Packers to Receive Super Bowl Rings June 16

It will be a private ceremony, but it will be the one time Green Bay Packer players will be able to interact with coaches and team management.  They will all gather to be presented with their Super Bowl rings.

“We’re staying consistent with what we’ve done in the past,” said team President and CEO Mark Murphy.  Every player entitled to a ring will receive an invitation to attend the ceremony, and the good news for many Packer fans who were worried, Al Harris will get a ring.

The Packers prefer to keep the list of players and employees that receive rings private, but Packers CEO Mark Murphy did reveal during the Packers Tailgate Tour earlier this month that cornerback Al Harris would get one. 

A mainstay of the Green Bay seconday for years, Harris spent half the season on the PUP list (physically unable to perform) and was never on the active roster in 2010 before getting cut. Rewarding Harris with a ring will go over well in the locker room and acknowledges his tireless rehabilitation efforts after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2009.

According to Murphy, General Manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy made the final decision on Harris getting a ring. 

Another big ceremony, however, is still on hold.  That would be a trip to the White House.

“We would love to be able to do it but really that’s going to be dependent on when the labor situation gets resolved,” said Murphy. “It would have to be resolved.”

I say, let's get get this thing resolved!

Al Harris Speaks on Milwaukee Radio

Former Packer Al Harris gave a candid interview today on 540 AM radio in Milwaukee.

I've been waiting for Al Harris to speak since Super Bowl Sunday when the Packers defeated the Steelers.

Harris was cut from the Packer's roster mid-season and joined the Miami Dolphins briefly before hurting his hamstring.

This was a great interview and Harris was his usual classy self.

Here are some of the highlights:

- Harris is unsure if he will play again. If he doesn't, he says he is more than financially set and that his son is progressing well as a young defensive back who hopes to play college ball. 

- He watched bits and pieces of the Super Bowl and couldn't be happier for his former teammates.

- He had mixed emotions not being able to be a part of it.  He said on numerous occasions that the city of Green Bay was good to him.

- He hasn't heard if he gets a ring or not.  If he does great, if he doesn't, he doesn't.  Again he thanks everyone in Green Bay.

- His left knee is still a problem, and he needed another procedure after the season.

- Was really really excited for Nick Collins and Tramon Williams.  Thinks they really stepped up.

- He thinks the undrafted Sam Shields did a great job and he's going to be a good player for a long time.

- He's open at some point to signing a one-day contract and retiring as a Packer.  When the host mentioned the Packer Hall of Fame, Harris got a little choked up. 

My observations:

Al Harris is truly a classy guy.  The city of Green Bay should hire him to head up their Chamber of Commerce.  He can't say enough good things about his time in Green Bay and the Packer organization.

I can't see him not getting a Super Bowl ring.

If he keeps mentoring his son as a D-back, his son will be pretty good.

I'm sure the Packer fans will wish him well in whatever he does.

A Super Bowl Ring Possible for Al Harris

I don't expect former Green Bay Packer Al Harris to be far from all the action come Super Bowl Sunday.  He may be watching on television, or may even be at Cowboy's Stadium watching the action.

With the emergence of young Packers Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, Al Harris may be gone, but he is not forgotten by Packer fans or his former teammates.

Harris, who was a cornerstone of the Packer's secondary for years was released after coming off the unable to perform list this season.  He was later signed by the Miami Dolphins, but was released by them as well. 

Packer fans loved Harris.  I know why.  Even though he had long dreadlocks that made him look like he should be playing steel pans in a reggae band at a dance hall outside of Montego Bay, he gave nothing less than 100% every time he set foot on the field.  Packer fans eat that up.

When he was released he received nothing but compliments.  

“We want to thank Al for his contributions to the Green Bay Packers,” said Packers General Manager Ted Thompson in a statement. “His hard work, dedication and professionalism have been the keys to his success. During his time here, he has been a valuable member of our organization and our community. We wish him the very best in the future and he will always be a part of the Packer family.”

Harris started all 102 games he played in for the Packers over seven seasons (2003-09) after being acquired from Philadelphia. He had 14 interceptions and 108 passes defended during his time in Green Bay.

After the release was final, Harris being the class act he always is took out a full page ad in the Milwaukee newspaper to thank the Packer faithful.  That is unheard of, but it shows how much Harris appreciated his time in Green Bay.  Harris might still be a sought after free agent this offseason, so his football days might not be over quite yet,

Is it the Packer's turn to send Harris some thanks?  No fruit baskets or boxes of candy here.  Winning the Super Bowl and awarding Harris a much deserved ring would be a perfect thank you gift.

Al Harris Thanks the Packer Nation

Al Harris was released by the Green Bay Packers about two weeks ago.  He wasn't shocked, he wasn't bitter.  He has since joined the Miami Dolphins, but in a classy move, the All-Pro cornerback who played hard on every down and gave it his all for his entire run Green Bay, took out an ad in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Sunday to thank the Packer Nation.

Good luck to Al, and I think he may be back in the Green & Gold someday.

Heres the ad: