Historic Lambeau Field, just this side of heaven for the most devoted Green Bay Packers fans, will replace beers and cheers with prayers and praise on July 7 as thousands of Christians gather for what may be the first faith-based event ever held there. Advertisement At least 6,000 people have registered for Leap of Faith Lambeau, a day of worship, prayer, music and teaching, said Pat Boyer, president of Leap of Faith Group of De Pere. There are about 45,000 seats available, fewer than at the football games. That's because activities aren't being allowed on the field, and part of the east side of the stadium will be used for the stage.

If George Koonce's nose is right, the Green Bay Packers' offense might get an upgrade. Koonce, who recently resigned his position as the Packers' director of player development to accept a job with Marquette University, has caused a stir on blogs and Internet message boards with his remarks to a Milwaukee radio station Friday. At the end of an interview on "The Gary and Cliff Show" on WSSP (AM-1250), Koonce said "the offseason's not over with quite yet, so don't be surprised if ... a big name (comes) in before training camp."

Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Barnett was arrested early Sunday morning in Appleton on battery charges, according to the Appleton Police Department. Barnett was involved in a physical altercation at the nightclub WET on College Avenue and was arrested at 2 a.m. He was placed in Outagamie County Jail.

The Green Bay Packers have signed former receiver Antonio Freeman to a contract, a source with knowledge of the signing confirmed Friday. The Packers and Freeman agreed to the deal so he can retire from the National Football League as a Packer. Freeman was quarterback Brett Favre's favorite target in the Packers' Super Bowl years, leading the Packers in receiving from 1996-'99. In eight seasons in Green Bay, Freeman caught 431 passes, fifth most all-time by a Packer behind Sterling Sharpe (595), James Lofton (530), Don Hutson (488) and Boyd Dowler (448).

Brett Favre was held out of Green Bay's practices the past two days because of a sore right shoulder. "I probably could practice, but it really don't make a lot of sense to go out and make it any worse," Favre said. "I think it's probably just tendinitis or something like that." Coach Mike McCarthy said the medical staff doesn't consider the injury serious. Favre, however, won't be on the field June 18 and 19, when the Packers conclude their workouts.