman on Dec 16, 2011 9:54 PM CST up reply actions

It's one thing to go out on top after an undefeated season

It’s another to be part of a three-peat & part of the only two 19-0 teams in history (potentially).

13.

Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!

by Wiedmann on Dec 16, 2011 9:21 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

dynasty

football does not build character, it reveals character.

by sheehan on Dec 16, 2011 10:24 PM CST up reply actions

44 in a row!

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"We're nobody's underdog!"

"We don't play scared!"

by NorthStarr on Dec 17, 2011 4:20 PM CST up reply actions

Right on, Bud.

by Curly Lambeau on Dec 16, 2011 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

Plus at a position where you have 5 guys playing active roles often during the game...

there is a good chance of injury to one of them for an extended period of time where you might want him sitting there to bring up. Packers have been pretty lucky with injuries to receivers this year.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 3:56 PM CST up reply actions

Driver chagrin...

Becuz it means that next year the Packers won’t have a need for his services! He’s in his last year, at least w/ the Pack. They didn’t give Gurley roster money to stay on the Practice squad if they didn’t plan on him being on the roster next year. Being asked to retire is an embarrassment to any player, much less one w/ Drivers heart. If he’s really paying attention he’ll see the writing on the wall and not force the Packers to ask him to retire or release him.

He’s had a great career, but he needs to go quietly into that good nite. Instead of forcing the Packers to make the decision for him (which would be embarrassing).

Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!

by Strohman on Dec 16, 2011 7:20 PM CST up reply actions

They didn’t give Gurley roster money to stay on the Practice squad if they didn’t plan on him being on the roster next year.

This is what I think as well. And I’m pretty sure Gurley also feels the same way. He must think he has a chance soon to be an active part of this team if he stuck around.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 9:44 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't be surprised...

If the Packers all but promised him a spot on the 53 man roster next season. Everything I’ve heard/read suggests he’s made tremendous strides this year and that tells me they want him long term. Keeping Driver around for another year would mean Gurley is lost. He won’t stay on the practice squad for another year, no matter how much they pay him. He’s gotta play…

Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!

by Strohman on Dec 16, 2011 9:51 PM CST up reply actions

Same way I feel about it...

almost expect that they told him he was a part of their near-future. Otherwise he has a better chance to make a name for himself somewhere else.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 9:54 PM CST up reply actions

you never know, they could keep Gurley and Driver both

and go down to four tight ends

football does not build character, it reveals character.

by sheehan on Dec 16, 2011 10:26 PM CST up reply actions

but ideally Driver would just retire

football does not build character, it reveals character.

by sheehan on Dec 16, 2011 10:27 PM CST up reply actions

TE's

All those TE’s play alot more roles than Driver does. THe TE’s (other than Finley) are used as FB, core ST players and TE either blocking or catching (not often). I don’t see the Packers keeping 6 WR.

Our Biggest Challenge is how we deal w/ Success!

by Strohman on Dec 16, 2011 10:36 PM CST up reply actions

yeah I don't think it's all that likely either, just floating it as a possibility

rather see Driver hang it up and let Gurley take his spot on the roster

football does not build character, it reveals character.

by sheehan on Dec 17, 2011 1:06 AM CST up reply actions

LOL. good one.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 11:43 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

I am somewhat surprised but heck from the sounds of it, they gave him the same pay that he would have gotten over there which to be honest is one of the main reasons he would have gone over there. Staying here he makes the same money, gets to learn from the best and get a (hopefully) ring on his finger! Sounds like a win win.

The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010

by TrevorR on Dec 16, 2011 8:23 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah I agree with you and Stroh

Most players jump ship for money, which is understandable, a lot of people would, but he’s weighing a ring and a chance to play on a team ongoing after a retirement vs playing on a terrible team right now to be kept with the terrible team next year. So it’s not money and oppurtunity vs rotting on a PS like it normally is, it’s an oppurtunity vs a ring and a likely better oppurtunity next year and since the Vikings are biting and we have to sign him to protect him then really this year

"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"

by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Dec 16, 2011 8:54 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I think that for his long-term career as an NFL WR, staying in Green Bay was the right move. Going to a dysfunctional team, looking for temporary replacements would likely having him jumping from team to team, system to system and he (and his talents) could easily get lost in the shuffle.

by MikeDB on Dec 16, 2011 5:56 PM CST up reply actions

Here's NFL.com's take on it...

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8251486c/article/gurley-rejects-vikings-roster-spot-for-packers-practice-squad?module=HP11_content_stream

More love for GB, and laughs at Minn. I’m sure its all part of the conspiracy.

I love how he basically says they suck without saying it.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 12:26 AM CST reply actions 3 recs

Me I just find it funny that guys on our PS are better than guys on their 53

by PackApologist on Dec 16, 2011 12:40 AM CST up reply actions

Forget 53, there's guys on our PS that are better than other team's starters

Anyone else catch Chastin West “starring” (if you can call it that) for the Jaguars tonight?

13.

by Wiedmann on Dec 16, 2011 1:05 AM CST up reply actions

was he able to make plays?

Didn’t watch the game, but I would imagine it’s hard to function as an offensive player right now there unless you are talking about MJD

by PackApologist on Dec 16, 2011 1:12 AM CST up reply actions

There were a few.

He didn’t have a lot of catches, but he did catch a TD.

13.

by Wiedmann on Dec 16, 2011 1:35 AM CST up reply actions

I find it kind of depressing.

Our receiving core is in shambles. But hey, I’d probably feel the same way as you if our situations were reversed :P

"Like I said, I don’t think anybody on this team knows what schism is, let alone could use it in a sentence. I thought it was an STD when I first heard it. And I was like whoa, we preach abstinence around these parts." - Jared Allen

by Landonio on Dec 16, 2011 3:11 AM CST up reply actions

TROLL

j/k

A samurai sword collection. If you can do it. I don’t know if you’re allowed.

by TwoShoesMcGooze on Dec 16, 2011 2:30 PM CST up reply actions

Perhaps Gurley’s eyeing 36-year-old’s Donald Driver’s swan song in Green Bay. Perhaps he could use a fat Super Bowl ring on his finger. Whatever the thought process,

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"We're nobody's underdog!"

"We don't play scared!"

by NorthStarr on Dec 17, 2011 4:31 PM CST up reply actions

Let's not use this as an opportunity to make fun of the Queens...

Making fun of the Queens in their present condition is kind of like making fun of a retard. Sure it’s funny, but it’s just plain not right.

Looking forward to the Packers three-peating and visiting President Ron Paul at the White House in 2013

by PackFaninFL on Dec 16, 2011 12:46 AM CST reply actions 3 recs

They are the Vikings and it's always right.

Just like it’s still right to laugh at the Bears offseason moves to upgrade their offense. I mean sure they are offensive players, but not in the way that helps the team score points…..with anyone.

It’s never wrong to laugh at your rivals even if their seasons are unraveling….or totally unraveled from you know a year ago.

by PackApologist on Dec 16, 2011 12:53 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs

What are you talking about?

Marion Barber & Roy Williams have helped win some games for the Bears this year, right?

13.

by Wiedmann on Dec 16, 2011 1:07 AM CST up reply actions

Actually I was thinking of all the games Sam Hurd helped them win

by PackApologist on Dec 16, 2011 1:11 AM CST up reply actions

Do the Bears play better on coke?

13.

by Wiedmann on Dec 16, 2011 1:35 AM CST up reply actions

Anyone know anything about this "list" of players yet?

I’m interested to see if it will be released before the post-season and which teams are going to be effected.

by stratefaced on Dec 16, 2011 8:05 AM CST up reply actions

His Attonery

is claiming Hurd never sold to players but we have all hurd that story before.

"Football isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport."

by dieapack on Dec 16, 2011 6:57 PM CST up reply actions

You think you're sooooo punny

Packers: Working on a dynasty.
Blackhawks: Taking care of business as usual.
Badgers:Back-to-back B1G Champions!
Brewers: Move along, nothin' to see here.

by Tepo6688 on Dec 17, 2011 2:39 AM CST up reply actions

Punny?

Or Funny?

"Football isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport."

by dieapack on Dec 19, 2011 6:20 PM CST up reply actions

You mean Duh Bares?

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"We're nobody's underdog!"

"We don't play scared!"

by NorthStarr on Dec 17, 2011 4:32 PM CST up reply actions

The CHANCE that you might get in a game to catch an Aaron Rodgers pass...

Or being Christian Ponder’s #2 or #3? Not much of a choice there.

by mike_o on Dec 16, 2011 1:21 AM CST reply actions

Vikings fan here,

I don’t blame the guy all that much. I mean, why would you get on a team that’s losing with 3 weeks left when you can just stay on a winning team and have a chance at a ring? If it were say, Week 1, I’d feel differently, but there’s no point in coming over at this point with that kind of shot.

by Landonio on Dec 16, 2011 3:10 AM CST reply actions

This is true

The timing has a lot to do with it

"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"

by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Dec 16, 2011 9:53 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Hello fellow owners and commoners!

Why wouldn’t he wanna stay with this team? We are, simply put, the best! (FYI, jk about the commoners part, just bought my share, so am pumped about it lol)

*Soon-to-be Packers shareholder*
With my last breath, I curse Zoidberg!

by RaY210 on Dec 16, 2011 7:36 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Shiny hood ornaments...

Here an article at CHFF: http://bit.ly/ufGXDu discussing Wide Receivers and their general bad attitudes, and the ultimate effect on team chemistry. I’m firmly in the camp that “Winning cures all” however, I love this article because to me, it seems as tho TT & MM have done everything possible to avoid this situation in Green Bay. Having an apparent character guy familiar with the plan, the team, the locker room, the community, his place and role in all of that is the reason why the Pack are elite right now…hearing stuff like this sooooo makes up for 70s & 80s that I knew! ;-)

Ok...one more, then we've gotta go...

by das4azwi on Dec 16, 2011 10:36 AM CST reply actions

I'm glad someone posted this

Apparently it wasn’t just the Vikings. He said he has turned down multiple offers throughout the season.

SUPER BOWL CHAMPS

by Chief Oshkosh on Dec 16, 2011 11:04 AM CST reply actions

The real question is...

Did the Vikings send Jared Allen, Steve Hutchinson, and Ryan Longwell?

by Charlie Kelly on Dec 16, 2011 12:01 PM CST reply actions

hahahaha

maybe they didn’t and hat’s why he didn’t go!

by Landonio on Dec 16, 2011 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

I don't know but I'd do a trade straight up for Allen if they were offering...

and I know a lot of people here dislike him, but he’s been the one consistently hard working, productive member of that team this year.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 3:58 PM CST up reply actions

I wasn't talking about a trade

I was making a joke about when those three went to Mississippi to convince Favre to come back. But yea, I’d trade for him despite how much of a tool he is.

by Charlie Kelly on Dec 16, 2011 5:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Yeah I know Charlie....

GET OFF MY CASE! COME AT ME BRO!

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 6:05 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe

I would only trade for him if he was willing to play OLB. If he is then he would be amazing working opposite of Clay. Otherwise he probably wouldn’t be worth it.

by PackApologist on Dec 16, 2011 6:12 PM CST up reply actions

Well, he hates Detroit....

so could you imagine? We have EDS untying Suh’s shoelaces on offense, and Allen tying Stafford in knots on defense….

Craziness.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 6:29 PM CST up reply actions

He only ties up livestock

for exactly what purpose, you can decide for yourself.

13.

Build Lasers And Stuff For More Ownage, Dude!

by Wiedmann on Dec 16, 2011 9:00 PM CST up reply actions

I won't judge....

to each their own.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 9:45 PM CST up reply actions

cow tipping is foreplay in the Allen household

football does not build character, it reveals character.

by sheehan on Dec 16, 2011 10:28 PM CST up reply actions

Pretty sure it has a different meaning too...

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Dec 16, 2011 11:44 PM CST up reply actions

I don't wanna know

football does not build character, it reveals character.

by sheehan on Dec 17, 2011 1:04 AM CST up reply actions

This is great news

I was a big fan of Gurley in training camp. …and I certainly was not alone.

And, like the Poster said, it is interesting that we’re all learning to notice not just our stars (and nevermind big name FAs), but we’re looking more at which guys have a good shot at developing into something down the line.

And it’s not just TT. The coaching staff does a great, great job teaching these guys to play. If there’s talent, they’ll find it and develop it. So, the GM and the coaches really make each other look like geniuses.

by Curly Lambeau on Dec 16, 2011 12:20 PM CST reply actions