Judge Ends NFL Lockout, Packers Can Now Get Super Bowl Rings

The Green Bay Packers have been unable to visit the White House and receive their Super Bowl rings due to league rules under the lockout.  But today, a judge halted the lockout, clearing the way for the world champion Packers to tidy up unfinished business from last season. 

The Packers are still looking for some face time with President Obama after being snubbed prior to the NFC Championship game with the Bears.  Obama was an Illinois Senator and Chicago Bears fan.  Packers Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Woodson called out Obama after winning the championship, saying "Guess What?  We're gonna see him." 

The Packers were concerned that the labor impasse might mean they would never get to visit the White House as a team.  Perhaps they should hurry, as the CBA is far from a done deal.  The league has lost some leverage over the players, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pointed out that the only way a season will occur is when both sides come together and negotiate a deal.

While this ruling is considered a victory for the players, the end of the lockout may be the best first step towards CBA resolution and the beginning of the 2011 season.

For the Packers, the ring ceremony will be a cathartic and long overdue event.  The Super Bowl championship rings will also carry great individual meaning to those receiving them. 

Aaron Rodgers waited patiently for years for his opportunity and now has achieved the pinnacle of football accomplishments.  Charles Woodson finally gets that ring he has hunted his long career.  Ted Thompson has something truly significant to appease naysayers and to finally put the Favre fiasco behind him.  Mike McCarthy has joined the likes of Lombardi and Holmgren in immortality. 

And for Green Bay Packer fans, it is another reason to celebrate football.