The Green Bay Packers are the third-oldest franchise in the league, which was established in 1919. Nestled in the small town of Green Bay, Wisconsin, they are not just any football team – they're a symbol of tradition, passion, and community – the community of Wisconsin.Â
Over the decades, the Packers have built a rich legacy. Thanks to their iconic players and coaches who have graced the field, the historic Lambeau Field that feels like a shrine to football, and, of course, their incredibly loyal fan base, who are also called Cheeseheads (due to Wisconsin's extensive production of cheese). With over 4.9 million online fans, this team is to play in 2024 with their quarterback, Jordan Love, aiming for a Super Bowl after 13 years.
The Green Bay Packers' journey is one of those rare sports stories that truly warms the heart. Imagine a football team not owned by some wealthy business tycoon, but by its very own fans-hundreds of thousands of them. That's the Green Bay Packers for you!Â
It all started in 1919 when Curly Lambeau and George Calhoun had a vision. According to the reports, “Lambeau, a shipping clerk for the Indian Packing Company, convinced his employer to donate money for the uniforms and, in the process, lent the nickname “Packers†to the team.†Backed by the Indian Packing Company, the Packers took their first steps toward greatness, agreeing to “sponsor a local pro football team,†and in 1921, they joined the NFL. A small-town team from Green Bay, Wisconsin, finding its place in the big leagues – sounds impossible, right? But that's what makes the Packers' story so special.Â
Lambeau Field, their iconic stadium, is more than just a place to play football. It's where history was made, where legends like Bart Starr and Vince Lombardi marked their names into NFL glory. Known for its brutal winter games, it's no wonder fans call it the “Frozen Tundra.†But those freezing temperatures never kept the Packers' loyal fanbase away. In fact, it's their dedication that's kept this team going, even in the toughest of times.
So, all in all, it would be safe to say that through highs and lows, the Packers have persevered. They've seen their share of struggles, both financially and on the field, but they never gave up. With 11 NFL championships under their belt, including two back-to-back three-peat title runs, the Packers became a name in the NFL. Star coaches like Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi weren't just coaching a team; they were actually building a legacy, as they went on to win Super Bowl XXXI in 1996 and again in 2010.Â
They have won four Super Bowl championships with the last one being under the leadership of the quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2011. The other three championships were won in 1967, 1968, and 1997. In total, they have 13 NFL championships, out of which three are AFC titles – in 1996, 1997 and 2010. Alone Vince Lombardi, the team's head coach during the 1960s, led them to five championships in seven years, including the first two Super Bowls.
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears: The Packers share one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in the NFL with the Bears. It all kicked off in 1921, with a 20-0 shutout win by the Bears, who were called the Staleys back then. Can you imagine the sting of being completely shut down in your first matchup? That kind of loss leaves a mark, sparking what would become one of the most fierce rivalries in football. But it didn't stop there. Fast forward to 1924, when things really got heated.Â
During a game, Packers' tackle Tillie Voss and Bears' end Frank Hanny took their aggression to the next level, throwing punches and becoming the first-ever players ejected in NFL history. That moment was more than just an ejection – it was a sign of how personal this rivalry had become. In addition to that after AFL-NFL merger, these two teams are now a part of the NFC North, further igniting divisional competition. Till now they have faced each other 208 times, in which the Packers have won 107 games while the Bears lags behind with 95 games.Â
Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings: The rivalry between these two teams is speculated to have started from the 1960s due to equal-level of competition and comebacks. However, the major heat was felt when Packers star quarterback, Brett Favre, who took the team to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances and Super Bowl XXXI win, signed with the Vikings in 2009. This renewed the rivalry again. Additionally, the same division also adds fuel to the fire. As per the current records, these teams have faced each other 127 times. The Packers have an advantage of winning 66 games, while the Vikings have won 58 games. 3 games were also tied between them.Â
Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions: This rivalry is also considered intense due to their same division – the NFC North. They have played 189 times with each other, wherein have tied in 7 games. The Packers have won 106 games and the Lions, on the other hand, have won 76 games.
$278,126,537 / 15th | |
$21,793,640 / 13th | |
$795,000 / 32nd | |
$49,270,311 / 8th |
The key contract of this year is for QB Jordan Love, who recently signed to a four-year, $220 million contract extension. With this, he now ties for the highest-paid player in NFL history with Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence (both getting five-year, $275 million contracts).Â
Led by head coach Matt LaFleur, Jordan Love will be the starter of the team. He will be backed by quarterbacks Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt. Joining Love will be these players, starting in their respective positions:
RB Josh Jacobs
WR Christian Watson
WR Romeo Doubs
WR Jayden Reed
TE Luke Musgrave
FB Henry Pearson
LT Rasheed Walker
LG Elgton Jenkins
C Josh Myers
RG Jordan MorganÂ
RT Zach Tom
LDE Preston Smith
LDT Kenny Clark
RDT T.J. Slaton
RDE Rashan Gary
WLB Quay Walker
MLB Eric Wilson
SLB Isaiah McDuffie
LCB Jaire Alexander
SS Javon Bullard
FS Xavier McKinney
RCB Eric Stokes
NB Keisean Nixon
PK Anders Carlson
P Daniel Whelan
H Daniel Whelan
PR Keisean Nixon
KR Keisean Nixon
LS Matt Orzech
No coach in the league has achieved this much success in less time than Vinci Lombardi. With the Packers, this legendary coach “won five NFL championships, including Super Bowls I and II, and compiled a remarkable 89-29-4 regular-season record.†His “Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing†quote is still seen as a motivation for the NFL players. Honoring his legacy after his death due to cancer in 1970, the NFL gave the Super Bowl trophy his name – the Lombardi Trophy. Additionally, legendary quarterbacks like Bart Starr, Brett Favre, and even Aaron Rodgers have led the team to numerous victories, including one Super Bowl at least.Â
Besides them players like Don Hutson, Reggie White, and Ray Nitschke have left a lasting impact on the franchise. They all share the Hall of Famers’ list with 25 other individuals such as Curly Lambeau, Robert Cal Hubbard, Johnny "Blood" McNally, Clarke Hinkle, Vince Lombardi and more.
WK | DATE | OPPONENT | TIME |
1 | Sat, Sep 7 | vsPhiladelphia * | 5:45 AM |
2 | Sun, Sep 15 | vsIndianapolis | 10:30 PM |
3 | Sun, Sep 22 | @Tennessee | 10:30 PM |
4 | Sun, Sep 29 | vsMinnesota | 10:30 PM |
5 | Mon, Oct 7 | @Los Angeles | 1:55 AM |
6 | Sun, Oct 13 | vsArizona | 10:30 PM |
7 | Sun, Oct 20 | vsHouston | 10:30 PM |
8 | Sun, Oct 27 | @Jacksonville | 10:30 PM |
9 | Mon, Nov 4 | vsDetroit | 2:55 AM |
10 | BYE WEEK | ||
11 | Sun, Nov 17 | @Chicago | 11:30 PM |
12 | Mon, Nov 25 | vsSan Francisco | 2:55 AM |
13 | Fri, Nov 29 | vsMiami | 6:50 AM |
14 | Fri, Dec 6 | @Detroit | 6:45 AM |
15 | Mon, Dec 16 | @Seattle | 6:50 AM |
16 | Tue, Dec 24 | vsNew Orleans | 6:45 AM |
17 | Sun, Dec 29 | @Minnesota | 11:30 PM |
18 | Sun, Jan 5 | vsChicago | TBD |