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 to Policy's Perspective for our October edition. We are travelling to Tampa today to face the Buccaneers tomorrow. If you live near Tampa or are headed there for the game be sure to stop by Whiskey Joe's for our Packers Everywhere Pep Rally presented by Thrivent. Once we return from Tampa we'll move onto Bears week and I think you will love seeing our Rivalries uniforms in action. But for now, let's get into this month's column.
It was a frustrating home opener last week against the Falcons, so I am excited that after this road trip we have four of our next six games here at Lambeau Field. It was strange not hosting any Sunday Packers games at Lambeau this September. So, get your tailgates and gameday gear ready, because I can't wait to see you all back here for this stretch of home contests. October should be an exciting month at Lambeau.
I know many of our fans are disappointed with the start of our season, and we appreciate and love the passion from all of our fans. We wouldn't have it any other way. We know that you care and are glad that you care. But I also promise you, nobody is more disappointed than the men and women at 1265 Lombardi Ave. and nobody is more committed to getting better every day. We did not intend to start the season 1-2, but that is our reality. Another reality is that every team will face adversity at some point during their season, and while it has been frustrating, all that matters is how we respond over the next 14 games.
I, like many of you, have watched a lot of football in these first three weeks of the season. Every game is a fight and we have seen a lot of playoff teams from last year start with disappointing records. The NFL is an amazing game played by world class athletes who come together on a roster of 53 men to play the ultimate team sport. The level of competition is unparalleled and the margin for error is slim. Adversity is a constant, as are the exhilarating opportunities to overcome it. That's why I love it. For each person in our organization the message is clear: Do your job, work relentlessly to improve every day, believe in one another, and above all, stay in the fight! We are counting on each of you to stay in the fight with us. Your support and energy at Lambeau helps more than you know. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but we are in it together and that's what makes it all worthwhile. Now, let's get to your questions.
George from North Mankato, MN
Hello Ed, I am curious what the Packers can and will do to assist all of those affected by the catastrophic tornadoes and storms in Appleton and surrounding areas? As a fan that travels to Lambeau for games, I have flown in and out of and stayed in Appleton. I hope all in the organization and their families and friends are OK.
Thanks for your question, George. First, I want to say, the devastation around Menasha and the Fox Valley is heartbreaking. However, seeing the community come together in support makes me so proud to call Wisconsin home. The numerous first responders, public safety officials, community leaders, and businesses that came together in support is impressive and inspiring. You probably saw that we hosted Menasha High School's football team during training camp – they met our players, had lunch in the Johnsonville Tailgate Village and toured Lambeau Field. This small gesture was simply to provide a little reprieve from the day-to-day as the community began cleaning up and rebuilding. I wish that team the very best this season. Except last night when my wife and I watched them play our son's team, Notre Dame Academy (Go Tritons!) at the Banta Bowl in Appleton. In addition to welcoming the team, we were proud to announce last month that we are supporting multiple efforts to help the community on its path back to normal. From rebuilding a school playground and a public park, to funding Habitat for Humanity's home rebuilding efforts, we are grateful that we can play a role in helping Menasha and the Fox Valley recover and rebuild. I was extremely proud to see Jordan Love donate to the same causes through his Hands of 10ve Foundation, reiterating his commitment to our community... I encourage everyone to take in Rally for the Valley today and tonight in Menasha. The community gathering featuring Wisconsin personalities, musicians, artists and special guests to raise funds, rally support and celebrate resilience looks to be a special event for the Fox Valley. Packers Give Back donated a Micah Parsons autographed football and a Jordan Love autographed helmet to the event, so be sure to bid heavily on those items.
Frank from Wisconsin
Hello Mr. Policy, following the popularity of the Brewers' recent alumni game, has Green Bay ever discussed hosting a brief alumni game of its own? It would be incredible for fans to see fan-favorite Packers back on the field together in a fun, non-contact setting. Obviously there wouldn't be time to do it this year but I think folding it into Family Night, or having it the day before or after and making it a weekend event could be a lot of fun!
Thanks, Frank. First, on alumni. Every year I appreciate how many alumni return to Lambeau Field throughout the season, especially during our alumni week. I am blown away by the number of men that return to Green Bay for a week of celebration, honoring and reminiscing. This year over 50 alumni returned to Green Bay and enjoyed golfing in Kohler, The Green and Gold Gala, our annual alumni clay shoot and then obviously, the Thursday night game. This year we honored the 60th anniversary of Super Bowl I and the 30th anniversary of Super Bowl XXXI. Having legends from Ron Wolf to Dave Robinson back in our building is something special. Now to your question, I can't say that I know of any teams exploring full-on alumni games. I saw a lot of our guys and I think many of them could still take a few snaps. But they'd all tell you, football gets a little harder as we age. Take it from a father of two boys, and occasional backyard ballplayer – recovery takes a lot longer now than it did when I was suiting up in high school for the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals...
Paul from Texas
Hi Mr. Policy, I'm a fan from Texas as we used to live in Sheboygan! I'm confident things will work out with Tucker Kraft's contract; please make sure he stays with the team. He embodies what the Packers are all about – small-town love, unique background to his schooling, hardworking, tough-minded, focused, determined to excel!
Well, Paul, everything worked out! We extended his contract and are excited to have Tucker committed as a member of the Packers for years to come. He embodies what it means to be a Packer every day when he shows up to Lambeau Field. Obviously, he's been around here awhile and everyone knows he is a great guy. But seeing him work around the building all offseason so he could be back with his teammates just reinforced what a driven human being and amazing teammate he is. And as you allude to, his greatness extends beyond the field. Tuck has joined the Tailgate Tour, volunteered with Gold Star Families, and visited with patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin during his first few years with us. Most recently, he joined a Scholastic reading event where he took part in reading the Big Cheese with the illustrator that was broadcast across over 1,000 classrooms to over 20,000 kids. We are fortunate to have him in the Green and Gold and fortunate to have him in our community.
Keith from Lincoln, IL
Hi Mr. Policy, I think the Rivalries uniforms are sharp, but an opportunity to truly pay tribute to the fans is still out there. One of these years, the alternative uniforms need to be Mossy Oak camouflage with blaze orange accents. For games in November through January, the uniforms would blend in perfectly with the stands. Thought I would start at the top with my suggestion!
Thanks for the idea, Keith. I know the guys are excited to don the Rivalries uniforms next Sunday. I know I said it last month, but the attention to detail is incredible. They are a clear nod to our community, history, and our unique ownership. It feels like every stitch has meaning. The jersey collar and numbers have money lines and a design similar to our stock certificates. The Lombardi era interlock GB logo is a nod to our long and tradition-filled history. The back of the helmets boast our fans' longtime chant of "Go Pack Go" and the inside collar of the jerseys cuts right to the point, we've been making history since 1919. Even the facemasks were made with care, with the matte green uniquely designed to match the rest of the color scheme. I do appreciate your idea and think it would certainly be leaning into some of our fanbase's standard attire when the snow starts to fly. And I do think there's a certain versatility to being able to wear your jersey from the tree stand to Lambeau's stands... But I imagine a team a bit south of us might love the idea of more orange in Lambeau Field on gamedays...
Question from Bruno in Australia
Dear Mr. President and CEO, Edward Policy, my name is Bruno and I write to you from Melbourne, Australia. Whilst I have had a passing interest in the NFL, the upcoming game here in my city between the Rams and the 49ers sparked my interest. I therefore decided that I should support an NFL team and in doing so, undertook some research as well as my gut instinct.
I decided to support the Packers because of the following:
- Green and Gold colours are also Australian colours on the international stage
- Traditional founding club having joined a year after the APFA being founded in 1921
- Only public/non-profit team in the NFL
- Fan ownership
- Small town charm
- Most league championships, not the main reason but an incredible history
I am excited about being on-board and if I can be directed to where I can best learn more and connect, I would greatly appreciate. All the best for the season ahead and I appreciate your time.
Bruno, I am happy to welcome you as a fan of the Green Bay Packers. It is good to see the game in Melbourne achieved one of its many goals – take interested fans who don't get to typically see NFL games and expose them to what I believe to be the best sport to watch, be it in person or on TV. I agree that the Packers' rich history and tradition is unparalleled and am glad to hear it was a part of you joining our fan club. So to your question, where can you learn more? I'd start with packers.com and our history page. Check out our numerous social media channels or give guys like Wes and Spoff a follow to stay in the know. If you'd rather sit back and take in some Packers knowledge you can watch our Packers Legacy: 100 Seasons documentary or wait until this winter for the release of our new documentary being produced by Omaha Productions which will air on ESPN. Additionally, the only thing we have to check off on your list is getting you to Green Bay to experience historic Lambeau Field!
