Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews will be featured on limited-edition boxes of the cereal Wheaties. "In a statement, Rodgers says it's a privilege and honor to be selected and it's something he never imagined as a child," according to a report from the Associated Press. The boxes will sell only in Wisconsin within a month.

The Packers will use both Alex Green and Randall Cobb on kickoffs on Thursday, according to a report from Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com. “I’d like to use both, just because you have change-of-pace,” special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum is quoted as saying. “I think both of them have different, unique qualities. So I would anticipate us using at least those two.” As long as they don't fumble, I don't think this is a big deal. But I think over time Cobb will prove himself as the better returner.

The Packers' penchant for drafting and developing rookies is no secret with an article detailing the process in the New York Times. "The Packers’ knack for discovering overlooked players and turning them into contributors makes Green Bay a popular landing place for athletes like (Vic) So’oto, a 6-foot-3, 263-pounder who shifted from tight end to linebacker to defensive end in college and did not make an impact until his senior year," writes reporter Pat Borzi. Now it's time for the imitators to follow.

The method of eschewing free agency is also brought up by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Despite striking it rich with Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett in 2006 unrestricted free agency, Thompson doesn't go that route anymore," writes McGinn. "Since then, the Packers have signed merely three UFAs, not one in the last two years."

The difference in team-building approaches between the Packers and their opponent this evening is written about by Tyler Dunne of JSOnline. "To bounce back to Super Bowl form, the New Orleans Saints opened their wallets for a handful of free agents," writes Dunne. "To stay in Super Bowl form, the Packers remain one of the youngest teams in the league."

More national coverage of the Packers comes in today's USA Today with an article on Aaron Rodgers and how he's adjusting to the spotlight. In an amusing anecdote, Jim Corbett quotes Rodgers as saying, "A lot of the rookies called me 'Sir,' " Rodgers said of that opening training camp practice. "I said, 'Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!'" That's funny.

Building a dynasty in a league of parity is a challenge documented by Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Looks like former Packers linebacker Brandon Chillar's playing career has come to an end as he's taken a front office role in the formation of a professional football league in India (hat tip: Elite Sports and PR).

A Q&A with head coach Mike McCarthy is conducted by Jason Wilde.

Communication between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy is highlighted by Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com.

Columns on the Packers' depth at wide receiver and the respect (or lack thereof) shown to the Super Bowl champs.

Another column from Mike Vandermause of the Press-Gazette says the Packers remain hungry for another championship.

Guard Josh Sitton reacts to his newly signed contract in an interview with Jason Wilde.

Linebacker Erik Walden is the focus of a notebook item from Tyler Dunne.

Turnovers are the centerpiece of an article by Bill Huber of Packer Report.

Also at Packer Report is more on the Kickoff game and the Saints' participation in it.

Behind the scenes preparations at Lambeau Field are staggering.

The Packers need Mike Neal says Tyler Dunne.

Articles appear today on two new books about the Packers: one about Bart Starr and another about the history of football in Green Bay.

Tonight's game is previewed at the Journal Sentinel, Press-Gazette and ESPNMilwaukee.com.

Drew Brees thought the Packers and Saints would have met in the NFC Championship game last year.

The match-up between two elite teams is noted at the Packers official website.

Campbell's Chunky Soup is ending the Click for Cans competition, crowning the Packers as all-time champs.

Aaron Rodgers calls' Mark Sanchez's spread in GQ magazine "embarrassing."

Video: From Fox 6 in Milwaukee, Lady Antebellum joins former Packers Antonio Freeman and Ahman Green in promoting physical fitness...
 

Brian Carriveau is the editor of the Maple Street Press Packers Annual. To contact Brian, email [email protected].