A childhood dream was realized when a former University of Hawaii football player was approved for a Green card.

This past weekend, running back Alex Green signed deals with trading-card manufacturers Topps and Panini America (formerly Donruss). In exchange for his card being included in trading-card sets, Green will receive $10,000 from each company.

"I’m just going to hold on to (the money)," Green said. "I’m not going to buy anything."

Green, who rushed for 1,199 yards in 2010, was the Green Bay Packers’ third-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Because of the lockout, NFL teams are not allowed to negotiate with draft picks.

Green was among 35 players invited to participate in the five-day NFL Rookie Premiere, which concluded Sunday.

The past two Heisman Trophy winners — quarterback Cam Newton and running back Mark Ingram — also attended.

The event, conducted in Los Angeles, enabled invited rookies to meet with corporate advertisers. Green received an appearance fee of $10,000.

It was during a photo shoot that Green donned a Packers uniform for the first time.

"It was a great feeling to put on the jersey and helmet of the Super Bowl champions," Green said. "It was definitely special."

Green posed in jersey No. 25 — his Warriors number — although he will wear No. 39 for the Packers.

Green was given several of his rookie cards, which will go on sale in July.

"It was fun to see my picture and read my bio," he said. "Hopefully, somebody will want to collect my cards."

Green said he grew up trying to emulate running back Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions.

"I collected Barry Sanders cards," Green said. "I would buy them and put them in a folder. I have six pages of Barry Sanders cards. I still have them somewhere. I have to find them. I hope somebody didn’t sell them or throw them away."