I am sure many of you are thinking "what the heck does "Hasta la vista, baby" mean and why I am using it for my last Murphy Takes 5 column. Well, it is Spanish for "See you later" or "Goodbye for now" (it is also a famous Arnold Schwarzenegger line in "Terminator 2"). So, it is a chance to say goodbye to the best fans in all professional sports, and I do hope that I will be able to see many of you down the road. It is also a tribute to my father, Hugh (or Big Murph, as he was better known as). For reasons that I am not quite sure of, he used the phrase often.
Big Murph was a larger-than-life character who served in the Army during World War II, played football at St. Bonaventure (yes, the Bonnies once had a football team) and had a long career in labor relations. He had these sayings that he called "Pearls of Wisdom" (like "Don't burn bridges, build them") that he would use all the time. When I was younger, I thought they were so corny. As I got older, though, I realized that there was a lot of truth and wisdom in them. I'm often asked by fans what my regrets are in my career. At the end of my tenure, not being able to win a Super Bowl with Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur was a big regret, especially considering how close we were in a couple of those years. Very early in my tenure, I had a more personal, but larger regret. After I was named President in 2007, we had two home playoff games. Given his football background and love of the game, I know my father would have loved to watch a game at Lambeau Field. He was all set to come to one of the playoff games, but we decided to wait until September and the next season when the weather would be better and it would be easier to travel. Sadly, Big Murph died of brain cancer in June and never made it to Lambeau Field. I now have another pearl of wisdom, though – "never pass up the opportunity to spend special time with family and friends."
Enough about regrets. I am also asked what I am most proud of during my tenure. Obviously, winning Super Bowl XLV is high on the list, especially since we were the sixth seed. I hope that I have left the Packers in better shape than when I started. I think the improvements we have made to Lambeau Field (South End Zone, concourse renovations, new football and administrative offices, and (opening in a few weeks) a new locker room for the team) have been enhancements that have not taken away from what makes Lambeau Field special. I am also proud of the impact we have had in the community – both through donations to nonprofits and with the development of Titletown (and more recently, with hosting the NFL Draft). I think we have left the organization positioned for continued success with the leadership of Ed Policy, Brian Gutekunst, Matt LaFleur and Russ Ball. Lastly, I am very proud that we have strengthened the connection that our fans have with the team through two stock sales (adding more than 426,000 owners) and the creation of the Packers Everywhere program (thanks to my daughter, Emily, and Blue State Digital).
As I head into retirement, I want to thank all our fans for their great support of the team. Because of our fans, serving as President of the Packers is the best job in the NFL. It has been an honor and a privilege to work for you.
Now, on to your questions and "Hasta la Vista, Baby!"
P.S. Sorry to make my last MT5 column my longest, but I had a lot to say and wanted to make sure I did not leave anything out.
R. Denio from El Cerrito, CA (formerly from Eau Claire, WI).
Thank you for the great job you have done taking care of the Packers organization and keeping it a treasure for the league and Packers fans. I went to a game against the Jets at Lambeau a few years ago and the Jets fans were clearly jealous of everything our team has – they were clearly blown away by the Packers Hall of Fame. What part of the gameday experience will you miss the most after retiring? Also, how does an owner watch a game vs. a regular fan? Are there things you are looking for in particular from the team or fan reactions? I know you are not a "regular" owner in the sense that you have played in the NFL and won a Super Bowl, but I assume there are some commonalities. Thanks for your time and enjoy retirement!
Thanks for the questions, Rich. In terms of the gameday experience, I loved to get to the stadium early – three or four hours before kickoff – and walk around the stadium. It was a good chance to see what kind of experience fans have before the game and to interact with fans. I watched the game in a small box on the seventh floor with Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball and Ed Policy. We would watch the game like most fans, but we have more at stake, and we know more about the coaches and players. I would also like to see how our coaches and players make adjustments as the game unfolds.
Gary from Denver, CO
Congratulations on a job well done and on your retirement. I also retired this year as president and CEO, coincidentally serving 17-plus years in that role. Though my experience was in the software industry, I wanted you to know that I not only learned something from you but applied it at our company.
Some years ago, as an MT5 reader, I noticed you not just taking questions, but often tough, even patently obnoxious questions. Years before, I had instituted a monthly all-hands meeting where I stood up and addressed the state of the company, our successes and challenges, and so on. Inspired by MT5, I decided to add in an "anonymous questions" section where our team members could ask anything on their mind, with no fear of being identified or of retribution.
Over the years, I answered every single question (except one or two that clearly were written late at night after the writer had one too many beers). And yes, some questions were very tough, and some were downright obnoxious. Early on I was uncomfortable at times, but over the years I realized the positives far outweighed the negatives. Many times, folks reached out after the meeting and thanked me for taking the tough/obnoxious questions and/or for clearing the air on a difficult issue that was weighing on their minds. Perhaps I became a bit more humanized in their eyes. And in any case, I believe I became a better leader.
So, thanks for this bit of "role model" and for all you've done in your tenure.
Since I retired a few months ago, I've been asked a lot how it feels. I often reply "80% was the right decision and it was time for me to pass the baton, enjoy more time with my wife and family, and pursue some things that have been on the back burner. But 20% of the time I see the organization's success and I want to be back in the game and back at the helm."
I hope you feel much gratitude and contentment in your retirement and I'm sure, like me, you won't completely sit still.
PS - My only disappointment with MT5 is that in recent months I haven't seen an obnoxious question - they would always bring me a chuckle and a smile!
Thank you so much, Gary. I am glad that MT5 helped you in your career. I think there's a pearl of wisdom in there – "Don't be afraid to answer tough questions, the positives outweigh the negatives." As a tribute to you, I am including two questions from our most obnoxious readers – Sam and Tim.
A question from Sam, the long, long, long, long, long, long time Packer fan since 1966.
It's Time GUTEKUNST call Cincinnati and get Trey Hendrixson, you have the money to bring him in don't F--- this up he can change this whole defense, and you know damn well he can!!!! Don't f--- up this time fix this defense with one move asshole!!!
No question, Sam, but thanks for your input.
A question from Tim C.
What the hell are you doing or actually not. Are you serious about Super Bowl possibilities? You got rid of Alexander. Now Jalen Ramsey just got traded to Steelers and by the way he's better than anyone on our roster in the corner. That doesn't look like your serious about Super Bowl appearance 🤔
Yes, Tim, I am serious about Super Bowl possibilities. We have a young team (two years in a row, the youngest team in the League with two playoff appearances) that is well-coached and should make significant progress this year.
Shawn F. from Green Bay, WI.
I hope you are having a great start to your week! I have started a fitness journey of walking around Lambeau Field and doing the Oneida Nation stairs three times a week! There is always something to see and I even get glimpses of Packer players leaving practice at times! What a thrill! Lambeau Field area is maintained beautifully!!
Today as I was walking maintenance was changing out the flowers! I understand everything is done with a precise focus on presentation and needs to be changed out, but some of the plants still look pretty!
Could the Packer organization work with Habitat for Humanity houses here in the area and beautify the local home builds! Maybe deliver plants to our community shelters! Our neighbor associations here in Green Bay have plants by their signs as well, we could work with those as well! Living plants bring joy!! We all need a little more joy and beauty!
I am retired and always looking for projects, I would be willing to coordinate! Just a little background about me, I am a diehard Packers fan, born and raised in Green Bay! I was a Lutheran church worker teaching mainly kindergarten for 20 years and have planned and coordinated many events from Vacation Bible school to Spring Musicals and silent auction fundraisers! I would welcome the opportunity to beautify our community!
Thanks so much for the observation and offer, Shawn. I will forward your email to Mike Moynihan, our Director of Facility Operations, to see if we can donate the flowers to Habitat for Humanity.
Ethan from Sachse, TX.
What has been the most memorable/favorite moment of your career with the Packers and why?
First, winning Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. A close second, getting to announce our first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft. For both, they were rewards for all the hard work that so many people in the organization put forth. The draft was also tremendous publicity for the Green Bay community (and the entire state of Wisconsin).
