Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, linebacker Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins and punt returner-kick returner Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fourth week of the 2011 season (October 2-3), the NFL announced today.

QB AARON RODGERS, GREEN BAY PACKERS

Rodgers became the first player in NFL history with 400 passing yards (408), four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a game in the Packers’ 49-23 win over Denver.

He completed 29 of 38 passes (76.3 percent) for 408 yards with four touchdowns and one interception for a 134.5 passer rating. He also rushed for 36 yards and two scores.

For the third season in a row, Rodgers has recorded a passer rating of at least 110 in four consecutive games. No other quarterback since the 1970 merger has posted two consecutive seasons with four 110+ passer rating games in a row.

Rodgers has 1,325 passing yards, the most in franchise history through the first four games of a season. He is the only player in team history to throw for 12 touchdowns and rush for two scores in the first four games of a season.

In his seventh season from California, this is Rodgers’ fourth career Player of the Week Award and second this season (Week 1). He has been named Player of the Week four times in the past nine weeks (Weeks 13 and 16, 2010; Weeks 1 and 4, 2011).

Rodgers and BRETT FAVRE (12) are the only quarterbacks in team history to win the award at least four times.

The NFL also announced eariler this week that quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, Eli Manning of the New York Giants, and Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers are the finalists for the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on October 2 – 3.

Fans can vote for one player in each category on NFL.com from 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday through 3 p.m. EST on Friday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week.

New York’s Eli Manning completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 321 yards and two scores in the Giants’ 31-27 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers completed 29 of 38 passes for 408 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in the Packers’ 49-23 win over the Denver Broncos. His 134.5 quarterback rating was the highest on the weekend.

San Francisco’s Alex Smith threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns in the 49ers’ 24-23 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Green Bay Packers take on the Atlanta Falcons in front of the nation this Sunday, 7pm on NBC.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, linebacker Sean Lee of the Dallas Cowboys and kicker Jason Hanson of the Detroit Lions are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Month for September, the NFL announced today.

OFFENSE: QB AARON RODGERS, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Rodgers led the team to a 3-0 record, completing 74 of 103 passes (71.8 percent) for 917 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception for an NFL-best 120.9 passer rating.

He posted a passer rating of at least 100 in all three September contests.

Rodgers leads the NFL in completion percentage (71.8 percent) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (8:1).

In his seventh season from California, this is Rodgers’ third career Player of the Month Award and second in a row. He previously was honored in October 2009 and December 2010.

Rodgers is the first player to be named NFC Offensive Player of the Month in consecutive months since Pro Football Hall of Famer MARSHALL FAULK (December 2000 and September 2001).

He and BRETT FAVRE (five) are the only Packers to be named Offensive Player of the Month multiple times.

Before and after every game, make it our sister-station SportsRadio 1250 WSSP-AM…click here to listen.

This has been circulting on Facebook, not sure where it’s from.

Isn’t it nice?!?!

As fans prepare for Thursday’s NFL Kickoff 2011 game featuring the Packers vs. Saints, those planning on going to the game or the concert are encouraged to arrive early due to the larger-than-normal crowds expected near Lambeau Field.

Visitors to the area should allow additional time for traveling, to seek parking, and for walking toward and around the parking lots, concert area and Lambeau Field entry gates. To the east of stadium, Lombardi Avenue and Potts Avenue should be used to reach the stadium as Armed Forces Drive will be the site of the NFL Kickoff concert. The concert also will be broadcast inside the stadium on TundraVision.

Lambeau Field parking lots will open at 2:30 p.m. for Thursday’s game with normal procedures. Season parking pass holders should park via their normal lot entrances. Fans should be in their seats by 7:15 p.m. as the pregame festivities will get underway at that time.

Thursday’s special in-stadium card stunt will need participation from ticketed fans seated in the stadium bowl. Fans will turn Lambeau Field into a ring of stars and stripes during the national anthem and help with a special “Go Pack Go” display in between the first and second quarter.

Game attendees will find a card taped to their seat with directions indicating which side to hold up during each stunt and whether to stand (national anthem) or sit (Go Pack Go). Fans will be prompted by a group from the field holding up cue cards reading, “Get Ready for Stunt #1,” then “Go Stunt #1.” The same will occur during the second stunt. The stunt, sponsored by Penske, is schedule to be broadcast live during the game.

Additionally on Thursday: Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr, with a Packers flag in hand, will lead the team out of the tunnel to the field through the Packers Ambassador Line, which this week will be formed by 31 other NFL alumni, one representing each team in the League. Each of the players will be holding his team’s respective flag.

The national anthem will be performed by 2007 American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. The conclusion of the anthem will feature a flyover of four F16s from the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard based in Madison and a brief fireworks display.

Thursday’s fan giveaway is a gold towel with the words, “Kick It Off Loud.” Among the many other gameday activities taking place are the annual Coats for Kids collection (coats and cash donations accepted) prior to the game in the parking lot and at the gates, Operation Fan Mail, and alumni appearances by Willie Davis and Chris Gizzi.

A full timeline of Thursday’s events can be found by clicking here.

So excited to hear about the big NFL Kickoff concert in Green Bay before the Packers/Saints game!

Lady Antebellum!!!

Maroon 5!!!

Kid Rock!!!

Plus a Packers game!!!

Could life get any better?!?!

If you’re going, make sure to tweet me your pics @ElizabethKayFM or put them on Facebook!

Go Pack!

Photo credit avinashkunnath via Flickr

Photo credit via Flickr

It’s time to get Back To Football as the NFL begins its 92nd season with an unprecedented celebration in its special pregame show, “NFL KICKOFF 2011 PRESENTED BY EA SPORTS” – 7:30 PM ET Thursday, September 8. KID ROCK, LADY ANTEBELLUMand MAROON 5 are scheduled to perform.

The event opens to the public at 3:15 PM (CT). Fans may enter the concert site from Holmgren Way and may watch the performances along Armed Forces Drive. Fans do not need tickets to attend the free concert and may show up on event day to celebrate the start of the season prior to attending the Green Bay Packers game or watching it on television that evening.

Fans who are not planning on attending the game at Lambeau Field may register at 1iota.com to have a chance to be a part of the casted audience that will watch the concert on South Oneida Street adjacent to the stage. It is advised that fans participating in the casted audience do not have a game ticket as they will remain at the concert site for a live TV hit leading into the kickoff of the game.

NFL Kickoff 2011 will be televised from 7:30-8:30 PM (ET)/6:30-7:30 PM (CT) on NBC and NFL Network, leading up to the season opener between the Packers and the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field (NBC, 8:30 PM ET).

This is the 10th consecutive Kickoff celebration to start the season and the eighth consecutive year the NFL has saluted the Super Bowl champions with the opening game in their stadium on a Thursday in primetime.

With the announcement of this upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars, we decided to create our own list.

Based on your phone calls and Facebook messages here’s what we put together:

Washed up actor  (on DWTS it’s David Arquette) – Wisconsin’s DWTS it’s Dustin Diamond A.K.A. Screech Powers who used to live in Port Washington

Fashion expert (on DWTS it’s Carson Kressley) – Faye from Faye’s 123

Former Bandmember (on DWTS  it’s Chyna Phillips) – Sammy formerly from The Bodeans

Famous because of your sibling (on DWTS it’s Rob Kardashian) – Oprah’s sister

Aggressive TV reporter (on DWTS it’s Nancy Grace) – WISN Ch. 12 News Colleen Henry

Famous ex (on DWTS it’s Elisabetta who dated George Clooney) – Gossip Girl actress from Germantown who dated Aaron Rodgers Jessica Szohr

Former talk show host (on DWTS it’s Ricki Lake) – it’s a stretch, but we picked Bob Uecker

Sports star (on DWTS it’s Ron Artest from the Lakers) – Ryan Braun or Aaron Rodgers

Feel free to add to the list.

Photo credit Berto Garcia via Flickr

Wisconsin State Fair Park Officials are pleased to announce that the 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, ended on a high note this evening at 10pm.

Hundreds of thousands of loyal Fairgoers came out to celebrate during the Fair’s annual 11-day run and take advantage of family-friendly pricing, diverse entertainment and fair traditions. Mother Nature was “fairly” kind this year, offering a few hot, humid days and a couple days of light rain, but mostly beautiful blue skies and light breezes, providing Fairgoers the opportunity to enjoy all that the Fair has to offer.

“It was a tremendous Fair despite the tough start,” stated Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin State Fair Park Rick Frenette. “We are appreciative of the collaboration and efforts of the State Patrol, West Allis Police Department, and Milwaukee Police Department to assure our Fairgoers that the Fair is a safe, fun experience for our guests. We look forward to continuing to work with them for the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair and beyond.”

“The attendance this year shows, that more than ever our Fairgoers are passionate about the Wisconsin State Fair, and they showed amazing support for us this year,” stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. “We are thrilled that each year they come out to enjoy the new things we have to offer and the traditions of the Fair – the agriculture, food, music, attractions, contests and activities.”

In addition to a four percent increase in attendance, initial revenue reports reflect a significant increase of 5.6%.

2011 ATTENDANCE 911,231

ADMISSION PROMOTIONS

AUGUST 4 HUNGER TASK FORCE DAY 45,133

149,500 pounds of food donated to Hunger Task Force

AUGUST 5 DISCOVERWISCONSIN.COM DAY 5,145

AUGUST 8 SPRECHER BREWING CO. $6 BEFORE 6PM 10,047

AUGUST 9 KOHL’S FAMILY VALUE DAY 27,559 Adults

13,073 Youth

AUGUST 11 U.S.CELLULAR $5 after 5pm 4,214

AUGUST 14 MILITARY & VETERANS RECOGNITION DAY

COURTESY OF BUDWEISER 2,162

FOOD STATISTICS

Wisconsin Bakers Association Original Cream Puffs 355,478

Artic Glacier Pounds of Ice 550,425

Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 52,143

Joey’s Seafood & Grill Fish Tacos 1,480

Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Chocolate Covered Cranberries

On a Stick 7,800

Apollo Gyros Deep Fried Bacon Wrapped Hotdogs 4,763

WI Cattlemen’s Association Ribeye Sandwiches 16,400

Budweiser Pavilion Deep Fried Beer 7,065 orders

35,325 pieces

Cedar Crest Ice Cream Maple Bacon Sundaes 2,500

Mille’s Sausage Sandwiches 26,000

Brad & Harry’s Cheese Curds Pounds of Cheese used 5,700

AGRICULTURE EXHIBITORS

Open Exhibitors 701

Junior Exhibitors 1579

Miscellaneous Exhibitors (cheese, meat, dogs, etc.) 371

Textiles, Horticulture, Crafts & Culinary Exhibitors 567

Total Number of Exhibitors 3218

OTHER STATISTICS

Kids Quad Jump 14,388

Ribbons and Plaques Awarded over 28,000

The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place August 2 – 12, 2012. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com

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The Green Bay Packers have accepted an invitation from President Barack Obama to visit the White House on Friday, Aug. 12, to celebrate their Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I’m really excited that we were able to find a date to visit the White House,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “The labor situation this spring made it a little challenging for us to set up a visit, but I think it is going to work out great. We’re very appreciative that President Obama invited us, and I’m thrilled that our players and coaches will get to enjoy this unique opportunity.”

The visit to the White House will precede the Packers’ trip to Cleveland for their preseason opener against the Browns on Saturday, Aug. 13. Details for the White House visit are still being finalized.

Are you ready for some football? I am, but I’m not ready to give up that title of “Super Bowl Champs.”

I’ve been bragging quite a bit in this off season to the Bears, Vikings and Steeler fans that I associate with.

Of course I hope we can have a repeat of last season, but I’m not ready to see us lose that title either.

I can’t even imagine the pressure the players and coaches must feel to win. But I am ready to relax on a cozy, fall Sunday with a blanket, my Packer jersey and my husband.

Photo credit Nick Collins via Sara Schmidt with Cramer-Krasselt