The Packers’ single-season rushing record-holder is gearing up for his seventh NFL season, and fifth with Green Bay, at training camp.
Q. Chicago fans constantly refer to the Bears-Packers rivalry. But the Packers have dominated the last several years. Is it fair to say the Vikings are your biggest rival these days?
A. Yes. But as a Packers team, we look at everyone in the NFC North as a rival–the Lions, the Vikings and the Bears. Because no matter what, a team can be ready to play. We’re accustomed to taking every team, especially in the NFC North, very seriously.
Q. You ran for 1,883 yards last season and were runner-up to Baltimore’s Jamal Lewis for the rushing title. Can you relate to Ricky Williams’ decision to hang it up at 27?
A. We’re the same age. I’m more shocked than surprised because I know him. I know how he feels as a running back, all the carries he has gotten. I understand the toll on a running back’s body. We have 11 guys coming at us at all times. That’s why you have to be fast, you have to be big, you have to be smart, you have to be agile. You have to be basically the most athletic player on the field because there are so many guys trying to take us down and take us out.
Q. How well did you get to know Mark Hatley as the Packers’ vice president of football operations, and how stunned were you about his death last week?
A. Mark Hatley came here the year I was traded to the Packers from Seattle. He had a great personality and he was a great guy. I could tell he was a hard worker, because I would always see him during our off-season. When I would go in to work out in the stadium, he would be doing the same thing, walking around the stadium or getting his running in around the parking lot outside the stadium. Not long ago, I saw him doing his regular routine. To hear the news was, like, wow!
Q. Is it true you watch the Walter Payton video, “Pure Payton,” before every game you play?
A. That’s something I’ve been doing since my third year in the league. In the regular season and the preseason, I haven’t missed watching the video before a game.
Q. How many more years do you think Brett Favre will play?
A. It’s really up to him when he wants to be done. He has done great things for the Packers. But you know the day is coming. I’m not worried about whether it’s going to come faster or sooner. I’ll just try to be ready when it does happen.
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