The first Saturday of every month, Packers President and CEO Ed Policy will write about a topic of interest to Packers fans and the organization and then answer fan questions. Fans are encouraged to email Ed with their name and hometown at: PolicysPerspective@packers.com.
Welcome back – what a fun and inspiring month of Wisconsin sports. A huge congratulations to the Milwaukee Brewers on their World Series championship. Winning a championship across any major sports league is an incredible feat, but to do it from one of the smallest markets in the MLB means just a little bit more. Watching that team come together over the course of a long season and bring a championship to Milwaukee and Wisconsin was truly exciting. The fans' passion and appreciation for the team was overwhelming when they walked out onto Lambeau Field during our Thursday night game against the Panthers. Congratulations to their team and entire community.
On the football front we are at just about the midway point of the season as we sit at 5-3. Things change fast in this league and you have to always keep your foot on the gas. But as I said last month, each game is going to be a fight until the final whistle. Each game matters and we take them one at a time, and I'm proud of our team for withstanding early adversity and continuing to stack success.
Matt, Brian, and Russ have built an incredible culture in our locker room, and that was clear as this team has stuck together through the numerous ups and downs a season throws at you.
Speaking of winning culture, it was an incredible opportunity last week to honor Bob Harlan and unveil his name on the facade of Lambeau Field. Many people remembered Bob for his transformational redevelopment of Lambeau Field and bringing a Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown. But people often forget the tireless work he put into building a winning culture in Green Bay from the administrative office leadership to the players and coaches to each and every one of our employees. Bob's legacy and impact endured long after he left the President's chair. I am especially grateful to Bob for all the time he spent with me sharing his insights for this unique role.
Before we take on the Patriots in Foxborough tomorrow, let's get into your questions...
Pat from Milwaukee, WI
Ed, watching the Brewers win it all was a dream come true for me as a lifelong fan and kid who was born and raised in Milwaukee. I've now been fortunate to see a couple Packers Super Bowls, a Bucks championship, and now a Brewers World Series. I know all those teams have looked different and their path is always unique, but do see any similarities to the challenges small-market MLB teams and NFL teams face? Thanks.
Thanks for the question, Pat. Watching the Brewers team that Mark Attanasio, Pat Murphy, Matt Arnold, Rick Schlesinger, and Marti Wronski built was inspiring to watch. To your question, I think there are actually many similarities. In some ways, competing from a small market in the MLB may even be harder than the NFL. They have to fight the standard challenges of a smaller media market, such as competing with teams with seemingly endless revenue streams or deep-pocketed owners. But they also have to compete within MLB's salary system, which does not have a salary cap. That's reported to be one of the major topics being discussed as the league and players negotiate a new CBA, and we will see how that's handled this offseason. But when you look at competing in the NFL, we are fortunate to have a salary cap bolstered by media deals, thanks to the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. But now the arms race for uncapped expenses is the challenge, whether you are in Green Bay, Milwaukee, Cleveland or any other small to midsized market. Fortunately, the NFL hasn't gotten to a point where we have a Dodgers vs. Brewers payroll disparity, but that disparity is coming in many other forms these days... I believe the competitive advantage that the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks all share is the Wisconsin sports fan. As sports fans go, there is nothing like us.
Question from Tallon
Hello Mr. Policy, thanks for fielding questions every month. We recently got news of the Packers and Chiefs opening up a store in Germany. The teams are scheduled to play each other next year. Any chance we get a Germany game? I am not the biggest fan of the travel teams take for international games, but Germany is very special to Wisconsin, and we have many loyal fans there.
Thanks for the question, Tallon. We are slated to play in Kansas City next year – but I know many of our fans in Germany would be thrilled with the opportunity to see the Packers in Deutschland. The pop-up store with the Chiefs was another chance to put our brand and our story in front of prospective fans. We also have a huddle in Germany with Packers alumni, Scott Wells and Randall Cobb, on 11/14 or 14/11 for my German readers... Look no further than our brats and beer. I think we'd fit in well in Germany, Dublin, London or wherever the NFL may send us.
Steve from Ellison Bay, WI
Hi Mr. Policy, us Gold ticketholders have had the extraordinary luck to have had division games over the last couple of years, especially with the Bears. The most recent victory featured the shocking speed of Christian Watson, which cannot be captured on TV. On the other hand, January 2025's game found him lying on the field in distress, that thankfully has passed. Is it possible for you to identify for us the health care team that made this possible for him and his treatment process? Thanks.
Steve, I appreciate your question. Christian's recovery has been truly impressive to witness. It speaks to his hard work, unwavering resolve, work ethic and determination. To answer your question, first and foremost, Christian was the driving force behind his rehab, recovery, and return to the field. Christian spent time in Green Bay with our team rehabbing, in Madison at Badger Athletic Performance, the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation within the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and in Dallas with his surgeon. Our team, under the direction of Bryan "Flea" Engel and Nate Weir, worked across disciplines to see that Christian had everything he needed to have a successful outcome and return to play. That included members of our team who work in athletic training, strength and conditioning, nutrition, football technology, sports psychology, and player engagement. I am very proud of the way our medical team treated Christian as a patient, a player, and a person.
Question from Jason S.
Just saw today Lambeau is hosting another concert next year. Is there a reason it's always country? Would be great if one of these times a bigger rock band that could sell out the stadium was booked.
Hi Jason, thanks for your thoughts and question. While the last few artists have been country stars from Kenny Chesney to Luke Combs, historically we've also had artists like Paul McCartney and Billy Joel who are a different genre. We welcome all forms of music as we seek to bring iconic acts to our iconic venue. We are excited to host Zach Bryan in May. He is a global superstar who spans multiple genres. Having concerts two years in a row at Lambeau is no small feat, and our team has done a great job of building the infrastructure and know-how to pull off more of these large events. As I've said before, we are open to all kinds of musical artists that can sell out Lambeau (much like Luke Combs did last year). But in all honesty, a number of factors need to come together for us, including acts that will be in demand in our market and that are on tour in our area in May and June. It worked out very well recently that both Luke Combs and Zach Bryan were just those types of acts. And if concerts aren't your jam, we are hosting two hockey games in February. You can watch the Wisconsin men's hockey team take on Michigan and the Wisconsin women's team face off against Ohio State... By the way, if anyone has a solid in with Bruce Springsteen, please tell him it's my dream to have The Boss rock a sold-out Lambeau Field!
