With the draft just a few days away and every conceivable mock draft scenario having been published, Packernet wanted to get a fresh perspective on the upcoming draft. Fortunately for us, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame kicker and Super Bowl XXXI champion, Chris Jacke was kind enough to take a few minute out of his day to answer a few questions.
Q. What was your draft experience? Did you expect to be drafted in the 6th round?
A. I was drafted before cell phones so I had to wait around in my dorm room for the call. I was expected to go in the 3rd round or later so I was locked up my room for two days. The call came on the second day from the Packers.
Q. Were the Packers on your radar as a team that might pick you up?
A. I had worked out for the Broncos and Raiders and only had coffee with the special teams coach from the Packers (Howard Tippet at the time). I really felt I was going to either the Raiders or Broncos and was surprised to be drafted by the Packers.
Q. You played for the Green Bay Packers for 8 years. Can describe what that was like?
A. When I arrived in 1989 I had heard from other players what it meant to play for such a storied organization even though the team had not been that good for years. But, during that 1989 season I got an early glimpse of what it meant to be a Packers fan! It only got more apparent as time went on and as the organization turned things around.
Q. Moving to the draft, how do you feel about the Packers organization and their ability to find talent, especially in the later rounds?
A. Everyone seems to think Ted doesn’t have a clue but given the success of the team over the past decade I would have to disagree. We may not understand Ted’s philosophy but what he has done works.
Q. Given the struggles last season at the position, many people think the Packers need to target cornerbacks in 2017. How do you feel about the position?
A. We were definitely hit with the injury bug there so I would assume that adding depth at that position is a priority.
Q. Like kickers, corners are expected to be perfect every time they’re on the field. In your experience, how hard is it for players at these “short memory” positions to overcome a bad year?
A. There really isn’t a way to describe the ability to put things in the past other than you have to. As a kicker you are only as good as your NEXT kick! You have to have a short memory on things that go bad as well as good. You are always preparing for the next kick or play.
Q. Aaron Rodgers will be 34 by the end of the season. Do you agree the Packers should be more aggressive in free agency and the draft with an emphasis on winning now, or should the Packers stick with their current strategy which brings Green Bay to the playoffs every year.
A. You should always focus on winning now regardless of who is on the field.
Q. What advice would you offer to the young men about to enter their rookie seasons as Green Bay Packers?
A. Look to the veterans and be prepared to play for the greatest fans in sports.
Q. What can you envision as potential problems for the Packers in this upcoming season?
A. Injuries
Q. What has you most excited about the upcoming season?
A. The offense. That unit should be unstoppable!!
Q. You’re the founder of Player Alumni Resources, which gives fans a great opportunity to interact with some of the Packers all time greats. Can you tell us a little more about the company and if anyone was interested, how they could reach out to you?
A. I started Player Alumni Resources to give the Alumni and the fans a platform to stay connected and to provide memorable experiences for both whether it’s a golf outing, speaking event or church fundraiser. It is about having fun and staying connected after the guys are finished playing!
If you’d like to get more information about Player Alumni resources, be sure to check out their website at playeralumniresources.com. You can also follow P.A.R 13 on Facebook and Twitter.