Most Packers players are used to working up an appetite while wearing green and gold on the field. But just two stops into the five-day road trip and you'd think the tour participants just finished a playoff game.
By the time the bus arrived in Wausau, the crew was hungry. But first, players and alumni were ready to serve others, at a pig roast lunch for those gathered at the Salvation Army. The lunch was another way to give back while on the tour.
Visitors to the center appreciated having celebrity servers today, but simple conversation also was enjoyed during a pleasurable lunch.
The tour made a stop at the Salvation Army in Wausau where the Packers served lunch and gave away prizes. Photos by Matt Haberkamp and Aaron Popkey, packers.com.
"It was nice to sit down with them," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "I was speaking to a man who said he worked for the company that installed the glass in U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. He was a Vikings fan."
Fans at the center also enjoyed the opportunity to receive some Packers clothing and other items. As the tour departed, pictures were taken and well-wishes were shared for the upcoming season, as well as for challenges being faced.
Medford is next up.
Who doesn't love a great pizza, right?
The Packers Tailgate Tour made a surprise stop at the Nestle Pizza Division in Medford, Wis. The production facility makes a few different pizza offerings, including DiGiorno, the official pizza of the Packers and Lambeau Field.
A large group of workers had the opportunity to hear from the tour members on a stage in tent outside the facility. They had been ushered outside on the bright, sunny day thinking it had been an evacuation. As the players entered the tent, the workers gave them a standing ovation.
The Packers stopped at the Nestle factory in Medford Tuesday afternoon to visit with employees. Photos by Matt Haberkamp and Aaron Popkey, packers.com.
Really, though, it was the Packers that were giving the workers the recognition for the quality work they perform in producing the popular pizzas.
However, Jake Ryan, who is participating in his first tour, noted the boisterous welcome from the Nestle team.
"This is the first standing ovation of the day," he declared from stage.
Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy and the players answered a number of questions, including about the prospects of the Packers playing in London in the near future.
And when the discussion turned to the running back position, Ahman Green received a shout out and a request to come out of retirement.
The tailgate party to support Black River Industries is up next.
