National Football League

Trip to Green Bay a special one for 2 Rams

Published Oct. 15, 2011 4:30 a.m. ET

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St. Louis rookie tight end Lance Kendricks has fond memories of Lambeau Field.

Growing up near Milwaukee, Kendricks spent many Sundays cheering on the Green Bay Packers from the stands.

''Went there a lot,'' he said. ''I always dreamed about playing there one day.''

That day is here. Kendricks, a second-round draft choice from Wisconsin, will take the field in his childhood haunt Sunday when the Rams (0-4) face the Super Bowl champion Packers (5-0).

''It's going to be fun,'' he said. ''I've been looking forward to this for a long, long time.''

Kendricks is in the middle of an up-and-down initial campaign. He has eight catches for 102 yards, but also has dropped several passes at key times.

The 23-year-old tight end turned heads during training camp and caught 11 passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns in four exhibition games. His best regular-season performance came in Week 4 when he hauled in four passes for 33 yards in a 17-10 lost to Washington.

The lifelong Packers fan is well aware of the Green Bay traditions, including the Lambeau Leap. He said he will consider making a jump into the stands if he scores Sunday -- as long as he finds a group of willing Rams fans.

Rams linebacker Brady Poppinga played six seasons in Green Bay before signing with St. Louis as a free agent in August. Poppinga, fifth on the Rams with 20 tackles, also is looking forward to the trip.

''Every time I'm on that field, it's always a special opportunity,'' Poppinga said. ''Just to go into a place that has a lot of tradition, a lot of history, a lot of childhood memories is always special. It's a special place in my heart.''

Poppinga still owns a house near Lambeau Field. He has been unable to sell it.

''People looking for a house in Green Bay, I've got one for you,'' Poppinga said. ''A four-bedroom brick house on a nice golf course. It's a great deal, it's a great buy.''

Poppinga made 181 solo tackles while starting 44 games for Green Bay. He said he has nothing but great memories of his six seasons in Wisconsin and realizes the Packers simply made a business decision by choosing not to resign him.

''Stick it to them? No, not at all,'' he said. ''The reality of it is my time there expired. It has nothing to do with any hard feelings.''

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