2016 MEDIA GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTSDETAILED INDEX - ON PAGES 616-6212016 Packers Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover HONORS COMMUNITYClub Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Packers in the Wisconsin Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362PACKERS IN THE COMMUNITY Packers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505 ADMIN. &Community Involvement Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Packers Hall of Famers, Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 509 COACHESGreen Bay Packers Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 All-Pro Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510ADMINISTRATION & COACHING STAFF NFL Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512 VETERANSStaff Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pro Bowl Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 513Administration Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Packers All-Time Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529 DRAFT &Executive Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Retired Packers Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 538 FREE AGENTSCoach Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 ALL-TIME RESULTSPlayer Personnel Staff Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Results by Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383 2015 REVIEWFootball Support Staff Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Results vs. Defunct Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383Staff Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Results by Season, 1919-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390 RECORDS &THE PLAYERS Results by Season, 1940-2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393 HISTORYVeteran Player Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Results by Season, Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4692016 Draft Choice Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 All-Time W-L Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470Other Free Agent/First-Year Player Biographies . . . . . . . . . . 275 Largest Point Margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4702016 Roster by Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Monday Night Football/Prime-Time Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . 514Pronunciation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Thanksgiving Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5152016 Alphabetical Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 Overtime Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5152016 Numerical Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Preseason Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516How the Packers Were Built . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296 Charity Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5202015 SEASON IN REVIEW ORIGINSResults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298 The Packers Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521Regular-Season Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299 Packers Chronology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528Defensive/Special Teams Statistics, Regular Season . . . . . . 300 Curly Lambeau, Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 535Game-By-Game Statistics, Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 Don Hutson, Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536Participation Chart, Regular Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Vince Lombardi, Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537Postseason Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Shareholder and Financial History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539Participation Chart, Postseason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 Other Homes of the Packers, 1919-1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597Game Summaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 TEAMS PASTTransactions (June 16, 2015 – June 17, 2016) . . . . . . . . . . 323 First-Round Draft Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274NFL Final Standings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324 Head Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541RECORDS & CHAMPIONSHIPS Assistant Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542Packers Individual Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326 All-Time Alphabetical Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 544Packers Opponent Individual Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343 All-Time Uniform Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 554Packers Team Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346 All-Time Drafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567Lambeau Field Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359 All-Time Practice Squad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581The Last Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360 LAMBEAU FIELDAnnual Individual Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363 Stadium Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361Annual Team Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371 Hallowed Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590Select Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373 Lambeau Field Atrium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600Outstanding Performers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 Titletown District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 606Career Passing, Rushing & Receiving Leaders . . . . . . . . . . 379 NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEAll-Time Scoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380 2016 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608Thirteen Times World Champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471 Nationally Televised Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610Super Bowl Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472 League Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611Super Bowl Ring History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480 MEDIA INFORMATIONPackers in the Playoffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482 Public Relations Staff, Policies, Directions . . . . . . . . . . 622-624Playoff Game Summaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483Individual Playoff Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 498 Team Playoff Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501All-Time Coaching Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541Attendance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 597 THE GREEN BAY PACKERS’ MISSION IS TO WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS AND DELIVER LAMBEAU EXCELLENT GUEST EXPERIENCES WHILE GUIDED BY OUR CORE VALUES. FIELD Teamwork, Respect, Stewardship, Integrity, ExcellenceTHE GREEN BAY PACKERS’ VISION IS TO BECOME AND REMAIN THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE AGAINST WHICH ALL OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ARE MEASURED. MISC.© Copyright 2016 by the Green Bay Packers, Inc. All rightsPrimary Mark reserved.Player biographies in this guide are as of June 17, 2016. The information in this publication has been compiled for use by the news media to aid inreporting on the Green Bay Packers. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Green Bay Packers, Inc. 1
STAFF DIRECTORY STREET ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBERS MAILING ADDRESS Main Switchboard . . . . . . . 920-569-7500 Ticket Office Fax . . . . . . . . . 920-569-7101 Ticket Office . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-569-7501 Packers Pro Shop Fax . . . . 920-569-7151 Packers Pro Shop . . . . . . . 920-569-7510 Football Operations Fax . . . 920-569-7801 Administration Fax . . . . . . . 920-569-7301 Fan Information Hotline . . . 920-569-7502 Public Relations Fax . . . . . . 920-569-7201 Hall of Fame Hotline . . . . . . 920-569-7512 Community Outreach Fax . . . 920-569-7302 Stadium Tours Hotline . . . . 920-569-7513 ADMINISTRATION Alonzo Dotson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Scout Mark Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Owen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Scout Paul Baniel . . . . . . . . Vice President of Finance and Administration Charles Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Scout Craig Benzel . . . Vice President of Sales and Business Development Joe Hueber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scouting Assistant Gabrielle Dow . . Vice President of Marketing and Fan Engagement Charlie Peprah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scouting Assistant Nicole Ledvina . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President of Human Resources Danny Mock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Scouting Coordinator Ed Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President and General Counsel Autumn Thomas-Beenenga . . . . . . . . . . Pro Personnel Coordinator VIDEO COMMUNITY Toula Akladios . . Head of Shareholder Services and Stock Transfer Jerry Hanson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff Counsel Chris Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Video Director Patricia Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Assistant to the President Andy Muckerheide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Video Director Rhonda Borowicz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Legal Assistant Nick Goddard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Video Assistant EQUIPMENT Marissa Meli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Transactions Counsel Gordon “Red” Batty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment Manager Mary Bartels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant – Finance Tom Bakken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Equipment Manager Bryan Nehring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Equipment Manager Julie Leung . . . . . . Administrative Assistant – Sales and Marketing Tim Odea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment Assistant Kevin Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment Assistant Bob Harlan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman Emeritus MEDICALADMIN. & FOOTBALL OPERATIONS COACHES Ted Thompson . . . . . Executive Vice President, General Manager & Bryan Engel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Athletic Trainer Pepper Burruss . . . . . . Director of Sports Medicine Administration Director of Football Operations Dr. Patrick McKenzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Team Physician Dr. John Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Team Physician Russ Ball . . Vice President of Football Administration/Player Finance Kurt Fielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Athletic Trainer Nate Weir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Athletic Trainer Rob Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Player Engagement Cole Greenspan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intern Athletic Trainer Brock Reichardt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intern Athletic Trainer Matt Klein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Football Administration Coordinator PUBLIC RELATIONS Adam Korzun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Performance Nutrition Jason Wahlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Public Relations VETERANS Mike Halbach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Football Technology Sarah Quick . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Director of Public Relations Tom Fanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Communications Manager Ryan Feder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Football Technology Analyst Nate LoCascio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Relations Coordinator Brock Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Relations Intern Jeff Blasko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coaching Administrator Matt Becker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Team Photographer Andrew Kinn . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Assistant – General Manager PUBLIC AFFAIRS Melanie Marohl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salary Cap Analyst Aaron Popkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Public Affairs Katie Hermsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Affairs Coordinator Linda Nuthals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Travel Manager Cliff Christl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Team HistorianDRAFT & Sherry Schuldes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Family Programs BRAND & MARKETING FREE AGENTS Lisa Waeghe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Assistant – Head Coach Joan Malcheski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Brand & Marketing Garrison Cummings . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Intelligence Manager Diane Coron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Football Administration Assistant Brian O’Connell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital Analyst Tessa Ruid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email & Fan Acquisition Coordinator Connor Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . Football Technology Analyst Intern Bill Luebker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creative Design Manager Elizabeth Lasee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graphic Artist COACHING Lacey Frederick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fan Engagement Specialist Mike McCarthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Coach Haylee Helmle . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brand & Fan Engagement Assistant Tomi Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brand & Fan Engagement Intern Winston Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Head Coach/Linebackers Abigail Habeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email Marketing Intern Tom Clements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Head Coach/Offense COMMUNITY OUTREACH 2015 REVIEW Edgar Bennett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offensive Coordinator Cathy Dworak . Director of Community Outreach & Player/Alumni Relations Bobbi Jo Eisenreich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Corporate Giving Dom Capers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defensive Coordinator Ryan Fencl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Football Coordinator Tony Fisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Player/Alumni Coordinator Ron Zook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Teams Coordinator Amanda Wery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Outreach Coordinator Julie Broeckel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Giving Coordinator Mark Lovat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Sandy Roubal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Giving Coordinator Angela Gilman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Outreach Intern Brian Angelichio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tight Ends DIGITAL, PRODUCTION & GAME James Campen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offensive Line PRESENTATION Ejiro Evero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defensive Quality Control Kregg Shilbauer . . Director of Digital, Production & Game Presentation Kandi Goltz . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Game and Fan Development Luke Getsy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wide Receivers Duke Bobber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Digital Vic Ketchman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior WriterRECORDS & Scott McCurley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Linebackers Mike Spofford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Writer HISTORY Wes Hodkiewicz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff Writer Jerry Montgomery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defensive Front Assistant Ryan Hartwig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Content Developer Michael Atkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Producer Darren Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secondary – Safeties David Raih . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Offensive Line Jason Simmons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Special Teams Ben Sirmans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Running Backs Mike Trgovac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defensive LineLAMBEAU Alex Van Pelt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quarterbacks FIELD Joe Whitt Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secondary – Cornerbacks Chris Gizzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strength & Conditioning Assistant Thadeus Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . Strength & Conditioning Assistant Grant Thorne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strength & Conditioning Assistant PLAYER PERSONNEL Eliot Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director–Football Operations Brian Gutekunst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Player Personnel MISC. Alonzo Highsmith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Personnel Executive Jon-Eric Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of College Scouting Sam Seale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . West Regional Scout Tim Terry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Director of Pro Personnel John Wojciechowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Scout Richmond Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Scout Chad Brinker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pro Scout 2
Larry McCarren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sports Analyst SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STAFF DIRECTORYMike Vandersnick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Videographer Chad Watson . . . . . . . . Director of Sales & Business DevelopmentAdam Hoebelheinrich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Video Editor Justin Wolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Corporate SalesTyler Gajewski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital Media Coordinator Dana Kressig . . . . . . . . . Corporate Sales Executive – Digital SalesMatt Haberkamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital UX Coordinator Mitch Kluska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Sales ExecutiveMatt Arvin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Audio Video Production Intern Jon Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate Sales ExecutiveMatthew Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Game Entertainment Intern Sara Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Partnership ServicesJustin Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital Production Intern Shea Greil . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Partnership Services CoordinatorAndrew Temperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Media Intern Tammi Schroeder . . . . . . . . . . . . Partnership Services CoordinatorFACILITIES AND FIELDS Lisa Nortman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Partnership Services CoordinatorTed Eisenreich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Facility Operations Nick Beauchamp . . Digital Sales Partnership Services CoordinatorMike Moynihan . . . . . . . . . Assistant Director of Facility Operations Aaron Hart . . . . . . Manager of Corporate Sales – Milwaukee OfficeJustin Dantzman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HVAC Manager David LeGrand . . . . . Corporate Sales Executive – Milwaukee OfficeTodd Edlebeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Manager Michelle Ratchman . Partnership Services Coordinator – Milwaukee OfficeBrad “Gus” Gustafson . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Atrium Operations Corrinn Berge . Sales & Business Development Intern – Milwaukee OfficeAllen Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fields Manager Jason McDonough . . . . . . Assistant Director of Premium SeatingAnne Larson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Office Manager Daniel Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium Seating Sales ExecutiveBill Rasmussen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Manager Julie Kostner . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Premium Seating Coordinator COMMUNITYBill Roubal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical Manager Kelly Poppele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium Seating CoordinatorDave Tilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Supervisor Melissa Schleicher . . . . . . . Assistant Premium Seating CoordinatorCorey Wentland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Supervisor Scott Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Information AnalystCraig Nooyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sr. HVAC Technician Dylan Rusch . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales & Business Development InternClyde Watson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HVAC Technician Ben Tauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sales & Business Development InternKen Sulewski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HVAC TechnicianBill Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plumber/Beverage Systems Technician SECURITY ADMIN. & COACHES Doug Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Security/Risk ManagementDale Vannieuwenhoven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janitorial Coordinator Justin Crabb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Building Security ManagerDerek Paris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fields Assistant Andrew Wellens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Building Security SupervisorBart Bartelme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fields Assistant Mike Agnew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerJoel Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fields Assistant Craig Bagley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerEric DeMars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Facilities Assistant Scott Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerJoe Setzkorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atrium Operations Lead Doug Maes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerDan Skaleski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atrium Operations Lead Jesse Motto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerIsrael Torres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atrium Operations Lead Paul Schmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Officer VETERANSChristi Marcks . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant – Facilities Bob Slaby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerFINANCE Joe Stewart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerCarla Schrank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounting Manager Peter Yurek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerScott Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Accounting Manager Ruben Zayas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security OfficerTraci Nygaard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Accountant Brandon Arndt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shipping & Receiving CoordinatorBen Brossard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff Accountant Laurie Taicher . . . . . . . . . . . . Security/Risk Management Assistant DRAFT &Andrew Podlasik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staff Accountant Keith Cheslock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mail Clerk FREE AGENTSAnn Dabeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payroll Coordinator Mike Streckenbach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mail ClerkJill Austinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounting AssistantWendy Pasowicz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts Payable Assistant STADIUM SERVICES Jennifer Ark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Stadium ServicesJulie Van Asten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts Payable Assistant Wendy Jansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lambeau Field Events ManagerHUMAN RESOURCES Erin Longley . . . . . . . . . . Lambeau Field Events Account ExecutiveMelissa Malfroid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Human Resources Manager Jenny Zuege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lambeau Field Events SpecialistChelsea Schettle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Human Resources Assistant Amy Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lambeau Field Events Administrator 2015 REVIEWINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Krissy Zegers . . . . . . . . . . . Hall of Fame & Stadium Tour ManagerWayne Wichlacz . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Information Technology Casey Ausloos . . . . . Hall of Fame & Stadium Tour Sales ExecutiveKenny Ansel . . . . . . . Assistant Director of Information Technology Marc Leisgang . . Hall of Fame & Stadium Tour Operations CoordinatorMike Jelenic . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Computer Systems Administrator Brent Hensel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hall of Fame CuratorBobbi Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Services Analyst Keith Cronin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Guest ServicesRyan Nowak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Technology Systems Engineer LaFawn Joslin . . . . . . . . . . . Guest Services Assistant/SwitchboardAndy Cornelissen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data Warehouse Analyst Ginny Schram . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest Services Assistant/Reception RECORDS &Justin Ruckel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Network Support Specialist Sindi Anschutz . . . . . . . Guest Services Assistant/Atrium Concierge HISTORYTravis Conard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Computer Systems Administrator Diane Aubry . . . . . . . . . Guest Services Assistant/Atrium ConciergeJoe Reuter . . . . . . . . . . Information Technology Support Specialist Sue Last . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest Services Assistant/Atrium ConciergeTroy VanWychen . . . . . Information Technology Support Specialist Barb Van De Hey . . . . . Guest Services Assistant/Atrium ConciergeBecky Lamal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Help Desk/Administrative Assistant Karen Wiesner . . . . . . . Guest Services Assistant/Atrium ConciergeRETAIL OPERATIONSPeggy Prebelski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Retail Operations Carolyn Zeise . . . . . . . . Guest Services Assistant/Atrium ConciergeMarisa Schewe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ecommerce Marketing Manager TICKETING LAMBEAU FIELD Mark Wagner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Ticket OperationsAmy Vigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ecommerce Marketing Specialist Philip Caldwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Box Office ManagerPam Burnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Buyer Christine Wahlen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ticket Office CoordinatorJennifer Pertzborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buyer Sue Zernicke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ticket Office CoordinatorPatrick Luce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Buyer Molly Linnane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ticket Office InternTheresa Pagel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retail Purchasing AssistantCody Boeck . . . Manager of Retail Operations & Customer ServiceDeb Kuhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Packers Pro Shop Store Manager MISC.Lisa Treichel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Store ManagerDarren Lohr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Store ManagerTim Hodek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Store ManagerAndy Bomske . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Store ManagerTim Schroeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manager of Warehouse OperationsGavin Carrigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Warehouse ManagerJudy Pedersen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Warehouse Manager 3
CLUB INFORMATION First Season: 1919 (independent) Stadium: Lambeau Field First NFL Season: 1921 (American Professional Capacity: 81,435 Football Association) Surface: DD GrassMaster Founders: E.L. “Curly” Lambeau and Year Opened: 1957 George Whitney Calhoun League Games: 350 (incl. 20 postseason, 59 years) All-Time Record: 752-567-37 (.570) in league games Team Colors: Dark Green (PMS 5535), Reg. Season: 720-547-37 (.568) Gold (PMS 1235) and White Postseason: 32-21 (.604) Radio: Flagship WTMJ (620 AM) and NFL Titles: 13 — 1929-31, 1936, 1939, 1944, statewide Packers Radio Network 1961-62, 1965-67, 1996, 2010 Preseason TV: WTMJ-TV (Ch. 4) in Milwaukee & Division Titles: 22 — 1936, 1938-39, 1944, 1960-62, WGBA-TV (Ch. 26) in Green Bay 1965-67, 1972, 1995-97, 2002-04, originates state/regional network 2007, 2011-14 City of Green Bay — Conference: National Football Conference Population: 104,779 Division: North Division TV market: 70th Training Camp: St. Norbert College, De Pere, Wis. Average Snow: 45 inches/year COMMUNITY (since 1958) Avg. High Temp: 81° F in July; 24° in January 2016 Dates: Rookies and veterans report July 25; camp breaks Aug. 13ADMIN. & SHAREHOLDERS COACHES • The Green Bay Packers have been a publicly owned, nonprofit VETERANS corporation since 1923. They were first organized as the Green Bay Football Corp., and then reorganized in 1935 as Green BayDRAFT & Packers, Inc. FREE AGENTS • A total of 5,011,562 shares are owned by 360,920 stockholders – none of whom receives any dividend on the initial investment. • The corporation is governed by a board of directors and a seven-member executive committee. • One of the more remarkable business stories in American his- tory, the team is kept viable by its shareholders – its unselfish fans. Even more incredible, the Packers have survived during the current era, permeated by free agency and the NFL salary cap. And, thanks in large part to Brown County’s passage of the 2000 Lambeau Field referendum, the club will remain solvent and highly competitive well into the future due to its redeveloped stadium. • Fans have supported the team financially on several occasions, including five stock sales: 1923, 1935, 1950, 1997 and 2011. • To protect against someone taking control of the team, the articles of incorporation prohibit any person from owning more than 200,000 shares. 2015 REVIEWRECORDS & HISTORYLAMBEAU FIELD MISC. 4
IN THE COMMUNITY
PACKERS IN THE COMMUNITY GREEN BAY PACKERS GIVE BACK The Green Bay Packers organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan resi- dents by donating time and talents, along with providing diverse community outreach programs. Programs are designed to assist nonprofit organizations, mentor youth, encourage volunteerism and gain an awareness of the unique needs of our communities. We are committed to taking an active role in leading by example to encour- age, inspire and build unity within the communities that have consistently supported us for more than 95 years. Green Bay Packers Give Back is the Packers’ all-encompassing community outreach initiative that comprises appear- ances by players, alumni, coaches and staff, cash and in-kind donations, community events, the Green Bay Packers Foundation, Make-A-Wish visits, youth football outreach and much more. The Green Bay Packers Give Back charity initiative had an impact in excess of $6 million in the past year. COMMUNITYADMIN. & COACHES VETERANS To win championships and TdeHliEverGeRxcEeElleNntBgAueYstPeAxpCeKriEenRcSesMwIhSilSe IbOeiNng: guided by our core values. We believe in taking that mission beyond the walls of Lambeau Field and into the community to help make it stronger, healthier, happier and better – for all of us.DRAFT & FREE AGENTS 2015 REVIEWRECORDS & COMMUNITY EVENTS HISTORY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CHRISTIAN OUTREACH ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING DINNERLAMBEAU For the past 10 years, the Packers and Festival Foods have Due to a home game on Thanksgiving, the Packers hosted the FIELD brought the joy of the holidays to all who attend this annual event. 2015 event at the KI Convention Center. A sit-down meal was pro- MISC. Free family-friendly activities include holiday movies and cartoons, vided to more than 800 people in need. Beyond the sit-down meal, an card making, music performed by local high school choirs, cookie additional 1,100 meals were delivered to the homebound. decorating, photo opportunities with Santa Claus and the tree light- SPOOKTACULAR FUN AT LAMBEAU FIELD ing. Fans also donate toys for Toys for Tots at the event. PROJECT PLAY 60 Each October, the Lambeau Field Atrium is transformed into a hauntingly happy Halloween playground. In 2015, the 13th Annual Project Play 60, an event held in March in the Lambeau Field Spooktacular Fun event featured interactive entertainment, includ- Atrium, is designed to get children and their families active during the ing music and variety acts, as well as Halloween-themed crafts Wisconsin winter. Kids enjoy the fun of inflatables, climbing walls, and activities. bungee trampolines, cardio and yoga classes, playground games, EMPOWER face painting and live entertainment. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES This Green Bay Packers leadership event was held this year at Lambeau Field for 280 Brown County middle-school students (140 Each year the Packers host several blood drives at Lambeau Field. boys and 140 girls). The all-day event featured speakers and projects Staff and community members pour in to give. In 2015, 976 units of geared at encouraging the students to use their influence to create blood were donated, impacting nearly 3,000 patients in need. positive ripples throughout the community. 6
COMMUNITY OUTREACH DELAWARE NORTH SPORTSERVICE CONCESSION- PACKERS IN THE COMMUNITY STAND EFFORTSPACKERS 5K RUN PRESENTED BY BELLIN HEALTH COMMUNITY 2015 marked the sixth annual Packers 5K Run presented in 2015, 77 nonprofit groups staffed Lambeau Field’s conces- sion stands, each earning a percentage of their stand’s net sales. ADMIN. &by Bellin Health. Nearly 7,500 runners made their way through More than $1.1 million was returned to these nonprofit groups for COACHESLambeau Field and around neighboring streets to raise $10,725, their efforts.which was donated to the American Red Cross, Volunteer Center FIRST DOWN FOR TREES VETERANSof Green Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsinand Unity. Each regular season, the Packers donate one tree for everyBREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH RECOGNITION first down earned, with 530 trees planted this year. Since the program began in 2010, more than 3,200 trees have been planted, Each October, Lambeau Field and the team don pink to raise which provide total lifetime benefits of $15.9 million to the com-awareness for breast cancer. At the game against the Rams, Zeta munity. The program is possible through the partnership betweenTau Alpha handed out 25,000 complimentary pink ribbons to fans the Packers, SCA and Green Bay Packaging, with the Wisconsinattending the game. The American Cancer Society also provided Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Public Servicebreast cancer awareness information and sold ribbons for fans to providing administrative support.write messages to those affected by breast cancer. The ribbons HIGH SCHOOL QUARTERBACK CHALLENGEwere then tied to a fence on display in the Atrium. Funds from theribbons went toward cancer research. New in 2015, during each home game, two Wisconsin highBROWN COUNTY CHILDREN’S CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC schools competed in a passing competition on the field at halftime to see who would take home a $500 donation from HP and Camera Since 2004, the Packers and Brown County have collabo- Corner for their school.rated to host this annual event. Packers players were there FAMILY NIGHTthis year to help raise $57,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters ofNortheastern Wisconsin and the Northeast Wisconsin Technical Family Night has become a highly anticipated event at the begin-College Educational Foundation. ning of every season, with 67,191 fans attending this year. Not onlyCOMMUNITY PARTNERS is Family Night an opportunity for young fans to experience the awe of Lambeau Field, but the 2015 event recognized 1,000 staff This new program combines the efforts of the Packers and their members and volunteers from the Volunteer Centers of Wisconsin.community partners, such as Boston Store, to help those in need Parking proceeds benefited Wendy’s Wonderful Kids foster carein southeast Wisconsin through donations, assistance with their adoption program.fundraising efforts and volunteerism. With the help of a Packers HISPANIC HERITAGE LEADERSHIP AWARDplayer, 500 coats were distributed to members of the Boys & GirlsClubs of Greater Milwaukee. In September, Elvita Erdmann, Hispanic coordinator and crisis counselor for the Sexual Assault Center of Family Services of Green Bay, was honored with the Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. In DRAFT & partnership with the NFL, the Packers proudly recognize Hispanic FREE AGENTS leaders who impact the community with this award each year. Erdmann also serves as president of CASA Alba Melanie Hispanic Resource Center and served as board member for the Hispanic Advisory Council from 2001-08. Erdmann was awarded a $2,000 check from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation for her organization. 2015 REVIEW RECORDS & HISTORY LAMBEAU FIELD MISC. 7
PACKERS IN THE COMMUNITY HOPELINE® PROGRAM TRAINING CAMP The Packers joined Verizon Wireless to power the HopeLine® People come from all over the world to experience Green Bay COMMUNITY Program at Lambeau Field, which collects no-longer-used cell Packers training camp. Sixteen practices were open to the publicADMIN. & phones and accessories and refurbishes them for survivors of and free of charge. In 2015, the estimated number of training camp COACHES domestic violence. The cell phone drive was held throughout the watchers, known as “railbirds,” was 42,262. Just as exciting as season, and fans were invited to donate to a large-scale collection at watching a practice is experiencing the storied “riding of the bikes” VETERANS an October home game. Wide receiver Ty Montgomery participated tradition. Since the Lombardi era, Packers players ride young fans’ in a PSA to raise awareness for the collection. Through the program, bikes, while they jog alongside, from the locker room to the practiceDRAFT & Verizon also donated $5,000 to Golden House in Green Bay, which field. This year, kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green FREE AGENTS provides shelter and support to victims of domestic violence. Bay were able to participate in this tradition by riding American GREEN AND GOLD GALA Family DreamDrive bicycles with players. TAILGATE TOUR Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, in partnership with the Green Bay Packers, held its 27th annual Green and Gold Gala 2015 marked the 10th anniversary of the Tailgate Tour, which at Lambeau Field in 2015. Forty-one Packers Hall of Fame and brings Packers players and alumni together with Wisconsin com- Super Bowl I alumni attended the event, which raised $274,810 for munities each year. Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy, players programs serving homeless youth, abused children and high-risk Casey Hayward, Micah Hyde, Andrew Quarless and alumni Gilbert families with young children. Brown, Antonio Freeman, Jerry Kramer, Dave Robinson and Bill THE SALVATION ARMY COATS FOR KIDS COLLECTION Schroeder spent the week connecting with fans on the tour. Their efforts helped raise $330,000 at the tailgate parties hosted by The Packers-Seahawks game in September marked The Salvation nonprofit organizations in Menomonie, Prairie du Chien, Baraboo, Army Coats for Kids collection drive at Lambeau Field. Fans donated Elkhorn and Sheboygan, bringing the total raised since the tour’s 306 coats and $16,878, resulting in 950 coats for kids from this inception to more than $1.7 million. collection alone. SARGENTO TOUCHDOWNS FOR CHARITY PROGRAM HUMANA PLAYGROUND BUILD The Packers and Sargento partnered once again in 2015 for In September, Packers players and employees from Humana Inc. the Touchdowns for Charity program. Sargento donates $1,500 to worked together to build a playground in Kennedy Park in Green Bay. the program for each touchdown scored by the Packers. A total of This was the fourth playground the Packers and Humana have teamed $93,000 was raised, benefiting the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force up to build in the community. in Milwaukee and Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay. Since the program’s PACKERS EVERYWHERE PEP RALLIES inception in 2002, more than $1.1 million dollars has been donated toward hunger-relief efforts in Wisconsin. Free pep rallies held at Packers Everywhere bars in San Jose, U.S. MARINE CORPS TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION Scottsdale and the Washington, D.C., area brought Packers fans together with the club’s staff and alumni including Frank Winters, The Packers and the U.S. Marine Corps teamed up to host the William Henderson, Lynn Dickey, Paul Coffman, Antonio Freeman, annual Toys for Tots collection prior to the Packers-Cowboys game Derrick Mayes, Nick Collins and Nick Barnett on the eve of away in December. Fans generously donated 1,283 toys and $23,729, games in the various cities. resulting in more than 2,200 children in need receiving a toy for NFL FOUNDATION NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FUND the holidays. GRANT – “TACKLE CANCER” GIVING The Packers, in partnership with the NFL Foundation and NBC 26, teamed up to “Tackle Cancer” in October when Bay Port hosted De DONATIONS Pere in the High School Showdown Game of the Week. Packers play- With more than 12,000 donation requests annually, supporting ers were in attendance and helped raise $3,700 at the game for the Breast Cancer Family Foundation, directly impacting 650 area students the fundraising efforts of organizations across Wisconsin continues who will receive cancer-related educational programming. to be the Packers’ leading outreach effort. A variety of items were donated in 2015, raising more than $3 million to assist with helping 2015 REVIEW those in need. Separate cash donations to nonprofit organizations exceeded $5 million during this same time period, and 100 percent of Wisconsin’s counties received in-kind donations. Those interested in requesting a donation to benefit a nonprofit organization in Wisconsin must apply online at www.packers.com/ community/donations.htmlRECORDS & GREEN BAY PACKERS FOUNDATION HISTORY The Green Bay Packers Foundation in 2015 awarded $600,000LAMBEAU to 236 civic and charitable groups throughout Wisconsin. Combined FIELD with two $250,000 impact grants, one awarded to the Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay and one awarded to the American Foundation of Counseling Services in Green Bay, $1.1 million was granted through the Foundation in 2015. During this annual grant- cycle disbursement, 61 percent of Wisconsin’s counties received at least one grant from the Foundation. Nonprofit organizations located in Wisconsin interested in applying for a grant can apply online March 1 through July 1 at www.packers.com/community/packers-foundation.html MISC. 8
COMMUNITY EVENTS GRANTS MILITARY SUPPORT PACKERS IN THE COMMUNITY Every year, the Packers waive room-rental fees at Lambeau Field SALUTE TO SERVICE GAME COMMUNITYfor four nonprofit organizations to host an event at the stadium. The NFL Salute to Service game at Lambeau Field in November,The recipients in 2015 were Colton’s Cure Foundation, Inc., Literacy ADMIN. &Green Bay, Old Glory Honor Flight and YWCA of Green Bay-De Pere. presented by Rexnord, honored both veterans and current military COACHESBISHOP’S CHARITIES GAME members prior to and throughout the game. Fans expressed their gratitude as well, completing 683 cards to send to service members VETERANS Bishop Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay greeted fans attend- through the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign.ing the preseason game against the Saints, continuing a tradition of HONORING MILITARY RETIREES DRAFT &the Bishop’s Charities Game that has lasted 55 years. Following the FREE AGENTSgame, the Packers made their annual donation to the diocese, add- The Packers proudly fly United States flags over Lambeau Fielding to the more than $3.7 million donated since 1960. in dedication to the men and women who have made a commitmentMIDWEST SHRINE GAME to serve their country. Often, the team receives requests from mili- tary personnel as they prepare for retirement, and the Packers have Designating one preseason game as the Midwest Shrine game flown more than 40 flags at Lambeau Field in the last year honoringhas been an annual tradition since 1950. Following the game, a military retirements.donation was made to the Midwest Shrine’s burn center and hospi- OPERATION FAN MAILtals, adding to the more than $3.5 million donated over the last 65years. Janine Brass, a former patient of the Shrine Hospital, sang the At each home game, the Packers and Arise Health Plan honor annational anthem prior to the Packers-Eagles game. active duty serviceman or servicewoman and his/her family throughJERRY PARINS CRUISE FOR CANCER Operation Fan Mail. Since its debut in 2007, 82 military families have been recognized, and provided with complimentary tickets to the game This annual motorcycle ride was created by Jerry Parins, former at which they are honored.director of security for the Packers, 16 months after he was diag-nosed with cancer. The ride always receives an outpouring of sup- PLAYERS, COACHES & ALUMNI OUTREACHport for the cause, and this year’s event, dubbed “The Million DollarRide,” was no different. A total of 500 motorcycles with 700 riders FUEL UP TO PLAY 60 SCHOOL VISITparticipated, raising nearly $95,000 and bringing the total raised by Green Bay Packers players Morgan Burnett, Jayrone Elliott,the ride over the last 12 years to $1 million. Eight organizations wereawarded a total of $140,000. Demetri Goodson, Datone Jones and Mike Pennel celebrated withWEST BEND MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY’S “FIRST 500 students from the six elementary schools in the Hortonville AreaDOWN FOR CHARITY” PROGRAM School District that received a $15,000 fitness grant. The Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative encourages children to get 60 minutes of exercise Through the “First Downs for Charity” program, West Bend a day. The players led the students in some activities to help themMutual Insurance Company donates $100 for every first down do that, as well as talked about the importance of healthy eating.gained by the Packers at Lambeau Field. Since 2013, West Bend NFL HOMETOWN HUDDLEMutual has donated $56,400 to the Green Bay Packers Foundation.SCHOLARSHIPS Hometown Huddle is a partnership between the NFL and United Way, and includes a day of service to make an impact on youth The Green Bay Packers Foundation, along with Scholarships, health and fitness. In October, several Packers players, the UnitedInc. and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, awarded 53 Way of Brown County and the Village of Pulaski collaborated to buildscholarships totaling $53,000 to students who are residents of a new playground at Shippy Park so the children there can have aBrown County and meet the scholarship criteria. This scholarship safe, fun place to play.program is funded in part with the royalty fees paid for the use of NFL MAN OF THE YEAR PROGRAMthe Packers logo on Wisconsin automobile license plates, and since2006, the Green Bay Packers have added an additional $151,000 to Each season, the Packers nominate a player for the Walterfund these scholarships. Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The award is the only one in the league that recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service as well as his on-the-field performance. The Packers’ 2015 2015 REVIEW nominee was linebacker Sam Barrington. Barrington was recognized for his commitment to causes affecting children, including literacy programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Play 60. ALUMNI RECORDS & A year for iconic homecomings, 2015 was highlighted by a HISTORY weeklong celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of Super Bowl I and honoring the legends who played in it. Alumni inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame, as well as other Packers alumni, were recognized at various home games throughout the season. LAMBEAU FIELD MISC. 9
PACKERS IN THE COMMUNITY GREEN AND GOLD HONOR FLIGHT PLAYERS’ FOUNDATIONS To celebrate America’s veterans and to commemorate the 50th Many Packers players contribute to causes that impact the lives COMMUNITY anniversary of the Packers’ Super Bowl I victory, Old Glory Honor of those around them, as well as establish their own foundationsADMIN. & Flight and the Packers this year presented Mission 33: The Green to help those in need. COACHES and Gold Flight. The special flight featured Packers Super Bowl I alumni Donny Anderson, Zeke Bratkowski, Jim Grabowski and Phil VOLUNTEERISM VETERANS Vandersea, all veterans themselves, acting as escorts for 90 World War II and Korean War veterans as they toured the memorials in LADIES OF LAMBEAUDRAFT & Washington, D.C. Led by Laurie Murphy, wife of Packers President/CEO Mark FREE AGENTS APPEARANCES Murphy, Ladies of Lambeau comprises female employees and Members of the organization, players, coaches, staff and alumni board members, and wives or partners of employees, board are committed to supporting the community through appearances members, players and coaches. This year, 100 members of Ladies at local nonprofit fundraisers, school visits, athletic banquets and of Lambeau built a playground at Fireman’s Park in Green Bay. many other events and programs. Additionally, more than $1,100 was collected from participants and donated to the Milwaukee Public Schools Parks and Recreation Those interested in scheduling an appearance with a member Department to purchase socks and roller skates. of the Packers can apply at www.packers.com/appearances.html. PACKERS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION THE SALVATION ARMY BELL-RINGING CAMPAIGN The Packers Women’s Association (PWA) membership com- Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy and Packers players and fans prises Packers players’ and coaches’ wives and girlfriends. It’s a helped raise more than $8,000 during The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle nonprofit volunteer group focused on service to the community Campaign this past holiday season, with bell-ringing at Lambeau Field. through leadership, fellowship and support. Every year, the PWA WISH GRANTING initiates an annual food drive that benefits Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay. In its 29th year, fans donated 10,700 food items and over Along with the Make-A-Wish® Foundation, the Packers assisted $12,800. In addition to this signature event, PWA members par- with granting the wishes of 14 children and young adults who ticipated in the Pink Pumpkin 5K Walk/Fun Run, a fundraiser run wanted to meet their favorite Packers players. Players, coaches by the Breast Cancer Family Foundation; sang Christmas carols at and staff work diligently to make sure each visit is a positive and local assisted-living facilities; and prepared and served a meal at the memorable experience for their special guests and their families. New Community Shelter. McCARTHY FAMILY FOUNDATION COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK AWARD Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his wife Jessica established The Packers joined sponsor Humana Inc. in presenting the the McCarthy Family Foundation with the intent of fostering a 2015 Community Quarterback Award to 11 outstanding Wisconsin long-term philanthropic commitment by his family beyond his NFL volunteers at a luncheon held at Lambeau Field. Packers President/ career. Throughout the past 10 seasons, the foundation has made CEO Mark Murphy and Jerry Ganoni, retired president of Humana’s donations to benefit numerous charities, projects and organizations commercial insurance division, awarded recipients a commemora- throughout Wisconsin, Kansas and his hometown of Pittsburgh. tive plaque, two tickets to the Packers-Vikings game and a $4,000 MIKE AND JESSICA McCARTHY GOLF TOURNAMENT grant in the name of the nonprofit for which they volunteer their time. With Humana’s support, $160,000 has been awarded to 40 This annual fundraiser benefits the American Family Children’s nonprofit organizations over the past four years. Hospital and the McCarthy Family Foundation. The 2015 event was PACKERS GIVE BACK DAY another success, helping push the six-year fundraising total beyond $1.5 million. During the Packers Give Back Day in November, over 60 Packers employees took over The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle bell-ringing 2015 REVIEW stations at Bay Park Square Mall in Green Bay. Thanks to the mall shoppers, the employees raised $7,200. The Packers then matched that amount to bring the total raised for the day to $15,000.RECORDS & HISTORYLAMBEAU FIELD MISC. 10
YOUTH FOOTBALL NFL CLUB MATCHING CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER PACKERS IN THE COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMNFL PUNT, PASS & KICK COMPETITION COMMUNITY The NFL Punt, Pass & Kick team championship was held in With funding from the Packers and the NFL Foundation, Milwaukee Public Schools placed a certified athletic trainer on the ADMIN. &December at the Don Hutson Center. It was facilitated by the sidelines of each football game in the district. The $20,000 grant COACHESWisconsin Jaycees, and 20 boys and 20 girls ages 6 to 15 participat- provides coverage through Midwest Orthopedic Sports Medicine,ed. Green Bay Packers team finalist, Jack Noffke from New London, and ensures that an athletic trainer will be at 106 total games and VETERANSfinished first and was crowned national champion in the 14-15 age scheduled practices, giving more than 800 high school footballdivision at the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick National Finals in Indianapolis. players access to athletic training services through the 2016 season.GREEN BAY PACKERS 7-ON-7 REGIONAL PASSING NFL FOUNDATION/LISC GRASSROOTS PROGRAMTOURNAMENT The La Crosse School District was awarded a $200,000 grant for Participating schools in the seventh annual one-hand-touch a new synthetic-turf football field at Logan High School’s Swansonpassing tournament included Amherst, Ashwaubenon, Bay Port, Field Football Stadium, which will be used by multiple high schoolBlack River Falls, Greendale, Menomonie, Watertown and Xavier. athletic teams and community sports organizations in the area.Tournament winner Menomonie received $4,000 for its football This is the 14th grant secured by the Packers since 1998 for newprogram, while runner-up Bay Port received $2,000. or renovated athletic fields and stadiums, with the cumulative totalHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH OF THE WEEK PROGRAM at $1.9 million. HEADS UP FOOTBALL PLAYER SAFETY COACH TRAINING This weekly program recognizes high school football coachesthroughout the season who demonstrate outstanding leadership The Player Safety Coach Training Clinic held at Lambeau Fieldon and off the field. Each winner receives a $1,000 donation to the is the first step for Wisconsin’s youth football organizations toschool’s football program. Steve Jones of Kimberly High School was advance football player safety by becoming a Heads Up certifiednamed Wisconsin Football Coaches Association/Green Bay Packers league.Coach of the Year, earning a $2,000 donation to the school’s PACKERS MOMS FOOTBALL SAFETY CLINICfootball program.GREEN BAY PACKERS COACHING SCHOOL This first annual clinic was designed to educate moms about how football is being played safer and better than ever before. The This complimentary event provides theory sessions, chalk-talk complimentary event was attended by 125 youth football moms,breakouts and fundamentals to more than 200 youth football coach- representing 40 different youth leagues across Wisconsin.es representing 70 different youth leagues from across the state. USA FOOTBALL MONTHGREEN BAY PACKERS YOUTH FOOTBALL OUTREACH CAMP The NFL and its 32 teams recognize August each year as USA This free camp features educational benefits as well as recre- Football Month. The Packers in 2015 invited flag football and Headsational opportunities for second- through fifth-grade students. In Up youth football programs to participate in Family Night and both2015, 36 camps were held from the end of April through the end of preseason games. In addition, more than 4,000 game tickets wereOctober, and more than 4,000 students attended. distributed to certified Player Safety Coaches and Heads Up leagues to attend preseason games. DRAFT & FREE AGENTS 2015 REVIEW RECORDS & HISTORY LAMBEAU FIELD MISC. 11
PACKERS IN THE COMMUNITY GREEN BAY PACKERS FOUNDATION The Green Bay Packers organization has enjoyed tremendous fan $5.9 million for charitable purposes since it was established in 1986 by support throughout its long and storied history. The community sup- Judge Robert J. Parins, then president of the Packers Corporation, “as a ported the team in times of need by “passing the hat” at games and by vehicle to assure continued contributions to charity.” buying stock in 1923, 1935, 1950, 1997 and 2011, among other ways. Of the foundation’s contributions, 40 grants – aggregating $110,000 To give back to the community, the team created the Green Bay Packers – were awarded to Brown County organizations. Additional grants, totaling Foundation in December 1986. The foundation assists in a wide variety $490,000, were made to 196 other groups around the state. of activities and programs that benefit education, civic affairs, health Under the S$c2h6,o5l0a0rstohiSpchPorloargsrhaipms,, established in 2002, services, human services and youth-related programs. $53,000 was aPwaacrdkeedrs– Inc., for distribution to students in four-year colleges, and $26,500 to Northeast Wisconsin Last year, in its annual distribution of funds, the foundation awarded Technical College (NWTC) for distribution to students in two-year $600,000 to 236 civic and charitable groups throughout the state of associate-degree or apprenticeship-trades programs. Wisconsin, Terry Fulwiler, chairman of the foundation committee, announced Dec. 8, 2015. The foundation now has distributed more than COMMUNITY GRANT RECIPIENTS FROM 2015ADMIN. & Ben’s WBisRh OWN COUNTY RECIPIENTS (40): Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox COACHES Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin County Valley Region Inc. Brown County Library VETERANS Casa ALBA Melanie Hispanic Community Resource Center of GB Chiefs Football Inc. Blessings In A Backpack Inc - Ferber Center for Childhood Safety Inc. Lakeshore FIRST Robotics Program Elementary SiteDRAFT & Cerebral Palsy Inc. Lakeshore Humane Society Inc. FREE AGENTS Christian Counseling Ministries Inc. Manitowoc - Two Rivers YMCA CASA of the Fox Cities Inc. Connect Inc. Manitowoc County Domestic Violence Center Compassionate Home Health Care Inc. 2015 REVIEW Curative Connections Manitowoc County Historical Society Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra Disabled American Veterans - Russell Leicht Chapter 3 Painting Pathways ClubhouseRECORDS & East High School Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Association Inc. HISTORY Educational Television Productions Of NE Wisconsin Inc. Fox Valley Veterans Council Inc. Encompass Early Education and Care Inc. Preserve Fox Valley Warming Shelter Inc. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central WI Homeless Connections Freedom House Ministries Inc. Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area Housing Partnership of the Fox Cities Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes Inc. Marathon County Child Development Agency Loaves & Fishes Of The Fox Valley Inc. Greater Green Bay Chamber Foundation Inc. Peaceful Solutions Counseling Inc. Paper Industry International Hall Of Fame Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity The Women’s Community Inc. Riverview Gardens Inc. Green Bay Bethesda Thrift Shop/Bethesda Lutheran Communities United Way of Marathon County St Francis Xavier Catholic School System Green Bay Neighborhood Leadership Council Wisconsin Judicare Inc. The Building for Kids Inc. Heaven’s Touch Ministries Inc. Crime Stoppers of Marinette County Inc. Tri-County Community Dental Clinic House of Hope Crivitz Area Food Pantry Valley Home Schoolers Inc. Howe Community Resource Center Marinette County Elderly Services Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce Jackie Nitschke Center Inc. Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Inc. - Brown County District County Inc. Literacy Green Bay Inc. Services Inc. Plum City Food Pantry Music For The Sake Of Music Inc. Healthy Youth Coalition of Marinette and River Falls Community Food Pantry My Brother’s Keeper Inc. Community Referral Agency National Society To Prevent Blindness Menominee Counties Friends Of The St Croix Falls Public Library Neville Public Museum Foundation Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin Moms and Dads Against Meth Inc. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Educational Foundation Woodland Boys and Girls Club Inc. Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity Northeast Wisconsin Veterans Treatment Court Foundation Inc. Arts @ Large 2617 Club Ltd. Service League of Green Bay Inc. Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement Hunger and Poverty Prevention Special Olympics Wisconsin - Northeastern Region Benedict Center St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Partnership of Portage County St. Vincent Hospital-Hospital Sisters-Third Order of St. Francis Big Brothers-Big Sisters Of Racine And The Salvation Army of Brown County Milwaukee Inc. Volunteer Center Inc. Cathedral Center Inc. Kenosha Counties Inc. Weidner Center Presents Inc. Christ-St Peter Lutheran School Racine Interfaith Coalition Inc. Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center College Possible Racine Youth Sports Inc. Down Syndrome Association of Women’s Resource Center Inc. STATEWIDE RECIPIENTS (196): Beloit Domestic Violence Survivor Center Northwoods Women, Inc. Wisconsin Inc. Boys & Girls Club of Janesville The BRICK Ministries Center Against Sexual and Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin Inc. YMCA of Northern Rock County The Oredocker Foundation Domestic Abuse Inc. First Stage Milwaukee Inc. Performing Rusk County Lighthouse Org. The Salvation Army-Faith House Siren Duluth Area Family YMCA Durward’s Glen OLRG, Ltd. Aaron J. Meyer Foundation, Inc. North Central Windows Program Arts Center Project Angel Hugs Autism Society Of South Central WI University of Wisconsin-Stout Genesis In Milwaukee Inc. Sheboygan Human Rights Association Buena Vista Community School Chippewa Valley Council - Boy Globall Giving River Falls Swim Club Inc. Children’s Theater of Madison Scouts of America Hmong American Friendship Association Salvation Army - Grace PlaceLAMBEAU Domestic Abuse Intervention Services Citizens Employment & Training House Of Peace United Way of St. Croix Valley Inc. FIELD Literacy Network Inc. Literacy Volunteers-Chippewa Valley Impact, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services Couleecap Inc. Madison Audubon Society Inc. Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac Journey House Inc. Great Headwaters Trail Foundation Inc. Madison Youth Choirs Inc. Fond du Lac Adult Literacy Services Kathy’s House Agape House Inc. NAMI - Dane County Fondy Food Pantry Inc. Lutheran Counseling & Family Services Boys & Girls Club Of Walworth County OccuPaws Guide Dog Association Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac Linn Joint #6 School District Opera for the Young Inc. Just Fare Ltd of Wisconsin Inc. Educational Foundation of Birchwood, Overture Center Foundation Inc. National Speech and Debate Assoc. Malaika Early Learning Center Boys & Girls Club of Washington County VSA Wisconsin Inc. Boys & Girls Club of Fort Atkinson Mental Health America Of Wisconsin Inc. Chix 4 a Cause Ltd. Warner Park Youth Football Program Watertown Family Center Inc. Milwaukee Center For Independence Family Center of Washington County Wisconsin Council on Children Community Sharing Pantry Inc. Milwaukee Flyers Tumbling Team Food Pantry of Waukesha County Inc. and Families Walkin’ In My Shoes Inc. Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative Interfaith Senior Programs MISC. Wisconsin Literacy Western Kenosha Senior Citizens Milwaukee Public Museum NAMI Waukesha Inc. Clothes For Kids Inc. Council Inc. Milwaukee Rescue Mission ProHealth Care Foundation Inc. Door County Community Foundation East Shore Industries Inc. My Home, Your Home Inc. Sharon Lynne Wilson Center For The Arts Door County Humane Society Catholic Charities of the Diocese New Threads Of Hope Inc. The Women’s Center Door County Memorial Hospital of La Crosse Inc. Pathfinders Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance Foundation Wafer Food Pantry Penfield Children’s Center Rawhide Inc. Neighbor-to-Neighbor Volunteer Langlade Hospital-Hotel Dieu Of Playworks Education Energized Goodwill Industries of North Central WI Caregivers of Door County St Joseph Of Antigo, Wis. Project Concern of Cudahy-St. Francis Labor Of Love Inc. dba Bella Medical Clinic Peninsula School of Art Inc. The Salvation Army Project RETURN Inc. Leaven Risen Savior Ev. Lutheran Church & School Neenah Animal Shelter Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oshkosh Area Humane Society Samaritan Counseling Center Of The Fox Eastern Wisconsin Inc. Schools That Can Milwaukee Inc. Valley Inc. Serenity Inns Inc. St Vincent De Paul Council Of Neenah- Sojourner Family Peace Center St Anthony Congregation/St. Anthony School Menasha Inc. St. Francis Children’s Center STEP Industries Inc. The Gathering of Southeast Wisconsin United Way Fox Cities Transcenter For Youth Inc. Winnebago County Literacy Council Unity In Motion Inc. Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Urban Ecology Center Vision Forward Association Incorporated Partners, Northeast Region Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Foundation Rapids Area Young Life Wauwatosa Central Wisconsin Literacy Council Inc. Cashton Cupboard & Closet Inc. Marshfield Clinic Kingdom Come Inc. Marshfield Youth Wrestling Club Inc. Kids in Need – Rhinelander Shirley’s House of Hope Rhinelander Area Food Pantry Wisconsin Rapids Family Center Inc. Agape Of Appleton Inc. 12
ADMINISTRATION & COACHES
FRONT OFFICE MARK MURPHY PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY Mark Murphy, possessor of ex- AT A GLANCE … tensive experience in professionalDRAFT & football and sports administra- • Named Packers President/CEO on Dec. 3, 2007, by the Packers’ FREE AGENTS tion, is in his ninth year as the Board of Directors; formally assumed position on Jan. 28, 2008. Packers’ President and CEO. 2015 REVIEW Under Murphy’s guidance, the organization continues to • Serves on the NFL’s Management Council Executive Commit- rank as one of the NFL’s premier franchises, with highly suc- tee, Competition Committee, College Relations CommitteeRECORDS & cessful operations both on and off the field. On the field, the and Health and Safety Committee. HISTORY team has compiled a 90-50-1 overall record (.642), made seven straight playoff trips and earned a victory in Super • Served a combined 16 years as director of athletics atLAMBEAU Bowl XLV. Off the field, the club continues to perform well in Northwestern University (2003-07) and Colgate University FIELD its business efforts, which allows the organization to support (1992-2003) prior to joining Packers. football operations. The fan experience at Lambeau Field, MISC. a top priority for the organization, continues to be ranked • Enjoyed an eight-year NFL playing career with the Washington among the best in sports. Redskins (1977-84); served as co-captain from 1980-84, includ- It was a direction both Murphy and the organization envi- ing the Super Bowl championship team of 1982. Earned All-Pro sioned when Murphy was elected by the Packers’ Board of and Pro Bowl honors in 1983. Directors as the franchise’s 10th Chief Executive Officer on Dec. 3, 2007. He began his work with the organization as • Is believed to be the first person to earn a Super Bowl ring as a president-elect on Jan. 1, 2008, and then formally took over player (XVII, 1982) and as a team’s chief executive (XLV, 2010). on Jan. 28, 2008. “I am honored to have been selected and very appreciative • Served as the Redskins’ player representative to the NFL Play- of this tremendous opportunity,” Murphy said the day of his ers Association from 1980-84, including the position of vice election. “The Packers are one of the great franchises in all president of the players union (1983-84). of professional sports, with a rich history and incredible fan support. These are successful times for the Packers. On the • Holds a law degree from Georgetown University (1988) and an field they’re performing well, and off the field, they’re in great MBA in finance from American University (1983). shape, too. I look forward to being a part of that continued success.” • Served as assistant executive director of the NFL Players Murphy, who holds a law degree and an MBA in finance, Association (1985-88) and as a trial attorney with the U.S. brought a unique and highly qualified background to his role Department of Justice (1989-92). as head of one of the NFL’s flagship franchises, first draw- ing from a deep understanding and appreciation of the game • Served on the NFL Commissioner’s Player Advisory Committee that comes from an eight-year playing career with the Wash- (1994-2002) and the NFL Youth Football Committee (2002- ington Redskins. Later, he served a combined 16 years as 2011), and currently serves on USA Football’s Board of Directors. director of athletics at Colgate University and Northwestern University, and was an assistant executive director of the NFL • While a player with the Redskins, participated in the highest- Players Association and a trial attorney with the U.S. Depart- scoring game in Monday Night Football and Green Bay ment of Justice. Packers history, a 48-47 loss to the Packers on Oct. 17, 1983, at In addition to his playing career and work with the NFL Lambeau Field. Players Association, Murphy had maintained his ties to the NFL through his work on the Commissioner’s Player Adviso- by naming him to the important Competition Committee, the ry Committee (1994-2002) as well as the NFL Youth Football group composed of team executives and coaches that stud- Committee (2002-2011). Additionally, his NFL experience ies all aspects of the game and recommends rules and policy includes Super Bowl wins as a player (XVII, 1982) and as a changes to NFL clubs. Goodell also placed Murphy on the CEO (XLV, 2010), believed to be the first such achievement NFL owners’ Health and Safety Committee and the College in league history. Relations Committee. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, recognizing the unique experience and skills Murphy brought to the NFL as the Pack- Upon joining the Packers, Murphy broadened his knowl- ers’ CEO, in 2008 appointed him to the NFL’s Management edge of the franchise, its operations and its standing in the Council Executive Committee, the NFL owners’ committee community by meeting with employees, shareholders, fans whose responsibility was to serve as the bargaining team and members of the Board of Directors, as well as many during negotiations with the NFL Players Association which community groups. resulted in a new, 10-year Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2011. The position has allowed Murphy to increase his Among his first initiatives was to update the organization’s involvement and contributions at the league level, ensuring strategic plan, a process involving all the leadership posi- the organization has a voice in NFL matters. tions of the organization, including the Executive Committee “Mark’s rare blend of experiences makes him integral to the and football operations. The process created core objectives future of the Packers and the NFL,” said Goodell when ap- to serve as a backdrop for all key business decisions. In a pointing Murphy. “His accomplishments as an NFL player, his move to enhance those objectives, Murphy restructured the work with the NFLPA, and now his leadership of the Packers, management of the organization, which included creating a provide a unique perspective to the league and also to the new senior-leadership staff overseeing administration and players. He’s very effective in discussions with NFLPA execu- finance, football operations, human resources, legal, mar- tives. Mark is a bright and thoughtful individual who under- keting and fan engagement, and sales and corporate part- stands what needs to get done to create a system that benefits nerships. The structure reflects the growth the organization all sides for years to come. He is very reasonable and wants has experienced in recent years and gives broader coverage what’s best for fans, the game and players, as we all do.” across all operations with more people involved on a senior- In 2012, Goodell added to Murphy’s NFL-level involvement management level. Murphy also is directing the organization’s master plan involving Lambeau Field, the Lambeau Field Atrium, the prac- tice facilities, and property the organization owns adjacent to the stadium. Lambeau Field and the Atrium recently un- derwent a $312 million, five-year expansion and renovation that included a new distributed-audio sound system (2011), two new HD video boards and the new Bellin Health Gate on the north end of the stadium (2012), 7,000 additional seats in the south end zone served by the Shopko Gate (2013), a 14
larger Oneida Nation Gate and new football facilities (2013), Inside the organization, Murphy continues to grow and de- FRONT OFFICEthe American Family Insurance Gate, a redeveloped Harlan velop the team’s human resources, with new programs forPlaza and new Packers Pro Shop (2014), and a new Pack- employees such as leadership development. COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION VETERANSers Hall of Fame and restaurant, 1919 Kitchen & Tap (2015).The Packers recently started work on a two-year, $55 million The 61-year-old Murphy joined the Packers after 4½ years DRAFT &project to renovate Lambeau Field’s suites and club seats. (2003-07) as director of athletics at Northwestern Univer- FREE AGENTS sity. At the Big Ten Conference school, Murphy oversaw a To support the Lambeau Field project, Murphy directed the 19-sport program with a $40 million budget and 160 full-timePackers’ fifth stock sale, an effort that netted the organiza- employees. During his tenure, the school won eight individualtion more than $64 million. More than 268,000 shares were national championships and three NCAA team titles. Addition-sold during the offering, from Dec. 6, 2011, through Feb. ally, the university won nine conference team championships29, 2012, with more than 250,000 new shareholders join- and 34 individual Big Ten titles. A total of 49 Wildcats earneding the Packers’ ownership. All stadium improvements were first-team All-America distinction. On the football field, thefinanced without public tax money. Wildcats participated in two bowl games during Murphy’s tenure after playing in just four previous such contests in the In 2015, the Packers announced plans for the Titletown Dis- program’s history. In 2006-07, Northwestern finished 30thtrict, a new development to the west of Lambeau Field, with in the U.S. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup standings with athe first phase including an engaging public plaza. The devel- school-best 626.5 points. The Wildcats ranked among the topopment will build upon the success of the renovated Lam- 30 in the standings for the last three years of Murphy’s tenurebeau Field and complement the vibrant business and hospi- and in 2007 finished sixth among Big Ten schools for the thirdtality clusters in the area that have experienced enhancement straight year after previously not placing higher than ninth.in recent years. Titletown should become a destination forvisitors and residents alike. In 2016, ground was broken on The school’s athletic success under Murphy was achievedthe public plaza as well as for Lodge Kohler, a four-diamond while its student-athletes continued to excel off the field. Thehotel; a Bellin Health Sports Medicine Clinic; and Hinterland NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) data released in Octo-Restaurant and Brewery. This first phase is expected to be ber 2007 reported Northwestern’s rate at 98 percent, tying itcompleted by the start of the 2017 NFL season. with Notre Dame and Navy for tops in the nation. Among the other initiatives Murphy has directed is the en- Prior to his tenure at Northwestern, Murphy served ashancement of the organization’s retail operations, including director of athletics at Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y.the purchase of a new warehouse for the Packers Pro Shop (1992-2003), the school from which he graduated in 1977.and the establishment of a customer relationship manage- During his 11 years at the helm, the university experiencedment (CRM) program, with both efforts upgrading customer a renaissance of its football program, going from 0-11 inservice to Packers fans. 1995 to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. In 2003, the year after Murphy’s departure to Murphy also has worked to increase the number of outside Northwestern, the team made it to the championship game;events utilizing Lambeau Field, including Kenny Chesney the achievement of that squad – a non-scholarship programconcerts in 2011 and 2015, and LZ Lambeau in May 2010, a – remains one of Murphy’s proudest moments.welcome back for Wisconsin Vietnam veterans. In September2016, Lambeau Field will host a college football game for the Colgate’s other teams experienced success as well, withfirst time since 1981, in the Lambeau Field College Classic, men’s basketball, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball,presented by Carmex, when the LSU Tigers play the Wisconsin women’s softball and men’s ice hockey teams making NCAABadgers. Additionally in the community, Murphy has ensured Tournament appearances. The school also achieved gradu-the organization remains a strong community partner, with a ation rates among the highest for student-athletes in Divi-charity impact of approximately $6.5 million in the past year. sion I during Murphy’s tenure. A proud alum, Murphy hadTHE GREEN BAY PACKERS ORGANIZATIONLAMBEAU FIELD RANKED NO. 1 GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE: than once. The franchise 2015 REVIEWIn a November 2007 Sports Illustrated poll on SI.com rating the also placed in the top 10 ingameday atmosphere for each NFL team, the experience of see- 2004 (third), ’05 (eighth), RECORDS &ing the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field ranked first. ’08 (fourth), ’10 (ninth), HISTORYLambeau Field topped the rankings for a second consecutive ’12 (second), ’13 (fifth), ‘14season in 2008, according to the SI.com poll. It was the only (eighth) and ’15 (sixth), andstadium to achieve a top-five ranking in each of the five catego- is one of only two teamsries: affordability & food, tailgating, team quality, atmosphere to rank in the top 10 everyand accessibility. year since 2010. Lambeau“For all the glitz and money the NFL exudes nowadays,” the Field has ranked as the toppoll summarized, “football’s heart is still on that ‘frozen tundra,’ NFL venue in eight of thewhere tough guys grapple with each other while fans warm 13 rankings and landed inthemselves on cold bleachers with hot chocolate and full- the top overall spot acrossthroated cheering. And that is still the essence of Lambeau.” all sports six times.More recently, in an October 2015 USA Today rankings list,the publication named Lambeau Field the No. 1 NFL stadium, MOST POPULAR FRANCHISES: In March 2009, the NFL and LAMBEAUcalling it “the NFL’s only historic gem, the only one that would ESPN Sports Poll released a study in which it aimed to deter- FIELDappear on a sports bucket list.” Sporting News, in August 2015, mine the nation’s most popular individual pro sports franchisesalso rated Lambeau Field as the top NFL stadium, with rankings across all sports. The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers,taking into account fan amenities such as seating, concessions, always among the top vote-getters in the annual Harris Interac-technology, tailgating and other key factors that affect the tive Poll determining America’s favorite football team, finishedgameday experience. Nos. 1 and 2 across all franchises. NFL teams held six of the topNO. 1 ACROSS ALL OF SPORTS: Each year since 2003, ESPN The 10 spots in the poll.Magazine has ranked all 122 franchises in the four major sportsbased on eight major categories: bang for the buck, ownership, 1. Dallas Cowboys 6. Los Angeles Lakers MISC.stadium experience, on-field leadership, fan relations, affordability, 2. Green Bay Packers 7. Indianapolis Coltsplayers’ effort and likability, and championships won/expected to 3. Pittsburgh Steelers 8. Boston Red Soxwin. The Packers finished first in the inaugural rankings in 2003 and 4. New England Patriots 9. New York Giantsalso in June 2011, joining the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs (2004, 2006, 5. New York Yankees 10. Atlanta Braves2015) as the only team to have garnered the distinction more In fact, the annual Harris Poll determining America’s favorite football team has ranked the Packers in the top 3 each year since 2010. 15
FRONT OFFICE the honor of delivering the address for the university’s 2012 graduation ceremony. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of A former All-Pro safety for the Washington his achievements both on and off the field. In February, MarkDRAFT & Redskins, Murphy enjoyed an eight-year ca- returned to Clarence Central High School to present a golden FREE AGENTS reer (1977-84) after originally signing with football as part of the NFL’s 50th Super Bowl celebration. the team as an undrafted free agent in 1977. 2015 REVIEW He was a co-captain from 1980-84, a period Murphy and his wife, Laurie, who also is a Colgate graduate, that included two Super Bowl teams (1982- have been involved in the communities in which they’ve lived.RECORDS & 83). He enjoyed his finest season in 1983, Over the years the couple has donated their time to numerous HISTORY leading the NFL with nine interceptions and organizations, including local schools, the United Methodist earning consensus All-Pro honors as well as Church in Hamilton, N.Y., and the First Congregational ChurchLAMBEAU a trip to the Pro Bowl. Murphy was named as of Evanston, Ill. Also, while in Chicago, Murphy served on the FIELD one of the Redskins’ “70 Greatest Players,” bid committee for the 2016 Olympics, which eventually were as well as one of the “80 Greatest Redskins,” awarded to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While at Colgate University, MISC. and also is a member of the club’s 50th An- Murphy formed the Hamilton Youth Basketball League and niversary Team. served as its commissioner. Heavily involved in the community while with the Redskins, Murphy was named the team’s “Miller Joe Gibbs, the Hall of Fame former coach Man of the Year” in 1984 in honor of his work off the field. of the Redskins who led the team during Murphy’s 1981-84 seasons, was apprecia- In Green Bay, Murphy continues a busy schedule of meeting tive of the player’s contributions and lauded the Packers’ with fans and shareholders, as well as speaking to a variety hiring of Murphy. of business and community groups. He also has given his time to several community organizations to help their causes, “Mark meant a lot to the Redskins organization the years including Big Brothers Big Sisters. Murphy also serves on he was here and played,” Gibbs said. “He was a great person University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s council of trustees and along with being one of the brightest and most competitive co-chaired the school’s most recent capital campaign. He is people we’ve had here at the Redskins.” currently honorary chair of the capital campaign for the Jackie Nitschke Center. Additionally, Murphy serves on the advisory Gibbs had an influence on Murphy as well, as the Pack- board of the Positive Coaching Alliance, an organization cre- ers’ CEO attributes much of his leadership style to what he ated to transform the culture of youth sports to give all young learned from the successful Redskins coach. athletes the opportunity for a positive, character-building experience, as well as on USA Football’s board of directors. “He had many leadership traits that I admired and tried to incorporate into my own leadership style,” said Murphy. “He Mark and Laurie are active supporters of foster-care ser- had a very natural way about him with the way he related to vices in Brown County and have had the pleasure of serving people, and he tried to be accessible. He was a very effective as foster parents in the community. Laurie is involved in a communicator, too, as most great leaders are. And when he number of national and local organizations whose missions worked with you, he was very fair and sincere. All those skills support hunger relief, as well as housing and education for and traits fueled his awesome ability to motivate his teams.” underserved populations. In addition, Laurie established “Ladies of Lambeau,” an inclusive group of women who are A natural leader among his teammates, Murphy served as associated with the Green Bay Packers. The group hosts an the Redskins’ player representative to the NFL Players Asso- annual hands-on event at Lambeau Field which benefits a va- ciation from 1980-84, including the position of vice president riety of nonprofit organizations. of the players union (1983-84). While a representative, he served on the players’ bargaining committee during the 1982 Mark and Laurie have four children: Katie, 33, a graduate players’ strike. Those experiences have served him well in his of Harvard who played basketball for the Crimson and lives role on the NFL’s Management Council Executive Committee. in New York City with her husband, Eugene Kornel, and son, Richard, and works at Credit Suisse; Emily, 31, a 2008 gradu- During his days with the Redskins, Murphy earned an MBA ate of Middlebury (Vt.) College with a degree in Chinese who in finance from American University in Washington, D.C., lives with her husband, Robert Kraynak, and daughter, Lou- attending classes full-time in the offseason and evening ise, in Ann Arbor, Mich., where Emily and Robert both attend classes in-season. Upon completion of his playing career in graduate school at the University of Michigan; Brian, 27, a 1985, he joined the NFL Players Association as assistant ex- graduate of Amherst (Mass.) College who played football for ecutive director. While with the NFLPA, Murphy served on the the Lord Jeffs and now lives in Austin, Texas, where he is in bargaining team, including during the 1987 players’ strike, business school at the University of Texas; and Anna, 25, a developed the agent-certification system and strengthened graduate of Northwestern University who now works for Korn the PA’s degree-completion and career-counseling programs. Ferry in New York City. While with the NFLPA, he started work on a law degree from Away from work, Mark enjoys playing golf, fishing and par- Georgetown University and ultimately finished his studies full ticipating in various forms of exercise, including bicycling, time after leaving the Players Association. Upon receiving his cross-country skiing and jogging. law degree in 1988, he worked at a Washington, D.C., law firm (Bredhoff and Kaiser) before becoming a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in 1989. During a four-year career with the Department of Justice, he primarily represented government agencies in trials. Then, in 1992, his alma mater called and he returned to the sports realm. At ease in public settings and with the media, Murphy en- joyed hosting a weekly radio show during his playing days and later became a sports commentator for National Public Radio (1983-92) and the Anheuser-Busch Radio Network (1986-88), offering his insights into football and sports- related legal issues in general. Born July 13, 1955, in Fulton, N.Y., Murphy spent some of his formative years in the Houston area before moving back to the Buffalo-area community of Clarence. He was a three-sport star (football, baseball and basketball) at Clarence Central High School and was named the best all-around athlete in Western New York during his senior year. His baseball talents drew at- tention from major-league scouts. In 2002, he was inducted 16
TED FRONT OFFICETHOMPSONEXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER& DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS Ted Thompson firmly believes AT A GLANCE …that the best way to build a suc- cessful team is by drafting and developing players, with free • Of the 53 players on Green Bay’s Super Bowl XLV championship COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION VETERANSagency playing a complementary role in addressing spe- roster, 49 of them had been acquired by Thompson since 2005.cific needs. Now 11-plus years into his tenure as Executive Vice Presi- • The 2015 season marked the Packers’ franchise-record seventhdent, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, straight playoff appearance (2009-15), joining New England asThompson’s philosophy was validated in 2010 with a win in the only team in the league to accomplish that feat over thatSuper Bowl XLV over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay’s span. Additionally, the Packers are 77-34-1 (.692) since 2009, No.fourth Super Bowl title and 13th world championship. 2 to only New England (85-27, .759). A look at the Packers’ roster for Super Bowl XLV indicatesa team truly built by Thompson. Nineteen of 22 starters and • Green Bay’s seven Pro Bowl selections in 2011 were the most49 of 53 players on the roster were acquired by Thompson the Packers had voted into the game since 1967, with six ofvia the draft, free agency, trades or the waiver wire during those players either drafted or signed by Thompson.his time in Green Bay. Thompson’s approach was reaffirmed the past five sea- • Named NFL Executive of the Year in 2007 and 2011 by Sportingsons (2011-15) as Green Bay added to one of its most suc- News in a vote of his peers.cessful stretches in team history. While the Packers cameup short in their quest to win another Super Bowl champi- • The 2013 season was the first of Thompson’s Green Bay tenureonship, Green Bay finished with a franchise-best 15 regular- in which every player on the roster was acquired by him.season wins in 2011 while also capturing four consecutive • Since 2005, the Packers rank tied for second in games played by rookies (1,278) and tied for eighth in starts by rookies (335). Also, 24 rookie free agents have made the opening-day roster under Thompson, with 17 undrafted rookies making the opening-day roster in the past six seasons (2010-15), tying the Packers for fifth most in the NFL over that span.• division titles from 2011-14. It marked the first time since Named to his position on Jan. 14, 2005, his second stint withthe league went to a divisional format in 1967 that the Pack- the organization. Earlier served eight years with the Packersers won four straight division titles, making Green Bay the (1992-99) – as assistant director of pro personnel (1992), direc-only NFC team to win its division each of those four seasons tor of pro personnel (1993-96) and director of player personneland one of only three teams in the NFL to do so over that (1997-99).span (Denver, New England). The 2015 season also markedthe Packers’ franchise-record seventh straight playoff ap- • Served five seasons (2000-04) as the Seattle Seahawks’ vice president of football operations.• pearance and eighth in the last nine seasons, making them Combining the drafts he has run in Seattle and Green Bay, DRAFT & 27 of Thompson’s selections have earned Pro Bowl, All-Pro or FREE AGENTSthe only NFC team to accomplish those feats. All-Rookie honors.The Packers’ success under Thompson has been due, in• part, to the immediate contribution of Thompson’s draftpicks and undrafted free agents. The 2014 draft class com- Nine starters on Seattle’s Super Bowl XL team, including league MVP RB Shaun Alexander and K Josh Brown, were drafted by the Seahawks during Thompson’s tenure.bined for 42 starts in the regular season, good for the fifth-• most combined starts among all NFL teams’ 2014 draft Enjoyed a 10-year playing career with the Houston Oilers (1975-classes. Overall, the Packers rank tied for second in games 84), becoming one of the most durable players in Houston annals by playing in 146 of 147 games, missing just one contest 2015 REVIEWplayed by rookies (1,278) and tied for eighth in starts by due to injury. Was originally signed by Bum Phillips as anrookies (335) since 2005. Also, 24 rookie free agents have undrafted free agent.made the opening-day roster under Thompson. Most im-pressively, 17 undrafted rookies made the opening-day • Was a three-year starter (1972-74) at linebacker and teamroster in the past six seasons (2010-15), tying the Packers captain (’74) for SMU, earning Academic All-Southwest Confer-for fifth most in the NFL over that span. ence honors, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and also lettering in baseball as a senior. Highlighting last season’s draft class were first-roundselection CB Damarious Randall of Arizona State and sec-ond-round selection CB Quinten Rollins of Miami (Ohio). pearance in the NFL all-star game in ’15 cemented his status RECORDS &Randall was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month as one of the NFL’s elite offensive linemen. A fourth-round HISTORYfor November and appeared in 15 games with nine starts in selection in 2008, Sitton has also been named second-team2015, totaling 59 tackles and three interceptions, including All-Pro by AP each of the past three seasons (2013-15). LAMBEAUone returned for a touchdown. His three interceptions tied FIELDfor the team lead and ranked tied for second among all NFL Combining the drafts he has run in Seattle and Green Bay,rookies. Rollins posted two interceptions, tied for fourth 27 of Thompson’s selections have earned Pro Bowl, All-Pro MISC.among NFL rookies, in 14 games with four starts. Green or All-Rookie honors, and since Thompson joined GreenBay also received contributions from its fourth-round se- Bay in 2005, the Packers have drafted 10 players who havelection, LB Jake Ryan. Ryan proved his mettle in 14 games made at least one Pro Bowl appearance, ranking Green Baywith five starts, tallying 47 tackles, one fumble recovery and tied for ninth in the NFL in that category.six special teams tackles. The 2014 class saw first-round selection S Ha Ha Clinton- The 2015 season also saw five Packers named to the Pro Dix of Alabama and fifth-round selection C Corey Linsley ofBowl in FB John Kuhn, LB Clay Matthews, LB Julius Pep- Ohio State earn PFWA All-Rookie Team honors after bothpers, QB Aaron Rodgers and G Josh Sitton. For Rodgers, appeared in all 16 games with a combined 26 starts. Sec-Thompson’s first draft pick as Green Bay’s GM in 2005, it ond-round selection WR Davante Adams of Fresno Statemarked his fifth selection. A first-round choice by Thomp- and third-round pick TE Richard Rodgers of California alsoson in 2009, it marked Matthews’ sixth appearance in the had an impact, ranking third and sixth on the team, respec-Pro Bowl, and first at inside linebacker. In 2012, he became tively, in receiving yards.the first Packer to earn Pro Bowl recognition in each of hisfirst four seasons (2009-12) in the NFL. Sitton’s third ap- The 2014 season also saw seven Packers named to the Pro Bowl; WR Randall Cobb, Kuhn, Matthews, WR Jordy Nelson, Rodgers, CB Sam Shields and Sitton. It marked 17
FRONT OFFICE the first appearances for Cobb, Nelson and Shields in the fered its lone regular-season defeat at Kansas City in Week annual all-star game. Rodgers was also named The Associ- 15 of the 2011 season. The streak was the longest in fran- VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY ated Press NFL Most Valuable Player for the second time in chise history and was the second-longest winning streak in his career (also 2011) to go along with his MVP honors for NFL history (including playoffs) behind only the 2003-04DRAFT & Super Bowl XLV. New England Patriots (21 games). Perhaps most impres- FREE AGENTS sively, the Packers never trailed in the fourth quarter during The 2013 draft class had a similar immediate impact on their 19-game winning streak. 2015 REVIEW the Packers’ success. Second-round pick RB Eddie Lacy was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and second- The 2011 Packers captured their second NFC North titleRECORDS & team All-Pro by AP, NFL Rookie of the Year by the PFWA, under Thompson and first since 2007, and as a result, HISTORY and was selected to the Pro Bowl. Lacy finished the season earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time since 1996. with 1,178 rushing yards, the most in in franchise history Green Bay finished the 2011 campaign with a perfect 8-0 by a rookie. His rushing total led all NFL rookies and ranked record at Lambeau Field for the first time since 2002. No. 8 among all players, while his 11 rushing TDs ranked third in the NFL and set a new franchise record for most Seven of Thompson’s players were selected to the Pro rushing TDs by a rookie. Lacy followed up his rookie cam- Bowl following the 2011 campaign, the most the Packers paign with 1,139 rushing yards in 2014 to become the fifth had voted to the all-star game since 1967. The selections player in franchise history to record consecutive 1,000- included WR Greg Jennings, Kuhn, Matthews, NT B.J. Raji, yard rushing seasons. The 2013 draft also produced T Da- Rodgers, C Scott Wells and CB Charles Woodson. Six of vid Bakhtiari (fourth round), the only rookie in the NFL to the selections were acquired by Thompson as Jennings, start at the all-important left tackle position in every game Matthews, Raji and Rodgers were draft picks while Kuhn during the 2013 season. was claimed off waivers and Woodson was signed as a free agent. It was the fourth straight Pro Bowl selection Despite coming off a world championship in 2010 and fea- for Woodson, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 turing one of the deepest rosters in the league, the Packers who was signed by Thompson in 2006. received consistent contributions from Thompson’s 2011 draft class in their rookie seasons. Second-round pick Cobb In 2010, the Packers posted a 10-6 mark and qualified for made an immediate impact in his pro debut vs. New Or- the postseason for the third time under Thompson. Win- leans with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that ners of three straight playoff games on the road, Green Bay matched the NFL record at the time. He finished the season became just the second No. 6 seed (2005 Steelers) to win a ranked No. 2 in the NFL (No. 1 among rookies) with a 27.7- Super Bowl since the NFL went to a 12-team playoff format yard kickoff return average and No. 7 in the league (No. 2 in 1990. among rookies) with an 11.3-yard punt return average. For his efforts, Cobb was named to the Pro Football Weekly All- The Packers featured eight Pro Bowl selections in 2010, Rookie team as the kick returner. Cobb continued to excel in with five of the players being voted to the initial squad. Four 2012, setting a franchise record with a league-leading 2,342 of the eight players were draft picks of Thompson’s and two combined net yards. Additionally, Cobb became the first more were signed as free agents. player in NFL history to post 900-plus receiving yards (959) and 900-plus kickoff return yards (964) in the same season. What made the Packers’ championship season in 2010 even more notable was the adversity the team faced due The combined achievements authored by the 2010 and to injuries. Green Bay finished the year with 15 players on ’11 teams assembled by Thompson have a prominent place injured reserve, and eight of them had started at least one in Packers and NFL history. Covering a span of 364 days, game on the season. Six starters from the opening-day Green Bay won 19 consecutive games (including postsea- depth chart sustained season-ending injuries in the first son) over the two seasons. The 19-game winning streak seven games. began in Week 16 of 2010 and lasted until Green Bay suf- Because of those injuries, the roster depth that Thompson PACKERS GENERAL MANAGERS had built during his tenure came to the fore. Rookies such as T Bryan Bulaga, a first-round draft pick in 2010, and Curly Lambeau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1946-49 Shields and LB Frank Zombo, both undrafted free agents in Verne Lewellen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1954-58 ’10, were called upon to step into prominent roles. A pair of Vince Lombardi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1959-68 fourth-year players, LB Desmond Bishop and S Charlie Pe- Phil Bengtson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1969-70 prah, moved into the starting lineup and became key cogs Dan Devine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1971-74 on defense after contributing primarily on special teams Bart Starr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1975-80 earlier in their careers. RB James Starks, a sixth-round pick Ron Wolf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1992-2000 in 2010 who was limited to just three games during the Mike Sherman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001-04 regular season because of an injury, led the NFL with 315 Ted Thompson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005-present rushing yards in the postseason, third most in league his- tory by a rookie RB in the playoffs. Note: Includes only those who held the actual title, general manager, and the football seasons in which they held it. Lambeau, Lombardi, Bengtson, The Packers’ Super Bowl XLV team was a direct reflec- Devine, Starr and Sherman doubled as head coaches during the years tion of the philosophy that Thompson has held true to listed, although Lombardi was GM only in 1968. throughout his Green Bay tenure, one that shouldLAMBEAU put the franchise in good position to contend for FIELD championships on an annual basis. Since taking over as GM, Thompson has focused on rebuild- MISC. ing and improving the bulk of the roster, mostly through the draft. In his first four drafts from 2005-08, Thompson utilized 14 trades, all but one of them down, to turn 31 picks into 43 selections, plus an extra choice in ’09. In 2009-10, however, his trades went in the other direction as the improved roster core allowed him to focus less on the overall quantity of picks. Those two years, Thompson traded up for specific players he had targeted in certain rounds. In ’09, after selecting Raji out of Boston College with the No. 9 overall selection in the first round, Thompson traded a second-round pick and two 18
third-round selections – Nos. 41, 73 and 83 overall – to ball operations for the storied franchise. FRONT OFFICENew England to get another crack at a first-round talent. He In becoming the 10th general manager in club history,moved up 15 spots to No. 26 overall and nabbed Matthews COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION VETERANSout of Southern California, while also receiving a 2009 fifth- Thompson rejoined the team with which he received hisround pick in return from the Patriots. start under Wolf in 1992. After working for the legendary DRAFT & general manager through the 1999 season, Thompson FREE AGENTS Just like that, not only did Thompson give the Packers spent five years as vice president of football operations fortwo first-round draft choices for the first time in 16 years, the Seattle Seahawks. 2015 REVIEWhe added highly touted prospects at the two linchpin posi-tions in the 3-4 defense – a middle anchor and an outside “It’s almost a dream-come-true-type job,” Thompson RECORDS &pass rusher. said. “You think about, when you’re a young kid, some of HISTORY the things you’d like to do when you grow up and you think Thompson followed in the footsteps of his mentor, Ron maybe manager of the New York Yankees or maybe theWolf, in becoming Green Bay’s GM, and following the 2007 general manager of the Green Bay Packers. So it’s a thrill,season he joined Wolf in becoming the only people in the it’s an honor.”history of the organization to be recognized as the best intheir field in a vote of their peers as the NFL Executive of the For Harlan, the selection of Thompson to lead Green Bay’sYear by Sporting News. He further cemented his reputation football fortunes was an easy choice, and Thompson hasin the NFL by winning the award for a second time following validated that confidence in his selection by successfullythe Packers’ record-setting 2011 season. remaking the roster into one he and the organization believe is built for long-term success. Preceding his first award, Thompson left an undeniablestamp on Green Bay’s successful 2007 season. In just his “I feel Ted is a perfect fit for the Packers,” Harlan said,third campaign as GM, he assembled a roster that was the introducing Thompson in 2005. “He is a respected Nationalyoungest yet one of the most talented in the NFL, and the Football League veteran who is a proven talent evaluatorPackers went 13-3, won the NFC North Division title, and and an efficient administrator. He knows the people in ouradvanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time personnel department and he is familiar with how we runin a decade. our football operation. He embraces the Packers’ champi- onship tradition, and he was very anxious to have the op- “I’m honored to receive this award on behalf of the Green portunity to return to Green Bay.”Bay Packers,” the humble Thompson said. “We view this asa team honor and feel the coaches, players and staff should Now in his 35th NFL season, including 10 years as a play-all be very proud of the job they’ve done in helping this er, Thompson knows and respects the position the Packersfranchise succeed.” hold in the hearts of the fans, and around the league. The prestigious award acknowledged Thompson for his “The history and tradition of this place is unrivaled indiligence and success as the team came within an overtime professional sports,” Thompson said. “I understand thefield goal of advancing to the Super Bowl. But it also served passion the people here have for their team. Ron (Wolf)as recognition for Thompson’s overall body of work since told me this is the best job in the National Football League.taking his current position in 2005. I never forgot that.” One of the biggest additions to the playoff-bound team The 63-year-old Thompson not only joined an organi-came from a key trade. Thompson acquired RB Ryan Grant zation with which he was familiar, but also oversees afrom the New York Giants at the end of training camp for respected staff that includes Eliot Wolf, director-footballa sixth-round draft choice, adding the former Notre Dame operations, Brian Gutekunst, director of player personnel,standout to a crowded but banged-up backfield. and Alonzo Highsmith, senior personnel executive. Grant eventually took over as the feature back midway Former Thompson staffers include current Kansas Citythrough the season and proceeded to rush for nearly 1,000 Chiefs general manager John Dorsey, Oakland Raiders gen-yards, adding 201 yards and three TDs in the NFC Divisional eral manager Reggie McKenzie, Raiders director-collegeplayoff victory over Seattle, both Green Bay postseason re- scouting Shaun Herock and Seattle Seahawks executivecords. He went on to add back-to-back 1,200-yard cam- vice president/general manager John Schneider.paigns in 2008-09. Almost immediately upon taking over, Thompson made a Surprising many with the hiring of Mike McCarthy as crucial choice for the long-term benefit of the club. In thehead coach in January 2006, Thompson embarked on turn- 2005 NFL Draft, Rodgers had been projected as high as theing around a 4-12 team beset by injuries and salary-cap No. 1 overall pick, but he wasn’t taken there and ended upconcerns in his first season. The improvement to an 8-8 sliding all the way down to the Packers at No. 24. One yearmark in 2006, followed by the playoff run in 2007, netted later, Thompson handed Rodgers to an accomplished quar-McCarthy the Motorola NFL Coach of the Year award and terback mentor in McCarthy to mold him into the team’splaced both Thompson and his chief hire at the top of their signal caller of the future.professions. In 2008-09, following the retirement and subsequent Thompson’s career as a football executive came full circle trade of Brett Favre, Rodgers became the first quarterbackJan. 14, 2005. That day, former Green Bay Packers CEO in league history to eclipse 4,000 yards passing in eachBob Harlan gave him full authority over all aspects of foot- of his first two seasons as a starter. Rodgers surpassed the 4,000-yard mark again in 2011 and 2012 and postedDRAFT PICKS BY SCHOOL, 2005-2016 LAMBEAU FIELDA breakdown of the 111 draft picks under Ted Thompson and the personnel staff since 2005. BCS schools are those colleges anduniversities that currently compete in the Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12 and Southeastern conferences. (BCS/non- MISC.BCS is based on the school’s conference at the time of the player’s final collegiate season.)BCS: 75UCLA 5, Iowa 4, California 4, Arizona State 3, Colorado 3, Louisville 3, Stanford 3, Texas A&M 3, Alabama 2, Boston College 2,Louisiana State 2, Michigan State 2, Mississippi State 2, Ohio State 2, Oklahoma 2, Southern California 2, Virginia Tech 2, Arkansas,Arizona, Auburn, Baylor, Cincinnati, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas State, Kentucky, Maryland,Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, South Florida,Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, WisconsinNon-BCS: 36Boise State 2, Fresno State 2, San Diego State 2, Texas Christian 2, Alabama-Birmingham, Albany, Appalachian State, Bethune-Cookman, Brigham Young, Buffalo, Central Florida, Cornell, East Carolina, Eastern Michigan, Furman, Grand Valley State, Hawaii,Illinois State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Maine, Miami (Ohio), Missouri Southern State, Nevada, New Mexico State, North Carolina A&T,Northwest Missouri State, Saginaw Valley State, San Jose State, Southern Mississippi, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Utah State, WesternMichigan 19
FRONT OFFICE were named to the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie team. In ’07, he drafted K Mason Crosby, whose 1,145 career VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY 21,332 passing yards from 2008-12. That total ranks first points are the most in franchise history. in NFL history for the most passing yards by a QB in hisDRAFT & first five seasons as a starter, surpassing the previous mark Prior to 2009, Thompson selected 43 players in his first FREE AGENTS held by Peyton Manning (20,618, 1998-2002). Rodgers’ four drafts as GM, signaling the rebuilding of the roster career passer rating of 104.1 ranks No. 1 in NFL history, core that had seen only 27 draft picks in the four years 2015 REVIEW and his 122.5 passer rating in 2011 set a single-season NFL (2001-04) before Thompson returned to Green Bay. record, topping Manning’s 121.1 mark in 2004. Addition-RECORDS & ally, Rodgers’ 1.6 career interception percentage is tops in As a result, offseason competition for positions on HISTORY NFL history. Green Bay’s 53-man roster has been fierce since Thomp- son took over. The goal is to improve the team’s playLAMBEAU Although Thompson prefers to shift the spotlight in an- through competition, just as it was when Bum Phillips FIELD other direction, his fingerprints were also all over the Se- annually brought in younger talent to try to take Thomp- ahawks’ road to Super Bowl XL during the 2005 season. son’s job during the former linebacker’s 10-year playing MISC. League MVP Shaun Alexander, Thompson’s first draft pick career with the Houston Oilers. in Seattle, captured the 2005 league rushing title and estab- lished a then-single-season NFL record with 28 TDs. Nine A former Oilers teammate, Mike Reinfeldt, helped to of Seattle’s Super Bowl starters, as well as K Josh Brown, launch Thompson’s second football career. In 1992, Re- were drafted by Thompson. That list included G Steve infeldt, then the Packers’ vice president of administration, Hutchinson, a Pro Bowler in seven of his 12 NFL seasons. recommended that Wolf take a look at Thompson as a po- tential pro scout for his staff. Wolf subsequently brought Thompson’s philosophy on building a successful team Thompson in to audition as a personnel evaluator, and relies heavily on drafted players as a foundation. In today’s Thompson always has felt he learned a lot from Wolf. NFL, teams can’t win consistently with free agency as their “He taught me passion, he taught me work ethic, he primary tool. And in building through the draft, the Packers taught me believing in yourself, to have confidence, to write place a premium on character. down what you see, not what other people see, and to trust yourself.” But despite how much value he places on the draft, During his first tenure in Green Bay, Thompson was Thompson also will use the free-agent market as another instrumental in providing talent that produced an 83-45 tool to build the roster. In Green Bay, he has brought in play- record (.648), six straight playoff berths, two Super Bowl ers like Woodson, DT Ryan Pickett and most recently LB Ju- appearances and the 1996 world championship. With his lius Peppers, among others, to either take over starting jobs help, the team acquired free agents Reggie White, Sean or provide valuable, experienced depth at their positions. Jones, Don Beebe, Santana Dotson and Desmond Howard. Through the draft, Green Bay added Vonnie Holliday and “I think free agency is a very interesting tool to use to help Donald Driver, the Packers’ all-time leading receiver. you patch some holes and do some things,” said Thomp- A possessor of strong football credentials and keen son, who signed five unrestricted free agents in 2006, the knowledge of the game gleaned from his decade-long Packers’ most since 1998. “There’s no reluctance on our playing career, Thompson credits Wolf with deepening his part. We do try to make certain that what we do is not just understanding of the scouting process and cites his experi- fantasy football. We’re investing in a player that’s got to ence in Seattle working with Mike Holmgren as very valu- come in and play a particular role. If we don’t think that able in terms of his growth as a football person, running an player can perform to that contract, then it doesn’t make organization and making decisions that affect the team in sense for us to do it just to say, ‘Look what we’ve spent.’” the present and in the future. A versatile linebacker during his 10-year NFL playing ca- In Green Bay annals, Thompson is only the fourth general reer with the Oilers (1975-84), Thompson also was one of manager to serve exclusively from the front office, joining the most durable players in team annals, missing just one Verne Lewellen (1954-58), Vince Lombardi (1968) and of 147 contests due to injury. He started eight games over Wolf (1992-2000). the course of his career and also played in seven postsea- son contests (1978-80), with the Oilers going 4-3 in those The low-profile Thompson has a proven track record as games, losing the AFC championship to the Steelers in both an evaluator. Overseeing Seattle’s draft board from 2000 1978 and ’79. He originally was signed by Phillips as an through ’04, Thompson provided the Seahawks a solid undrafted free agent. foundation which they used to make three straight playoff Thompson’s Oilers teammates included Pro Football Hall appearances (2003-05). His 2003 draft saw Thompson land of Famers Earl Campbell, Mike Munchak, Elvin Bethea, three players – Brown, CB Marcus Trufant and S Ken Ham- Warren Moon and Bruce Matthews (current Packer Clay’s lin – who not only made immediate front-line contributions uncle). Thompson also served as a reserve kicker and con- as rookies, but who also became cornerstone players for verted all four PATs he attempted in an emergency situation years to come. vs. the New York Jets in a 1981 contest. Collegiately, Thompson was a three-year starter (1972- Just one year later, those three were instrumental in Se- 74) at linebacker and team captain (’74) for SMU. As a attle’s 2004 NFC West championship. In the Seahawks’ sophomore, he played under head coach Hayden Fry, and playoff game that year, 11 of 22 starters were acquired Phillips, his eventual pro coach, was defensive coordinator. through Thompson’s drafts. In his first two Green Bay He also served as the team’s placekicker as a senior. Fol- drafts, Thompson selected S Nick Collins in 2005 and LB lowing his football career, in the spring of ’75, he lettered as A.J. Hawk, Jennings and G Daryn Colledge in 2006. All four an outfielder for the Mustangs’ baseball team. Thompson gained Academic All-Southwest Conference honors and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business adminis- tration. Born Jan. 17, 1953, in Atlanta, Texas, Thompson was an all-region player at the city’s high school, lining up at run- ning back, linebacker and placekicker. He also lettered in basketball, baseball, track and golf. He is single and enjoys an occasional round of golf in times of leisure. 20
RUSS FRONT OFFICEBALLVICE PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATION/PLAYER FINANCE Russ Ball, entering his 28th AT A GLANCE … COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION VETERANS season in the NFL, begins his ninth season in Green Bay as • Joined the Packers organization as vice president of football DRAFT & the organization’s vice presi- administration/player finance on Feb. 14, 2008. FREE AGENTSdent of football administration/player finance. Named to the position on Feb. 13, 2008, Ball brings a vast • Entering his 28th season in the NFL, having previously workedarray of experience to the Packers’ front office and is highly for the New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, Minnesotainvolved in all team decisions both on and off the playing Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs.field. He is responsible for negotiating player contractsand managing the salary cap, in addition to the daily su- • Responsible for negotiating player contracts and managing thepervision of football-administration departments including salary cap, as well as the daily supervision of football-admin-athletic training, equipment, video, corporate travel, player istration departments including athletic training, equipment,development, family programs and public relations. video, corporate travel, player development, family programs “The first thing that needs to be said is that Russ Ball is and public relations.a good man,” said Ted Thompson, Packers Executive VicePresident, General Manager and Director of Football Opera- • Began his NFL career with the Chiefs in 1989 as assistanttions. “He is a tremendous help to all of us here with the strength and conditioning coach.Packers, and his influence is felt throughout the organiza-tion. He does a lot of valuable work that often goes un- Ball served as senior football administrator for the Min-noticed by many. Russ is also a steady hand and a valued nesota Vikings from 1999-2000, where he assisted withfriend that we all come to for advice. He represents the salary-cap management and player contracts. He beganPackers proudly, and we are fortunate to have him with us.” working in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and spent Before coming to Green Bay, Ball spent six seasons 10 seasons (1989-98) there, the final two in football opera-(2002-07) with the New Orleans Saints, the final two as tions as administrative assistant to then-head coach Martyvice president of football administration and the first four Schottenheimer. Ball began his career with the Chiefs as anas senior football administrator. His responsibilities with assistant strength and conditioning coach.the Saints included monitoring the salary cap, contract ne-gotiations and roster management, as well as maintaining A 1981 graduate of the University of Central Missouri, Ballthe team’s compliance with NFL and Management Council was a four-year letterman at center for the Mules. He servedregulations. Ball also coordinated different areas of the as head strength and conditioning coach at the Universityfootball operations, and was involved in several other ad- of Missouri from 1982-89 and earned his master’s degreeministrative functions with the club. in human performance from Missouri in 1990. During his time in New Orleans, Ball also served in asimilar capacity with the New Orleans VooDoo of the Ball was born Aug. 28, 1959, in Moberly, Mo. He and hisArena Football League from 2004-07. He was selected by wife, Diana, reside in Green Bay and have two children, Joe,the Saints to attend the 2005 NFL Managers Program at 30, and Andrea, 18. Away from work, Ball enjoys spendingStanford University’s Executive Education Graduate School time with his family.of Business. Ball, 57, spent the 2001 season as director of football ad- 2015 REVIEWministration for the Washington Redskins, where his dutiesincluded managing the salary cap as well as team opera-tions, as he oversaw the video, athletic training, equipment,strength and conditioning and player development depart-ments. RECORDS & HISTORY PRESIDENT KENNEDY ASSISTS PACKERS TO 1961 CHAMPIONSHIP LAMBEAU FIELD V ince Lombardi won nine straight postseason games, a streak that began in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis when Paul Hornung,Ray Nitschke and Boyd Dowler were called up to active military duty. MISC. H ornung was ordered to report to Fort Riley, Kan., Nitschke and Dowler to Fort Lewis, Wash. All three reported by mid-November and were at the mercy of their base commanders as far as getting weekend passes toplay football. In the end, Dowler played all 14 games that season; and Nitschke and Hornung each played 12. In fact, Hornung played enough to be named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. But with the league’s championship game scheduled for Dec. 31, Coach Vince Lombardi was fretting over how much practicetime the three would get. That proved to be no problem for Dowler and Nitschke. They were given 14-day leaves and arrived back in Green Bay Dec. 22.But Hornung was awarded just a six-day leave that wasn’t going to start until Dec. 27, leaving him scant time to practice. Based on second-hand accounts, the story goes that Lombardi decided to pull some strings. He had President John F.Kennedy’s private phone number at the White House and called him. Kennedy, in turn, called Fort Riley with clear instructionsthat Hornung be given an earlier release. Orders were followed and Hornung arrived in Green Bay not only in time for a week of practice, but to escort a date to GreenBay’s Charity Ball on Dec. 23. The Packers ended up beating the Giants, 37-0, and Hornung was named the game’s MVP. The Berlin Crisis was a Cold War confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over the occupation of theGerman capital. At its height in late 1961, there was fear that it could trigger a nuclear war. 21
FRONT OFFICE PAUL BANIEL VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY Paul Baniel is in his eighth year AT A GLANCE … heading up the Green Bay Pack-DRAFT & ers’ financial operations and is • Last name is pronounced BAN-yel. FREE AGENTS in his fifth year serving as vice • Joined the Packers as vice president of finance in August 2009; president of administration for the organization. 2015 REVIEW In addition to leading the daily operation of the club’s named vice president of finance and administration in July finance, facility and information technology departments, 2012. Baniel represents the Packers at the NFL level on economic issues and leads strategic initiatives of the organization. • Beginning his 30th year in the sports and entertainment He was integrally involved in Lambeau Field’s $312 million industry, including 16 years with the Milwaukee Brewers and six expansion and renovation project, drawing on his experi- years with Potawatomi Bingo Casino. ence with major projects with the Milwaukee Brewers and Potawatomi Bingo Casino while in leadership roles in those • A CPA and CGMA, received his accounting degree with honors organizations. Additionally, he is helping oversee the team’s from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. $55 million current project to renovate the stadium’s suites and club seats, and is integrally involved with planning for Prior to that, Baniel worked 16 years for the Milwaukee the Titletown District, the organization’s development on 34 Brewers from 1986 through 2002. He served as the team’s acres of land immediately to the west of Lambeau Field that vice president of finance as well as treasurer and secretary will maximize its unique location to attract visitors, spur for the final seven years of his tenure (1995-2002), coor- regional economic growth, offer amenities to residents and dinating the financing for the construction of Miller Park. complement the greater Green Bay area’s draw as an excel- lent location to live, work and play. Baniel, 54, also worked for three years (1983-86) at the Baniel, a certified public accountant, also oversees the Milwaukee office of Price Waterhouse, a national public ac- audit process and works closely with the organization’s counting firm, before joining the Brewers. treasurer, the Board of Directors’ audit and investment committees, and the stadium district. A Milwaukee native, Baniel graduated from Hamilton High “Paul is a key leader in our organization,” said Packers School in nearby Sussex and earned his accounting degree President/CEO Mark Murphy. “His experience in profes- with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee sional sports has been an important asset to the organi- in 1983. He earned his CPA certification that same year zation, especially during our recent significant work on and is a member of several financial and accounting or- Lambeau Field. We appreciate his strong leadership within ganizations, including the American Institute of Certified the organization and the impact he has on our development Public Accountants, Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public efforts around Lambeau Field, including Titletown.” Accountants, Financial Executives International, and the In- Baniel (pronounced BAN-yel), who joined the Packers on stitute of Management Accountants. In the community, he July 30, 2009, moved to Green Bay from Milwaukee, where is past chair (2013-2015) of the board of Special Olympics he had spent more than six years (2003-09) as the chief fi- Wisconsin. nancial officer of Potawatomi Bingo Casino. At Potawatomi, he helped lead the planning and construction of a $240 mil- Baniel was born Nov. 10, 1961. He and his wife, Nancy, lion expansion of the facility, which opened in 2008. reside in Green Bay and have four children: Nick, Claire, Mary and Abby. In his spare time, Baniel enjoys music, travel, golf, bicy- cling, rappelling (Special Olympics’ Lambeau Leap!) and spending time with friends and family.RECORDS & STUDY SHOWS PACKERS’ ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY HISTORY The Packers are the only franchise in professional sports to be owned and sustained by their fans, so most people know howLAMBEAU much the community has meant and continues to mean to the team. But one question has long gone unanswered: “What do FIELD the Packers mean to the community?” To answer that very question from a quantifiable and tangible economic standpoint, the Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District commissioned what is regarded as the most comprehensive MISC. economic impact study of the last 10 years on the subject when it contracted the firm AECOM Economics in 2009. Below are some of the findings and highlights of the report: -Found the total economic impact of the Packers and the renovated Lambeau Field on the community was to be an estimated $281.5 million in 2009. That total included the existence of 2,560 jobs and more than $124 million in earnings. -The Packers’ 10 home exhibition and regular-season games in 2009 had a $123.3 million impact on Brown County. For each game, the team generates approximately $12.3 million in economic impact to the community. -When including the days visitors are in Green Bay to attend summer’s training camp, the impact increases by another $7.4 million. -Showed that in 2009, the total economic impact attributed to spending by the Packers and Lambeau Field was $141 million, including the creation of 760 jobs and the generation of $80.6 million in wages. -The fiscal impact of taxes to local and state governments courtesy of both training camp and Packers games was an estimated $8.7 million. The South End, which opened in 2013, included the addition of approximately 7,000 new seats and now generates an additional spending impact of approximately $11 million each year. In addition to the newly added seats, the Packers completed extensive renovations to the Atrium in 2015, a project that included a new Packers Pro Shop; new American Family Insurance Gate; and a new restaurant, 1919 Kitchen & Tap. In total, over the five years of work, the projects employed more than 3,000 workers and generated more than $130 million in wages. 22
CRAIG FRONT OFFICEBENZELVICE PRESIDENT OF SALES ANDBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Craig Benzel, an 18-year AT A GLANCE … COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION VETERANS member of the Packers’ sales and marketing team, is in his • Joined the Packers in 1998; named vice president of sales and third year as the Packers’ vice business development on May 12, 2014.president of sales and business development. Benzel, who was promoted to the position on May 12, • In his 26th year in the sports industry, including 18 years with2014, oversees corporate sales, premium seating, ticket- the Packers, six years with the Milwaukee Wave and two yearsing, food and beverage, events, the Hall of Fame and guest with UW-La Crosse.services. He had served the previous 12 years as directorof marketing and corporate sales, a position in which he • Longtime Wisconsin resident, earned his bachelor’s degreehelped the organization achieve record local revenues as it from Ripon College and his MBA from UW-La Crosse.expanded its partnerships and added innovative new inven-tory in premium seating, among other accomplishments. A longtime Wisconsin resident, Benzel was born Oct. “Craig is a valuable member of our senior staff,” Pack- 23, 1963, in Hot Springs, S.D., before moving to the state.ers President/CEO Mark Murphy said. “His experience with He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and busi-the organization has served him well in his expanded role, ness management from Ripon College and his MBA fromparticularly with our business partners, who are key to the the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. In the community,success of the organization. Craig has shown great growth he serves as a board member for the Green Bay Brand-in his position as a vice president and will play an increas- ing Initiative and its “A Greater Green Bay” campaign anding role in the leadership of the organization.” was a charter board member in the creation of the Anxiety Prior to joining the Packers in 1998, the 52-year-old Ben- Disorders Foundation, now part of the Rogers Memorialzel served as vice president of marketing for the Milwaukee Hospital Foundation. Benzel’s family includes his wife, Jodi,Wave for six years (1993-98), managing all aspects of rev- and children Kaylee, 19, and Max, 15, and they reside inenue generation, including corporate sponsorships, tickets, Pulaski, Wis.promotions, and television and radio programing. Beforehis tenure with the Wave, Benzel worked in sports market-ing for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (1991-93). DRAFT & FREE AGENTS 2015 REVIEWNAMES ON THE FAÇADE RECORDS & HISTORY The names gracing the east and west façades are among the more awe-inspiring features of Lambeau Field’s bowl. The names represent the 24men who have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame primarily for their years spent with the Green Bay Packers. LAMBEAU FIELD Of the 24 names, 21 were players. Earl “Curly” Lambeau and Vince Lombardi were inducted as coaches. Ron Wolf, the latest Hall of Fame addi-tion, was inducted into Canton in 2015 as a general manager. Quarterback Brett Favre’s name will be added to the façade during the 2016 season, MISC.following his induction into Canton. Four of the names were charter inductees of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963: Lambeau, Don Hutson, Robert “Cal” Hubbard and John“Blood” McNally. Hutson, Hubbard and Blood played during the Lambeau era, as did Clarke Hinkle, Mike Michalske, Arnie Herber and Tony Canadeo. Of the 21 players, 11 of them spent their prime playing for Lombardi: Jim Taylor, Forrest Gregg, Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke, Herb Adderley, WillieDavis, Jim Ringo, Paul Hornung, Willie Wood, Henry Jordan and Dave Robinson. James Lofton’s and Reggie White’s Packers careers were played in later eras. In deference to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the names appear on the façade as they do on their busts in Canton with nicknames or adoptednames included in quotation marks. That’s why John “Blood” McNally is listed as he is. While McNally was his given name, he never used it duringhis playing career even to sign his contracts. Nor did the name McNally ever appear in a Packers program or press book, or in newspaper coverageof the day. He was simply Johnny Blood, one of the most magical names in sports in the 1920s and ‘30s. The years listed are only the years the players spent with the Packers. Only seven of the inductees spent their entire NFL careers with the Pack-ers: Hutson, Hinkle, Canadeo, Starr, Nitschke, Hornung and Wood. Lombardi was inducted in Canton only as a coach. That’s why the years listedunder his name don’t include 1968, when he served strictly as Green Bay’s general manager. The names were arranged on the façade in no particular order. Also gracing the interior walls of the Lambeau Field bowl are the years of the Packers’ NFL-record 13 world championships and the team’sretired numbers. Favre’s No. 4, which was retired July 18, 2015, when he was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame, was unveiled on the façadenext to the five other retired numbers during Green Bay’s home game against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, 2015. 23
FRONT OFFICE GABRIELLE DOW VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND FAN ENGAGEMENT VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY Gabrielle Dow, possessor of AT A GLANCE … 22 years of diverse experienceDRAFT & across professional sports, en- • Joined the Packers organization as vice president of marketing FREE AGENTS tertainment and venues, is in her and fan engagement on May 12, 2014. third year as the Packers’ vice president of marketing and fan engagement. • Has 22 years of experience in professional sports, entertain- Dow, who was named to the position on May 12, 2014, ment and venues, including eight years with the Baltimore oversees the Packers’ retail operations, digital and broad- Ravens as vice president of marketing. cast, marketing, brand engagement and game presentation. In her two years with the Packers, Dow and her team • Other pro sports experience includes the NHL’s Florida Panthers have enhanced the gameday experience with a variety of and AEG, marketing the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the new elements in Lambeau Field, including the use of pyro- Staples Center, Kodak Theatre and The Forum. technics and a revamped music selection, along with “Get Loud Lambeau,” a fan-engagement campaign that encour- Dow’s other professional sports experience includes two ages game attendees to support and energize the players years (2003-05) with the NHL’s Florida Panthers, where and coaches. Dow also introduced a new fan-spirit initia- she directed the marketing of hockey, concerts and family tive, “Green and Gold Friday,” enhancing the fan tradition entertainment, and four years (1999-2002) with AEG, mar- of wearing Packers colors and gear to work, school and in keting the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the Staples the community each Friday to ramp up support and enthu- Center, Kodak Theatre and The Forum. siasm for the team. “Gabrielle has been a great addition to the Packers,” Pack- The 44-year-old Dow was honored as one of Maryland’s ers President/CEO Mark Murphy said. “Her experience and Top 100 Women by the Maryland Daily Record in recog- new initiatives have been excellent for the organization and nition of her professional accomplishments, community our fans. She’s had an immediate impact in revenue areas, leadership and commitment to mentoring. Additionally, in including the Packers Pro Shop. We look forward to her March 2014 she received an Executive Management Award continued work in enhancing the connection with our fans by SmartCEO, an award that honors executives who have and in their experience following and supporting the team.” gone above and beyond to support and lead their organiza- Dow joined the Packers from the Baltimore Ravens, tions. where she had served as vice president of marketing for eight years, a position in which she oversaw the team’s Dow also teaches a sports marketing and innovation marketing, promotions, sponsor activations, brand man- MBA course to graduate students at St. Norbert College in agement, game entertainment and fan-affinity efforts. With nearby De Pere, Wis. the Ravens, Dow created successful fan initiatives such as “Purple,” a first-ever female fan club that has grown to Born Oct. 18, 1971, in San Francisco, Dow earned her 25,000 members, and launched the Ravens’ own “Purple bachelor’s, MBA and law degrees from the University of Or- Friday” campaign, creating an engaging Baltimore tradition egon. She and her husband, Jeff, a Port Washington, Wis., that kids and fans of all ages participate in every Friday dur- native, have maintained strong ties to Wisconsin, as Jeff’s ing the football season. parents live in Port Washington and his extended family runs a dairy farm in Lomira, Wis. The couple has a daugh- ter, Danielle, 11, and a son, Jackson, 7. 2015 REVIEWRECORDS & SHOVELING SNOW AT LAMBEAU HISTORY One of the more recent traditions that has taken hold among Packers fans is answering the call to shovel snow off the Lambeau Field bleachers.LAMBEAU When the team needs help clearing the stands for an upcoming game, it issues a press release or uses social media to alert fans. The Packers FIELD provide the shovels and the fans, in turn, provide the muscle (pictured, lower right). During the 2015 season, the Packers put out a call on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 prior to their Jan. MISC. 3 home game against the Minnesota Vikings. It marked the 27th and 28th occasions that Packers fans have been asked to shovel snow since 2005. Fans at least 15 years old who arrive early enough often shovel for several hours. Partici- pants receive $10 per hour upon completion of their work. While shoveling the stands is a more recent development, fans for generations have been eager to help the Packers in times of need. Prior to the 1965 NFL Championship Game, played in Green Bay on Jan. 2, 1966, about 25 young volunteers helped close to 60 stadium workers shovel and haul away snow off the large tarpaulins that had covered the field (pictured, upper right). Prior to the game, the Packers also had spread 40 tons of marsh hay over the playing surface to keep it from freezing. That, too, had to be removed. The nearly five inches of wet, heavy snow that blanketed the turf fell the morning of the game. The Packers tried using a helicopter to dry out the field and blow snow off the seats, but it didn’t work out and the stadium crew wound up trying to clear the seating areas, as well. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle was in attendance, but said he never considered calling off the game. “I think you may be better equipped to handle this sort of thing here than any other place in the league,” said Rozelle, directing his remarks to local reporters. 24
NICOLE FRONT OFFICELEDVINAVICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES Nicole Ledvina is in her third AT A GLANCE … COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION VETERANS year as vice president of human resources with the Green Bay • Joined the Packers organization in 2003; named vice president Packers. of human resources on Jan. 21, 2014. Promoted to her new position on Jan. 21, 2014, Ledvinahas been with the organization since 2003, most recently • A native of Two Rivers (Wis.) and a graduate of the University ofserving as the director of human resources. Wisconsin Oshkosh. “Nicole has been a great asset to the Packers during her13 years with the organization,” Packers President/CEO Prior to joining the Packers, the Two Rivers, Wis., nativeMark Murphy said. “She’s been a valuable member of our held positions in human resources with Hoida Lumber inleadership team and senior staff, and has shown tremen- De Pere, Wis., and the city of Green Bay/Brown County jointdous growth during her time here. She’s highly respected HR department. She graduated from the University of Wis-throughout the entire organization and contributes greatly consin Oshkosh in 1998 with a degree in human resources.to our success.” In addition to overseeing all human-resource matters for Ledvina was born March 8, 1975. Her family includesthe organization, the 41-year-old Ledvina leads strategic her husband, Ed, son, Brady, 7, and daughter, Karly, 4. Theplanning and staff-development efforts. Professionally, she family resides in Mishicot, Wis.is a member of the Society for Human Resources Manage-ment (SHRM), through which she has a certification as aProfessional in Human Resources (PHR), and The Manage-ment Association.MORE ABOUT THE FROZEN TUNDRA DRAFT & FREE AGENTS• The Lambeau Field playing surface underwent an offseason makeover prior to the 2007 season that brought the latest 2015 REVIEW technology to the hallowed ground and made future in-season resodding unnecessary. RECORDS & HISTORY• In a project that took several months to complete, DD GrassMaster, a natural grass surface reinforced with man-made surface has gained increasing popularity overseas and is used by LAMBEAU fibers developed by Desso DLW Sports Systems, was installed some of Europe’s top soccer clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool FIELD on top of a completely new drainage and heating system. and Manchester City. Most recently, the surface was installed The new surface and underlying systems represent the latest at the Arena de Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was used for MISC. developments in field management. numerous matches during the 2014 World Cup.• The new grass surface wasn’t entirely new for the players, • Due to the enhanced drainage capabilities, fans at Lambeau no though. It was identical to the surface on the team’s Clarke Hinkle longer notice a perceptible crown on the field. A slight slope Field. That surface, installed prior to 2005 training camp, had exists, about a half-degree decline, to assist with water and snow garnered rave reviews from the players. The team again used the removal when the field is covered with a tarp. surface in 2009 for the new Nitschke Field. • Also included in the ’07 project was a new service path encircling• According to the Packers’ fields manager, Allen Johnson, the the field. Cement was replaced with a rubberized surface, similar Packers had been following the evolution of the relatively new to the one adjacent to the Don Hutson Center on the side of system for several years, going back to its development on Hinkle Field. The rubberized path still allows for equipment use, European soccer fields. but is safer for players who run far out of bounds.• DD GrassMaster’s advantage mainly is attributed to the sand- based soil, which allows superior drainage and softer, more consistent footing over the previous clay-based field. Because a sand-based root zone has less stability, the system employs millions of strands of polyethylene and polypropylene materials eight inches below the surface with one inch exposed on the top. This gives the field firm footing and eliminates clumps of sod tearing from the surface. Even after a full season’s wear late in the year, the footing remains excellent due to the soil-strengthening strands.• The Packers and Denver Broncos are the only two NFL teams to use the system in their respective stadiums. However, the 25
FRONT OFFICE ED POLICY VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY Ed Policy, an executive with AT A GLANCE … significant sports and legal expe-DRAFT & rience, is in his fifth year as the • Joined the Packers organization as vice president and general FREE AGENTS Green Bay Packers’ vice presi- counsel on Aug. 1, 2012. dent and general counsel. 2015 REVIEW Policy, who started with the Packers on Aug. 1, 2012, has • Professional experience includes nine years in executive an extensive background that includes work in professional leadership roles with the Arena Football League, including football with the Arena Football League and NFL, and broad commissioner, president and CEO, and a year as an executive legal experience with litigation, sports labor relations, consultant with the NFL. sports facility construction and commercial real estate. In addition to directing the corporation’s legal affairs, • Broad legal experience includes litigation, sports labor rela- Policy has a leadership role in the organization’s devel- tions, sports facility construction and commercial real estate. opment efforts in the area surrounding Lambeau Field, including the Titletown District, the 34 acres of land imme- • Three-time recipient of the SportsBusiness Journal’s Forty diately to the west of Lambeau Field that will maximize its Under 40 award in recognition of his achievements in sports unique location to attract visitors, spur regional economic business, and a member of the Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame. growth, offer amenities to residents and complement the greater Green Bay area’s draw as an excellent location to • A native of Youngstown, Ohio, and a graduate of the University live, work and play. He also represents the Packers at the of Notre Dame and Stanford University Law School. NFL level on legal matters, and oversees the club’s com- munity outreach, public affairs, shareholder relations and Before joining the Packers, the 45-year-old Policy served security departments. as president of a fully funded startup company developing “Ed’s contributions to the organization have been ex- a sports media and entertainment property. He had served tremely valuable,” Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy in that role since September 2010. said. “His legal experience in sports and real estate, along with his knowledge of the NFL, has served the Packers very Earlier in his professional career, Policy practiced law at well. Ed’s diverse skill set is a great asset not only to help Thompson Hine LLP in Cleveland (1999-2001), where his lead our Titletown development efforts, but also to be in- work included litigation, sports labor relations, sports fa- tegrally involved in the club’s overall continued success.” cility construction and commercial real estate, and also at Policy’s professional sports experience includes nine Heller Ehrman in San Francisco (1994-99). He is a member years (2001-09) with the Arena Football League, including of the state bars of California and Ohio, and a member of a period (2008-09) in which he served as commissioner, the Sports Lawyers Association. He is a three-time recipient president and CEO. He also served as deputy commissioner of the SportsBusiness Journal’s Forty Under 40 Award in and president (2006-08), chief operating officer (2004-06) recognition of his achievements in sports business, and a and executive vice president – strategic league develop- member of the Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame. ment and legal affairs (2001-04). During his tenure with the league, he oversaw all business and operations of the A Midwestern native, Policy was born Oct. 6, 1970, and AFL, including strategic development, legal affairs, sales, raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree finance, marketing, broadcasting, digital media, football with honors in accounting with an emphasis in finance from operations, labor relations, events and human resources. the University of Notre Dame in 1993 and a law degree from Policy also served as an executive consultant with the NFL Stanford University in 1996. In the Green Bay community, (2009-2010), a position in which he advised and assisted he serves on the board of directors of the Brown County NFL senior management in strategic and development mat- United Way, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, ters and also worked with senior executives on special proj- the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau and ects within various business areas. the Green Bay YMCA, as well as on the community leader- ship council of Achieve Brown County. He and his wife, Christy, have two sons, Carmen, 8, and Luke, 5.RECORDS & HISTORY OF THE “G” HISTORY Before his third season as head coach and general manager of the Packers, Vince LombardiLAMBEAU elected to decorate the team’s helmets with a logo that has become one of the most iconic in FIELD American sports. Lombardi decided to place a green and white ‘‘G’’ directly above the earholes of the team’s mostly gold helmets. MISC. Typical of the times and particularly Lombardi, no big deal was made of the unveiling, either beforehand or after. The “G” was introduced at an intra-squad game played Aug. 5, 1961, at old City Stadium. The game was played there because the field at the Packers’ new stadium — now Lambeau Field — had been recently reseeded and wasn’t ready for use. It was understood at the time that the “G” stood for Green Bay and that hasn’t changed. Lombardi settled on the “G” before he won his first NFL championship. As can best be determined, the development and design of the “G” was carried out by a select few in addition to Lombardi: Gerald “Dad” Braisher, the Packers’ equipment manager; John Gordon, a part-time assistant to Braisher and an art student at St. Norbert College; and workers at Romo Display Advertising Inc., of Green Bay. It’s uncertain who conceived the logo, but Lombardi and Braisher would have been the likely candidates. Gordon sketched it before Romo took his drawing and turned it into an artistic rendering. But, clearly, it never would have come to be without Lombardi’s approval. The original Packers “G” was shaped like a football, flattening gradually from its height toward the ends. The “G” has been slightly modified in the years since. Today, it is shaped more like an oval measuring 3.125 inches at its tallest point and five inches at its widest point. 26
ELIOT FRONT OFFICEWOLFDIRECTOR – FOOTBALL OPERATIONS Eliot Wolf enters his 13th sea- AT A GLANCE … COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION VETERANS son with the Packers and first as the director-football opera- • Named director-football operations on March 21, 2016. First DRAFT & tions after being promoted on joined Packers in 2004 as a pro personnel assistant (2004-2008); FREE AGENTSMarch 21, 2016. Prior to his current role, Wolf spent the named assistant director of pro personnel (2008-2010); assis-2015 season as the team’s director of player personnel after tant director of player personnel (2011); director of pro person-spending the previous three seasons as the team’s direc- nel (2012-14); and director of player personnel (2015).tor of pro personnel. In 2011, he served as the assistantdirector of player personnel after working as the team’s as- • The son of former Packers general manager Ron Wolf, Eliot’ssistant director of pro personnel the previous three seasons scouting career unofficially began at age 10, when he joined his(2008-2010). father in film sessions at Lambeau Field. Originally named as a pro personnel assistant on Feb. 26,2004, by then-General Manager/Head Coach Mike Sher- • Has worked 24 consecutive Packers drafts (since 1993) and 24man, Wolf spent four seasons in that position. consecutive NFL scouting combines. His primary duties include coordinating the pro and col-lege football departments as well as handling both college • Graduated from the University of Miami (Fla.) in Decemberand pro player evaluation through film study, college vis- 2003 after just 3½ years in order to begin his NFL career beforeits, pro days, college all-star games and the NFL Scouting the 2004 NFL Draft.Combine. During the season, he is responsible for over-seeing advance scouting of upcoming Packers opponents, • Born in Oakland, Calif., he is a 2000 high school graduate ofevaluating potential free-agent signees and recommending Green Bay’s Notre Dame Academy.player tryouts. The son of former Packers general manager and 2015 Pro 1993, 24 consecutive drafts overall. He has held nine NFLFootball Hall of Fame inductee Ron Wolf, Eliot’s scouting scouting internships – five with the Packers, three with thecareer unofficially began at age 10, when he joined his fa- Falcons and one with the Seattle Seahawks.ther in film sessions at Lambeau Field. His scouting abilitiescontinued to develop as he filed his first report at age 14 for Wolf owns a B.A. degree in English with an emphasis inthe Atlanta Falcons. creative writing from the University of Miami (Fla.), gradu- Overall, he has spent more than two decades in official ating in December 2003 after just 3½ years in order to be-and unofficial capacities working as a talent evaluator. Wolf gin his NFL career before the 2004 NFL Draft. At Miami, hehas contributed to the Packers’ draft preparations since volunteered in the football office’s recruiting department. Wolf is a 2000 high school graduate of Green Bay’s Notre Dame Academy. Wolf and his wife, Regan, reside in De Pere, Wis.LAMBEAU FIELD AND ATRIUM RENOVATIONS 2015 REVIEW In 2003, the Packers unveiled a completed renovation of Lambeau Field that included additional seating in the stadium bowl, new club RECORDS &seats and luxury boxes, and the construction of the Atrium and its encompassing businesses on the stadium’s northeast side. The resulting HISTORYrevenue streams have helped the franchise remain competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, despite competing in the league’ssmallest market and without traditional ownership. The renovation also helped to enhance the fan experience at the stadium, both on game- LAMBEAUdays and with year-round attractions like stadium tours and the Packers Hall of Fame. FIELD It was in that very vein that the organization announced another, albeit less extensive, renovation project on Aug. 25, 2011, highlightedby the addition of approximately 7,000 seats in the stadium’s south end. The renovation also features the addition of two new entry gates, theBellin Health and Shopko gates, two rooftop viewing terraces – The North Loft and South Loft – for premium ticket holders on gamedays, twonew high-definition Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video boards and a new sound system. The $146 million project was funded by the 2011 stocksale ($64 million), a loan from the NFL G4 program ($61 million) and a contribution from the Stadium District. In 2013, the Packers announced the second phase of the Lambeau Field renovation that began in 2011, which focused on the Atrium.Highlights of the project, which was completed for the 2015 season, include a larger Oneida Nation Gate and new football facilities (completedin 2013), the American Family Insurance Gate on the stadium’s east side and accompanying 50-foot replica Lombardi Trophy in the gate’s lobby,a redeveloped Harlan Plaza and Packers Pro Shop (2014), and a new Packers Hall of Fame and restaurant, 1919 Kitchen & Tap (2015). The play-ers’ parking lot moved to the south side of the Oneida Nation Gate, with access via a tunnel under the enlarged gate. This enhancement furtheropens up access to the east side of the Atrium, with parking adjacent to the American Family Insurance Gate. The project cost $166 million,with funding coming from the Packers through private financing ($111 million) and an NFL G4 program ($55 million) loan. Following the Atrium renovations, work began to enhance Lambeau Field’s suite interiors and club seat common areas. Work in the suitesincludes the installation of operable window systems to allow fans to open and close windows, as well as updates to the décor and appliances.The club seat common areas will see additional TVs and video walls installed during the project, as well updated furniture and décor, includingcorridor graphics. The $55 million project will be fully complete for the 2017 season, with work done primarily during the offseason. MISC. 27
FRONT OFFICE BRIAN GUTEKUNST DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY Promoted to director of player AT A GLANCE … personnel on March 21, 2016, Brian Gutekunst enters his 18th • Promoted to director of player personnel on March 21, 2016, season with the Green Bay Pack- after serving as director of college scouting (2012-2015). First ers’ player personnel department. He spent his first 13 sea- joined the Packers in 1997 as a scouting intern before being sons with the club as a college scout, serving as an East hired full-time in December 1998 as the East Coast scout; spent Coast regional scout for his first two years (1999-2000), one year as a scouting assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs before switching to the Southeast region (2001-2011) in 1998. and most recently serving as director of college scouting (2012-2015). • Played two years of college football for the University of Possessor of prior professional scouting and college Wisconsin-La Crosse. He then became an assistant coach for the coaching experience upon joining Green Bay on a full-time team during his final two years at the school (1995-96) after a basis late in 1998, Gutekunst gained his first NFL experi- shoulder injury cut short his playing career. ence in the summer of 1995, when he assisted the coach- ing staff of the New Orleans Saints with the offensive line Gutekunst earlier had played two years of college football during training camp. Gutekunst’s initial exposure to the for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He then became Packers came in the summer of 1997, when he worked as an assistant coach for the team during his final two years an intern in the team’s scouting department. at the school (1995-96) after a shoulder injury cut short His first full-time appointment in professional scouting his playing career. Serving as a linebackers coach during was in 1998 as a scouting assistant for the Kansas City the 1995 season, he helped the school to the Division III Chiefs. After one year with the Chiefs, Gutekunst returned national championship as the Eagles finished with an un- to the Packers when he was named as a college scout on blemished record of 14-0. Gutekunst majored in sports Dec. 30, 1998, for the East Coast by then-Executive Vice management. President/General Manager Ron Wolf. He and his wife, Jen, reside in Green Bay with their daugh- ters, Marley, 11, Joie, 10, and Kacey, 5, and son, Michael, 7.DRAFT & FREE AGENTS 2015 REVIEW THE LAMBEAU LEAPRECORDS & Defensive back LeRoy Butler’s spontaneous HISTORY gesture after scoring a 1993 touchdown has turned into the team’s most prominent modernLAMBEAU tradition, emulated by many other NFL players. It FIELD also symbolizes the team’s unique relationship with its fans. No doubt, the initial Lambeau Leap will go MISC. down as one of the most memorable moments of Butler’s 12-year career. Butler’s leap took place late in a frigid game vs. the Los Angeles Raiders, Dec. 26, 1993, at Lambeau Field. The touchdown gave the Packers a commanding fourth-quarter lead, en route to a 28-0 shutout that clinched a playoff berth, their first of six consecutive postseason trips. •Chronology of the play: QB Vince Evans completes second-down swing pass to RB Randy Jordan, who • takes ball to Raiders’ 40-yard line. Butler forces fumble, recovered by Reggie • White at Raiders’ 35. White returns ball 10 yards before lateraling to Butler, who covers the remaining 25 yards into the end zone and leaps into arms of fans in south bleachers. 28
ALONZO FRONT OFFICE HIGHSMITH SENIOR PERSONNEL EXECUTIVE An NFL player for six seasons, AT A GLANCE … COMMUNITY ADMINISTRATION VETERANS Alonzo Highsmith enters his 18th year with the Green Bay • Named senior personnel executive on May 23, 2012. First joined DRAFT & Packers’ personnel department. the Packers in 1999 as a college scout. FREE AGENTSHe was promoted to senior personnel executive in May2012 after 13 years on the Packers’ college scouting staff, • The third overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft from Miami (Fla.),where he maintained primary responsibility for the South- he enjoyed six seasons in the NFL with the then-Houstonwest region. Oilers (1987-89), Dallas Cowboys (1990-1991) and Tampa Bay First named as a college scout on Feb. 1, 1999, by then- Buccaneers (1991-92).Executive Vice President/General Manager Ron Wolf, High-smith originally had entered the professional ranks as the • Was a member of the 1983 Hurricanes squad that captured theNo. 3 overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft by the then-Hous- collegiate national championship with a 31-30 triumph overton Oilers, behind only college teammate Vinny Testaverde Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.(Tampa Bay) and Cornelius Bennett (Indianapolis). Highsmith began his pro career by playing three seasons • Spent four years as a professional heavyweight boxer afterin Houston (1987-89), starting 40 straight games with the retiring from the NFL.Oilers. Following offseason knee surgery, he was traded tothe Dallas Cowboys prior to the 1990 campaign. Highsmith was the 1982 Florida high school defensive Highsmith was with Dallas for 1½ seasons before being player of the year as a linebacker at Christopher Colum-waived by the Cowboys on Oct. 4, 1991. Claimed by Tampa bus High School in Miami, where he was a teammate ofBay, he spent the remainder of his pro career with the Buc- former Alabama head coach and current Carolina Pantherscaneers. Due to a series of knee injuries, he retired from the offensive coordinator Mike Shula. A three-time letterwin-NFL at the end of the 1992 season. ner for the school’s basketball team as a guard, Highsmith Highsmith’s NFL totals included 65 games played, 283 also competed in the 100- and 200-meter races in trackrushing attempts for 1,195 yards (4.2 avg.) and seven for three years.touchdowns. He also made 42 receptions for 428 yards(10.2 avg.) and three TDs during the course of his pro Highsmith resides in Green Bay. He and his wife, Denise,career. After the conclusion of Highsmith’s NFL career in are the parents of three children, Alonzo, 26, A.J., 25, and1992, he turned his sights to boxing. As a professional Jordan, 22. Highsmith has two other children, Jasmine, 30,boxer, he competed as a heavyweight across the country, and Brandon, 28. Brandon (Thermilus) played collegiatelycompiling a 27-1-1 career record over a four-year period. as a running back at the University at Buffalo, Alonzo was Earlier a four-time letterman (1983-86) for the University a collegiate linebacker at the University of Arkansas, A.J.of Miami (Fla.), Highsmith was a member of the 1983 Hur- recently finished his college career as a defensive back atricanes squad that captured the collegiate national champi- the University of Miami and Jordan is a senior track andonship with a 31-30 triumph over Nebraska in the Orange field student-athlete at Samford University.Bowl. As a sophomore in 1984, he led Miami in rushingwith 906 yards on 146 carries (6.2 avg.), and repeated that 2015 REVIEWfeat during his senior season, gaining 442 yards on 105attempts (4.2 avg.). Highsmith graduated in 1987 with adegree in business administration.NICKNAME ORIGIN The nickname “Packers” appeared in print for the first time in the Aug. 13, 1919, edition of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. It was RECORDS &the first story written about Green Bay’s newly formed football team, which held its organizational meeting two days earlier in the HISTORYpaper’s editorial department. LAMBEAU The Indian Packing Co. was the team’s sponsor and, hence, the Press-Gazette’s Aug. 13 story referred to the team as both the FIELD“Packers” and the “Indians.” On Aug. 15, the Press-Gazette used only the nickname “Packers,” and that’s who they’ve been ever since. It’s uncertain who coined the nickname, but it almost certainly was one of two Press-Gazette staff members: Val Schneider,who was writing the paper’s sports column at the time, or George Whitney Calhoun, city editor at the time and the football team’sco-founder along with Curly Lambeau. With Indian Packing as a sponsor in 1919 and ’20, and Acme Packing as the sponsor in 1921, the nickname was a natural. Butthe Packers were expelled from what is now the NFL in January 1922 for using three Notre Dame players in a non-league gameagainst Racine. Green Bay was readmitted to the league six months later, but disavowed any connection to Acme Packing and stopped callingthemselves the Packers. The Press-Gazette used Bays and Blues as alternatives, but fans and out-of-town writers resisted the changeand the name Packers endured. LONGEST-STANDING TEAM MONIKERS, MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS, NORTH AMERICATeam, Sport First year under current name Team, Sport First year under current nameCincinnati Reds, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1878 New York Yankees, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1913Pittsburgh Pirates, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1891 Cleveland Indians, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1915 MISC.St. Louis Cardinals, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1900 Montreal Canadiens, hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1917Detroit Tigers, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1901 Green Bay Packers, football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1919Chicago Cubs, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1902 Chicago Bears, football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1922Chicago White Sox, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1904 New York Giants, football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1925Boston Red Sox, baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1907 29
FRONT OFFICE GREEN BAY PACKERS, INC. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY The seven-member Executive Committee of the Green Bay Packers presently is composed of: (back row) Mark J. McMullen, Treasurer; Daniel T. Ariens, Secretary; Mark H. Murphy, President; Thomas M. Olejniczak, Member; John F. Bergstrom,DRAFT & Member; (front row) Susan M. Finco, Member; and Thomas L. Olson, Vice President and Lead Director. FREE AGENTS Now in their 98th season of existence and their 97th season in the National Football League, the Green Bay Packers are a team and an organization unique in both structure and accomplishment. They represent – from an organizational standpoint – the only publicly owned franchise in the 32-team NFL. On the field, they have won 13 NFL championships, more than any other franchise. The Packers have been a community-owned team since 1923 when the Green Bay Football Corporation was founded. After it was forced into receivership in 1933, the franchise was reorganized in 1935 as Green Bay Packers, Inc., which is still operating today. While the Packers still think of themselves as community-owned, their community has grown since 1923 to reflect their worldwide fan base. There are 5,011,562 shares of stock owned by 360,920 shareholders. A seven-member executive committee elected from a board of directors governs the corporation. The committee directs corporate management, ap- proves major capital expenditures, establishes broad policy and monitors management’s performance in conducting the business and affairs of the corporation. 2015 REVIEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terrence R. Fulwiler Mark H. Murphy Marcia M. Anderson Gerald L. Ganoni Thomas M. OlejniczakRECORDS & Daniel T. Ariens Thomas L. Olson HISTORY Thomas D. Arndt Johnnie L. Gray Gary M. Rotherham John F. Bergstrom Michael J. Haddad Diane L. RoundyLAMBEAU Ave M. Bie Jeffrey A. Joerres Michael D. Simmer FIELD Thomas J. Cardella George F. Kerwin Mark D. Skogen Richard J. Chernick David Kohler John L. Skoug MISC. Casey Cuene William F. Kress Albert L. Toon Jr. Valerie Daniels-Carter Thomas G. Kunkel Dr. Elizabeth R. Trowbridge Ricardo Diaz Charles R. Lieb Mike L. Weller Craig S. Dickman Donald J. Long Jr. Michael A. Wier Andrew E. Farah Thomas J. Lutsey Hon. John P. Zakowski Susan M. Finco Laurence A. McCarren Herman J. Reckelberg Philip B. Flynn Michael J. McClone Michael R. Reese Beverly A. French Mark J. McMullen Pat Richter Philip J. Hendrickson Leo J. Scherer DIRECTORS EMERITUS Thomas J. Hinz Paul J. Schierl Terry J. Bogart James F. Kress Allan H. “Bud” Selig John E. Broeren Bernard S. Kubale George J. Stathas Robert C. Buchanan Carl W. Kuehne K.C. Stock Robert G. Bush C. Patricia LaViolette Edward A. Thompson James M. Christensen John N. MacDonough Larry L. Weyers Virgis W. Colbert Dr. Thomas A. Manion Hon. Donald R. Zuidmulder Willie D. Davis John C. Meng Richard Dougherty Stewart C. Mills Jr. Robert C. Gallagher Hon. Robert J. Parins Dr. Donald F. Harden Peter M. Platten III Robert E. Harlan George F. Hartmann 30
MIKE COACHING STAFF/MIKE MCCARTHYMCCARTHYHEAD COACH24th NFL Season • 12th Packers Season • 11th as Head Coach When Mike McCarthy was AT A GLANCE … named head coach of the Green Bay Packers in January 2006, • Named the Packers’ 14th head coach on Jan. 12, 2006. COMMUNITY he said the goal for the fran- • Joined Pittsburgh’s Bill Cowher (2005) as the only Superchise would be to win a Super Bowl, and that would never COACHESchange. Bowl-winning coaches to lead their respective teams to three In 2010, McCarthy led the Packers back to the pinnacle road victories as the No. 6 seed in the playoffs en route to a VETERANSof the sport, joining Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren world title.as the only coaches in team history to lead the Packers to DRAFT &a Super Bowl title, with a 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh • Led Green Bay to its seventh consecutive playoff appearance FREE AGENTSSteelers in Super Bowl XLV. (2009-15) this past season, one of only two NFL teams (New The path to that world championship was not an easy one, England) to do so over that span. Has also led the team to the 2015 REVIEWas McCarthy joined Pittsburgh’s Bill Cowher (2005) as the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons (2007, 2009-15).only Super Bowl-winning coaches to lead their respectiveteams to three road victories as the No. 6 seed in the play- • Ranks second in franchise history with 112 total victories at theoffs en route to a title. helm of the Packers, trailing only Curly Lambeau (212), while Since taking over as head coach in ’06, McCarthy has he also reached the 100-win plateau faster than any active NFLa 112-62-1 overall record (.643), including an 8-7 mark coach, needing just 155 games.(.533) in the postseason. Entering 2016, his overall winningpercentage ranks No. 2 among current NFL head coaches • Guided the Packers to top-10 finishes in scoring in eight(min. 75 games). McCarthy’s 112 total victories at the helm consecutive seasons (2007-14), joining New England as the onlyof the Packers ranks second in franchise history, trailing other team to accomplish the feat over that span. The team’sonly Curly Lambeau (212). Additionally, he reached the 3,599 points from 2007-14 were the most in franchise history100-win plateau faster than any active NFL coach, needing over an eight-year span.just 155 games, and with another 10-win season in 2015,McCarthy’s seven regular seasons with 10-plus wins are a • Has led the Packers to a top-10 ranking in total offense in eightfranchise record (since 1921). of his 10 seasons (2006-11, 2013-14). SUSTAINED SUCCESS Over the past seven seasons (2009-15), McCarthy guided • In 2011, guided the team to a franchise-record 15 wins as wellthe Packers to one of the most successful stretches in team as single-season team marks for points (560), touchdowns (70),history. During that time, Green Bay posted an 84-40-1 total net yards (6,482) and passing TDs (51).record (.676), including the playoffs. Green Bay’s 84 totalvictories from 2009-15 ranked No. 2 in the NFL behind only • Became the first Packers coach since Vince Lombardi to leadNew England (93). Additionally, the 2015 season marked the team to a championship game in his second season (2007),the Packers’ seventh straight playoff appearance, joining and tied Mike Sherman for the most regular-season wins by aNew England as the only team in the league to accomplish Packers coach in his first two years (21).the feat over that span. The streak of seven consecutiveplayoff berths also ranks No. 1 in franchise history and Mc- • Has worked with a stable of quarterbacks that has combinedCarthy’s eight postseason appearances overall are tied with for 40 Pro Bowl selections, 10 Super Bowl starts and eight MostLombardi for the most by a Packers coach since the NFL Valuable Player awards.postseason began in 1933. McCarthy’s team also captured four straight NFC North • Prior to Green Bay, had never been a head coach at any level,Division crowns from 2011-2014, marking the first time breaking into the NFL as a quality-control assistant with thethat Green Bay won four straight division titles since the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993, his first of 13 years as an NFL as-league went to a divisional format in 1967. The Packers sistant, which included six seasons as an offensive coordinatorwere the only NFC team to win its division from 2011-2014 calling plays in New Orleans (2000-04) and San Francisco (2005).and one of only three teams in the NFL to do so over thatspan (Denver, New England). In total, McCarthy has guided • Was inducted into the Baker University (Kan.) athletic hall ofGreen Bay to a 43-16-1 (.725) record against division op- fame in October 2007.ponents since 2006, the second-best mark in the NFL overthat time span (New England, 46-14, .767). Additionally, • Born and raised in Pittsburgh, one of five children. His father,the Packers reeled off 12 straight wins against NFC North Joe, was a longtime firefighter and police officer.opponents from 2010-12, the longest divisional winningstreak in team history. COACHING BACKGROUND Green Bay has also displayed a pattern of success at Lam- Years College/Pro Team Position Coachedbeau Field under McCarthy. Since 2006, the Packers rank 1987-88 Fort Hays State..........................................Graduate Assistantsecond in the NFL with a 59-20-1 (.744) regular-season 1989 Univ. of Pittsburgh..................... Volunteer Assistant (QBs)mark at home, trailing only New England (69-11, .863). In 1990-91 Univ. of Pittsburgh...................... Graduate Assistant (QBs) RECORDS &2014, Green Bay finished 8-0 for the fifth time since the 1992 Univ. of Pittsburgh..........................................Wide Receivers HISTORY1970 AFL-NFL merger (1996-97, 2002, 2011) and were 1993-94 Kansas City Chiefs...............Off. Assistant/Quality Controlone of only two teams to go undefeated at home during 1995-98 Kansas City Chiefs...............................................Quarterbacksthe regular season (Denver). The Packers also led the NFL 1999 Green Bay Packers..............................................Quarterbackswith 318 points scored at home during the 2014 season, 2000-04 New Orleans Saints.......................... Offensive Coordinatorthe third-most points scored at home during the regular 2005 San Francisco 49ers.......................... Offensive Coordinator 2006-16 Green Bay Packers................................................. Head Coach LAMBEAU season in NFL history, trailing only the 2011 Saints (329) FIELD and the 2011 Packers (321). MISC. McCarthy has been quite successful taking his teams away from Lambeau during his tenure as well. With a 5-3 road record during the 2015 regular season, Green Bay fin- ished with at least a .500 road record for the eighth time in 10 seasons under his direction. Overall, the Packers are 45-35 in regular-season away games during his tenure. The .563 road winning percentage since 2006 is tied for No. 2 in the NFC and tied for No. 4 in the NFL over that span. In 2011, McCarthy led Green Bay to a franchise-best 15 regular-season wins, as the Packers became just the sixth team in NFL history to reach that mark in the regular sea- 31
COACHING STAFF/MIKE MCCARTHY PROLIFIC OFFENSES Prior to coming to Green Bay in 2006, McCarthy was COMMUNITY known in NFL circles for his innovative offensive mind and his ability to develop young quarterbacks. COACHES son. The Packers began the ’11 campaign by reeling off 13 Now 10 seasons into his tenure with the Packers, that consecutive wins, easily eclipsing the previous franchise reputation has become enhanced by the Packers’ offensive VETERANS record of 10-0 starts in 1929 and 1962. Dating back to prowess before and during Aaron Rodgers’ tenure as the Week 16 of the 2010 season, and including the playoffs, team’s starting quarterback.DRAFT & Green Bay won 19 consecutive games before suffering During McCarthy’s time in Green Bay, the Packers have FREE AGENTS its lone regular-season defeat at Kansas City in Week 15. averaged 26.7 points per game, the third-best mark in the Covering a span of 364 days, the 19-game winning streak NFL over the past 10 seasons (2006-15). Additionally, the 2015 REVIEW was the longest in franchise history and was the second- team’s 201 total giveaways from 2006-15 were the second longest winning streak in NFL history (including playoffs) fewest in the league. In 2014, Green Bay set a franchise re-RECORDS & behind only the 2003-04 New England Patriots (21 games). cord for fewest giveaways in a season with 13, while rank- HISTORY Perhaps most impressively, the Packers never trailed in the ing tied for first in the NFL. The five best giveaway seasons fourth quarter during the streak. in franchise history have come under McCarthy (13 in ’14, 14 in ’11, 16 in ’09 and ’12, 17 in ’15). The Packers’ 2011 regular-season success culminated Eight of the 10 Green Bay teams led by McCarthy have with their second NFC North title under McCarthy and first ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in total yardage – checking in since 2007. Green Bay’s 6-0 mark in the division marked at ninth in 2006, second in ’07, eighth in ’08, sixth in ’09, the first time in team history that the Packers posted an ninth in ’10, third in ’11, third in ’13 and sixth in ’14. Ad- undefeated record in their division. Green Bay also became ditionally, five of the franchise’s top seven single-season the first team since the 1987 Chicago Bears to sweep the yardage totals have occurred during McCarthy’s tenure. In NFC North/Central. Additionally, the Packers earned the 2008-09, the Packers became the first team in NFL history NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time since 1996 and finished to produce a 4,000-yard passer (Rodgers), two 1,000-yard with a perfect 8-0 record at Lambeau Field for the first time receivers (Greg Jennings, Donald Driver), and a 1,200-yard since 2002. rusher (Ryan Grant) in two consecutive seasons. The Packers also finished in the top 10 in the NFL in total McCarthy was runner-up in Coach of the Year voting by points for eight consecutive seasons (2007-14), highlight- The Associated Press and saw seven of his players earn ed by a franchise-record 560 points in 2011. The franchise Pro Bowl nods following the 2011 campaign, the most the mark also ranks as the third-highest point total in NFL Packers had voted to the all-star game since 1967. history behind only the 606 points posted by the Denver Broncos in 2013 and the 589 points recorded by the New McCarthy guided the Packers to a 10-6 campaign in 2010, England Patriots in 2007. The ’14 Packers registered 486 highlighted by seven wins in the final 10 games. What made total points, the second most in franchise history, and the Green Bay’s championship season even more impressive top three single-season point totals (461 in 2009) have all was the adversity the team faced due to injuries. The Pack- come under the direction of McCarthy. ers finished the year with 15 players on injured reserve, McCarthy’s best offense in 2011 will also be remembered and eight of them had started at least one game during as one of the best in NFL history. In addition to setting a the season. Six starters from the opening-day depth chart new franchise single-season record for points, the team set sustained season-ending injuries in the first seven games. new single-season marks for touchdowns (70), total net yards (6,482) and net passing yards (4,924). The 70 TDs The Packers became just the third 10-6 team in NFL his- are also tied with the 1984 Miami Dolphins for the third- tory to win a Super Bowl, and their six losses on the sea- most TDs in a season in NFL history behind only the 2013 son came by a combined 20 points. Green Bay never lost a Broncos (76) and 2007 Patriots (75). Green Bay outscored game by more than four points, but even more impressive, its opponents 560-359 in 2011, a 201-point differential it never trailed by more than seven points at any point in a that ranked No. 2 in the NFL (New Orleans, plus-208). It game all season. The Packers became the first team since marked the third straight season (2009-11) that the Pack- the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to never trail by more than seven ers outscored their opponents by at least 145 points, as points at any point during the regular season, and became they became the first NFL team to accomplish that feat in the first championship-winning franchise to do so since the three-plus consecutive seasons since the San Francisco 1942 Washington Redskins. 49ers from 1991-95. It was a shining example of the steady, consistent approach EXCLUSIVE COMPANY that McCarthy has taken in leading the Packers throughoutLAMBEAU his tenure, one that culminated with the organization’s fourth With 10 victories in 2015, McCarthy recorded his seventh FIELD Super Bowl title and 13th world championship. double-digit win season in his first 10 years as a head coach, becoming the 10th coach in NFL history to accomplish the feat. Double-digit win seasons in first 10 years as a head coach George Seifert 8 Mike McCarthy 7 Mike Ditka 7 Tony Dungy 7 Joe Gibbs 7 Bud Grant 7 MISC. Chuck Knox 7 Marty Schottenheimer 7 Don Shula 7 Bill Walsh 7 32
MAJOR CHANGE COACHING STAFF/MIKE MCCARTHY In 2009, McCarthy embarked upon the first major altera-tions to his coaching staff since his arrival, hiring Dom Ca- COMMUNITYpers to be his new defensive coordinator and change theunit from a 4-3 base alignment to the 3-4 scheme that has In 2010, the Packers ranked No. 2 in the NFL in scor- COACHESbeen the staple of Capers’ career. ing defense at 15.0 points per game, the team’s best mark The results have been incredibly impactful. With a No. 2 since leading the league in the category in 1996 (13.1). VETERANSranking in 2009 and a No. 5 ranking in ’10, the Packers fin- Green Bay was tied for No. 2 in the NFL with 47 sacks in ’10,ished in the top five in the league in overall defense in back- its highest league ranking since sacks began to be recorded DRAFT &to-back seasons for the first time since 1968-69. Since ’09, as a team statistic in 1963. FREE AGENTSGreen Bay ranks first in interceptions (148), fifth in the NFLin total takeaways (204), second in opponent passer rating The defense improved from 20th in total yards allowed in 2015 REVIEW(78.9), fourth in sacks (288) and seventh in points allowed ’08 to second in ’09, and from 26th in run defense to theper game (20.8). top spot, becoming the first Green Bay defense to lead the RECORDS & Capers’ defensive formula under McCarthy, pressuring league against the run and setting a franchise record by HISTORYthe quarterback and creating turnovers, was evident once allowing just 83.3 yards rushing per contest. The defenseagain in 2015. The Packers’ 43 sacks tied for No. 7 in the also led the NFL in interceptions (30) and total takeaways LAMBEAUNFL and marked the fifth time in the last six seasons that (40) in ’09. FIELDGreen Bay finished in the top 10 in the league in the cat-egory. The Packers also ranked fifth in the league in sacks The ’09 season was not a smooth road back to playoff MISC.per pass attempt (7.8 percent) in 2015. Additionally, Green contention, however. Back-to-back losses in early Novem-Bay tallied 16 interceptions to rank ninth in the NFL, guid- ber dropped the Packers to 4-4, and a promising seasoning them to a plus-five turnover margin, tied for 10th in suddenly appeared in doubt. But McCarthy kept buildingthe NFL. The Packers have a 74-10-1 regular-season record on the identity that was forming – a team that could attack(.876) when holding the advantage in turnover ratio during with multiple threats offensively, stop the run defensivelyMcCarthy’s tenure. and win the turnover battle – and led the Packers out of The defensive unit was also proficient at keeping oppo- the adverse stretch to a 7-1 record over the second halfnents off the scoreboard last season as the Packers held 10 of the schedule. Meanwhile, Rodgers earned his first Proopponents to 20 points or less during the regular season, Bowl berth, nearly breaking the franchise’s single-seasontied for No. 3 in the NFL. Overall, Green Bay surrendered record for passing yards, and veteran cornerback Charlesjust 20.2 points per game during the 2015 regular season, Woodson was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.No. 12 in the league and the lowest since giving up 15.0points per game in 2010. Unfortunately, the late-season surge ended abruptly with The Packers’ 41 sacks in 2014, tied for No. 9 in the NFL, a sudden-death overtime loss at Arizona in an NFC Wildwere only part of the story as the defense registered at least Card contest, but McCarthy had gotten the Packers backsix quarterback hits in 10 of 16 regular-season games. on track toward the goal they would reach just a year later.Green Bay tied for No. 4 in the league for the most playersto register at least three sacks with six in 2014. The Packers ON THE BRINKalso finished the regular season No. 3 with 110 points off McCarthy brought the Packers to the brink of accomplish-takeaways and tied for No. 9 in the NFL with 29 takeaways. ing that Super Bowl goal in just two years. Coming off anGreen Bay finished the 2014 season with a plus-14 turnover 8-8 rookie season that ended with a momentum-building,margin, best in the NFL. four-game winning streak, McCarthy led the Packers to a Despite missing the team’s best pass rusher, LB Clay 13-3 mark in 2007 that was groundbreaking in many re-Matthews, for five games in 2013, the defense still finished spects.the season with 44 sacks to tie for No. 8 in the NFL. Ad- The Packers tied the then-franchise record for victoriesditionally, the defense finished the ’13 campaign strong by in the regular season and won the club’s first NFC Northforcing 12 turnovers over the last five games, which was Division title since 2004. They also captured a bye in thetied for No. 3 in the NFL over that span. The Packers posted playoffs and advanced to the conference championshiptwo or more takeaways in each of the final five games, the game for the first time in a decade. It all earned McCarthylongest single-season streak by the club since a nine-game 2007 NFL Coach of the Year awards from Motorola and NFLstretch in 2002. Alumni, and he also was runner-up in Coach of the Year The 2012 defense was led by Matthews and the pass rush voting from The Associated Press.as he tallied 13 sacks in just 12 games, helping the defense The championship he had set as the goal was withinto 47 total sacks, good for fourth in the NFL. The sack to- reach, as the Packers hosted the New York Giants in thetal was also tied for fifth best in franchise history (since NFC title game on a frigid January day at Lambeau Field.1963). Green Bay was No. 4 in the NFL in opponent passer The hard-fought, 23-20 overtime defeat was an oppor-rating (76.8), while limiting its opponent to 20 points or tunity missed, but one McCarthy vowed his team wouldless in eight of the last 10 regular-season games to propel learn from.the Packers to a No. 11 ranking in scoring defense (21.0ppg). Green Bay finished the season tied for eighth in theNFL with 18 interceptions, contributing to a plus-7 turnovermargin, good for 10th in the league in ’12. Green Bay wasthe only team in the NFL to finish in the top 10 in the leaguein turnover differential each season from 2007-12. In 2011, the defense was at its ball-hawking best as thePackers posted a league-high 31 interceptions, the secondtime in three seasons (2009) that they led the league inthat category. The INT total was the most posted by GreenBay since it registered the same total in 1962. The Packersfinished tied for the league lead with 38 total takeaways,leading to a plus-24 turnover ratio that ranked second in theleague and tied for second in franchise history. 33
COACHING STAFF/MIKE MCCARTHY COMMUNITY On its way to 13-3, Green Bay secured the team’s first seasons in franchise history. playoff bye since 1997, and McCarthy tied Mike Sherman Rodgers posted 21,332 passing yards from 2008-12 to COACHES for the most wins by a Green Bay coach in his first two seasons with 21. set an NFL record for the most passing yards by a QB in his VETERANS first five seasons as a starter, surpassing the previous mark Behind Brett Favre’s superb final year in Green Bay and held by Peyton Manning (20,618, 1998-2002). His careerDRAFT & the emergence of Grant as the feature back, the Packers passer rating of 104.1 ranks No. 1 in NFL history, and he is FREE AGENTS with McCarthy as the play-caller finished with the league’s the only QB in league history to post a 100-plus passer rat- second-ranked offense, their highest ranking since 1983. ing in six consecutive seasons (2009-14). Additionally, his 2015 REVIEW They also compiled season totals in points (435) and net 1.61 career interception percentage is tops in NFL history. yards (5,931) that rank sixth and seventh, respectively, onRECORDS & the franchise’s all-time list. The 2015 season saw Rodgers pass for 31 touchdowns HISTORY during the regular season, the fifth time in his career he The postseason began in startling fashion, with Grant surpassed the 30-TD mark, good for No. 2 in team historyLAMBEAU fumbling twice in the first minute of the game to set up behind Favre’s eight seasons of 30 or more touchdown FIELD two Seattle scores for a 14-0 Seahawks lead in the NFC passes. Rodgers’ five seasons with 30-plus passing TDs Divisional playoff. Drawing on a steadfastness that served since 2009 are tied for the second most in the NFL over MISC. the team well during some rough spots the previous year, that span. Most impressively, Rodgers only threw eight McCarthy and the Packers never panicked and rallied for a interceptions last season, marking his fifth season with dominant 42-20 victory in the snowy “winter wonderland” 500-plus attempts/eight or fewer interceptions. That feat of Lambeau Field. has only been accomplished 13 times in NFL history, with Rodgers accounting for a league-record five of them. In advancing to the NFC Championship Game, McCarthy became the first Packers coach since Lombardi to lead the After missing seven games in 2013 because of injury, team to a title game in his second season at the helm. Rodgers was again at his absolute best in 2014 as he cap- tured his second NFL MVP award under McCarthy. Rod- Though the quest for that championship came up short, gers’ accomplishments that season were many; he threw McCarthy had returned the Packers to playoff prominence for three-plus touchdowns eight times, recorded a passer just two years after the 4-12 season that preceded his arrival. rating over 120.0 seven times and registered eight 300- yard passing games. He also had eight three-touchdown/ A LEADER OF QUARTERBACKS zero-interception games in the regular season, which is tied In his first two seasons as head coach, McCarthy simul- for No. 1 in NFL history (also Tom Brady in 2007). Rodgers taneously oversaw a mini-renaissance of Favre’s career and also became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw the development of Rodgers as his backup. for 18-plus touchdowns with one or fewer INTs in the first Charged with learning McCarthy’s version of the West seven games of the season, and his 13 games (min. 15 Coast offense and given more latitude in making decisions attempts) without an interception were the third most in a at the line of scrimmage, Favre concluded his brilliant regular season in NFL history. He extended his NFL record Green Bay career with a 95.7 passer rating in 2007, his best by finishing the regular season with a passer rating above in 11 years and fourth best in his career, while completing a 100.0 for the sixth season in a row, with his 112.2 rating then-career-high 66.5 percent of his passes. ranking as the second-best mark in a season in team his- Buying into McCarthy’s aggressive but controlled ap- tory, trailing only his own rating of 122.5 in 2011. He once proach, Favre’s interceptions dropped from 29 in 2005 to again finished the season ranked among the league leaders 18 in 2006 to 15 in 2007. He finished second in the voting in several categories: second in passer rating (112.2), third for what then would have been an unprecedented fourth in passing touchdowns (38) and first in TD/INT ratio (7.6). NFL MVP award, and he subsequently passed the torch to Rodgers, his understudy for his final three years in Green McCarthy’s work with the quarterbacks in 2013 was per- Bay and McCarthy’s prime pupil for the last eight seasons. haps his best. After suffering a significant injury in Week Since taking over as the starter in ’08, Rodgers hasn’t 9 against the Bears, Rodgers was sidelined for the team’s disappointed his main tutor or the team as he has devel- next seven games. Despite missing one of the league’s best oped into arguably the league’s best quarterback. Rodg- players, McCarthy still found a way to guide the Packers to ers has topped 4,000 yards passing five times (2008-09, their third straight NFC North title. In the process, it marked 2011-12, 2014), which in ’08, combined with Favre’s total the first time a division winner had four different QBs (Rod- in ’07, marked the first time in league history a team had gers, Seneca Wallace, Scott Tolzien, Matt Flynn) start at two different quarterbacks throw for 4,000 yards in con- least one game that season since the 1987 Chicago Bears, secutive years. In the process, Rodgers also became the and just the fourth time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. first quarterback in league history to surpass the 4,000- Rodgers was at the top of his game in his nine contests yard plateau in each of his first two seasons as a starter. In in ’13, finishing among the league leaders in several cat- total, McCarthy has been on the coaching staff for seven of egories as he ranked fifth in passer rating (104.9), second the 12 (1999, 2007-09, 2011-12, 2014) 4,000-yard passing in yards per attempt (8.74), fifth in completion percentage 34
(66.6) and third in yards per completion (13.14). PAYING HIS DUES COACHING STAFF/MIKE MCCARTHY In 2011, Rodgers and McCarthy teamed up to author one Much like those players he worked with who rose to prominence, McCarthy paid plenty of dues along the way COMMUNITYof the greatest offensive seasons in NFL history, highlighted to his first head-coaching job.by the former Cal standout’s 122.5 passer rating that set an He learned a disciplined and no-nonsense approach to life COACHESNFL single-season record. He finished the season connect- at an early age. His father, Joe, was a longtime firefightering on 343 of 502 passes (68.3 percent) for 4,643 yards and police officer who also owned a bar near a Pittsburgh VETERANSand a career-high 45 TDs with six INTs on his way to earn- steel mill. McCarthy worked odd jobs at the bar as a teen. Iting league MVP honors. His 45 TD passes obliterated the was interacting with the hard-working tavern clientele while DRAFT &franchise single-season record (Favre, 39 in 1996) and is also watching a father in uniform dedicated to public service FREE AGENTSthe sixth-highest total in NFL annals, while his 4,643 pass- that helped make McCarthy proud of where he came from.ing yards also set a new franchise record. He is the only After his playing career as a tight end at Baker University 2015 REVIEW4,000-yard passer in NFL history to throw six or fewer INTs (Kan.) ended, his 29-year coaching career began as a line-in that season, having done it twice. backers coach at Fort Hays State (Kan.) in 1987. He cracked RECORDS & the Division I ranks two years later as a volunteer assistant HISTORY Rodgers also set an NFL single-season record with 11 at the University of Pittsburgh.consecutive 110-rating games, topping 49ers QB Steve It was there he displayed the will and determination to LAMBEAUYoung’s mark of seven straight in 1994, and 12 consecutive make it in the coaching profession, working for free on the FIELD100-rating games, besting Manning’s mark of nine in 2004. football field by day and collecting tolls along the Pennsylva-Rodgers finished the 2011 season ranked second in the nia turnpike during the graveyard shift to make ends meet. MISC.league in TD passes (45), first in yards per attempt (9.25), He soon moved into a paid position at Pitt assisting withsecond in completion percentage (68.3), fourth in yards per the quarterbacks, and then coaching the wide receivers,game (309.5) and first in TD/INT ratio (7.50). before Panthers head coach Paul Hackett recommended him to the Kansas City Chiefs when they hired Hackett as Rodgers has also enjoyed success in the postseason un- offensive coordinator in 1993. McCarthy joined Hackett onder McCarthy, setting an NFL record with 10 passing TDs in the Chiefs’ staff as a quality-control assistant.his first three postseason starts. Rodgers also became only McCarthy considers Hackett the biggest influence in histhe fourth signal-caller to throw for 300 yards and three coaching career, having learned the West Coast offenseTDs with no INTs in a Super Bowl on his way to earning from him and then installing it himself as offensive coor-game MVP honors for Super Bowl XLV. dinator in New Orleans. It was under Hackett’s wing that McCarthy developed the THE RIGHT FIT attention to detail, scouting and game-planning skills that With a personality to match his blue-collar hometown, would help him move up the NFL ranks.McCarthy landed his first NFL head-coaching job in his kindof place. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS A Pittsburgh native, McCarthy was named the 14th head The third-youngest head coach in the NFL when he wascoach of the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 12, 2006, the only hired at age 42 (the Saints’ Sean Payton was seven weeksstep left to take after 13 years as an NFL assistant. younger and the Jets’ Eric Mangini was 35), McCarthy took But while he previously had traveled through NFL cities over a team coming off its first losing season since 1991,such as Kansas City, New Orleans and San Francisco, it before Favre arrived as quarterback.may be Green Bay that most resembles his native Pitts- Thompson made it clear when he hired McCarthy heburgh. And if there was one word used to describe Mc- wasn’t looking for just an X’s and O’s guy. He was look-Carthy’s hiring in his first days with the Packers, it was that ing for someone who would impress him with a variety ofhe was the right “fit,” both for a town and a team looking to qualities, including leadership ability, toughness, footballturn around a disappointing 4-12 season in 2005. knowledge and an awareness of the Green Bay organization The way McCarthy fits Green Bay, however, goes beyond and the team’s unique place within the NFL and the localthe toughness in his personality, down-to-earth demeanor, community.and pride in his upbringing. McCarthy, who had interviewed for the Cleveland Browns’ He not only spent one of those 13 previous years in the head-coaching job five years earlier but admits he wasn’tNFL with Green Bay, but he took over the Packers already necessarily ready then, fit the bill. In his introductory newswell-versed in the West Coast offense, with a reputation for conference, he spoke of how taking over the Packers wasdeveloping offensive talent, particularly at the quarterback like buying his “dream house,” with the foundation, tradi-position. tion and resources to help him make the team a champion- McCarthy is known for taking a hands-on teaching ap- ship contender once again.proach with young players and is well-respected around the McCarthy emphasized he didn’t feel the Packers were inleague, in part because he called plays for six seasons as an a rebuilding mode at all, but there was work to be doneoffensive coordinator before becoming a head coach. Plus, right away.he has tutored an impressive roster of NFL quarterbacks. He wasted no time constructing the environment he wanted While two of the biggest names he has worked with, Favre for his team, installing an offseason workout program thatin Green Bay and Joe Montana in Kansas City, were at or saw a then-record attendance, which spoke volumes aboutbeyond their peak years at the time, McCarthy has played the level of respect he quickly commanded as a head coach.at least a part in the development of signal callers AaronBrooks, Jake Delhomme, Matt Hasselbeck, Flynn, Marc CAREER AS NFL ASSISTANTBulger, Rich Gannon and Elvis Grbac. McCarthy broke into the NFL as a quality-control assistant The entire stable of quarterbacks that McCarthy has with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993. It was then he workedworked with, which also includes Jeff Blake, Steve Bono with Montana before moving up to quarterbacks coachand Dave Krieg, has combined for 40 career Pro Bowl se- from 1995-98, working with starters Gannon, Grbac andlections, 10 Super Bowl starts, and eight Most Valuable Bono. The trio’s total of 52 interceptions marked the lowestPlayer awards. total in the AFC over that four-year span. General Manager Ted Thompson heavily weighed McCar- After working with McCarthy from 1995-98, Gannon wentthy’s track record with quarterbacks when he hired him the on to earn all four of his Pro Bowl selections, the 2002following year, knowing that since the post-Favre era was in- league MVP award and a start in Super Bowl XXXVII withevitable, the right tutelage at the game’s most important po-sition would be key to a smooth and successful transition. 35
COACHING STAFF/MIKE MCCARTHY the Raiders. Gannon credits McCarthy with helping him Celebrity Golf Open. The golf outing, which was hosted by take the quarterback’s game to a higher level. the current Packers head coach, benefited local and state- COMMUNITY wide cystic fibrosis organizations. The tournament was “He’s the guy that really helped catapult my career,” Gan- originally started by Lindy Infante. COACHES non said. “He was the guy who really taught me the West Coast system of football. He really taught me how to pre- Perhaps closest to his heart is the Mike & Jessica Mc- VETERANS pare for a game, taught me how to watch film, how to break Carthy Golf Invitational. Established in June 2010, the tour- down an opponent, how to study. It was really those things nament benefits the American Family Children’s HospitalDRAFT & I took with me to Oakland. in Madison, Wis. In just seven years, the event has raised FREE AGENTS funds that have helped the hospital expand with two new “There was never a doubt in my mind he’d be a head floors, a neonatal intensive-care unit and additional pediat- 2015 REVIEW coach. He’s a great play-caller, great working with the quar- ric beds. Coach McCarthy and his family are committed to terbacks. He’s a tough guy, a guy willing to do the work, further developing and improving resources and facilities atRECORDS & and he’s a leader.” the hospital to meet the needs of sick children. HISTORY When Gannon left the Chiefs for Oakland in 1999, McCar- Including projected contributions in 2016, the McCarthy thy departed Kansas City to become Green Bay’s quarter- Family Foundation has made donations to benefit numer- backs coach. That year, the Packers ranked seventh in the ous charities, projects and institutions during his 10-plus NFL in passing and ninth in total offense. Favre threw for seasons as head coach. McCarthy established the founda- 4,091 yards, the third-highest total in his career at that point. tion with the intent of fostering a long-term philanthropic commitment by his family beyond his NFL career. Benefi- The following year, McCarthy began a successful five-year ciaries have included organizations throughout Wisconsin, stint as the offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints. Kansas and his hometown of Pittsburgh. Some of the orga- It became the most prolific offensive era to that point in the nizations that have benefited from the foundation, or from team’s four decades, as the Saints set 10 offensive team McCarthy personally, include: Autism Society of Northwest records and 25 individual marks. Wisconsin, Baker University, Cure Autism Now Foundation, Green Bay Boys and Girls Club, Greenfield Baseball Associ- Among the more notable accomplishments, the Saints ation, Greenfield Organization, Jackie Nitschke Center, Little led the NFC with 432 points and 49 touchdowns in 2002, Sisters of the Poor, Seven Loaves Project, St. Mary’s Hospi- both team records at the time. In his first season in 2000, tal Medical Center, St. Rosalia Academy, Midwest Athletes McCarthy was named NFC Assistant Coach of the Year by Against Childhood Cancer and the American Red Cross. USA Today. Additionally, McCarthy has served as honorary chairper- That year the Saints produced their first 1,000-yard re- son and participated in numerous charitable events around ceiver in eight years in Joe Horn, and their first 1,000-yard the state, including serving as honorary chairperson for rusher in 10 years in Ricky Williams. After that drought of the local Cerebral Palsy Telethon and working with the 1,000-yard rushers, the Saints had one (either Williams or American Heart Association on its Red Cap campaign to Deuce McAllister) in each of McCarthy’s five seasons run- recognize heart disease and stroke survivors and to raise ning the offense. awareness of those conditions. In 2005, McCarthy served as offensive coordinator for the In the past, he has participated in the Lombardi Award of San Francisco 49ers. Excellence Dinner Ball, which supports the Vince Lombardi Charitable Funds in the fight against cancer, and served COLLEGE COACHING & PLAYING CAREER as host of the Green & Gold Gala, a fundraiser for Family McCarthy began his six-year collegiate coaching career Services of Northeast Wisconsin. He has also spent time as a graduate assistant at Fort Hays State in Hays, Kan., visiting cancer patients at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in 1987, just after completing his playing career at nearby in Milwaukee. Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan. At Baker, McCarthy earned a degree in business admin- Among several other events, McCarthy has participated istration and was an all-conference tight end and senior in the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer Motorcycle Ride, the captain in 1986, helping lead the Wildcats to an NAIA Divi- Edgar Bennett Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon, the team’s regular sion II national runner-up finish. He was inducted into the Make-A-Wish Foundation practice and game visits, the school’s athletic hall of fame in October 2007. 2016 Men For All Seasons Green Bay Men’s Conference At Fort Hays State under head coach John Vincent, Mc- and various local Get Motivated seminars. Carthy coached linebackers for two years while earning a master’s degree in sports administration. McCarthy was honored with the Distinguished Service The return to his hometown came in 1989 under Pitts- Award at the Lee Remmel Sports Awards Banquet in April burgh head coach Mike Gottfried, now an ESPN college 2008, and then in the fall as the 2008 Person of the Year football analyst, followed by three years under Hackett with from his native Greenfield Neighborhood. He was also the Panthers. voted by the fans as the 2007 Motorola Coach of the Year, As quarterbacks coach, McCarthy worked with Alex Van and in 2011 was named the Maxwell Football Club’s NFL Pelt, now the Packers’ quarterbacks coach, as he topped Coach of the Year. the school’s career and single-season records for passing yards established by Dan Marino.LAMBEAU PERSONAL FIELD Born Michael John McCarthy on Nov. 10, 1963, in Pitts- burgh, he grew up one of five children in the Irish-Catholic MISC. family of father Joe and mother Ellen in Greenfield, a Pitts- burgh neighborhood just a couple of miles from downtown. He graduated from Bishop Boyle High School in Home- stead, Pa. McCarthy’s family includes wife Jessica and their five children. Since returning to Green Bay in 2006, McCarthy has im- mersed himself in the local community and beyond through charitable donations and participation in numerous philan- thropic events. His local-event participation included his nine-year involvement in the Mike McCarthy Cystic Fibrosis 36
TOM COACHING STAFFCLEMENTSASSOCIATE HEAD COACH/OFFENSE20th Season as NFL Coach • 11th Packers Season Tom Clements, entering his AT A GLANCE … 24th season in the coaching profession, is in his 11th year • Joined the Packers on Jan. 29, 2006. Promoted to his current COMMUNITY with the Packers and his second position on Feb. 12, 2015, after being elevated to offensiveas Green Bay’s associate head coach/offense. coordinator on Feb. 2, 2012. COACHES Now in his 20th overall season as an NFL coach, Cle-ments was promoted to his current position on Feb. 12, • Possesses 23 years of coaching experience, including five2015, after serving as Green Bay’s offensive coordinator seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator.for three seasons (2012-14). He was promoted to offensivecoordinator on Feb. 2, 2012, after serving as Green Bay’s • In his first 10 seasons on Green Bay’s staff (2006-2015), thequarterbacks coach for the previous six seasons (2006- Packers have finished in the top 10 in the NFL in total offense11). Having originally joined the Packers on Jan. 29, 2006, and scoring eight times.Clements also served as offensive coordinator for Buffalo(2004-05) and QBs coach for Pittsburgh (2001-03), Kansas • Has been instrumental in the development of QB Aaron Rodg-City (2000) and New Orleans (1997-99). ers, who ranks No. 1 in NFL history with a 104.1 career passer In his first 10 seasons on Green Bay’s staff, the Packers rating and earned league Most Valuable Player honors in 2011have ranked in the top 10 in scoring and total offense eight and 2014.times. During his time as offensive coordinator (2012-14),the Packers ranked No. 3 in the league in scoring (27.8 • Prior to Green Bay, spent 10 seasons coaching quarterbacksppg), No. 5 in total offense (381.9 ypg), No. 3 in giveaways under some of the game’s most successful coaches, including(54) and No. 5 in first downs (1,048). Bill Cowher, Mike Ditka and Lou Holtz. In 2015, Clements helped guide the Packers to their sev-enth consecutive postseason berth (2009-15), a new fran- • Played 12 years in the Canadian Football League at quarterbackchise record. He was part of an offense that posted eight and was a seven-time divisional all-star and two-time Grey Cupzero-turnover games, tied for No. 1 (2009) in franchise his- champion; was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1994.tory (since 1933), and allowed just 17 giveaways, the fifthfewest in team history and tied for fourth fewest in the NFL • An All-American at Notre Dame in 1974, he finished fourth inlast season. Additionally, QB Aaron Rodgers was selected Heisman Trophy balloting that season.to his fifth career Pro Bowl after tying for No. 1 in the NFLin completions of 25-plus yards (39) and ranking No. 3 in COACHING BACKGROUND VETERANSTD/INT ratio (3.88) and INT percentage (1.40). With 572 at- Years College/Pro Team Position Coachedtempts and just eight INTs, Rodgers posted his fifth season 1992-94 Notre Dame...........................................................Quarterbackswith 500-plus attempts and eight or fewer INTs, the most 1995 Notre Dame...................Wide Receivers/Asst. Head Coachin NFL history. 1997-99 New Orleans Saints............................................Quarterbacks In 2014, Clements guided the offense as the Packers led 2000 Kansas City Chiefs...............................................Quarterbacksthe NFL in scoring with 486 points (30.4 ppg), the second 2001-03 Pittsburgh Steelers............................................Quarterbacksmost in team annals behind only the 560 recorded in 2011. 2004-05 Buffalo Bills.......................................... Offensive CoordinatorGreen Bay was tied for the top mark in the league in ’14 2006-11 Green Bay Packers..............................................Quarterbacks DRAFT &with a franchise-record 13 giveaways and also set a single- 2012-14 Green Bay Packers............................ Offensive Coordinator FREE AGENTSseason team mark for first downs with 356. 2015-16 Green Bay Packers...........Associate Head Coach/Offense Rodgers finished in the top three in the NFL in passerrating, TD passes, TD/INT ratio and yards per attempt, ’13 despite starting four different quarterbacks on the sea- 2015 REVIEWthe only QB in the league to do so, on his way to earning son as Rodgers missed seven contests due to a collarboneleague Most Valuable Player honors for the second time injury. Rodgers ranked No. 5 in the NFL with a 104.9 passer RECORDS &from The Associated Press. WR Jordy Nelson set a single- rating, becoming the first QB in NFL history to register a HISTORYseason franchise record for receiving yards with 1,519 as 100-plus rating in five consecutive seasons (2009-13).he teamed with WR Randall Cobb to become the first duo Nelson posted then-career highs in receptions (85) and LAMBEAUin NFL history to both register 90-plus catches, 1,200-plus receiving yards (1,314) and led the league with 19 catches FIELDreceiving yards and 12-plus TD catches in the same season of 25-plus yards.as both earned Pro Bowl selections. RB Eddie Lacy became MISC.just the sixth player in franchise annals to register back-to- In 2012, Clements coordinated an offense that rankedback 1,000-yard rushing seasons with 1,139 yards in 2014. No. 5 in the NFL in scoring (27.1 ppg), tied for No. 2 in In 2013, Clements helped the Packers generate 6,404 giveaways (16) and finished No. 3 in red-zone efficiencyyards of total offense (No. 3 in the NFL), the second most (68.1 percent). The 16 giveaways were tied for the secondin franchise history behind only the 6,482 yards posted in fewest in a season in franchise history at that point, and the2011. Green Bay finished in the top 10 in both rushing (No. team’s red-zone TD percentage was the best in a season7) and passing (No. 6) for the first time since 2004 and since the statistic began to be recorded in 1995. Rodgersranked No. 3 in the NFL with 76 plays of 20-plus yards. led the NFL in passer rating (108.0) for the second straightGreen Bay’s rushing average of 133.5 yards per game was season and also ranked No. 1 in TD/INT ratio (4.88) andthe team’s best mark since 2003 and was the sixth-best av- No. 2 in TD passes (39). WR James Jones led the leagueerage posted by the team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. with a career-high 14 TD catches, becoming the first PackerLacy rushed for 1,178 yards, the most by a rookie in team to do so since WR Sterling Sharpe (18) in 1994, and TEhistory, on his way to being selected to the Pro Bowl and Jermichael Finley set a single-season franchise record forbeing named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by AP. tight ends with 61 receptions. The Packers averaged 266.8 passing yards per game in As quarterbacks coach, Clements’ extensive tutelage of Rodgers paid dividends, culminating with a 2011 campaign that saw him earn league MVP honors. Rodgers set an NFL single-season record with a 122.5 passer rating and franchise marks for TD passes (45), passing yards (4,643), completion percentage (68.3), yards per attempt (9.25) and 300-yard games (eight). Clements also tutored QB Matt Flynn, a seventh-round choice by the club in 2008, as he set single-game franchise records in the 2011 season finale with 480 passing yards 37
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