The Green Bay Packers' top 100 players show the legacy of one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports. This list showcases individuals who built, restored, and sustained the Packers' storied tradition, turning Green Bay into "Titletown USA." #1 on the list is Don Hutson, a revolutionary who dominated the NFL during his career (1935-1945) and remains one of the greatest in league history. Quarterbacks Bart Starr (No. 2) and Aaron Rodgers (No. 3) led the Packers to championships and earned MVP honors, while Brett Favre (No. 4) revived the team glory in the 1990s, winning three consecutive MVP awards. Other legends include Forrest Gregg (No. 5), the centerpiece of Lombardis five-time championship teams, and Reggie White (No. 6), who brought the Packers back to prominence with a Super Bowl victory. Ray Nitschke (No. 7), Jim Taylor (No. 8), Herb Adderley (No. 9), and Tony Canadeo (No. 10) further show how long & tenured the teams rich history really is. These players represent more than just numbers; they shaped the Packers' rare culture of excellence and development. There were controversies surrounding certain figures and the absence of one player due to off-field crimes, the top 100 list honors those who made Green Bay one of the NFL's greatest stories. This list will evolve as new players carve their stories over time, but these top 10 players laid the foundation for Lambeau Field to become a weekly sanctuary for fans, solidifying Green Bay's unique bond with football and its cheeseheads across the nation.
2019-08-01 12:23:11
PackersHistory.com
https://packershistory.com/2019/08/the-top-100-green-bay-packers-of-all-time
The rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears is one of the greatest in sports history, marked by crazy competition and deep respect. The Packers lead the series 106-95-6, including a 1-1 postseason record, and currently hold a nine-game winning streak. This rivalry creates a clash of communities: small-town Green Bay versus big-city Chicago, great quarterbacks versus dominant defenses, and elite running games against passing offenses. Both teams are among the NFL's oldest, with the Packers formed in 1919 and the Bears in 1920. They rank first and second in all-time wins, championships, and Hall of Fame inductees. Key figures like Curly Lambeau and George Halas shaped the rivalry and NFL history. The teams first met in 1921, with the Bears (then the Staleys) winning 20-0 in a game marked by a fight occurring which included punches being thrown and Green Bay fans causing a scene in Chicago. Over the period of time, the rivalry has seen some very key moments: the Packers' first win in 1925, early low-scoring battles, ties, and notable ejections for fighting. The Packers’ first championship came in 1929 when they finished undefeated, beginning a streak of three straight titles. The rivalry of the Midwest, played twice a year has cultural importance in Wisconsin, Illinois, and beyond. Even with the often overboard competition, it remains rooted in mutual respect, with fans from both sides sharing a love for football, beer, and grilling. For over 100 years, the Packers-Bears rivalry has been a cornerstone of NFL history.
2021-10-08 12:24:11
PackersHistory.com
https://packershistory.com/2021/10/green-bay-packers-and-chicago-bears-rivalry-timeline
The Green Bay Packers were founded in 1919 by Curly Lambeau, with the backing from the Indian Packing Company. In 1921, they joined the NFL, which made them the league's third-oldest team. They faced issues early on, however the Packers have had great success, winning 13 NFL championships, including two streaks of three in a row (1929-1931 and 1965-1967). Coaches Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi were vital to the teams success, with Lombardi leading them to five championships in the 1960s, which included the first two Super Bowls. The Packers have had many famous players, like Aaron Rodgers, Bart Starr, and Reggie White. A total of 22 Packers players and both Lambeau and Lombardi are honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Green Bay is a small city with a population of less than 100,000, making the Packers unique in the NFL. They are also the only team in the league owned by the community, not a private owner. The Packers used to split their games between Green Bay and Milwaukee but now play all home games at Lambeau Field. The stadium, first built in 1957, has been expanded many times over the years. The stadium has been consistently sold out since the 1960s, making it multiple lifetimes long for the ticket holder waiting list. The Packers returned to their winning ways in 1996, winning Super Bowl XXXI, and again in 2010, with a victory in Super Bowl XLV. The Packers are one of the most successful and well-loved teams in NFL history, known for their fans traveling to wherever they are playing.
2021-10-09 12:21:11
Profootballhof.com
https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/green-bay-packers/team-history
Green Bay's fanbase, the "Cheeseheads," is unparalleled in loyalty. Every game at Lambeau Field has been sold out since 1960, and the season-ticket waiting list stretches generations. Stories of dedication, like fans selling blood to afford tickets, highlight this wild devotion. What truly sets the Packers apart is their public ownership. Since 1923, the team has been owned by over 380,000 shareholders, making it the only publicly owned, nonprofit team in American sports. This unique model has kept the Packers in Green Bay, the smallest city with a major pro team, and fostered a deep bond between the franchise and its fans. There has been multiple stock offerings over the years. Each time this was done was to fund expansions & renovations to the Lambeau field. The Packers' unmatched success, storied history, loyal fanbase, and community ownership make them not just a great team, but a symbol of what professional sports should represent. The small-town local vibes make them the envy of the league. Also due to a rule change in the 80s the Packers will always remain the only community owned team. The Green Bay Packers are a historic and unique franchise, regarded as the greatest in American professional sports. Founded in 1919 by Curly Lambeau, the team has won 13 NFL championships, more than any other franchise, including five during the Vince Lombardi era. Lambeau and Lombardi brought unmatched success and a commitment to excellence. Lombardi, associated with winning, is immortal as the namesake of the Super Bowl trophy.
2012-04-12 12:22:11
Ben Chodos
In 1933, the Green Bay Packers faced severe financial troubles, entering receivership with only $76.18 in assets and debts exceeding $15,000. The teams survival was unclear, but a decision to move their game against the New York Giants to Milwaukees Borchert Field proved important. Even with the initial backlash from Green Bay fans, the game drew 12,467 spectators, this became the Packers' largest home crowd of the season and a financial success. Milwaukee soon became a crucial secondary home for the Packers. In 1934, they agreed to play more games at Milwaukees State Fair Park, including a much hyped exhibition against the Chicago Bears under the lights. Even though the Bears won 10-6, tensions were high, which resulted in an angry fan assaulting an official and escaping unnoticed. By 1938, the Packers secured territorial rights to Milwaukee, a move formalized in 1947 despite exceeding the NFLs 75-mile limit. This expansion strengthened the Packers' fanbase and financial stability, allowing them to continue playing select games in Milwaukee for decades. Drama arose again in 1939 when the Packers chose to play the NFL Championship at State Fair Park for financial reasons, as the larger venue promised $30,000 more in revenue than Green Bay. While local fans were outraged, thousands still traveled to Milwaukee, watching the Packers 16-7 victory over the New York Giants for their fifth NFL title. These decisions, though unconventional at the time, made sure the Packers would survive, with Milwaukee playing a role in cementing the storied teams unique history.
2024-06-22 09:00:11
Cliff Christl
https://www.packers.com/news/part-i-how-milwaukee-became-the-packers-second-home