Football History

Born September 20, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was the fullback that hailed from LSU during the late 1950’s, Jim Taylor. Jim was selected as an All-American after the 1957 season for the Tigers. He was a big back for the era at 6 foot tall and weighing in at 214 pounds and the Packers picked him as the 15th overall pick in the 1958 NFL Draft.  Taylor did not disappoint as he played 10 seasons for the Pack and had a streak of  5 straight seasons of rushing for over 1000 yards! For his career he rushed for a total of 8597 yards and caught an amazing 225 passes for a combined total yardage of over 10,500 yards. The 1962 NFL Title game may be his watershed moment though in the League.  Taylor had 31 carries for 85 yards and a 7 yard touchdown run in the Championship game. Though he did fumble twice in the contest the legendary fullback added 3 receptions for 20 yards. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Jim Taylor in 1976.

Born June 8, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive Back for the Green Bay Packers. Herb ended his career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Prior to being picked by the Packers in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft as an offensive halfback, Adderly had played collegiately for Michigan State. In his rookie season facing the fact that the Pack already had two great backs in Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, the Green Bay coaches flipped him over to the defensive side of the ball as an emergency fill in for an injured corner Hank Gremminger and Adderly thrived as a cornerback.

Adderly accounted for 48 interceptions in his career and did some damage returning them as he averaged 21.8 yards per pick for a total of 1046 yards. Herb played in five NFL title games, and four Super Bowls! One of his biggest moments as a pro was a 60 yard pick six in Super Bowl II. The ball-hawking back also made it into five Pro Bowl games, as he was also an All-Pro in five different seasons. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Herb Adderly in 1980 to their Canton, Ohio museum.

Forrest Gregg, a towering figure in American football history, left an indelible mark on the sport as both a player and a coach.

His illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which he earned the admiration of fans and colleagues alike. Born in Birthright, Texas, in 1933, Gregg's passion for football ignited early, leading him to Southern Methodist University, where he honed his skills as an offensive lineman.

Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1956, Gregg embarked on a remarkable 16-year playing career, becoming an integral part of the team's legendary dynasty under head coach Vince Lombardi. Gregg's unwavering dedication and exceptional talent earned him numerous accolades, including nine Pro Bowl selections and five NFL championships.

The Green Bay Packers are a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of small-town resilience, and a testament to enduring tradition. From their humble beginnings in a meatpacking warehouse to their iconic status as the NFL's only community-owned franchise, their story is woven with triumph, heartbreak, and unwavering spirit.

Join us on a journey through time, exploring the colorful tapestry of the Packers' rich history. Each installment will peel back a layer, revealing the iconic figures, pivotal moments, and defining eras that shaped the team we know today. We'll delve into the early days under the legendary Curly Lambeau, where the legendary Lambeau Leap was born, and Vince Lombardi forged a dynasty with unmatched ferocity.

Prepare to relive the clutch throws of Bart Starr and Brett Favre, the electrifying runs of Ahman Green and Aaron Jones, and the bone-crushing tackles of Reggie White and Clay Matthews. We'll revisit the bitter rivalries with the Chicago Bears and the thrilling Super Bowl victories cemented the Packers' place in football lore.

But this series is more than wins and losses. We'll explore the unique ownership structure that sets the Packers apart, the passionate fan base that bleeds green and gold, and the team's impact on Green Bay and beyond. We'll delve into the challenges and controversies they've faced, showcasing their ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to their core values.

So, whether you're a die-hard Cheesehead or simply a curious sports fan, buckle up for a captivating journey through time. This series is an invitation to rediscover the magic of the Green Bay Packers. This team embodies the spirit of community, perseverance, and the enduring love for the beautiful game.

August 27, 1921 - The Green Bay Packers were admitted into the APFA (predecessor of the NFL) as J.E. Clair of Green Bay's ACME Packing Company was granted a franchise.

The City of Green Bay's population was just over 31,000, making the Packers the second smallest town to have an NFL franchise, next to only Tonawanda (see below). The Packers had to play almost exclusively on the road in larger cities where attendance could be expected to give a better count at the gates, thus giving the Green Bay team a larger cut in revenue than they could expect at home.

The 1921 season was shakey at best for the franchise as games were scheduled weekly by the home teams, who predominantly scheduled opponents by what attendance they could expect to draw.

The Packers are still in the smallest NFL market, but their fan base is one of the more popular teams of fans around the world.

Brett Favre's NFL career wasn't a neatly scripted narrative. It was a rollercoaster ride of audacious throws, improbable victories, and a sprinkle of controversy – all fueled by an undeniable passion for the game. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991, Favre's legend truly began with the Green Bay Packers in 1992.

Initially viewed as a raw talent, Favre blossomed under coach Mike Holmgren. His gunslinger mentality, characterized by deep throws and improvisational brilliance, captivated fans. He wasn't afraid to take risks, often extending plays with his scrambling ability and delivering pinpoint passes on the run. This gunslinger style led to both highlight-reel moments and interceptions, but it undeniably kept defenses honest.

Favre's tenure with the Packers was nothing short of remarkable. He led them to two Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots. He shattered numerous NFL records, including most career passing yards and touchdowns, both of which have since been surpassed by quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

However, Favre's story doesn't end in Green Bay. A messy public divorce from the Packers organization in 2008 led him to the New York Jets and ultimately the Minnesota Vikings. While his peak years were behind him, Favre's competitive fire remained. He revitalized the Vikings offense and nearly led them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2009.

Favre's legacy is complex. He is admired for his exceptional talent, leadership, and sheer love for the game. However, his gunslinger mentality sometimes resulted in costly mistakes, and his later-career decisions raised questions about his commitment.

Despite the complexities, Brett Favre's impact on the NFL is undeniable. He redefined the quarterback position with his aggressive style, leaving an indelible mark on the game and inspiring a generation of gunslingers.

Paul Hornung, nicknamed the "Golden Boy," wasn't your typical football player. He transcended the limitations of a single position, carving his name in NFL history as a versatile weapon on offense and a reliable contributor on defense. This essay explores Hornung's remarkable career, highlighting his achievements and the impact he left on the game.

Hornung's brilliance began at Notre Dame, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1956, showcasing his well-rounded skillset as a halfback. Drafted first overall by the Green Bay Packers in 1957, he joined a team on the cusp of greatness under the legendary coach Vince Lombardi.

Hornung defied categorization. He could run the ball with power and finesse, excelling at both inside and outside runs. His hands were sure, making him a reliable target in the passing game. But Hornung's talents didn't stop on offense. He was a skilled placekicker, a valuable asset in an era when kicking specialists were not yet commonplace.

This versatility made Hornung a nightmare for opposing teams. He led the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1959-1961), a feat rarely replicated. He was named NFL Most Valuable Player in 1961, a testament to his offensive dominance.

However, Hornung's impact wasn't limited to scoring points. He was a fierce competitor who embraced contact and contributed on defense when needed. His hustle and leadership were infectious, perfectly aligning with Coach Lombardi's philosophy.

Hornung's career wasn't without controversy. A two-season suspension for gambling in 1963 threatened to derail his career. However, he returned with renewed determination, leading the Packers to four NFL championships (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966) and the first-ever Super Bowl victory in 1967, though he did not play in the game due to injury.

Hornung retired in 1966, leaving behind a legacy of unique talent. He is one of the few players to achieve the prestigious double of winning both the Heisman Trophy and the NFL MVP award. His impact on the Packers' dynasty under Lombardi is undeniable, and his versatility continues to inspire conversations about what it means to be a complete football player.

Born on June 11, 1913, in Brooklyn, New York, was Vince Lombardi, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee, NFL coach of the Green Bay Packers, and former NFL executive.

Yes, even the trophy awarded to the Super Bowl Champion each season bears his name due to his importance to the NFL. Before becoming the Packers' head man, he had only five years of NFL experience as an assistant coach with the New York Giants. At his first team meeting, Lombardi challenged his new team by saying, "I have never been on a losing team, gentlemen, and I do not intend to start now!" The Packers responded as they improved from 1-10-1 in 1958 to 7-5 in 1959 in Lombardi's first season on the job. In 1960, Lombardi's Packers won the NFL championship five times in seven years and the first two Super Bowls in just ten seasons! Coach Vince had an overall career record of 105-35-6 as a head coach. The Pro Football Hall of Fame website claims that not only did he turn the Green Bay Packers around and take the league crown in 7 of nine seasons, but he also, in his final year as a coach, took the dismal Washington team and gave them their first winning season in 14! Vince Lombardi was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, a year after he died of cancer at age 57.

It is fitting that at the end of every Super Bowl, we remember the man that helped define the game.

Born May 15, 1970, in Cleveland, Ohio, was Desmond Howard, the University of Michigan’s wide receiver and kick returner from 1989 to 1991.

Howard led the Big Ten in scoring while helping the Wolverines to three conference titles and two Rose Bowls during his time in Ann Arbor. He did so well that he won the Heisman Trophy, was named a consensus All-America, and took home the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year, all in 1991 during his prolific senior season.

The FootballFoundation.org website claims he finished his career with 134 receptions for 2,146 yards and 32 touchdowns and set the Michigan record for most touchdowns (23) and points (138) scored in a single-season. Desmond Howard was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes. Desmond was the fourth overall selection in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, Howard spent 11 seasons as a pro. Howard claimed the Super Bowl XXXI Most Valuable Player when he led the Green Bay Packers over the New England Patriots after setting Super Bowl records for punt return yards (90) and total return yards (244) in a game. He also set the Super Bowl record for longest kick return of 99 yards.

Born April 9, 1898, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Curly Lambeau. Lambeau, along with his friend and fellow Green Bay, Wisconsin native George Whitney Calhoun, founded the Green Bay Packers in 1919, serving as team captain in the team's first year before becoming player-coach in 1920.

Curly was the star player of the Packers in the 1920s, as Curly was the team's primary runner and passer, accounting for 35 touchdowns in 77 games. He won his only NFL championship as a player in 1929.

As a coach from 1920 through the 1949 season, he was rivaled by only George Halas in wins and longevity ( and later Bill Belichick.) Lambeau also coached eight players who went on to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.