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Later today on PackersNews.com and in Wednesday’s Green Bay Press-Gazette, we'll have a story chronicling the competition between Crosby and Tavecchio, along with the 22-year-old’s offseason plans.

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Since arriving in April, Giorgio Tavecchio has been vocal in expressing his gratitude in the Green Bay Packers’ locker room, particularly when it comes to the offensive line.

Signed as a street free agent in March, the first-year kicker has made it a routine point to thank the guys responsible for blocking on his field-goal attempts each time they cross paths.

Sure, it might come off a bit tacky, but the 5-foot-10, 182-pound Tavecchio also appreciates the opportunity before him after being cut by the San Francisco 49ers last preseason and spending the year out of football.

“I guess it becomes kind of cheesy, but at the same time it’s genuine because I do appreciate it,” Tavecchio said. “Not only myself but my other as well because she knows if they don’t block for me, I’m dead.”

Categorized by Packers punter Tim Masthay as “one of the friendliest people I’ve ever meet,” Tavecchio took things to another level before the team broke from organized team activities last month.

Born in Milan, Italy, and raised in a full-blooded Italian-American family, he brought a pan of Tiramisu to share with the offensive line as a final token of goodwill and for a job well done throughout the offseason program.

Tavecchio is aware the competition for the team’s kicking job with veteran Mason Crosby will heat up once training camp begins later this month, but the opportunity to play in the NFL isn’t being lost on him, either.

“I have made Tiramisu at home before. I’ve never made it for the O-line,” Tavecchio said. “My thinking behind that was these poor guys get beat up every day and most of the time they’re blocking for me, so I want them to know how much I appreciate it. If making them a dessert makes their day any better, I can go home a happy man.”