World
Inbox: It’s what makes the Packers the greatest franchise in the world
I get to know that an awesome organization is run by honorable leaders who care about the fans and winning. When I buy merchandise or attend events at Lambeau Field, I know I am helping my team achieve its goals and not padding my own pockets.
Sharon from Lakewood Rach, FL
Looooonnnnng time fan and not an owner but made sure my mom and sons are. My dad always a “Packer Backer” bought stock when I was a teen. My folks were die-hard season ticket holders for many years; with my mom being a ‘win-it-all’ avid fan! When she was losing her battle with cancer in 1997, to cheer her up, I bought her a share of her beloved team. In 2021, my sons, who bleed green and gold, each received a share for being the loves of my life, along with the Pack! Love my Pack! No matter what!
The best part of being an NFL owner is I always have something to use when someone asks what is something interesting about you? That and the special owners’ swag at the pro shop!
Jennifer from Middleton, WI
Aside from the obvious novelty of being an NFL owner, I enjoy the fact that it means I’m part of a legacy and system that ensures decisions are made for the good of the team and community, not individual greed or by a jerk with a superiority complex. Sure, the league is money driven and we are part of it and benefit from it. But I believe our presidents have done a stellar job of balancing league business with what’s best for GB, because they can.
Telling people that not only do you support the Green Bay Packers but also are an owner. Also, telling them that if they have shaken your hand, that they have shaken the hand of an NFL owner.
Adrian from Chula Vista, CA
Bragging rights! I am the only person in my family who can say that I am a part owner of a major American sports franchise. Whenever my Cowboys relatives talk about being a die-hard fan and show me their tattoos, I just point to my shares certificate on the wall and silence the entire room. Also, it’s a great conversation starter whenever someone asks if I am a Packers fan when I’m wearing my Packers gear.
I was in a workshop where the facilitator introduced himself as was a Cowboys fan and asked us what teams we were fans of. My friend, Don, was the only other Packers fan. When my turn came, I said, “Sorry, I’m really not a football fan…I’m an owner.” Don, turned and said, “You bought stock? What a waste of money, you get nothing for that.” I said, “Don, it allows me to make obnoxious comments like ‘I’m not a fan, I’m an owner.’ What better investment could I make?”
The best part of being an owner is the added level of connection we feel with our team. No other team in the country feels quite like the Packers.
George from North Mankato, MN
The best part about being an NFL owner is being secure in knowing that my (our) team will never be sold or have to endure an ownership scandal. A close second is to humble brag while living in enemy territory!
Tell us about your experience randomly meeting a Packers player in the NFL offseason in another country. (Joe from Hampshire, IL)
Not a player, but a legendary coach: I met Mike Holmgren in Vatican City inside of St. Peter’s Basilica when our St. Norbert College basketball team traveled there to play a few games against some of the pro Italian teams. Of course, we made the St. Nobert connection and discussed life in De Pere. He was very friendly and for some reason much taller than I imagined. Unimportant detail: we went 3-0 🙂
Anthony from River Falls, WI
A number of years ago a few buddies and I went on a trip to Norway. We had just landed at the Narvik Airport in northern Norway, and I noticed an older gentleman wearing a Packers hat and shirt. My buddy asked the man, “Are you by chance from Wisconsin?” The man replied, “Yes, we’re from Green Bay on a group trip with a bunch of us old folks!” We talked for a few minutes about Norway and our love of the Packers. Go Pack Go! (Editor’s note: Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Outsider Inbox. The traditional Insider Inbox restarts tomorrow. Be sure to submit your questions below).