A couple former Packers are now immortal, as they were inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The list includes former tight end Mark Chmura, whose career was tarnished by a sexual assault allegation that marred the end of his playing days.

A vital cog on the Packers’ two Super Bowl teams in the 1990s and a three-time Pro Bowl selection, Chmura called this the “icing on the cake” of his football life.

He was joined by Glory Years tight end Marv Fleming and 1980s offensive tackle Greg Koch in the hall’s 40th class of inductees.

Chmura caught 188 passes for 2,253 yards and 17 touchdowns during his career in Green Bay, but many best remember him for a high-profile sexual assault trial at the end of his career. A girl who was 17 at the time accused him of assaulting her in a bathroom during a post-prom party at a friend’s home in April 2000.

He was acquitted in February 2001 and retired from football four months later.

“I saw all the guys from my era going in,” Chmura said before the ceremony. “I probably wasn’t too sure whether I was going to go in. The last couple of years, I kind of skirted away, didn’t follow too much who was going, because probably in the back of my mind, I didn’t really know if I was going to be able to.”

Chmura was a sixth-round pick in 1992 who almost quit early in his first training camp because of a bad back. He was convinced to stick around by then-head coach Mike Holmgren and tight ends coach Andy Reid, spending the year on injured reserve.

Although the Packers Hall of Fame is located at Lambeau Field, it operates as a nonprofit corporation independent from the team.

Koch, now a lawyer in Houston, talked at length about honor and character.

“If I were talking to young players today, I’d say, ‘Let me tell you something. You have just hit the lottery,”’ he said. “‘Don’t ask me how I know this, but if you’re going to an ATM at 2 o’clock in the morning, it’s never for a good reason. Get off the street, play this game. You’ve hit the lottery. Don’t do anything to screw that up.”

The Packers got a big blow Friday, as the NFL suspended defensive end Johnny Jolly without pay for the upcoming season and perhaps beyond for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Jolly’s suspension begins immediately and will continue through at least the 2010 season. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement after the Super Bowl.

Jolly is facing drug charges in Houston after his July 2008 arrest outside a club for possession of at least 200 grams of codeine. If convicted, Jolly faces up to 20 years in prison.

“Johnny is a good player that loves everything about the game of football,” Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement. “We appreciate the contributions he has made to the Packers the past four seasons. His focus and priorities now lie elsewhere—our thoughts are with him during this difficult personal time.”

The Packers said team officials would have no further comment.

It’s a significant blow to a team that will go into the 2010 season expected to make a run at the playoffs and perhaps even the Super Bowl. A defensive end in Dom Capers’ 3-4 scheme, Jolly played a key role as the Packers allowed a league-low 83.3 yards rushing per game.

Perhaps anticipating the possibility of losing Jolly to a suspension, the Packers used a second-round draft pick on Purdue defensive lineman Mike Neal in April.

Jolly, 27, was a sixth-round draft pick in 2006 and worked his way into a starting role the past two seasons.

A restricted free agent, Jolly signed before an offseason deadline the would have allowed the team to reduce the amount of its tender offer.

But Packers coach Mike McCarthy excused Jolly from the team’s minicamp in June to deal with his off-field problems.

“There’s a lot going on, and he needs to focus and make sure he has everything in line,” McCarthy said last month. “These decisions that are going to be made legally will affect every aspect of his life, most importantly his personal life and then his professional life.”

16. St. Louis Rams: 0-16?  This team is no better than the 2008-2009 Detroit Lions.  Potential to become be the most pathetic pass offense ever.  The Most Miserable Show On Turf?  Would’ve never drafted Sam Bradford #1 overall, he’s a complete waste of money and an injury waiting to happen.  Who’s their back-up, A.J. Feely?  Simply put, it’ll be an all-out circus come September.  On the other side of things, I can’t think of a more awful defense.  As a whole, can’t name anyone outside of Steven Jackson you would desire to watch.  Better days to spend your fall in St. Louis: Busch Stadium, Cardinals baseball.

15. Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll?  Can’t believe in Matt Hasselbeck.  How many games will he last?  The run game does not excite me whatsoever.  Pass rush is non-existent.  Every expert said Draft was one of the best, it was an OK draft on paper, too many safe picks, no playmakers.  Only thing going for ‘em: Qwest Field, 12th Man.

14. Arizona Cardinals: So are they going to be a more run-oriented offense?  Run first?  Is Matt Leinart ready to take over for Kurt Warner?  Larry Fitzgerald is going to have to be Jerry Rice, and then some.  On defense, secondary always seems to be hurt and shaky.  Darnell Dockett is too up and down, roll of the dice.  More questions than answers for yet another mediocre NFC West squad.

13. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan is just an “average” NFL QB.  Michael Turner is “burned” out from 2008.  Best years behind him.  You have to wonder will he ever be the same?  Next Jamal Anderson, post-1999 Super Bowl year?  1-2 combo of Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez bring hope and points.  Defense gets no penetration when John Abraham is quiet.  He’s just about done.  LB corps need to play out of their minds.  5-6 wins sounds right.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman has chance to become franchise QB.  Given the hand, cards he was dealt, encouraging rookie year.  OL has the potential of a formidable group.  Benn, Williams, Winslow will form a better trio of pass-catchers than people think.  Defense has some pieces and go-getters at each position.  Will Cadillac get you over 1,000 yards?  They have to be able to run the rock to keep pressure off Freeman.

11. Chicago Bears: Reliant upon Jay Cutler.  Depending too heavily on the rocket arm of an erratic QB who has a makeshift offensive line, decent running attack, and rag-tag group of unknown receivers.  They must think he’s the next Brett Favre in the Windy City.  Defense hings upon Urlacher, Harris, and Tillman.  Not a good sign.  Mike Martz expected to do wonders.  Don’t see more than 6 wins.

10. Carolina Panthers: Best bet: Start Jimmy Clausen.  By far the best signal caller in last April’s Draft.  Hands down, best option to reach .500.  Jonathan Stewart is ready to burst for 1,300+ yards and double-digit touchdowns.  DeAngelo Williams will rescind starting role, becoming best #2 back in the game.  Defense will miss Julius Peppers, but not as much as you would believe.  Jon Beason is outstanding, Thomas Davis will be healthy, and Chris Gamble can go to work.

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Stewart Bradley, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Kolb, Andy Reid.  5 on the hot seat.  Defense will get to the QB, secondary is solid, but will Bradley recover and return to 2008 form?  He’s the key to how good the defense plays.  McCoy and Maclin have the talent and skill to wow you and make you stand in awe, but to what extent can you count on second-year players?  Kolb has shown us the ability to throw, but how long will he survive in Andy Reid’s pass-happy system?  Can he flourish without a steady running game to support him?  Will he always be compared to Donovan?  Reid has to change his over-aggressive ways to a degree for this squad to succeed.

8. Detroit Lions: Really liking Jahvid Best.  Stafford-Best-Johnson has the Motor City doing cartwheels and backflips!  Offense is a definite strength.  Fun team to watch in 2010.  Points will come easy.  Defense?  Suh, Vanden Bosch, Levy, Peterson, Spievey, and Delmas is a good start.  Promising unit but still not good enough to compete for NFC North division crown.  To me, Schwartz is a fine head coach and will have his defense improved.  7-8 victories is surely within range.

7. Washington Redskins: Donovan still has game.  Pro-Bowl level year is not far-fetched.  McNabb has just enough weapons, just enough of a line, and an offensive genius in a head coach.  Just like in Philly, same scenario.  Imagine if Portis stays healthy, while Larry and Willie keep him fresh, ideal circumstances?  Utilizing this three-back rotation, offense would be tough to stop.  Will Shanahan put this in play?  With this being said, the defense could be the icing on the cake.  There’s more than enough reason to think the defense will do its job and considering all things you could see the Nation’s Capital rewarded with a winner.  Can they earn a Wild card berth?  Produce a 9-7, or 10-6 team?  The NFC is deep, and the NFC East is loaded.

6. Green Bay Packers: One of the most talented teams in the NFL.  Just not confident enough in their ability to win the ugly game or the close game consistently.  Run game leaves much to be desired.  Lacks the punch and power to get the tough yards on third and short.  Defense has the play makers but doesn’t hold the fort down like it should.  Overall, as a whole, too finesse and up and down? Lacking a true leader on the field?  I don’t see them getting that much better.  Quite frankly, the better teams are more balanced and I feel this team is missing a Dorsey Levens, an Ahman Green, a Reggie White, or a LeRoy Butler to take ‘em to the next level.  One week they look like world beater, the next week they lose to a winless team.

5. New York Giants: Under the radar.  All the talk is about Big D, Donovan leaving Philly for Washington, and #4.  Coughlin likes this.  They still possess the run game to control the clock.  Aerial fireworks should be in full effect mode.  And, why not?  Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, and Mario Manningham will display one of the top trios.  Defense looking for leader with Pierce gone.  Tuck?  Line can be a vaunted unit once again.  Secondary is the best its been in awhile.  That helps against pass-happy NFC East.  Don’t know if Eli is a top 10 QB.  Has to prove it and outpeform Romo and Donovan.  Best chance to make Playoffs: Balance.  Eli needs to settle down from time to time and let run game and defense do work.  More is less.  If they find and achieve level of balance, they will contend with Dallas for NFC East.

4. San Francisco 49ers: Pieces are in place on offense.  Defense is stifling.  Alex Smith can be above-average, and if he is this team can win beyond the Regular Season.  Frank Gore is the 2nd best back in the NFC behind Adrian Peterson.  Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree will make Alex Smith’s life easier.  Willis and friends will create havoc and make things difficult for opposing offenses.  Mike Singletary is the perfect coach for this team.  This is the year.  49ers football is back!

3. New Orleans Saints: Offensive line concerns, average run game, and problems stopping the run will be too hard to overcome again in 2010.  I’ll side with history and say they will not make it back to the Super Bowl.  Can we really expect Drew Brees to carry the team on a magic carpet ride again?  The party’s over New Orleans.  Defense better be prepared to do more heavy lifting.  Two players who have to have Pro-Bowl years: Pierre Thomas and Darren Sharper.  Does Sharper have another healthy high level year?  Can Reggie Bush pick up the slack and complement Pierre Thomas if he comes back down to earth?  Don’t count out Sean Payton.  Yet, how many tricks does he have up his sleeve?  Any more rabbits to pull out of his hat?

2. Dallas Cowboys: Stacked from top to bottom.  Any reason not to be at home come February?  This year its the only goal.  Destination: Super Bowl XLV.  Dallas or Bust.  Romo has all the weapons in the world at his disposal.  3-4 defense led by DeMarcus Ware can get to any QB.  The secondary looks good on paper.  Jenkins/Newman are good in man coverage.  I believe Felix Jones and Dez Bryant could be the players to get them over the top.  Two dynamic threats with the breakaway speed to burn and change a game.

1. Minnesota Vikings: Funny how Adrian Peterson is rarely ever mentioned other than for his well-documented and overly discussed fumbling habits.   Do we forget he possibly could be the NFL’s most electrifying player?  The player who could get the Vikings to the Super Bowl?  Look for Adrian and Percy Harvin to make the Vikings even better than they were in ‘09.  It’s hard to find a team that holds two explosive game breakers like “All Day” and Percy.  Is there a better duo you can offer in the open field?  Can’t forget to include Sidney Rice to the mix.  He’s near unstoppable in jump-ball scenarios.  Defensively, you have a unit that is well-rounded and pressures the QB at will.  When was the last time they were outside the Top 5 stopping the run?  This team reminds me of the 1999 Denver Broncos.  I think they have the opportunity to be that dominant.

Offense

QB: Brett Favre – I can see Aaron Rodgers or Jay Cutler missing time due to offensive line woes.  Major issue and cause for concern.  As for Favre, let’s just count on him for all 16 games.  I want him on my team, not only for his durability, but for the simple fact he delivers in the clutch.  As reliable as they come.  As tough as they get.  The team takes on his identity and patterns after his intensity, a true leader.  He demands success and wills his team.

RB: Adrian Peterson – Without hesitation.  Adrian is the most physically imposing talent in the game today.  Best combination of speed and strength at RB since Bo Jackson and the “Nigerian Nightmare”.  The only two things stopping “All Day”: His offensive coordinator and himself.

FB: Naufahu Tahi – Lead blocker for Adrian.  Bowling ball.  Just gets the job done, does the dirty work.

WR: Calvin Johnson – Talk about another physical specimen.  Tremendous athletic gifts and the size to go with it.  Unstoppable inside the 20.  Is there any reason he should not get Andre Johnson numbers?  He’s in his third year and has one of the best arms throwing him the rock, plus his team will be playing from behind many occasions.  The sky is the limit.  Should be sure thing for 1,500 yards/15 touchdowns.

WR: Sidney Rice – Makes the squad over his teammate Percy Harvin and Green Bay’s potent pair.  Outstanding in-air ability to make the difficult catch look easy.  Impressive rapport with Favre.  Just started showing us what he’s capable of doing at high level.  Could he outperform Calvin?  Expectations and bar set high for former South Carolina standout.

TE: Jermichael Finley – I would be shocked if he’s not invited to Hawaii.  Star in the making written all over.  Match-up problem.  Toughest TE to defend.  Just saw a glimpse of his potential.  So natural, smooth, and effortless.  WR in TE’s body.   How are teams going to stop Packers aerial attack?  10 touchdowns/1,000 yards?

OL: Jeff Backus, Rob Sims, Olin Kreutz, Steve Hutchinson, Gosder Cherilus.

Defense

DE: Julius Peppers – How do you block this guy?  Impressive set of skills that are unmatched as defensive end.  Forces fumbles, intercepts passes, and frees up teammates.  Offensive coordinator’s headache.  A handful for any tackle.  With a weak NFC North group he should dominate.  Pressure is on him to excel and make big-time difference.

DE: Cullen Jenkins – Key to Green Bay defense.  When he’s in it’s a different story.  Just his presence alone pays big dividends.  What he brings to the table cannot be measured.  Solid run stuffer.  Can get to the passer really well for his size.  Up and coming Ray Edwards deserves consideration here.

DT: Ndamukong Suh – Next Warren Sapp?  Based on hype, he’s as good as it gets at the position.  They don’t make ‘em like this.  Once-in-a-lifetime player?  Has all the talent in the world.  Rare breed?  Have to believe he will make a tremendous impact right from the get-go.  Should not have a problem adjusting to next level and transitioning over to Sundays.  8+ sacks is very realistic and attainable goal.

DT: Kevin Williams – Top defender on best defense in the division.  Loves to get to the QB.  Excellent run defender.  Does it all.  Shoe-in for Pro Bowl.  OC’s game plan for him, not Jared Allen.

LB: Lance Briggs – Always up there in stuffs (tackles for loss).  Nose for the ball, plays pass well.  Go-getter, really pursues sideline-to-sideline.  Bears best defender past four years.  Started to receive more credit.  Has only missed three games in his career.  Better than Urlacher.

LB: Clay Matthews – Best pass rushing LB in division.  Special player.  Final five games, racked up six sacks.  Only going to get better.  Literally bullied Adrian Peterson, ripping ball for touchdown on MNF.

LB: Jasper Brinkely – Reminiscent of a young Adalius Thomas.  Will get more of a chance this season.  I see him getting to the QB at will, becoming effective force.  Out with the old (Julian Peterson), in with the new.

CB: Charles Woodson – Playmaker.  What he did last year was remarkable.  Continues to be tested, continues to rise up to challenge and one up himself.  Performed at such an elite level in ‘09-10, you have to wonder if he will ever decline?  Despite numerous nagging injuries, won D.P.O.Y.  Top 15 player.

CB: Amari Spievey – Next play making corner back.  Just made it ahead of the “other Charles” (Peanut Tillman) and Zack Bowman.  There’s something about this kid.  He’s going to make QB’s pay for thinking he’s “just” a rookie.  Will get better with time, seeing he gets the privilege rubbing elbows with Calvin every day in practice.  Asante Samuel, anyone?

S: Nick Collins – The Ed Reed of the NFC.  Threat to make “house work” of every interception.  Prime time ball hawk.  Plays the center field spot extremely well.

S: Louis Delmas – Loose cannon.  Kid will become a household name relatively soon.  Next top safety.  Hawaii?  Aggressive as all get out.  Can hit, does the duty of an enforcer across the middle.  Guarantee for at least two defensive scores.

10. “Don’t Blink You May Miss A Score Special”:  Week 1 – Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears. This has the makings of a high-powered shootout.  Biggest arms the league has to offer go head-to-head in what will be a wild offensive thriller.  Team with the ball last wins.  Both defenses have mediocre secondaries.  Aerial display of fireworks at its finest, Stafford vs. Cutler, the two most unpredictable, inaccurate, shaky gunslingers.  51-48 sound appealing?

9. “Clash Of Styles Collide In Lambeau”:  Week 13 – San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers. You would think the warm weather West Coast team would provide the pass-happy offense and the cold weather Midwest squad would give you the run it down your throat up the gut attack, right?  Both teams have playoff admirations in mind -49ers could be wrapping up the division while the Packers could be fighting for their playoff lives trying to keep up with division rival Minnesota.  In what should be an evenly matched affair and a big road test for San Francisco, you could argue that more could be riding on the line for Green Bay at this stage of the season.  Nonetheless, an entertaining NFC outer-conference battle between two storied franchises.

8. “Early Season Measuring Stick, Playoff Preview”:  Week 2 – New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers. Monday Night contest features two of the finest and innovative coaches.  Sean Payton’s explosive passing show against Mike Singletary’s tricky defensive unit.  X’s and O’s should not be underestimated with these two mastermind gurus.  I like this game a lot because the Niners have much to prove, and what better way to treat the home fans to an early season victory on MNF against the defending Super Bowl Champs!  Week 2 games often give way to crazy results and you have to believe something unexpected will come before this night is over.

7. “Hall Of Fame QB’s In The Nation’s Capital:  Week 12 – Minnesota Vikings @ Washington Redskins. Tough, gutsy, confident, prideful…Winners.  They leave it all on the field.  Favre vs. McNabb – does it get any better than this?  Two of the most consummate professionals and persevering warriors we’ve ever seen take the gridiron will do whatever it takes to come out on top in this unique, one-of-a-kind match-up.  Two ultimate competitors who never miss a down square off in what will be Must-See TV come late November.

6. “Passing Wizards Take Center Stage”:  Week 9 – Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers. Two teams that many experts think have an excellent opportunity to represent the NFC in Dallas come February will meet Sunday Night in a pivotal NFC showdown.  Rodgers-Romo will be yet another prime time chance to catch an outstanding head-to-head QB duel.  How loaded is Dallas on both sides of the ball? Certainly you can make a case for Green Bay being just as stacked.  No doubt points will come easy, punters will be left at home, and quite possibly the winner might have the edge atop the conference in what will be a wide-open NFC.  Is there any reason not to tune in to NBC November 9th?

5. “The Game Inside The Game -Once Admired Hero Returns Home —To Boos”:  Week 4 – Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles. The beloved, yet often criticized, and misunderstood Donovan McNabb will have his hands full when the chance of a lifetime calls, to stick it to his former team in the NFC’s #5 game to watch in 2010.  What a golden opportunity for the future H.O.F. signal caller ran out of town because of his inability to deliver the city of Brotherly Love a Super Bowl championship to seek and capture revenge.  A coach’s nightmare, a fan’s dream come true.  Even better, a media-filled frenzy, as they will be chomping at the bit turning this game into a circus before the game even starts.  Post game recap, Donovan McNabb’s performance best described – a field day. 

4. “Legend Makes Another Visit To Old Stomping Grounds”:  Week 7 – Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers. Favre-Rodgers Round 3.  Favre returns to Green Bay!  Rivalry game will captivate even the most casual fan.  This will be the highest rated prime time game of the year.  Both teams love to score and both teams hate each other.  Both teams could be 6-0 vs. 5-0?  No, not a chance…

3. “Trying To Reach Your Level”:  Week 6 – Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings. 34-3.  No need for bulletin board material.  America’s Team remembers.  There season ended in the Metrodome, soaked in embarrassment and drenched in humiliation.  This game will mean so much to Dallas – Shall I say, “Statement Game”?  By all means circle this date on your calendar.

2. “Dethroning The Team Atop, Time For Payback.  Picking Up Where We Left Off, Time To Defend Our House, Our City, Our Crown -Our Supremacy”:  Week 1 – Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints.  5 Reason Why Vikings Will Win NFC Title Rematch

Any time you have “Twitter Wars” going back and forth between key players in May, four  months (baffled by this fiasco) before the actual game, you know there’s bad blood and you know this game has something more to it —and to top it off, we don’t have to wait because it kicks off the 2010 NFL season!  Imagine this game on Pay-Per-View!  Would you pay $44.95?  $49.95?  $54.95?  Do I have any takers? $59.95?  $64.95?  $69.95?  Is that my highest bid?  Could it spark your interest that much?  So much, that you would be willing to take out the wallet and throw down some cash on this Week 1 NFC Title Rematch?  Even in during these crazed economic times?  Vikings-Saints, The Sequel of the Overtime Thriller and Best Game of the 2009-2010 NFL Season.

1. “Tantalizing Thanksgiving Treat“:  Week 12 – New Orleans Saints @ Dallas Cowboys. Arguably the two most talented teams in all of football playing at the biggest stadium, on one of the biggest days for football -can you ask for any bigger of a scene, setting and stage?  This game has all the potential!  It takes the cake, it takes the top honors, and it will come at a time when teams are usually playing their best football.  All eyes will be feasting on the only game playing at the time and this game will live up to all the hype surrounding the atmosphere come Thanksgiving Day.  Dream scenario…10-0 vs. 10-0?  NFC Title Preview?  Must-See TV.

Known for their changes in personnel this offseason, the Seahawks are set to make another addition, but, instead of shaking up the roster, this time the alteration is to their front office. 

According to a report from ESPN.com’s Mike Sando, Seattle’s set to hire former San Francisco 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan.

Per Sando, McCloughan joins the Seahawks without a specific title as of yet, but one could be given sometime this week when the Seahawks officially announce the hire.  What’s also unknown according to the report is the reason for his departure from San Francisco, besides what he called “undisclosed personal reasons.”

McCloughan’s arrival in Seattle will be a return to the team that he previously spent five years with.  Working for the Seahawks from 2000 through 2005, McCloughan served as the team’s director of college scouting.

Joining the Seahawks will also be a reunion with the team’s general manager, John Schneider, for McCloughan.  Both worked in Green Bay in the 1990s, as well as in 2000 when former Packers head coach Mike Holmgren came to man the sidelines for the Seahawks.