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Green Bay Packers

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 Green Bay 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 Green Bay Packers were founded in 1919 by Curly Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun. Lambeau solicited funds for uniforms from the Indian Packing Company, where he worked as a shipping clerk. He was given $500 for uniforms and equipment, and was allowed use of the company grounds as a practice field. Lambeau initially wanted to name the team the "Indians," but his girlfriend, Agnes Aylward, suggested the name "Packers."

The Packers are the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sports team in the United States. The team's stock is owned by over 360,000 shareholders, making it the most widely owned professional sports team in the world.

The Packers play their home games at Lambeau Field, which is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Lambeau Field is one of the most iconic stadiums in the NFL, and is known for its cold weather and frozen tundra.


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Retired Jersey Numbers of the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers, a storied franchise with a rich history, have a relatively small but highly esteemed group of retired jersey numbers.

This exclusive honor is reserved for players who have made extraordinary contributions to the team and the sport.  

The Packers' retired numbers represent a pantheon of football legends. Players like Don Hutson, the revolutionary wide receiver, and Bart Starr, the iconic quarterback, have their jerseys enshrined in the rafters. These numbers are not merely digits but symbols of dominance, leadership, and unwavering dedication.

The team's commitment to honoring its greatest players is evident in the careful selection of numbers for retirement. Each jersey represents a chapter in the Packers' illustrious history, inspiring current and future generations of players and fans alike. As the Packers continue to build on their legacy, the retired numbers serve as a constant reminder of the extraordinary individuals who have shaped the franchise's identity.

Here are the honored players and their numbers that are not issued in Green Bay anymore:

-Jersey Number 3
Tony Canadeo 1941–1952

-Jersey Number 4
Brett Favre 1992–2007

-Jersey Number 14
Don Hutson 1935–1945

-Jersey Number 15
Bart Starr 1956–1971

-Jersey Number 66
Ray Nitschke 1958–1972

-Jersey Number 92
Reggie White 1993–1998

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-When did football jerseys start having numbers on them? Though there was documented talk of it since 1894, players only wore digits in a 1905 Iowa State at Drake game. Check out more on this story The Origins Of Football Player Numbers.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.

1939 The Green Bay Packers' NFL Championship Triumph

The episode delves into the transformative narrative of the Green Bay Packers’ legendary championship victory in 1939, a pivotal moment that significantly in... — www.youtube.com

There was more than just a looming war that affected the game. Longtime NFL president Joe Carr unexpectedly passed away in May 1939, just three months after a new 10-year contract to lead the NFL was renewed. Carr had been there since the beginning of the League and molded the fledgling organization in its architect of the initial re-organizing, as he nurtured growth, steered through controversies with discipline, lasted rival leagues, and changed the course and direction of the NFL. Carl Storck, former owner of the Dayton Triangles and another founding owner present at the beginning of the League, took over as Carr's successor.

Innovation in Football 1939

A 1939 experiment with ways to get their NFL product out there should be noticed. A TV broadcast of a game in the Albany, New York, area was a bold move by the NFL. It is now known as the first broadcast of an NFL game as on October 22; the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 23-14 in a game played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. It may not have been deemed a success then, but it helped pave the way for future considerations in TV broadcasts, which would turn the NFL into the big business it is in modern times.

Regular broadcasts of games would not occur until 1951, partly due to World War II, which put such ventures on the back burner for a few years.

The 1939 Season Had Close Divisional Races

The Western Division Title and the Eastern came down to the last two weeks of the season before being decided. The West was determined in a Green Bay and Detroit Divisional leaders matchup. The Pack was trailing the Lions in the second half. A win by Detroit would force a divisional playoff between the two clubs at a later date. Green Bay avoided this extra game by Hall of Fame Back Clark Hinkle scoring a late go-ahead touchdown to provide a 12-7 win for the Packers to propel them into the NFL Title game with one more game for each team to play.

The Eastern Division was even closer and went the final weekend of the regular season. The New York Giants and the Washington Redskins were dead, even 8-1-1 records. Their only head-to-head meeting before this last game had been a scoreless tie. Washington scored the game's only touchdown but still lost 9-7 on three New York field goals.
The NFL Championship game between the Giants and the Packers was less competitive than these regular season games mentioned. Green Bay trounced the visiting New Yorkers 27-0 to win the NFL crown.
The Philadelphia Eagles' QB, Davey O'Brien, led all NFL Passers with 1324 yards. In rushing, Bill Osmanski of the Chicago Bears rumbled 699 yards to lead all ball carriers. Green Bay's Don Hutson dominated the receiving honors with 846 yards.

The 1939 NFL season culminated in a decisive victory for the Green Bay Packers, solidifying their dominance in the league. Here's a summary:

Regular Season:

-The Green Bay Packers, under the legendary coach Curly Lambeau, showcased their strength, finishing the regular season with an impressive 9-2 record.

-This performance secured them the top spot in the NFL's Western Conference.

NFL Championship Game:

-The Packers faced the New York Giants, the defending champions, in the NFL Championship Game.

-The game at Wisconsin State Fair Park saw the Packers deliver a commanding performance, shutting out the Giants with a 27-0 victory.

-This win marked the Packers' fifth NFL championship and, notably, the first-ever shutout in an NFL title game.

Key Highlights:

-The Packers' offense, featuring notable players like Don Hutson, Arnie Herber, and Cecil Isbell, proved highly effective.

-The Packer's defense was also robust, and that showed in the championship game.

-The game was played in front of a huge crowd for that period.

-This victory further cemented the Green Bay Packers' legacy as a powerhouse in the early years of the NFL.

In essence, the 1939 season was a testament to the Packers' well-rounded team and coaching, culminating in a resounding championship triumph.

Today's Podcast

The podcast delves into the intricate tapestry of the 1939 NFL season, mainly focusing on the Green Bay Packers' championship triumph. With the specter of war looming over the nation, the Packers emerged as a formidable force, showcasing a blend of grit and strategy that would ultimately shape the future of the National Football League. The narrative is enriched by insights from esteemed football historian Tommy Phillips, who thoroughly analyzes the season's dynamics, including key player performances and the pivotal matchups that defined this era of football. Despite not being the dominant team of their time, Phillips highlights how the Packers managed to carve out a significant legacy through strategic gameplay and the exceptional talent of individuals such as Don Hutson, a Hall of Fame receiver who played a critical role in the team's success.

As the discussion progresses, the podcast examines the intense rivalry between the Packers and the New York Giants, exploring their historical context and the stakes involved in their championship rematch. The episode further elaborates on the unique characteristics of the 1939 season, including the nuances of the single-wing offense employed by the Packers, which featured several versatile players capable of throwing the ball, thus complicating defensive strategies. The analysis transcends mere statistics, offering a vivid portrayal of the season's significance, including the atmosphere surrounding the games and the burgeoning popularity of American football during this transformative period.

In conclusion, this episode serves as a captivating exploration of a pivotal chapter in NFL history, inviting listeners to appreciate not only the athletic prowess on display but also the broader cultural implications of the sport during a time of national uncertainty. Such narratives are essential for understanding the evolution of football and the indelible mark left by teams and players who have shaped the game's legacy.

1930 The NFL Season and Green Bay's Hard-Fought Triumph

The 1930 NFL season is a testament to professional football's gritty early days, a period marked by intense competition and the looming shadow of the Great Depression. This season, chronicled by podcasts like Pigskin Dispatch, witnessed a nail-biting race for the championship between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants.

The season began with both teams displaying dominance. The defending champions, Green Bay Packers, maintained an undefeated streak while the Giants were hot on their heels. A pivotal clash occurred on November 23rd at the Polo Grounds, where a crowd of 37,000 witnessed the Giants triumph, bringing their record to an impressive 11-2. However, the Giants stumbled after Thanksgiving, suffering a surprising loss to Staten Island. Green Bay capitalized, regaining their lead with a decisive victory over the Frankford Yellow Jackets. This fluctuation in standings created high drama for fans.

Also, check out our Football History Rewind Part 67 on the 1930 Pro Football Season.

The tension escalated in the final weeks of the season. A key moment occurred when the Green Bay Packers suffered a surprising loss to the Chicago Bears. The New York Giants added further pressure on Green Bay by winning against the Frankford Yellow Jackets. This NY win brought the two teams to an incredibly tight standing. The New York Giants had a 13-4 record, and the Green Bay Packers were 10-3, the winning percentage being extremely close.

The championship ultimately hinged on Green Bay's final game against the Portsmouth Spartans. The Packers needed at least a tie to secure the title. The game ended in a 6-6 tie, granting the Green Bay Packers the 1930 NFL championship with a 10-3-1 record. This season was a testament to the resilience of both teams as they navigated challenging circumstances to compete at the highest level, inspiring football fans worldwide.

The Green Bay Packers' victory in 1930 solidified their status as a dominant force in the early NFL. Key players like Verne Lewellen, Johnny Blood McNally, and Clark Hinkle were instrumental in the team's success, their contributions reverberating through the history of the sport. The Packers' ability to maintain their dominance during the onset of the Great Depression underscored the deep connection between the team and its dedicated fanbase.

The 1930 season provides valuable insights into the evolution of NFL history. Sources such as Pro-Football-Reference.com, Newspapers.com, and the Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA) contribute to the preservation of this historical information. In an era that predated detailed statistics, scoring leaders and team-winning percentages provided the information needed to record the day's story.

In conclusion, the 1930 NFL season, with its close competition and dramatic finish, remains a captivating and significant chapter in football history. The Green Bay Packers' championship victory, achieved amidst economic hardship, speaks to the enduring spirit of the game and its ability to unite communities, underscoring the importance of this historical period in shaping the NFL we know today.

The 1921 Green Bay Packer Scandal That Almost Ended a Dynasty

Football Daily | The Green Bay Packers in 1921 had a scandalous item that got them kicked out of the NFL — pigskindispatch.com

Imagine the Green Bay Packers, a historic franchise with a passionate fanbase, being kicked out of the league for cheating. That's exactly what happened in 1921! This wasn't your typical "deflated football" situation. Buckle up for a tale of undercover college players, a heated state championship battle, and a near-death experience for the Packers themselves.

Would the iconic green and gold survive this scandal? Dive in to discover the story that almost extinguished the flame of Titletown.

A Detailed Account of the NFL Season and Champions

The 1929 NFL season was a landmark year, marked by expansion, officiating changes, and a dominant Green Bay Packers team. The league welcomed new franchises, including the Orange Tornadoes, Staten Island Stapletons, and Minneapolis Red Jackets, while the Buffalo Bisons returned after a year's hiatus. Notable team shifts included the Pottsville Maroons becoming the Boston Bulldogs, the New York Yankees folding, and the Detroit Wolverines merging with the New York Giants.

Want to catch up on our series of posts and podcasts on Pre-Super Bowl NFL Champs? Check it out here NFL Champions.

A significant development was the introduction of the Field Judge, a fourth on-field official, to enhance game coverage. This position, though initially optional, aimed to improve the visibility of plays, particularly in the deep secondary and along the sidelines, which were increasingly utilized with the growing popularity of the forward pass.

The undefeated Green Bay Packers and the formidable New York Giants dominated the season's narrative. Their highly anticipated November 24th clash, touted as the unofficial championship game, lived up to expectations. The Packers emerged victorious, defeating the Giants 20-6 and securing a crucial lead in the standings. Both teams continued their winning streaks, but with a 12-0-1 record, the Packers clinched their first NFL championship. The Giants finished a close second at 13-1-1.

In their final game, the Packers' victory over the Chicago Bears, 25-0, solidified their undefeated season. Carl Lidberg and Eddie Kotal delivered standout performances, with Kotal's spectacular one-handed catch being a highlight. The team's defensive prowess was also notable, allowing only 22 points throughout the season and recording eight shutouts. The Packers’ roster was filled with talent, and the team featured many players who would be considered game legends.

The first night game in professional football history was played on November 6, 1929, at Kinsley Park in Providence, Rhode Island. The Providence Steam Roller hosted the Chicago Cardinals in this historic contest.

The season also highlighted individual brilliance, with players like Bull Behman, Tony Plansky, Ernie Nevers, and Benny Friedman delivering exceptional performances. The Packers' championship win was celebrated with a "Championship Fund" initiated by the Green Bay Press-Gazette, raising over $5,000 for the players despite the recent stock market crash. Each player received $220 and a watch, a testament to the community's support.

Sources:

Pro-Football-Reference.com

Packers.com

Newspapers.com

https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/205713961.html

Clarke Hinkle Packers HOF Player

From Packers.com, the official website of the Green Bay Packers the life bio of Clarke Hinkle.

Born April 10, 1909, in Toronto, Ohio, was the stud fullback of 1929 to 1931 from Bucknell University, Clarke Hinkle arrived into this life. The FootballFoundation.org bio on Clarke states that he might just be the best player to ever suit up for Bucknell. Hinkle was blessed with great foot speed and mobility which gave him excellent range, both on offense and the defensive side of the ball. He was nicknamed the "Lackawanna Express," as he first achieved fame and notoriety in 1929, his sophomore season, when he led the East in scoring with 128 points.

He got better the more he played too as Clarke led Bucknell to an undefeated season in 1931. Clarke Hinkle’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1971. Hinkle joined the Green Bay Packers in 1932 and he was the answer to counter the Bears Bronko Nagurski, as the two battled head to head on many occasions. Bronko was the big powerful runner of the era but the stout Hinkle, who was 30 pounds lighter, was determined to hold his own with anyone on an NFL gridiron. Clark's moto was "get to the Bronk before he gets to me," a tactic he used to perfection one day in 1934. Trapped on the sidelines by Nagurski, Clarke escaped his tackle by driving directly into and over him. The Bears' superstar was helped from the field with a broken nose and a fractured rib.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame says that during his 10 years with the Green Bay Packers, Hinkle was named first- or second-team all-league each year! In 1964 Clarke Hinkle was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ray Nitschke Hall of Fame Packer Defender

Born December 29, 1936 - Ray Nitschke the feared middle linebacker of the Green Bay Packers was born. Ray was the third overall pick in the 1958 NFL Draft by the Packers and he played with the team for 15 seasons according to his bio on the Pro Football HOF.

Nitschke defended both the run and the pass well as his 25 career interceptions would indicate. Ray was a member of 5 champion Green Bay teams and was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame placed Ray Nitschke in a gold jacket in 1978.

-College Career

Ray Nitschke's collegiate football career was marked by his time at the University of Illinois. While not a standout star, he displayed a relentless work ethic and a tenacious playing style that would define his professional career. Nitschke's college experience laid the foundation for his future success, instilling in him the discipline and determination necessary to excel at the highest level of the sport.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1958 NFL Draft, Ray Nitschke would go on to become one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. Initially a backup, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a cornerstone of Vince Lombardi's legendary Packers defense. Nitschke's career was synonymous with toughness, relentless pursuit, and a ferocious playing style. He was the heart and soul of the Packers' dominant teams of the 1960s, contributing significantly to five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowl victories.  

Nitschke's impact extended beyond his statistics. He was a vocal leader, inspiring his teammates with his unwavering dedication and work ethic. His ability to consistently deliver bone-jarring tackles and make crucial plays in big games earned him the respect of opponents and fans alike.  

-Football Legacy

Ray Nitschke's legacy is etched in the annals of NFL history as one of the game's most ferocious and respected defenders. His impact on the Green Bay Packers and the sport as a whole is immeasurable. Nitschke's relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his unwavering toughness, became the blueprint for generations of linebackers.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Nitschke's character and leadership qualities made him a role model for aspiring football players. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978 was a fitting recognition of his extraordinary career. Ray Nitschke will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

1936 NFL Championship

A compelling exploration of the Green Bay Packers’ inaugural championship season in 1936, this podcast episode intricately woven the narratives of sportsmans... — www.youtube.com

The 1936 NFL season is a pivotal chapter in the league's burgeoning history, a year that solidified the sport's growing popularity and showcased a fascinating clash of styles. It was a time when the league was still finding its footing, characterized by regional rivalries, evolving offensive strategies, and the emergence of legendary figures.

The season witnessed a hard-fought battle for supremacy, with teams vying for the coveted championship title against economic hardship and social change.

-Changes in the NFL for 1936

The 1936 NFL season was the 17th regular season of the National Football League and it is filled with interesting items that helped shape the modern game. Possibly the most significant takeaway of the year was the stability shown in the League. For the first time, since its inception in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, there were no teams that folded that played the previous season. Likewise there was no further growth of the organization either, as no new franchises came onboard.

A second advent in 1936 NFL football was that all teams played the same number of scheduled games for the first time (12). League President Joe Carr saw his nine-team league have a bit of competition from a rival pro football organization, a group that called itself the American Football League.

-A 1936 Competitor to the NFL Emerges in Pro Football

The American Football League 2.0 was a short-lived but exciting attempt at a rival pro football institution. Many of the franchises of the AFL robbed the rosters of the NFL teams they shared cities with. That is except for Booston who refused to take any players from the NFL Boston Redskins franchise. (We will see in a bit how this may have benefitted the Redskins)

This AFL was the second of three instances an alternate League by that name would compete with the NFL, the first being the one organized by Red Grange land C.C. Pyle back in 1926. This second-generation AFL would feature an six-team league organized by former New York Giants personnel director Dr. Harry March. The popularity of the rival League was evident when fifteen cities launched applications to join the AFL. After careful consideration and viability items were addressed, March and a few others selected the six best choices to help the new League. Dr. March spearheaded the effort to have it be a league with the players' input in decision-making. March served as the president of the fledgling association until his resignation in October and his replacement by New York Yankees Football franchise owner James Bush.

The teams in this edition of the American Football League were:

-Boston Shamrocks - The eventual AFL Champions.

-New York Yankees - The second time a pro football franchise used this iconic MLB name in an organization called the AFL.

-Cleveland Rams - The inaugural season of the current LA Rams franchise in pro football

-Brooklyn Tigers

-Pittsburgh Americans

-Syracuse Braves

The AFL had attendance issues with five of its teams. New York, Cleveland, and Boston had substantial numbers at the box office, but their revenue needed more to carry the load of the entire League. The AFL was looking for some additional viable franchises after it first season.

-1936 NFL Season and Title Game

The National Football League, despite the competition, kept rolling along. The NFL's nine teams comprised the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Pirates, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cardinals, Boston Redskins, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Detroit Lions.

Philadelphia Owner Bert Bell's suggestion of holding a League-wide Draft came to fruition that year with the Eagles picking former University of Chicago Maroons star Jay Berwanger. Though Berwanger never played a snap in the League, the process of teams with the worst records the previous season set the standard for parity in not only the NFL and pro football but for professional sports across the globe.

Green Bay ran away with the NFL's Western Division by outclassing the competition with a stellar record of 10-1-1. In the Eastern Division, there was a race between three teams to claim the right to win the Division. Near the end of the scheduled season, a big game was on the docket to help determine the Eastern representative in the postseason. The Pittsburgh Pirates were at 6–5 and the Boston Redskins at 5–5 when they met on November 29 in Boston before a crowd of only 7,000. The lack of fan support did not deter Boston, and on the arm of Sammy Baugh, defeated the Pirates 30–0. The Redskins, now at 6–5, had a showdown set in the final game of their regular season with the 5–5–1 New York Giants, who remained contenders for the Divisional crown. On December 6, the Boston Redskins won the contest 14–0 before 18,000 spectators in the Polo Grounds.

Redskins Owner George Preston Marshall, unhappy with the way his team had been supported in Beantown, decided to change the location of the 1936 Championship from his homefield in Boston to the New York Polo Grounds, where his team defeated the Giants a game earlier in front of a nice sized crowd.

The Green Bay Packers had the best regular season record, and they defeated the Boston Redskins in the NFL Championship Game, 21-6.

The Packers were led by quarterback Arnie Herber, who threw for 1,239 yards and eight touchdowns. Herber's favorite target was receiver Don Hutson, who caught 536 yards and six touchdowns.

This season highlighted the contrasting approaches to the game, particularly in the championship showdown. The Green Bay Packers, a team steeped in tradition and known for their powerful running game, faced off against the Boston Redskins, a franchise that was rapidly gaining notoriety for their innovative passing attack. Under the guidance of the iconic Curly Lambeau, the Packers represented the established order, a team built on grit and experience. The Redskins, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Sammy Baugh and coach Ray Flaherty, embodied the future of the game, a team that dared to challenge conventional wisdom.

The 1936 NFL Championship Game, played at the Polo Grounds in New York City, became a defining moment in the league's history. It was a contest that pitted contrasting philosophies against each other, a battle between the old guard and the new wave. The outcome of this game would not only determine the season's champion but also offer a glimpse into the future direction of professional football. The Packers' decisive victory over the Redskins served as a testament to their dominance and a reminder of the enduring power of a well-rounded team, while the Redskins' presence in the championship game signaled the dawn of a new era, one where the aerial attack would become increasingly vital.

The 1939 NFL Season History Rewind

Huddle up, football faithful! Step back in time with us to 1939, a year etched in gridiron lore. It was a season where leather meets cleats, legends rise, and records fall. Imagine, if you will, a landscape dotted with iconic stadiums, their stands crackling with anticipation. The air vibrates with the roar of the crowd, punctuated by the thwack of the pigskin and the bone-jarring crunch of tackles. This, my friends, is the story of the 1939 NFL season, a tale woven with triumph, heartbreak, and the unyielding spirit of the game we love.

Green Bay's Dynasty Reaches Its Zenith:
Led by the indomitable trio of Arnie Herber, Cecil Isbell, and Don Hutson, the Green Bay Packers were a juggernaut. Their innovative passing attack, a marvel of the time, left defenses bewildered and fans awestruck. This year, they aimed for an unprecedented feat: a third consecutive NFL Championship, a feat unmatched in league history.

1931 Analyzing the The Packers First Three-Peat

Fresh off the excitement of Super Bowl LIX, where the quest for a three-peat fell short, let's turn back the clock to a time when a team achieved that very feat – the 1931 Green Bay Packers. This era, before the Super Bowl, was a rugged and fascinating period in NFL history, and the Packers' dominance stands as a testament to their exceptional talent.

-A League in Flux:

The 1931 NFL season, the league's 12th, unfolded against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Financial hardship forced the Newark Tornadoes and Minneapolis Marines to fold, and the Frankford Yellow Jackets, champions of 1926, also succumbed to the economic pressures. This left the NFL with a mere nine teams by season's end. However, amidst the turmoil, the Cleveland Indians joined as an expansion team, and the Portsmouth Spartans emerged as a formidable force, starting with seven consecutive wins and allowing only 16 points in those games.

-The Packers' Path to Glory (and Controversy):

The Green Bay Packers, led by the legendary Curly Lambeau, were on a mission to secure their third consecutive NFL championship. They started strong, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. The season culminated in a controversial decision that ultimately crowned the Packers champions.

The Packers, with a 12-2 record, were scheduled to play the 10-3 Portsmouth Spartans. However, the Packers' brass refused to play, knowing a loss would result in a tie for the championship. The Spartans protested, but NFL Commissioner Joe Carr sided with Green Bay, awarding them the title and leaving Portsmouth with a bitter second-place finish.

The Stars of the 1931 Packers:

The Packers' success was built on a foundation of exceptional talent. Let's delve into some of the key players who contributed to their historic three-peat:

-Laverne "Lavvie" Dilweg:
A dominant defensive end, Dilweg's talent is often overlooked.
He amassed an astounding 27 career interceptions, a feat unmatched by most of his contemporaries.
As Ken Crippen of the Football Learning Academy pointed out, Dilweg was considered one of the best ends of the pre-modern era, yet he has not received the Hall of Fame recognition he deserves.

-Vern Lewellyn:
Lewellyn, the Packers' star halfback, was a crucial part of their championship runs.
Chris Willis of NFL Films highlighted Lewellyn's consistent performance, even suggesting he would have been a back-to-back MVP in 1929 and 1930.
Again, a player whose Hall-of-Fame credentials are powerful.

-Curly Lambeau:
The founder of the Packers franchise and a visionary coach.
Lambeau was instrumental in popularizing passing plays and strategic offensive schemes.
As Larry Schmitt noted, Lambeau's leadership guided the Packers to six championships, surpassing even Vince Lombardi's record.

-Cal Hubbard:
A rare athlete who excelled in both football and baseball, earning induction into both Halls of Fame.
Hubbard was a dominant force on the offensive and defensive lines, contributing to four championship teams.
George Bozeka, PFRA president, detailed Hubbard’s amazing career.

-Johnny "Blood" McNally is a versatile player who made significant contributions.

-Mike Michalske, a Hall of Fame blocker who paved the way for the Packers' running game.

-Arnie Herber, who was in the early part of his Hall-of-Fame career.

-A Legacy Forged in Controversy and Triumph:

The 1931 season was a pivotal moment in NFL history. Though achieved amidst controversy, the Packers' three-peat solidified their place as one of the league's early dynasties. Their roster was filled with legendary players who helped shape the game.

The 1931 season was the last year in which the NFL championship was awarded without a championship game. The next year the NFL would have a championship game. The NFL would continue to evolve, but the legacy of the 1931 Green Bay Packers remains a testament to their remarkable talent and enduring spirit.
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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch _________________________

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Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________

Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________