Dave Rayner's 44-yard field goal with 1 minute, 34 seconds left made a dominant defensive performance stand up as the Packers edged the Vikings 9-7 in front of 70,864 fans who braved the rain on Thursday night at Lambeau Field.
The Packers won their third straight game for the first time this season, improved to 7-8, and kept their playoff hopes alive heading into a scoreboard-watching weekend.
In the locker room immediately after the game, Head Coach Mike McCarthy presented Packers Chairman Bob Harlan with the game ball. Harlan was attending his last regular-season home game as CEO of the franchise. He is retiring in May after 18 years as team president and 36 in the front office.
"A total surprise, and I'm thrilled and honored both," Harlan said. "When Mike called me up, it was a tremendous thrill for me. Very touching."
Harlan then said a few words to the players amidst strong applause.
"I just said I've been here 36 years and I'm just so proud to be a part of this organization and so proud of this team the way it's battled back this year, and what a great future they've got," he said.
In a Packers.com exclusive, we take you inside the locker room as McCarthy addressed the players immediately following the team's win over the Vikings.
