Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They play in the National Football League and are part of the National Football Conference North division. The Packers are one of the oldest teams in the NFL, having been started in 1919. What makes them special is that they are owned by the community, making them unique among big league sports teams in the United States.

Since 1957, the Packers have played their home games at Lambeau Field. They have won more games than any other team in NFL history and hold the record for the most league championships, with 13 total wins. This includes nine titles before the Super Bowl and four Super Bowl victories. Some of their most successful years came under coach Vince Lombardi, who led the team to win the first two Super Bowls.

The Packers have had many great players, such as Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, who helped bring the team back to success in the 1990s and 2000s. The team has a long history of competing against rivals like the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions, making each game exciting for fans.

History

Main article: History of the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers are a professional football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) and were established in 1919, making them one of the oldest teams in the league. The Packers are unique because they are community-owned, with thousands of fans holding shares in the team.

The team has a rich history, with many successful periods. In the early years under coach Curly Lambeau, the Packers won several NFL championships. Later, under legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s, the team achieved great success, including winning the first two Super Bowls. More recently, the Packers have continued to compete at a high level, with notable seasons under coaches like Mike McCarthy and Matt LaFleur.

Curly Lambeau years (1919–1949)

The Green Bay Packers were founded on August 11, 1919, by Earl "Curly" Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun. Lambeau used funds from his job at a meat packing company to buy uniforms and equipment, and the team was named after the company. The Packers joined the American Professional Football Association (now the NFL) in 1921 and have played in Green Bay longer than any other NFL team.

During these years, the Packers won their first NFL titles in 1929, 1930, and 1931, led by players like Mike Michalske, Johnny McNally, Cal Hubbard, and Arnie Herber. They also had a record 29 consecutive home games without a loss. The arrival of Don Hutson in 1935 helped the team win more championships in 1936, 1939, and 1944. Hutson was a talented player who set many records and was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

After Hutson retired, the team faced tougher times. A fire destroyed a lodge where players lived, and Lambeau left after the 1949 season. The next few years were difficult, with the team struggling to win games.

Vince Lombardi years (1959–1967)

Vince Lombardi became the Packers' coach in 1959 and led the team to great success. Under Lombardi, the Packers won five championships, including the first two Super Bowls. Key players during this time included Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, Carroll Dale, Paul Hornung, Forrest Gregg, and Jerry Kramer.

The Packers' first game under Lombardi was a win against the Chicago Bears. They had their first winning season since 1947 and went on to win the NFL Championship in 1961, 1962, and 1965. In 1966, they won the first Super Bowl, and in 1967, they won Super Bowl II. After the 1967 season, Lombardi left the team, and the NFL renamed the Super Bowl trophy in his honor.

Mike Holmgren years (1992–1998)

In 1992, Mike Holmgren became the Packers' coach. He brought in quarterback Brett Favre, who helped the team return to the playoffs. In 1996, the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI, defeating the New England Patriots. This was a high point for the team, and they were considered one of the best in the league.

The next few years saw the Packers reach the Super Bowl again but lose to the Denver Broncos. After the 1998 season, Holmgren left to coach another team, and the Packers began a period of rebuilding.

Mike McCarthy years (2006–2018)

Mike McCarthy became the Packers' coach in 2006. He led the team back to the playoffs and, in 2010, to Super Bowl XLV, where they won against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This was the team's first Super Bowl victory since 1996. Aaron Rodgers, who took over as quarterback after Brett Favre left, was named Super Bowl MVP.

McCarthy continued to lead the Packers to the playoffs many times, but they didn't win another Super Bowl during his time. In 2018, after a disappointing season, McCarthy was replaced as coach.

Matt LaFleur years (2019–present)

Matt LaFleur became the Packers' coach in 2019. In his first season, he led the team back to the playoffs. Under LaFleur, the Packers have had several successful seasons, including reaching the NFC Championship game. In 2023, after longtime quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the team, Jordan Love took over as the starting quarterback.

The Packers continue to be a competitive team in the NFL, with hopes of returning to the Super Bowl in the future.

Community ownership

The Green Bay Packers are special because they are owned by the community, not by one person or a big company. Thousands of people, over 537,000 as of 2022, own a small piece of the team called stock. No one can own too much, keeping it fair for everyone. This way, the team has stayed in Green Bay for many years, even though the city is small.

Green Bay is a small city with fewer than 108,000 people, but fans of the team come from all over Wisconsin and nearby areas. The team used to play some games in Milwaukee but now plays all its home games in Green Bay. Over the years, the team has sold stock to raise money, with the latest sale in 2021. Owning stock means you can vote on some decisions and get special offers, but you can't sell your stock or get rich from it. The team also has a foundation that helps many good causes in the community.

Board of directors

Green Bay Packers, Inc., is led by a group of seven people chosen from a larger group of 45 directors. They help make big decisions for the team.

Green Bay Packers Foundation

The team started the Green Bay Packers Foundation in 1986 to help many important projects in the community, like education and health services.

Fan base

Further information: Cheesehead

The Green Bay Packers have very loyal fans. Every game in Green Bay, whether it is during the regular season or playoffs, has been sold out since 1960. Even though the Packers have the smallest TV audience, they are still one of the most popular teams in the NFL. There is a very long waiting list for season tickets—over 140,000 people are waiting, and it could take until the year 3000 for someone at the end of the list to get tickets!

Fans of the Packers are often called cheeseheads, a nickname that comes from Wisconsin’s famous cheese. At first, it was used to make fun of the team, but now it is a source of pride. Many fans wear bright orange triangular hats that look like cheeseheads when the team plays.

During summer training, young fans can bring their bikes for the players to ride to practice. This fun tradition started around 1957. The team also holds a special scrimmage called Family Night at Lambeau Field, where many fans come to watch. In 2005, over 62,000 fans attended when the Buffalo Bills played there.

In 2008, ESPN.com said that Packers fans were among the best in the NFL. The team tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for having the best fans, but the Steelers were ranked slightly higher.

Branding

Nickname

The Green Bay Packers got their name when their founder, Curly Lambeau, needed money for uniforms. His employer, the Indian Packing Company, gave him $500 but asked to be named on the team. Early reports called the team “the Indians,” but soon “Packers” became the name they used when they played their first game.

In 1920, Indian Packing was bought by Acme Packing Company, which kept supporting the team. The first season’s jerseys even said “ACME PACKERS.”

Team colors

The team’s colors come from Curly Lambeau’s time at Notre Dame, where the team wore navy blue and gold. Early on, people called the Packers “the Bays” or “the Blues.” By 1950, they changed navy blue to kelly green but kept a lighter gold. Navy blue stayed as a secondary color for a while but was later dropped. In 1958, kelly green turned into a darker hunter green, which the team still uses today with gold. In 1994, they wore old navy blue and gold uniforms to celebrate the NFL’s 75th anniversary, and they did this again in 2001 and 2003 for special games.

Logo

In 1951, the Packers switched from leather to plastic gold helmets. In 1961, they added the famous oval “G” logo, designed by a student at St. Norbert College. This logo has been on their helmets ever since. The Packers have allowed some other schools and the city of Green Bay to use a similar “G” in their logos.

Uniform variation

Usually, teams wear white jerseys at home early in the season because it keeps players cooler, but the Packers have only done this twice, in the first two games of 1989. In 2016, they introduced a special all-white uniform called “Color Rush,” which they have worn five times. In 2024, they paired this uniform with a new white helmet.

The Packers have also worn special throwback uniforms to honor their history. In 2010, they wore navy blue uniforms from 1929, then switched to ones from 1937–1949 in 2015, and then to all-green uniforms from the 1950s in 2021. In 2025, they will wear a navy blue uniform from 1923 with hand-painted leather-style helmets.

The team’s uniforms are made by Ripon Athletic from Berlin, who has made them since the 1960s. When the NFL switched to Nike in 2012, the Packers kept their traditional design except for the required logo changes. In 2025, their new 1923 throwback uniform was the first to use Nike’s “Vapor FUSE” design.

Rivalries

Divisional

Chicago Bears

Main article: Bears–Packers rivalry

The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have been rivals since 1920, making it one of the oldest rivalries in football history. The Packers currently lead with 108 wins to the Bears' 96, with 6 ties. They have met three times in important playoff games. The Bears won in 1941 and went on to win the championship that year, while the Packers won in 2011 and later won the Super Bowl. In 2026, the Bears won again, but later lost in the NFC Divisional Game to the Los Angeles Rams. Their first game was in 1921, with the Bears winning 20–0. The Packers got their first win in 1925, winning 14–10.

Minnesota Vikings

Main article: Packers–Vikings rivalry

The Packers and Minnesota Vikings began their rivalry in the early 1960s. It is known for being very intense, much like the rivalry between their state college teams, the University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota. Some memorable moments include a famous event in the first playoff game between them and Brett Favre later playing for the Vikings. The Packers lead the series 66–60–3, though they have split their two playoff games.

Detroit Lions

Main article: Lions–Packers rivalry

The Packers have also had a long rivalry with the Detroit Lions, dating back to 1930 when the Lions were called the Portsmouth Spartans and based in Portsmouth, Ohio. They became division rivals in 1933 and have played at least twice every season since 1932. As of 2024, the Packers lead the series 106–78–7, the first time any team has reached 100 wins against an opponent.

Conference

Dallas Cowboys

Main article: Cowboys–Packers rivalry

The Packers and Dallas Cowboys have had many important games together, including the famous "Ice Bowl". The rivalry grew stronger in the 2010s, affecting the playoff races. During Brett Favre's time with the Packers, the Cowboys won most of their matchups, but under Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have done better. The Packers lead the overall series 22–17 and the playoff series 5–4, with their last playoff game in January 2024 ending in a Packers win.

San Francisco 49ers

Main article: 49ers–Packers rivalry

The rivalry between the Packers and the San Francisco 49ers became big in the 1990s when they met in four straight playoff games. The Packers won most of those games with Brett Favre playing against the 49ers' Steve Young. Since 2012, the 49ers have had the edge in playoff meetings. The Packers lead the overall series 39–34–1, but the 49ers have won the last four playoff games.

Seattle Seahawks

Main article: Packers–Seahawks rivalry

After the Seattle Seahawks moved to the NFC in 2002, they and the Packers have met several times in the playoffs. Some unforgettable moments include a game where the Seahawks' quarterback made a big mistake, a controversial "Fail Mary" call, and a game where Russell Wilson led a big comeback. As of 2023, the Packers lead the series 16–9.

New York Giants

Main article: Giants–Packers rivalry

The Packers and New York Giants have been playing each other since 1928, making it one of the oldest rivalries in the league. They have been in the same conference since 1970 and meet regularly during the season. The Packers lead the overall series 34–28–2 and the playoff series 5–3.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Main article: Buccaneers–Packers rivalry

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Packers were division rivals from 1977 to 2002. They have had several famous games together, including a snowy game in 1985, a playoff game in 1998, and the NFC Championship Game in 2021. As of 2024, the Packers lead the series 34–24–1.

Stadium history

See also: List of Green Bay Packers stadiums and Green Bay Packers home games in Milwaukee

The Green Bay Packers started playing their home games at different parks before moving to City Stadium in 1925. They won many championships there. By the 1950s, the old wooden stadium needed to be replaced. The city built a new stadium that opened in 1957, later named Lambeau Field in honor of Curly Lambeau.

Lambeau Field has grown over the years and now holds over 70,000 fans. All games have been sold out since 1960, and many fans are waiting to buy tickets. The Packers also used to play some games in Milwaukee but now play all their home games in Green Bay. They have practice fields nearby in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. The team's main store, the Pro Shop, is located at Lambeau Field.

Statistics and records

Main article: List of Green Bay Packers team records

Season-by-season results

This is a partial list of the Packers' last five completed seasons. For the full season-by-season franchise results, see List of Green Bay Packers seasons.

Note: The finish, wins, losses, and ties columns list regular season results and exclude any postseason play.

As of January 2026

Records

Main article: List of Green Bay Packers team records

Playoff record

Championships

The Green Bay Packers have won the league championship a record 13 times, more than any other team. They won their first three titles by having the best record, then won six more in the NFL Title Game, and finally won four Super Bowls. The Packers are the only team to win three NFL titles in a row, doing this twice—once from 1929 to 1931 and again from 1965 to 1967.

Super Bowl championships

Since 1966, the Super Bowl has decided the league’s ultimate champion. The Packers have won four Super Bowls.

NFL championships (pre Super Bowl era)

Before the Super Bowl, from 1933 to 1969, the NFL held a championship game to decide its champion. The Packers won 8 of these NFL Championship Games. During this time, from 1966 to 1969, the NFL Championship Game was followed by the Super Bowl.

NFC championships

The Packers have won three NFC Championship Games, though they have lost twice as many. The NFC Championship Game began after the AFL–NFL merger in 1970.

NFL championship by standings

From 1920 to 1932, the NFL did not hold a championship game. Instead, the team with the best record won the title. The Packers won three championships this way.

Division Championships

The Packers have won 21 division championships.

Notable players

Main article: Lists of Green Bay Packers players

Main article: List of Green Bay Packers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Green Bay Packers have many famous players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame—second only to the Chicago Bears. Most of these players were honored for their time with the Packers.

Main article: Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame

Several Packers players and coaches are also honored in the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2018, Ron Wolf, a recent Packers leader, was added to this group.

Main article: List of Green Bay Packers retired numbers

The Packers have retired six numbers from important players. These numbers and names are shown on Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame was created to honor the team’s history. It was the first hall of fame for a single football team. Many great players and leaders are part of this hall.

Notable coaches

Main article: List of Green Bay Packers head coaches

Media

The Green Bay Packers have their games shown in two areas: Green Bay and Milwaukee. Their games have always been shown locally since 1960 because they sell out every game.

Radio

The main radio station for the Packers is WRIT-FM (95.7) in Milwaukee, operated by iHeartMedia. Games are also broadcast on other stations in Green Bay, Appleton, and the Fox Cities. Wayne Larrivee is the main announcer, and Larry McCarren gives expert comments.

Television

Local TV stations in Green Bay and Milwaukee show the Packers' preseason games. These games are also shown on many other TV stations across several states. Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon announce the preseason games.

In popular culture

The Green Bay Packers have appeared in many TV shows and movies. In That '70s Show, a character gave tickets to a Packers game, and another wore a different team's jersey, which made the real fans upset. In the movie Pitch Perfect 2, some Packers players appeared as a singing group. In Danny Phantom, a villain was a big fan of the team. And in There's Something about Mary, a character talked about her boyfriend named "Brett," who turned out to be a famous Packers player.