After he got drafted by the Packers, his first goal was just to make the practice squad.

A year later, Antonio Freeman joined the team as a rookie, with Robert Brooks pushing him to do more than settle for being his replacement on kick and punt returns.

The running back and the receiver served as key figures in the Packers' 1996 and 1997 Super Bowl seasons.

On Wednesday, the team announced that the pair will be inducted together into the Packers Hall of Fame on July 18, 2009.

"For me to go in with him, it's just an honor," said Levens. "You guys really don't understand what we go through as Football players. How long a season is; how we become family. And that's because we spend more time with each other than our real family. So 'Free' and the rest of the guys, they're all like brothers to me."

From 1994-2001, Levens ran for 3,937 yards, the all-time fifth-best rushing career in Packers history. In 1996, his 29-yard touchdown beat Carolina in the NFC Championship Game to send the Packers to New Orleans. The play was a wheel route in the flat for Levens, and the Packers had practiced it for about 12 weeks.

"And not having it called until the NFC Championship Game . . . " said Levens.

In 1997, he made the Pro Bowl and finished his career with 28 touchdowns. He was also a solid receiver with 271 receptions for 2,079 yards and 16 touchdowns. Only Ahman Green (347) and William Henderson (320) had more career receptions for Packers running backs.

Freeman is the Packers' sixth-best receiver all time with 431 receptions and 6,651 yards after his eight years with the team (1995-2001, '03). He also caught 57 touchdowns, third most in team history for receivers. One of his most memorable was against New England in Super Bowl XXXI: a then-record 81-yard touchdown reception from Brett Favre.

"You're talking about the ultimate game," said Freeman. "It was the game that you dream about."

His other calling-card touchdown came in the pouring rain at Lambeau Field against rival Minnesota on Nov. 6, 2000. Freeman made a bobbling, off-the-pads 43-yard catch, which was the game-winning touchdown in overtime to beat the Vikings, 26-20.

Freeman also played well in Super Bowl XXXII against Denver with nine catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns. In 1998, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

Both men were asked about the current state of the Packers, who have lost six of their last seven since the bye week.

"Obviously, I'm sure the players are disappointed, coming off an NFC Championship appearance last season," said Levens. "I know they have a lot of talent, and the expectation level is pretty high."

Levens visited the team in training camp around the time Favre was coming out of retirement. Levens felt quarterback Aaron Rodgers was in a lose-lose situation, following an icon like Favre, but Levens couldn't necessarily envision this outcome for the Packers.

"You know, I didn't really know what to expect," said Levens. "I know the whole Brett Favre situation was a little heavy. I didn't know how the players were going to react, how the fans would react. It was a circus, to be quite honest; going up there to training camp and all the hoopla surrounding Brett. I didn't know what was going to happen."

Freeman said he was surprised at the demise of the Packers this year, because of all the talent he saw.

"I have to commend Brett Favre on how he ultimately handled the situation," said Freeman. "I know he had the thing going on with telling the Detroit guys some plays or something, but both of those guys really handled it in a professional matter."

Both men also said the 1999 season was tough after finishing 8-8 after having been to the Super Bowl in 1996 and '97.

They could empathize with the current Packers, which are a disappointing 5-9 after making it to the NFC Championship Game last year.

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