That's right, people. It's not just GM Ted Thompson's lack of aggression that explains the lack of free agent talent coming to Green Bay. It's not that he doesn't offer enough money, playing time, or contract length. It's the fact that the players, themselves, would rather play for Detroit or Cleveland than come to Green Bay.
According to this week's Sports Illustrated player poll, 13 percent of the 296 players polled by SI had the Packers at the bottom of their lists of places to play. The only two teams ahead of them? Oakland (20%) and Buffalo (14%).
There are several factors that I believe led to this ranking. First of all, I believe that the survey only covered the demographic of players that have been in the league for five or less years. That puts the age range from about 21-26-year-olds. What do people around that age like to do in their free time? Go out to bars, clubs, etc. And, if you've been to Green Bay, it doesn't exactly cater to the social lives of people that age.
Another reason, which anyone in the midwest will understand, is the weather. What person would really want to live in a cold, miserable permafrost during every football season? If a player had the choice between San Diego and Green Bay, they'd really have to like cheese to make it to Wisconsin.
But, there are many reasons that I feel these players are misled. The tradition of winning for the Packers should lure even the warmest-weather advocate. The fan base can make even practice squad players famous. Also, with the Packers continually building through the draft, the opportunity for contract longevity is always there.
Once players get over the fact of a consistently massive paycheck and get down to it, winning does come first. And that is what's done in Green Bay. Well, most of the time.