The Green Bay Packers, also known by their nicknames “The Pack” or “Green and Gold”, were first established in 1919. By 1921 they had joined the NFL and have gone on to become a very well-recognized and popular team. The interesting part about the Packers is that they are the only non-profit, community-owned major league professional sports team in the U.S. That would mean the team is actually owned by a majority of residents of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Going along with one of their many nicknames, their team colors are Dark Green and Gold, making them impossible to miss. They are headquartered in Lambeau Field, Don Hutson Center, Ray Nitchke Field, and Clarke Hinkle Field, which they are located in Green Bay; this is where they also play their home games.
Packers Brief Team History
The Packers started out as a small independent team in 1919, but that quickly changed when they joined the NFL in 1921. It was founded by Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun, and is the oldest team name that is still in use in the NFL today, not only for its nickname, but also due to remaining in its original city. Green Bay is considered a small city when compared to other NFL teams, but their fan base is spread out through the State and even extends into others. The Green Bay Packers have had a rivalry going on with the Chicago Bears extending as far back as 1921, and it continues to this day.
With their pretty extensive history, the Packers have truly performed as one of the great NFL teams that it is. They have won a total of 13 league championships, which is more than any other NFL team. From these victories, 4 of them have been Super Bowls, which were won in 1966 and 1967 (first two Super Bowls in NFL history), as well as in 1996 and 2010. They are hoping to add another Super Bowl win during the 2012 season. The Packers have had many ups and downs, but they have always strived for improvement and even now they are achieving great things.
Notable Packers Figures
The Packers have had a long and rich history, and even now are having a great time during their career.
Past Packers Figures
Earl “Curly” Lambeau was the first head coach the Packers have had, and seeing as he was one of the founding members, it is also evident that this man is important to the Packers history and success. During his time as head coach with the team, from 1919 to 1949, he was able to get a record number of 209 wins, and no other Packers head coach has been able to beat those numbers.
Reggie White played for the Packers from 1993 until 1998 as a Defensive End. During his time with the Packers he managed to rack up 68.5 sacks, becoming second behind Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. He managed to help the Packers get to two Super Bowls and actually winning the 1998 Super Bowl. That same season he was named Defensive Player of the Year.
James Lofton was a Wide Receiver that played for the Packers from 1978 until 1986. He was able to become the league leader in average yards per catch in 1983 and 1984, and was all time leading receiver for the Green Bay Packers, with 9,656 yards, which has since been broken by Donald Driver. He was able to do great things for the Packers during his time with them.
Present Packers Figures
Aaron Rodgers was drafted to the Packers in 2005, and didn’t get much playing time until 2008, where he surprised fans and players. So far in his career he has thrown for more than 19,000 yards and 148 touchdowns. From his experience he has been able to become deadly in the pocket, but also able to read the defense and adapt; even rushing a few times. He is certainly one player that makes the Packers into a great team this season.
Jordy Nelson and James Jones, both Wide receivers, have been mixing it up on the playing field, giving Aaron Rodgers great targets to pass too. They are able to catch with great efficiency, as well as score. Previous to Week 7 of the 2012 regular season, they have an accumulated 11 touchdowns between the two of them. They are already on the way to beating their previous season’s records, along with having very bright futures.
Clay Mathews III was a first round pick for the Packers in 2009 and it has been a very good decision. This Line Backer has a knack of getting the quarterbacks face, making it very hard for the offensive line to stop him. He is a solid player, being quick on the snap and being able to get a high amount of sacks. This is the type of player the Packers need on their defense.
Present Team Personnel
As mentioned before, the Packers franchise is actually non-profit, community-owned; which means they are not owned by one or a few people, but a large amount of investors. They have over 100,000 shareholders, and with that come’s a great responsibility from their fans, as they make decisions that affect the entire franchise. It is a great way to keep the fans involved in the entire process, as well as making sure the team stays in Green Bay. Their current head coach, Mike McCarthy, has been with them since 2006, and has made incredible strides as the Packers become once again top contenders for the Super Bowl. He was there when they won the 2010 Super Bowl, as well as getting them to the playoffs multiple times.
