2018/2019 ANNUAL REPORT
PACKERS STRONG.
ALL YEAR LONG.
MISSION STATEMENT
To win championships and deliver excellent
guest experiences while being guided by our
core values.
VISION STATEMENT
To become and remain the standard
of excellence against which all other
organizations in professional sports
are measured.
1
Dear Shareholders:
The Green Bay Packers are proud to have played 100 seasons of football and established a rich legacy.
Encompassing 13 championships, 26 Pro Football Hall of Famers, an iconic stadium and a unique bond with our
passionate fans (and community), it is a story of success that endures.
As we look forward to beginning the next century of success, we do so with a fresh approach on the fi eld with new
Head Coach Matt LaFleur. Matt joins our football leadership team that includes General Manager Brian Gutekunst
and Executive Vice President/Director of Football Operations Russ Ball. Overall, I’m
very pleased with the working relationships they’ve built and the direction of our team
under their leadership. Brian has added many players through the draft and free
agency that will bolster the roster. They join our talented veterans, as well as the
second-year players who performed well and displayed impressive promise a season
ago. Matt has assembled an impressive coaching staff that has been working hard to
prepare the players for the 2019 season.
The build-up to exciting football this fall includes the celebration of the Packers’ 100th
birthday as a conclusion of our 100 Seasons celebration. Aug. 11 will be a special day, as
it marks the 100th anniversary of the legendary fi rst meeting between Curly Lambeau and
George Calhoun held at the old Green Bay Press-Gazette building that launched the team.
Making a return this summer are Lambeau Field Live, a traveling exhibit that takes our
iconic stadium around the state, and Packers Experience, a free, three-day interactive
attraction to begin training camp. Both were well attended last summer and are sure to be popular again this year.
From a business standpoint, the organization continues to grow revenue at a strong rate and manage our
expenses well. This year, though, our fi nancial statements will show those positive gains offset by some expenses
due to the changes in the coaching staff and additional expense to fund the concussion settlement with the
former players
. These expenses are non-recurring, and do not affect our ability to provide the necessary resources
to support football operations, the continued enhancement of our stadium, an excellent guest experience and
investments in the future of the organization and the community.
One of our greatest strengths off the fi eld is Titletown. The development west of Lambeau Field continues
to be popular with local residents, and has captured the attention of those outside the community as an
attraction for investment, business development and entertainment. TitletownTech launched this year, and
the digital innovation center (on which we’ve partnered with Microsoft) already has sparked promising
business ventures to be developed and grown, as well as investment from fellow pro sports teams’ ownership –
the Boston Bruins and New York Mets. Construction on Phase 2 has begun, with exciting residential opportunities
and offi ce space, and the new offerings are set to join the vibrant area that includes Hinterland, Lodge Kohler and
Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine and Orthopedics.
In addition to the community investment through Titletown’s development, the Packers continue to provide support
through charitable giving, community events and outreach programs. The charitable impact in the past year through
Green Bay Packers Give Back, our all-encompassing community outreach initiative, was more than $8 million. It
included $1.8 million in grants awarded to nonprofi t organizations through the Packers Foundation, with fi ve
$250,000 impact grants awarded to the Center for Childhood Safety, Inc., Encompass Early Education and Care, Inc.,
Golden House Inc., HSHS St. Vincent/St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation and Give BIG Green Bay.
The ongoing support you provide the Packers each year is very much appreciated. I’m looking forward to seeing you at
the Annual Meeting as we prepare for an exciting 2019 season.
Sincerely,
Mark H. Murphy
President & Chief Executive Offi cer
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
YEAR IN
REVIEW
2
The Packers prepared for the 2018 season with a transition taking place
in football operations, with Brian Gutekunst taking over for Ted Thompson,
who took on a new role as Senior Advisor to Football Operations. Gutekunst’s
19 seasons with the Packers gave him unique insight to the organization as
he worked under both Thompson and Ron Wolf before him.
He learned the value of the draft-and-develop philosophy over the years
and certainly planned to use the approach, but also would utilize all means
of roster building.
“Obviously, our foundation’s going to be the draft,” Gutekunst said. “But I
think (free agency is) an absolute must as an accessory piece. The thing that
I’ve already told our guys is that we’re not going to be signing every
player. We’re not going to be able to make that the foundation of our
team, but we want to be in it and we want to be in the know of everything
that’s going on and, if it makes sense for us, not to be afraid. We have to
be prepared enough to pull the trigger.”
Gutekunst took over a roster that he believed had strong potential.
“I don’t think we’re very far away,” Gutekunst said. “There is a substantial
amount of work to be done, but I think it can be done shortly. I think there
was a lot of reasons for what happened this year, and there’s certain areas
that needed to play better, and we’re still in the process, I think, of kind of
dissecting some of that and moving forward. But we’re really, really excited
about the opportunity before us. I think there’s a window here.”
On the coaching side, Head Coach Mike McCarthy made some changes to
his staff, including bringing back Joe Philbin as offensive coordinator and
bringing in Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator.
THE NFL DRAFT
Pettine’s goal was to have Green Bay’s defense back to performing among
the league’s best, like it was during the fi rst couple seasons of the tenure
of Dom Capers, whom Pettine succeeded. Since those years, though, the
defense often has taken a backseat to the offense, a perception
McCarthy
wanted to change in 2018.
“It’s got to be a mentality,” McCarthy said. “I’m sick and tired of our defense
feeling like the stepchild. I mean, how many times do you have to tell
them, ‘You’re not the stepchild?’ That’s a blatant statement, and it’s
not a cure-all. But it’s defi nitely a starting point. So, now, with that, you’ve
got to give them the opportunity to be better.”
A component of defensive improvement would, of course, come from
new players joining the mix, including players that join the team via
the draft. Gutekunst said getting to know the college prospects through
interviews at the Combine is a key part of the process.
The team’s personnel staff also had meetings with Pettine and his staff
about the types of players they’re looking to add to Green Bay’s defense
through the draft.
“It’s to get on the same page with them as far as exactly how they want to
play,” Gutekunst said. “That’s really helpful.”
Picking 14th in every round, as opposed to the late 20s as a perennial
playoff team, and having 12 total picks would help, too, for a team
Gutekunst characterized as not being “very far off” despite all the front-
offi ce and coaching changes.
None of that altered the Packers’ evaluation process in general as they set
their draft board, because building that board as thoroughly as possible is
always the priority.
“The most important part, specifi cally in the beginning, is to try to get the
value of the player right,” Gutekunst said. “As we get further on down,
we’ll start to look at scenarios and possibilities for us at each pick, but right
now, it’s just about getting the value and trying to get to know these
guys as much as possible so we don’t make any mistakes.”
Green Bay’s process is to rate players in their own right but also factor
in the team’s needs as part of the overall equation to determine where
they’d fi t as a selection.
“We try to build the board value-based, but we build it for our own team,
not the league,” Gutekunst said. “So those (roster needs) are naturally in
play. It’s important, especially early on, that… you’re making sure you’re
getting players (evaluations) correct. You have to get the fi rst part right
before you can move into the scenarios.”
Having been involved with drafts for roughly two decades, the process
was nothing new to Gutekunst, only making the fi nal call was a new
experience. In that respect, he knew there would be a lot of voices in the
room, including Ted Thompson’s, and it’s his job to sift through them all
to make the best choices.
It’s a challenge he clearly looked forward to, and the fi rst round couldn’t
arrive soon enough. The Packers’ board was set, and in the fi nal days
there’s a temptation to continue tweaking it, which Gutekunst referred
to as “overcooking.”
3
THE OFFSEASON
Aaron Rodgers had another historic season in 2018, completing 372 of 597 passes (62.3
percent) for 4,442 yards and 25 TDs with two INTs for a 97.6 passer rating and was selected
to his seventh career Pro Bowl. He set an NFL single-season record with his interception
percentage of .32 (two INTs on 597 attempts), and posted the lowest interception percentage
in the league for the third time in his career. He also led the NFL with nine completions of
50-plus yards and was tied for the league lead with 16 completions of 40-plus yards.
Davante Adams had perhaps his fi nest year as a pro in 2018, leading the team with a
career-high 111 receptions, the second most in team history, for a career-best 1,386 yards
(12.5 average) and a career-high 13 touchdowns on his way to earning Pro Bowl honors
for the second straight year. He is the only player in the NFL with 70-plus receptions and
10-plus TD catches in each of the last three seasons (2016-18) and is No. 2 in the league
with 35 receiving TDs since 2016. Adams also leads the league with 26 receiving TDs in the
red zone since 2016, seven more than any other player in the NFL.
Handling the anticipation of draft week can become almost as important
as managing the anxiety during the draft itself. Gutekunst mentioned
“conviction” and “discipline” as two additional qualities of Thompson’s
he admired most amidst all the intensity, and he knew from observation
and involvement those attributes were able to shine brightest because the
preparation was so thorough.
“I remember how important getting it right from the get-go is, doing the
work, getting the board correct,” Gutekunst said, recalling draft lessons
he’s learned over the years. “If you don’t do it back then, it doesn’t matter
what you do now. You can’t skip steps. You have to do it all. You can’t go
into the weekend and hope to get it right. You have to be ready ahead
of time.”
On the draft’s opening night, the Packers traded back, traded up and
ultimately got the playmaker they coveted all along. After swinging deals
with New Orleans and Seattle, Gutekunst used his fi rst selection as Green
Bay’s general manager to draft Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander
with the 18th overall pick.
It was the culminating decision on a night in which the Packers’ general
manager made multiple big decisions in his fi rst draft, fi rst trading back
13 spots before trading up nine and picking up an extra fi rst-round pick in
2019 from New Orleans along the way.
Gutekunst was happy to have added Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander
to the Packers’ secondary. Alexander was the second pure corner taken in
the draft and one of the fastest overall players with a 4.38 40 time.
But Gutekunst got a lot more, even if what he got wouldn’t help the 2018
Packers. Getting an extra 2019 fi rst-round pick from the Saints was simply
a rare opportunity, knowing he could move back up and still get a player of
equivalent rank on his board.
“It was too good to pass up,” Gutekunst said. “Those fi rst-round picks don’t
come around too often.”
The Packers added two more defensive players on Day 2 of the NFL Draft –
cornerback Josh Jackson and linebacker Oren Burks – to go with fi rst-round
selection Jaire Alexander.
The rest of the draft saw the Packers take both offensive and defensive players,
as well as a punter, JK Scott, in the fi fth round, and a long snapper, Hunter
Bradley, in the seventh. Other picks included WR J’Mon Moore (fourth), OL
Cole Madison (fi fth), WR Marquez Valdez-Scantling (fi fth), WR Equanimeous
St. Brown (sixth), and LB Kendall Donnerson (seventh).
“I think we helped the Packers,” Gutekunst said at the draft’s conclusion.
“It’d be nice to come out of every draft and fi ll all the holes you think you
have, but that’s never the case,” he said. “You try to take good football
players because you really don’t know what your needs are going to be
come September.”
In addition to the players added through the draft, a team’s existing
players could further contribute as they progress in the system. There’s
the second-year jump, and then there’s the next step.
Looking at the Packers’ 2016 draft class, two players unequivocally made
the second-year leap in 2017 that coaches covet and that effectively
launches their careers.
Defensive tackle Kenny Clark and inside linebacker Blake Martinez were
those two players, building on solid rookie years to become defensive
front-liners in Year 2. They have become core players who will help the
team improve.
4
Aaron Jones had a landmark second season, ranking No. 1 in the league in yards per carry
(5.47 in 2018,) the fi rst Packer to lead the league in the category since the NFL went to a
16-game schedule in 1978. His 5.47 yards per carry average was the second-best single-
season mark in franchise history with 100-plus carries. Among running backs with 200-plus
career attempts, he ranks No. 3 in NFL history with an average of 5.50 yards per carry.
Jaire Alexander burst onto the scene in 2018, appearing in 13 games with 11 starts, and
ranking No. 2 on the team with 76 tackles (61 solo) while adding a half-sack, three tackles
for a loss, an interception and a QB pressure. The 2018 fi rst round draft pick was named to
the PFWA’s All-Rookie team after leading the team with 15 passes defensed, becoming just
the second Packers CB to be honored since 1974.
Kenny Clark continued his dominance on the defensive line in his third season, starting in
all 13 games he appeared in and recording a career-high six sacks (No. 2 on the team), seven
QB hits and 13 QB pressures. His two fumble recoveries also tied for No. 5 in the league.
He was named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2018, and fi nished No. 3 on the team with 73 tackles
(36 solo) despite missing three games.
Blake Martinez maintained his momentum as a leader on the defense, leading the team
in tackles each of the past two seasons (158 in 2017 and 147 in 2018), the fi rst Packer to do
so in consecutive years since 2012-13, and starting all 32 games over that span. He fi nished
No. 3 on the team in 2018 with a career-best fi ve sacks, and added four passes defensed
and eight QB pressures.
“Your core players are the ones that get you through the rough times, the
adverse times,” McCarthy said. “We’re confident those guys can take the
next step.”
In free agency, among the players added to the roster were CB Tramon
Williams, who spent the 2007-14 seasons with the Packers, DT Muhammad
Wilkerson and veteran TE Jimmy Graham, who joined the team after eight
seasons split between New Orleans and Seattle.
“Jimmy is a playmaker. I’ve always admired his game,” said McCarthy.
“I thought his video last year, particularly in the red zone, was exceptional.
He gives us an excellent target and I think him and Aaron will have a
great relationship.”
As the roster continued to take shape during the offseason, QB Aaron
Rodgers acknowledged losing some longtime teammates, including WR
Jordy Nelson.
“It’s tough losing those guys, but that’s the nature of the business,” he
said. “It’s about change, and you have to remember this is a professional
environment. It’s going to happen.
“I want to play until I’m 40 and beyond. Many of the guys I’m playing with
now will be moving on at that point, if I’m able to keep playing until then.
It’s about cultivating the relationships with the young guys, finding what
that team chemistry looks like every year – because it changes – and looking
forward to the season.”
As the team picked up the pace during organized team activities (OTAs),
McCarthy noticed the players were focused.
“The energy in the building is significant since the change. I would say
that’s normal,” McCarthy said. “The first OTA, my recollection is it’s always
high energy (with the mindset) ‘it’s about time’ to get out here and play
simulated football.”
As the rookies focused on learning their new playbooks, as well as the ins
and outs of the NFL, they knew they could look to the veterans for guidance.
In the wide receivers room, an obvious mentor was Davante Adams, who
has a unique perspective on how to approach the league. After making his
way into the starting lineup as a rookie in 2014, Adams weathered a
turbulent, injury-riddled sophomore campaign before his breakthrough
season in 2016.
“I’m quick to use that,” Adams said. “Let them know – especially in tough
times – that I’ve been where you are right now times a million worse. I’ve
had a lot to deal with from outside noise, inside the locker room. In here,
people are supportive but people kind of look at you and say ‘when are
you going to step up?’ So you kind of relate to them and give them the
story of how you came along and they see where you’re at now. Like you
said, it gives you a little more credibility.”
As the Packers wrapped up the June minicamp and looked forward to
training camp, McCarthy was pleased with how the offseason went,
particularly with the increased number of team (11-on-11) reps that were
worked into OTAs and minicamp.
“We were able to accomplish a lot more in a competitive arena with the
type of practices we had,” he said. “I feel really good about where we
are today.”
The season began in earnest in late July as the Packers opened
training camp, and the team had a number of questions to answer.
To name a few, the right side of the offensive line was not settled,
the depth charts at receiver, cornerback and outside linebacker were
undetermined, and a lot of new blood needed to be worked into the
special-teams equation.
But McCarthy liked the chances the 90-man roster that was assembled
in the offseason would answer those questions the right way –
competitively, and not by default – to set up the Packers to manage the
inevitable obstacles that would obstruct their path over the season.
“That’s what you want. A competitive environment is clearly one of the
most important components of a healthy training camp. It’s a necessity,”
McCarthy said.
“Training camp is not so much about the first 11 to run out of the tunnel.
It’s really those 63 players (53 on the active roster, plus 10 on the practice
squad). That’s the way we’ve always approached it. I’ve used the number
77 in reference to the Super Bowl year. It takes that many players to win a
championship.”
Rodgers was excited to get started and added there was a “different
feeling” to the start of camp, with a lot of energy and enthusiasm surrounding
the new defense, and the mix of young talent and veteran leadership he
sensed coming together.
“With the expectations that we always have on offense,” he said, “we’re
going to find our rhythm at some point during the season and be really
tough to stop.”
He was also excited with the approach the defense was taking under the
new coordinator, Pettine, who had addressed the team at the start of camp.
“I’ve been around here for 14 years,” Rodgers said, “and that was a
really good talk to the team. As an offensive player, to hear a defensive
coordinator get up there and talk about defense the way he did, and
goals and mindset, that was pretty impressive. It gives you a lot of hope.”
During camp, any judgments about the team and position groups must
be made with the proper perspective, but McCarthy liked the early returns
in the defensive backfield.
“Our secondary group, we haven’t had that much depth around here in
quite some time,” McCarthy said. “We’ve had some outstanding battles,
competition going on throughout camp. I’m very pleased with the way our
secondary looks.”
On the offensive side, a process observers noted is how Adams, one of the
league’s best receivers, had become a great teacher to the younger pass
catchers. He has started passing valuable lessons on to the Packers’ young
receiving corps, which includes three rookie draft picks in J’Mon Moore,
Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown. Lessons that he
learned from Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson when Adams was a rookie
second-round pick in 2014.
“I feel 100 percent comfortable,” Adams said of the role. “You can go out
there and be a great player, but are you making people around you better
or are you just making yourself better? That’s the best thing for me to go
out there and do is pass on what I’ve learned from Cobb or Nelson to the
younger guys.”
As the team progressed through the preseason, Gutekunst was preparing
for his first roster cut-down as general manager, feeling good about the
quality of depth, and also knowing some tough decisions await.
5
WE’RE GOING TO FIND OUR RHYTHM AT SOME
POINT DURING THE SEASON AND BE REALLY
TOUGH TO STOP.
”
“
-AARON RODGERS
6
“I think we have more than 53 players that are viable players in the NFL,”
Gutekunst said.
And of that roster, the Packers announced it extended the contract of one
of its most valuable players, Rodgers, through the 2023 season, when the
quarterback will turn 40.
“This shows, in this contract, there’s a lot of mutual love and respect, and
excitement about keeping this partnership together,” Rodgers said. “And
doing something I think is pretty cool, being able to start and finish my
career as a Packer.”
The team finished the preseason with a 2-2 record, and looked forward
to getting their 100th season started with a primetime matchup against
archrival Chicago and their new head coach, Matt Nagy.
The Packers had plenty of changes to incorporate, particularly on the
defensive side of the ball with Pettine and a number of new players,
including veterans Tramon Williams and Wilkerson along with rookies
Alexander and Jackson.
“We’re ready to go,” McCarthy said. “I’m past the changes, and I’m excited
to take the next step with all the new individuals.”
THE REGULAR SEASON
The opener lived up to its advance billing, with the Packers pulling out a
thrilling, 24-23 come-from-behind victory over the Bears. Rodgers brought
the team back from a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Cobb had a
75-yard catch-and-run TD to give the Packers the lead late in the fourth
quarter. The performance by the Packers’ QB was even more remarkable
because he suffered a knee injury and spent time in the locker room
before returning to the field to retake the helm.
Pettine’s defense stopped the Bears twice on the final series of the game
to seal the victory after a defensive penalty had given Chicago a fresh set
of downs.
It was the second-largest comeback win in team history at Lambeau Field.
The game later was awarded the “Moment of the Year” at the NFL Honors
ceremony in Atlanta during Super Bowl Week.
“We’ve had some fun ones in this rivalry,” Rodgers said. “This will be one I’ll
definitely smile about in 10 years.”
A Week 2 home matchup against another division rival, the Vikings, awaited.
Rodgers knee was the subject of much speculation, of course. If he could
move well enough, he would play.
“The small circle I was moving in Sunday night, if I can get back to that,
hopefully a little better than that, without pain, then hopefully I’ll be able
to go,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers did start and played well on a bad left knee in completing 30-of-42
for 281 yards and a TD and a 97.4 passer rating, but the team fell short…
sort of… in playing to a 29-29 tie with Minnesota.
After a 31-17 loss at Washington the following week, the Packers returned
home to shut out the Buffalo Bills in a 22-0 win, the team’s first shutout
at Lambeau Field since a 26-0 victory over the Lions in 2009.
The Packers’ defense sacked Buffalo rookie quarterback Josh Allen
seven times and turned him over three times during the shutout, with
linebacker Kyler Fackrell logging three fourth-quarter sacks to lead
the way.
The team couldn’t keep momentum the following week at Detroit,
however, and suffered a 31-23 defeat after falling behind 24-0 at halftime.
K Mason Crosby was among those who struggled, missing four field goals
and an extra point.
Crosby and the team rebounded the next week with a 33-30 win over
San Francisco at home, with the veteran kicker making all four of his
field goals, including a 27-yarder as time expired to provide the winning
margin, his third game-winning kick in as many seasons.
“This week was a grind,” said Crosby. “It was one of the tougher weeks of
my career, just making sure I didn’t overreact, overanalyze everything.
I really did a great job of just locking in and making sure I had good
tempo and I kind of just flushed last week and made sure that if I was called
upon again this week I was going to come through.”
After the next week’s bye, the Packers had a stretch of four road games in
five weeks.
“This is an important stretch in our season,” Rodgers said. “I’m not going
to say it’s going to define our season, but it’s definitely going to shake things
out when we get on the other side of this and get back home in six weeks,
where we’re at in the race and what we’re playing for.”
The first game ended with a heartbreaking 29-27 defeat to the Rams at the
LA Coliseum. The Packers had a one-point lead late, but a poor punt and a
key run by Rams RB Todd Gurley set up the go-ahead field goal. Packers
RB Ty Montgomery then fumbled the ensuing kickoff with two minutes left,
and the Packers had no last chance.
A trip to New England in Week 9 for a primetime battle with the Patriots
saw the Packers fare no better, unfortunately, with the team suffering a
31-17 defeat. A fumble early in the fourth quarter took away a chance to
take the lead in a tie game.
A return home provided a lift as the team defeated the Miami Dolphins,
31-12, with RB Aaron Jones providing a boost with a career-best 145
rushing yards and two TDs.
The final two games of the tough, five-game stretch ended in defeats, a
three-point loss at Seattle (27-24) and a seven-point loss at Minnesota
(24-17).
A home game against the struggling 2-9 Cardinals figured to provide an
opportunity to rebound for the Packers with their backs against the wall,
but in an uninspired performance, the Packers fell, 20-17, when Crosby’s
49-yard field goal attempt went wide right.
Later that evening, Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy relieved McCarthy
of his duties as Packers Head Coach.
“This is the worst part of our business,” Murphy said. “Mike’s been a
tremendous coach for us. He’s also a great man. That makes it even more
difficult to make a decision like this. We all had high expectations we’d
be back competing for a championship and Super Bowl. It’s disappointing.
Mike’s had a great run here, but to me it felt like it had run its course.”
Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin was named interim head coach, while a
search for a next head coach would begin immediately with Murphy and
Gutekunst working collaboratively.
“The goal is to get the very best coach to get the Packers back to playing
championship football,” Murphy said. “Our focus now is on finishing the
season strong and then hiring the very best coach we can for the team.”
7
The team responded the following week with a 34-20 win over the
Atlanta Falcons, but dropped two of their next three, including a season-
ending shutout loss, 31-0, to the Lions at Lambeau Field to fi nish 6-9-1 on
the season.
With the season concluded, the organization’s focus turned toward
completing the search for its next Head Coach and the process culminated
with the naming of Matt LaFleur as the 15th Head Coach on Jan. 8.
LaFleur will be entering his 11th year coaching in the NFL and his 18th
overall in coaching, learning under successful head coaches Mike
Shanahan, Gary Kubiak, Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. He served as an
offensive coordinator for both of the past two seasons and a quarterbacks
coach for the previous seven years.
“He has the unique combination of a quiet confi dence but yet a humility,”
Murphy said. “I see him having the ability and experience to really make
a difference. I think we’ve found a gem in Matt and we’re really excited
about the future under his leadership.”
LaFleur referenced the Packers’ championship tradition upon taking
the job.
“To be following in the footsteps of Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi, Mike
Holmgren, Mike McCarthy,” LaFleur said. “It’s truly an honor.”
One of LaFleur’s fi rst goals was to fi nish assembling a coaching staff, and
he defi nitely had in mind what kind of people he wanted.
“I think we’re going to bring a lot of energy every day,” he said. “And I think
we’ll be able to connect and reach our players and that’s what I’m most
excited about. You will not see egos and these guys are going to roll up
their sleeves and get to work, and I think our players will appreciate that.”
LaFleur was looking forward to leading the transition, and working with
players, notably Rodgers. The team would have to work through some
struggles, however, as they prepare for the new season.
“One of the messages that I’ll have for our players is, ‘Guys, in order to
grow, you have to get comfortable with the uncomfortable,’” LaFleur said.
“We’ve got to attack it with an open mind and try it. Everybody within our
organization has got to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.”
David Bakhtiari maintained his status as one of the league’s best left tackles, earning
fi rst-team All-Pro honors from The Associated Press, the fi rst Packers offensive tackle to earn
fi rst-team recognition since Forrest Gregg in 1967. He started all 16 games in 2018 for
the fourth time in his career, helping the Packers rank No. 2 in the NFL in yards per carry
(5.01). Bakhtiari was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl, and was named to the PFWA’s
All-NFL team and the PFWA’s All-NFC team.
Titletown also includes TitletownTech, a joint venture between the Packers and Microsoft aimed at driving regional economic growth and job creation by
helping businesses transform their operations through technology and digital innovation. The TitletownTech building will also house additional entertainment
and commercial properties, including an “eatertainment” concept powered by Topgolf Suites and an experiential Associated Bank branch.
Phase 2 of the development, for which construction is underway, will feature residential development, including an apartment building and townhomes, as
well as further commercial development and more community amenities. For more information, visit titletown.com.
Located on nearly 45 acres of land just west of Lambeau Field,
Titletown is the Green Bay Packers’ mixed-use, community
development with a multi-acre stretch of park space that
features activities, events and daily recreation year-round.
Titletown aims to maximize its unique location to attract
visitors, spur regional economic growth, offer amenities to
residents and complement the greater Green Bay area’s draw
as an excellent location to live, work and play. Since opening
in 2017, Titletown’s initial tenants – Hinterland Restaurant
and Brewery, Lodge Kohler and Bellin Health Titletown Sports
Medicine & Orthopedics – have continued providing excellent
service and experiences.
TITLETOWN
Corey Linsley continued his stellar play as center, playing every offensive snap for the
second consecutive season, the only player on the offense to accomplish that feat. He
was named a Pro Bowl alternate for the fi rst time in his career as he helped the Packers
rank No. 2 in the NFL in yards per carry (5.01) and giveaways (15) and No. 1 in rushing
fi rst-down percentage (29.4).
PACKERS NEWS
8
A full 16 months of celebrating will wrap up on Aug. 11, 2019, exactly 100
years after the Green Bay Packers were first organized. A milestone of a year,
the Packers’ centennial season recognized the rich history and tradition of
the team in a variety of ways. From fan festivals and concerts to a traveling
Lambeau Field exhibit, opportunities for fans to join the celebration were
plentiful throughout the year, and the final birthday celebration on Aug.
11 will cap off the historic year. Still ahead is the release of Legacy, a 10-
part documentary series recounting each era of the team as well as a book
featuring the definitive history of the team.
In 2018, the Packers began a three-year concourse renovation project, aimed
at improving guest experience, operational efficiencies and safety, as well
as driving revenue and improving aesthetics. The first phase was put into
place for the 2018 season and included concourse audio upgrades, as well
as grab & go concession stands. The new stands have been a great success,
decreasing transaction time and increasing the amount of transactions.
Phase 2 of the renovation project will be complete for the 2019 season,
and includes upgrades to the fourth floor kitchen and club level concession
stands, as well as additional grab & go locations and a new, branded fan
lounge/common area with a technology focus.
The Packers also renovated the Lambeau Field loading dock on the southeast
side of the stadium to improve safety and security in the area. The renovations
included reconfiguring the entrance, providing enhanced pedestrian access
and adding three new buildings to the loading dock area.
Additionally, during the offseason, the Don Hutson Center was renovated
with new artificial turf (FieldTurf) with an updated field-marking layout that
features a full-sized field.
Preparations continue for college football to return to Lambeau Field once
again. On Oct. 3, 2020, the University of Wisconsin faces the University of
Notre Dame in the Irish’s first appearance at Lambeau Field. The matchup
is the first of a two-game neutral-site football series that will also see
the two teams meet at Soldier Field in Chicago in 2021. The game will
come four years after 2016’s Lambeau Field College Classic between LSU
and Wisconsin.
Three new members were elected to the Packers Board of Directors in
2018: Nancy Armbrust, Robyn Davis and Rob Gilson. Armbrust is a retired
Schreiber Foods executive and has served many nonprofits in the greater
Green Bay community. Davis is the president and CEO of Brown County
United Way. Gilson is the president and CEO of Imperial Supplies, a Green
Bay distributor of maintenance parts and equipment for heavy-duty truck
fleets.
Additionally, Mark McMullen, a member of the Board since 2007 and
member of the Executive Committee as well as Treasurer since 2010, took
on emeritus status. Michael Simmer, CEO of BMO Harris Bank, Green
Bay, succeeded McMullen as Treasurer, and John Skoug, a member of the
Board since 2012, succeeded Simmer as Member at Large on the Executive
Committee. Beverly French and George Kerwin, members of the Board since
2006 and 2005, respectively, also took on emeritus status.
The history of the Green Bay Packers is rich with on-field accomplishments and a special bond with the community that has supported the organization
throughout its 100-year history. The Packers’ responsibility to the community has only grown with time, and as the only community-owned NFL team, we
believe in utilizing the spirit of football to promote life lessons, build togetherness and create future leaders.
Green Bay Packers Give Back is the Packers’ all-encompassing community outreach initiative, which includes the Green Bay Packers Foundation; appearances
made by players, alumni, coaches and staff; football outreach; cash and in-kind donations; Make-A-Wish visits and community events and initiatives.
The following is an overview of the organization’s Green Bay Packers Give Back efforts from the last year. Combined with direct cash donations by the Packers
to various charity endeavors, these efforts resulted in a comprehensive charity impact in excess of $8 million in 2018. The full Packers Give Back Report is
available online at packers.com/community.
9
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
$8 MILLION
TOTAL CHARITY IMPACT
10
COMMUNITY EVENTS
18,290
PEOPLE ATTENDED PACKERS
COMMUNITY EVENTS LAST YEAR
EMPOWER
This leadership event, which took place in Green Bay and Milwaukee,
featured speakers and activities geared at encouraging middle school
students to use their influence to create positive ripples throughout the
community and become the best versions of themselves.
SPOOKTACULAR
Nearly 5,000 people enjoyed the annual Spooktacular event in the
Lambeau Field Atrium, which featured music and variety acts, as well as
Halloween-themed crafts and activities.
PROJECT PLAY 60
At this annual event designed to get families active, kids and community
members enjoyed inflatables, climbing walls, bungee trampolines, face
painting and entertainment.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
The Packers and Festival Foods brought the joy of the holidays to all
who attended this free event. Family-friendly activities and photo
opportunities with Santa Claus were offered along with the formal
lighting of the tree in Harlan Plaza.
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH ECUMENICAL
THANKSGIVING MEAL
Hundreds of volunteers prepped and served guests during the
Thanksgiving meal. Over 2,000 meals were provided in the Atrium and
delivered to the homebound.
LAMBEAU FIELD BLOOD DRIVES
Over the course of four blood drives from May to February, 1,192 total
pints of blood were collected for those in need.
11
FOOTBALL OUTREACH
11, 36 8
COACHES, PLAYERS AND PARENTS PARTICIPATED IN
PACKERS FOOTBALL OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
$291,500
WAS DONATED TO FOOTBALL
OUTREACH INITIATIVES
FOOTBALL OUTREACH CAMPS
More than 4,000 youth participated in these camps at various
schools throughout the state of Wisconsin, designed to get kids
active and enjoying football drills.
PLAY FOOTBALL MONTH
At Packers Family Night and at the Packers’ two home preseason games,
teams from the Northwest Wisconsin Champions League, East River Pop
Warner and the Appleton Youth Football Association scrimmaged on
Lambeau Field as part of “Play Football Month” aimed at recognizing
youth football programs.
EQUIPMENT GRANTS
The Packers and the NFL Foundation awarded grants valued up to $2,000
each for new equipment, uniforms and other resources to 19 youth and
scholastic football programs throughout Wisconsin.
GREEN BAY PACKERS PARENTS CLINIC
More than 30 parents received classroom and on-field instruction
on how the game of football is being played more safely.
COACHING SCHOOL
A one-day, complimentary clinic offered more than 120 coaches opportunities
to sharpen skills and learn new approaches to coaching football beyond
play-calling.
NFL FLAG TEAM AT THE PRO BOWL
Ripon Youth Football, the Packers’ “At-Large” team selection, participated
in the NFL FLAG Championships in Orlando, and was awarded a $4,000
donation to assist with expenses.
GREEN BAY PACKERS 7-ON-7 HIGH SCHOOL
PASSING TOURNAMENT
Eight teams participated in the 10th annual tournament in 2018:
Appleton North, Brookfield Central, Franklin, Manitowoc Lincoln,
Menasha, Menomonie, Sun Prairie and Waunakee. Donations totaling
$6,000 were awarded to the champion and to the runner-up.
GREEN BAY PACKERS HIGH SCHOOL COACH
OF THE WEEK PROGRAM, PRESENTED BY JACK
LINK’S PROTEIN SNACKS
Ten individual high school football coaches were selected for this
honor, and each received a $2,000 donation for their football program
and took part in the Jack Link’s High School Coach of the Week Game Ball
Delivery at Lambeau Field.
WISCONSIN FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION/
GREEN BAY PACKERS HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF
THE YEAR
Ken Krause of Muskego High School was awarded this honor and
received a $2,000 donation for the school’s football program. Coach
Krause competed for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year
Award as the Green Bay Packers’ nominee.
HIGH SCHOOL QUARTERBACK CHALLENGE
PRESENTED BY HPE AND CAMERA CORNER
This on-field competition featured players from two different high
school teams at each home game.
NFL DRAFT YOUTH FOOTBALL TEAM
Members of the Oconto Falls Panthers Youth Football team announced
Equanimeous St. Brown, the Packers’ sixth round selection in the 2018
NFL Draft, on NFL.com and packers.com.
LINEMAN CHALLENGE
The inaugural Packers Lineman Challenge was held in Titletown,
with athletes representing 12 high schools from around Wisconsin
participating in a variety of drills. Donations totaling $6,000 were
awarded to the winner and runner-up.
WISCONSIN YOUTH FOOTBALL STATE FORUM
The Packers, along with USA Football, the WIAA and the Wisconsin
Football Coaches Association, hosted leaders from various youth football
leagues to participate in open discussions about topics pertaining to
youth football in Wisconsin.
12
GIVING
$1.8 MILLION
WAS DISTRIBUTED OVER THE LAST
YEAR FOR ANNUAL AND IMPACT GRANTS
$1.3 MILLION
WAS RAISED FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT
WISCONSIN WITH SIGNED ITEMS PROVIDED BY THE PACKERS
MAKE-A-WISH
Through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, 16 Wishes were granted during
the 2018 season.
IMPACT GRANTS
The Packers awarded $1 million in impact grants this year, with $250,000
each going to the Center for Childhood Safety Inc., Encompass Early
Education and Care, Inc., the HSHS St. Vincent/St. Mary’s Hospital
Foundation and Give BIG Green Bay.
PACKERS GIVE BACK IMPACT GRANT
The Packers awarded a $250,000 impact grant to Golden House Inc., for
the organization’s On the Rise Capital Campaign to expand programming
space to meet the needs of domestic abuse victims.
ANNUAL GRANTS
More than 230 people representing nonprofit organizations from across
the state attended a Dec. 5 grant recipient luncheon, receiving $800,000
from 230 grants.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
An estimated $1.3 million was raised for nonprofit organizations throughout
Wisconsin with the help of in-kind donations provided by the Packers.
FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT
Fifty-five schools in Wisconsin received 1,826 items for their football
programs, including cleats, chin straps, gloves, pads, pants, belts,
footballs and 23,450 square feet of artificial turf.
CLOTHING AND TOILETRY DONATIONS
Twenty-two human services organizations benefited from donations of
shoes, gently used clothing, towels and various toiletries.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Funds were distributed through the NFL Social Responsibility Team
Program Grant to Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin for their
Open Door Services Program, which helps youth who are experiencing
homelessness and unsafe living situations.
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RELIEF EFFORT
Following the devastating and deadly Camp Fire, the Packers donated
$250,000 to the Aaron Rodgers NorCal Fire Recovery Fund.
LAMBEAU FIELD SCHOOL TRIP GRANTS
Eleven schools received cash donations to supplement the busing
expense to complete field trips to Lambeau Field.
MIDWEST SHRINE GAME
Since its inception in 1950, more than $4 million has been raised for
the Midwest Shrine’s burn centers and hospital through this annual
preseason game. Janine Brass, a former patient of the Shrine Hospital
performed the national anthem at the 2018 Midwest Shrine Game.
SCHOLARSHIPS
$26,500 was provided to Scholarships, Inc. for four-year programs.
$26,500 was provided to NWTC Educational Foundation Inc. for two-year
programs. A portion of the scholarship funds came from the National
Football League Properties which, at the Packers’ request, returned to
the Packers Foundation royalty fees paid for using the Packers logo on
Wisconsin automobile license plates.
MATCHING GIFTS PROGRAM
More than 65 Packers employees participated in this program, matching
their cash donations in excess of $17,500.
COATS FOR KIDS
The Packers provided a $15,000 donation to the Salvation Army of
Greater Green Bay for its Coats for Kids initiative.
TOYS FOR TOTS
The Packers provided a $20,000 donation to the Marine Toys for Tots
Foundations for its Toys for Tots initiative.
HUNGER RELIEF
The Packers helped provide donations totaling $30,000 to Paul’s Pantry
to assist with hunger relief efforts in Brown County.
COMMUNITY EVENTS GRANTS
Room rental fees, valued at more than $15,000, were waived for the
four nonprofit organizations awarded this grant. All will host events at
Lambeau Field in 2019.
PACKERS STUDENT ART CONTEST
In its second year, this art contest awarded a $5,000 donation to the
winner’s school in each category. Grades 6-8: Chase H., from De Pere
Middle School in De Pere, Wisconsin; Grades 9-12: Andrew C., from
Yorkville High School in Yorkville, Illinois; University or Technical College:
Carolyn M. from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
13
PLAYER, COACHES & ALUMNI OUTREACH
800+
PLAYER, COACH AND ALUMNI APPEARANCES WERE HELD IN THE
COMMUNITY OVER THE LAST YEAR
GREEN BAY PACKERS GIVE BACK CELEBRITY BOWLING
EVENT PRESENTED BY NESTLÉ
Players, coaches and alumni raised $56,000 for the Northeast Wisconsin
Technical College Comeback Program at this bowling event.
SALVATION ARMY – AUTOGRAPHS IN EXCHANGE
FOR DONATIONS
Multiple Packers players signed autographs in exchange for donations to the
Salvation Army during the holiday season. The autograph signings raised
$43,177, a total which was matched by Aaron Rodgers, bringing the total
donated through Packers autograph signings to $86,354.
AARON RODGERS HOLIDAY PARTY
Youth from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin, PALS and
CASA of Brown County were treated to a surprise pizza party hosted by
Aaron Rodgers. The Salvation Army received a $10,000 donation from
Rodgers, $100 in honor of each child at the party.
TAILGATE TOUR
The 13th annual Tailgate Tour brought Packers players and alumni
together with communities in Verona, Wisconsin, Monticello, Iowa,
Janesville, Milwaukee, and West Bend, Wisconsin. Packers President/CEO
Mark Murphy, players Blake Martinez, Kenny Clark and Ty Montgomery
and alumni Rob Davis, Antonio Freeman and Bubba Franks spent the week
connecting with fans. The tailgate parties raised $398,000 for Badger
Prairie Needs Network, Camp Courageous, Salvation Army Janesville, Boys
& Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee and the Threshold Inc. $10,000 was also
distributed to five schools along the tour route to purchase gym equipment.
WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD CHALLENGE
ACADEMY VISIT
Lucas Patrick, Tyler Lancaster, Dean Lowry and Danny Vitale offered words of
encouragement and guidance to nearly 90 cadets ages 16-18.
LEGENDARY QUARTERBACKS COLLECTOR’S PHOTO
More than 9,400 prints were sold, with 100 percent of the proceeds split
between the quarterbacks’ charities: Brett Favre – University of Southern
Mississippi Athletics/Volleyball; Bart Starr – Bart & Cherry Starr Foundation;
Aaron Rodgers – MACC Fund.
FUEL UP TO PLAY 60 SCHOOL VISIT
A $10,000 fitness grant was awarded to Weyauwega-Fremont School District
at the Fuel Up to Play 60 visit, attended by DeShone Kizer and James Looney
in November.
PLAYERS, COACHES & ALUMNI OUTREACH
14
MY CAUSE MY CLEATS
Several players and coaches wore custom cleats promoting causes
important to them during the league’s third annual campaign. Cleats
that were auctioned off raised over $10,000 for the players’ causes.
Participants and causes included:
• JAIRE ALEXANDER | Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay
• GERONIMO ALLISON | Special Olympics
• MASON CROSBY | The Locker “Kids Helping Kids” & the Vince
Lombardi Cancer Foundation
• MIKE DANIELS | Anti Bullying
• LANCE KENDRICKS | Sherman Phoenix
• AARON RODGERS | Wounded Warrior Project
• OREN BURKS | Soles4Souls
• REGGIE GILBERT | Lupus Causes
• JIMMY GRAHAM | EAA Young Eagles
• COREY LINSLEY | Wisconsin CASA Association
ALUMNI WEEKEND
In September, 50 alumni, including 11 from the Vince Lombardi era,
attended several events: Green & Gold Gala, 100 Seasons Celebration
Concert, tailgate party, Packers vs. Bears game, NFL Alumni Association
Golf Outing, Green Bay Packers Golf Invitational.
GIVING TUESDAY AT PAUL’S PANTRY
Randall Cobb, the Packers Women’s Association and Campbell’s Soup
celebrated Giving Tuesday by presenting a donation of $15,000 and
more than 50,000 cans of Campbell’s Chunky Soup to Paul’s Pantry in
Green Bay.
WALTER PAYTON MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE
Kenny Clark was nominated by the Packers in 2018 for the Walter Payton
NFL Man of the Year Award. The award is the only one in the league that
recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service as well as his on-the-
field performance. In his third season in the NFL and with the Green Bay
Packers, Clark was selected as the Packers’ nominee to honor his continual
investment of time and talents in the community.
SALUTE TO SERVICE AWARD
Aaron Jones was recognized as the Packers’ nominee for the 2018
Salute to Service Award, which annually recognizes NFL players, coaches,
personnel and alumni who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to
honoring and supporting the military community.
ED BLOCK COURAGE AWARD
The Ed Block Courage Award honors NFL players who exemplify
commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Aaron
Rodgers was the Packers’ 2018 recipient, after being selected by a vote of
his teammates.
CHARACTER PLAYBOOK
The Packers and the United Way of Brown County teamed up for a second
year to give middle school students across the state the tools to cultivate
and maintain healthy relationships. Kids from four different schools tuned
in to a talk with Aaron Jones during a Character Playbook Live event.
15
MILITARY SUPPORT
THE PACKERS HAVE A PROUD HISTORY OF SUPPORTING THE MILITARY,
AND THE TEAM HONORS THE MILITARY IN A VARIETY OF WAYS EACH YEAR
SALUTE TO SERVICE FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
The Salute to Service Flag Football Tournament was held on the field in
Titletown to the west of Lambeau Field and raised money for morale funds
of each branch of the military. Each branch of the armed forces had a team
participate in the tournament, with the Army National Guard defeating the
Navy 40-37 in the championship game. Nonprofit group Hogs for Heroes
generated funds through the sale of event merchandise and received a
$1,000 donation from the Packers for its program that purchases
motorcycles for Wisconsin veterans.
FLIGHT OF CHAMPIONS OLD GLORY HONOR FLIGHT
The Flight of Champions, a joint effort between the Packers, Brown County
and Old Glory Honor Flight, departed from and returned to Austin Straubel
International Airport with more than 70 veterans onboard. The veterans
spent the day with Packers alumni Paul Coffman, Lynn Dickey, Earl Dotson,
Marco Rivera and Mark Tauscher, who served as guardians to accompany
the veterans and show their support during the tour of the monuments and
sites in Washington, D.C.
OPERATION FAN MAIL
The Packers and WPS Health Solutions recognized 10 families and groups
in 2018, including 100-year old World War II Veteran Eugene Nordby, 22
members of WPS’s Veteran Enhancement Team and 10 highly decorated
military veterans on the field during pregame activities.
SALUTE TO SERVICE GAME
• Holiday Mail for Heroes was held at the Atrium during the Nov. 11
game, collecting cards from fans to be distributed to members of
the military through the American Red Cross.
• Halftime Flag Football Game: The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football
Team took on a team of Packers alumni in a game during halftime.
• The Green Bay Vet Center made its mobile vet center available to fans
on the fan walkway.
FLYING FLAGS
The Packers granted more than 30 requests to fly United States flags at
Lambeau Field in honor of members retiring from the military, who
were also provided with Packers mementos.
VETERANS HOME VISIT
Packers alumni Kevin Barry, Jarrett Bush, Gerry Ellis and Tony Fisher
surprised veterans with lunch at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.
16
TRAINING CAMP & GAMEDAY INITIATIVES
BELLIN 5K RUN/WALK AT LAMBEAU FIELD AND 1K
KIDS RUN PRESENTED BY EDVEST
Nonprofit organizations that assisted with these events earned $11,330 for
their programs including: American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Northeast Wisconsin and DarJune Café.
AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE DREAMDRIVE
Kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Green Bay had the
opportunity to ride special bikes to practice with the players during
training camp.
PACKERS FAMILY NIGHT
Wisconsin 4-H served as the team’s official community guests. Wendy’s
Wonderful Kids Program received net proceeds from the event’s parking.
TOUCHDOWNS FOR HUNGER
In its 16th season, the Hunger for Charity partnership with Sargento Foods
donated $36,000 to the Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee and $17,500 to
Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay.
DELAWARE NORTH SPORTSERVICE CONCESSION
STAND EFFORTS
Eighty nonprofit groups staffed concession stands, earning over $1.2
million for their organizations.
FIRST DOWNS FOR TREES
The eighth year of First Downs for Trees, the Packers’ partnership with
Essity and Green Bay Packaging Inc., planted 444 new trees in 17 Brown
County communities.
PLANTING FOR A PURPOSE PROGRAM
Aimed at encouraging gardeners to donate their fresh produce to local
food pantries, the second year of this program helped collect more than
15,000 pounds of fresh produce, with 106 individuals who signed up to
grow produce specifically for the program.
PACKERS VS. CANCER
THE PACKERS VS. CANCER INITIATIVE IS AIMED AT RAISING FUNDS, AWARENESS
AND SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO ARE FIGHTING OR HAVE BATTLED CANCER
PACKERS VS. CANCER HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME
Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy and players Jaire Alexander, Josh
Jackson and DeShone Kizer joined fans last October at the Pulaski Red Raiders
versus Preble Hornets game to help raise awareness of all cancers. $6,000
was raised at the game for the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.
VINCE LOMBARDI CAP SALE
$5 from each hat sold was donated to the Vince Lombardi Cancer
Foundation, totaling more than $87,000 donated since 2017.
DONATE A DOLLAR CAMPAIGN
During the month of October, shoppers in the Packers Pro Shop
took advantage of the opportunity to add $1 or more to their
purchase that went directly to the Vince Lombardi Cancer
Foundation. Shoppers donated $8,656, which was matched by the
Packers, totaling $17,312.
17
SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES
THE PACKERS SUPPORTED THE ONGOING EFFORT BY NFL PLAYERS AND CLUBS TO IMPROVE
THEIR COMMUNITIES THROUGH PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES THAT REDUCE BARRIERS TO
OPPORTUNITY, WHETHER THROUGH EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT, CRIMINAL
JUSTICE REFORM OR IMPROVING POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS
SOCIAL JUSTICE DONATIONS
Packers players selected five recipient organizations to receive $50,000
donations to fund social justice initiatives including: CASA Brown County,
Ha Ha’s HERO Foundation, Legal Action of Wisconsin, Sherman Phoenix and
Young Life Green Bay.
HOMETOWN HUDDLE PLAYGROUND BUILD
New playground equipment was installed on an empty lot near
31st and Galena in Milwaukee with the help of the Milwaukee
Police Department and MKE Plays volunteers. Packers player DeShone
Kizer and alumni Kevin Barry, Frank Winters, Tony Fisher and John
Anderson also participated.
VOLUNTEERISM
TOTAL STAFF INVOLVEMENT
345 Packers staff members volunteered 1,949 hours over the course of a year.
GREEN BAY PACKERS GIVE BACK DAY – FOOD SECURITY
More than 70 Packers employees worked with Ben’s Wish, Paul’s Pantry and
the New Community Shelter to help address food security for those in need
over the summer months.
LADIES OF LAMBEAU
During this event, 162 ladies worked together to assemble fleece blankets
and pair with books for children at Nicolet Elementary School. Nearly 200
blanket and book kits were distributed. Area schools and libraries also
benefitted from donations collected from the volunteers, and $1,000
donations were made to three nonprofit organizations suggested by volunteers.
GREEN BAY PACKERS GIVE BACK DAY –
BELL RINGING
Employees volunteered for The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay
at Bay Park Square Mall on Dec. 18, 2018, collecting $7,237 for the
Red Kettle Campaign. The Packers matched the amount raised at Red
Kettles throughout Green Bay that day up to $15,000, resulting an
additional $16,255. In total, $38,492 was raised over the course of
the day for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.
GREEN BAY PACKERS GIVE BACK AWARD
Ten volunteers were recognized in November for their time and
dedication to nonprofits. Collectively, they volunteered nearly 8,000
hours annually. Each recipient received $2,000 for the nonprofit
where they volunteer.
The Packers organization saw continued strong revenue growth in
Fiscal 2019, while operating profit and net income were reduced by
several unusual expenses. Additional expenses were incurred due to
transition of the coaching staff, player costs related to roster moves, and
additional funding of the concussion settlement with former players. Other
expenses were in line with historical trends and continue to be
well-managed. Overall, the organization remains strong and has the
financial resources for success on and off the field as we begin our second
century of winning titles and creating memories.
The Green Bay Packers Audit Committee met with our independent
accounting firm, Wipfli LLP, to review the results of our annual
audit of our March 31, 2019, financial statements. Based on the audit,
Wipfli issued an unqualified opinion that our fiscal 2019 and 2018
financial statements are presented fairly in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Below are summary
financial statements and some highlights from our operations for our
2019 and 2018 fiscal years. Some reclassifications have been made to
2018 amounts to conform to the 2019 presentation.
Revenues increased 5.1% to $477.9 million in 2019. National revenue
grew 7.2%, while local revenue rose 2.3%, as growth in gameday, sponsorship
and non-gameday event revenues more than offset a small decline in
Packers Pro Shop, Stadium Tours and Packers Hall of Fame revenue.
Millions
$440
$420
$460
$400
$380
$360
2016 2017 2018 2019
$408.7 $441.4 $454.9 $477.9
$480
REVENUE
Millions
$480
$430
$380
$330
$280
2016 2017 2018 2019
$420.9 $477.2$333.7 $376.1
EXPENSES
**Net of lease-obligated contributions from the Brown County
Professional Football Stadium District towards the maintenance
of Lambeau Field, of $12.5 and $12.6 million in 2019 and 2018,
respectively.
$274,293 $255,939National
203,650 198,990
2018
Local
$477,943 $454,929
Total revenue
Expenses
Net income
$ 8,368 $38,562
Profit from operations $ 724 $34,062
Total expenses
477,219 420,867
General & administrative
73,149
52,296
Facilities, net*
30,466
31,602
Sales, marketing &
fan engagement
66,927 63,824
Team
63,595 60,411
Player costs
243,082 212,734
Revenue
$ thousands
2019Statement of Income
Operating expenses increased 13.4% in 2019. Player signings, a new
coaching staff, payments for the concussion settlement, and some
additional costs to celebrate our 100 Seasons of football were the primary
reasons for the increase in expenses. Player costs rise with revenue under
the salary cap system. We continue to spend all funds allowable under the
system to build a championship team.
Most other operating expenses were steady or decreased, including sales,
facilities and general and administrative expenses. Donations rose above
$10 million in 2019, which included our part of the NFL’s continued
research to enhance player safety, and locally and within Wisconsin to
give back to our community that always has and continues to support
the Packers.
18
TREASURER’S REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Operating Profi t decreased from a year ago to $724,000. As noted above,
investments in the roster and team, along with the additional funds for
the concussion settlement outpaced the growth in revenue. Excluding
occasional costs like the coaching transition and unique charges like the
concussion reserve would have resulted in Operating Profi t comparable
to 2018.
Income on investments helped net income fi nish at $8.4 million this year,
down from the $38.6 million net income last year. As noted earlier, some
unusual costs moved our results lower this year.
Preserving the Packers Franchise
In addition to our primary goal of winning a 14th NFL championship, we
also strive fi nancially to preserve our community-owned franchise for future
generations of Packers fans. Operating profi ts are invested in the team, the
Lambeau Field fan experience, the community, and a fund to sustain the
viability of the franchise. The size and necessity for this fund grows as the
NFL grows. A summary of our fi nancial position follows:
The Packers have $663 million of equity, consisting of $87 million from
our fi ve stock offerings, and the rest from retained annual earnings.
We continue to invest equity to preserve and improve Lambeau Field. We
have $371 million of our equity invested in property and equipment, and
$152 million in player contracts. The remainder is held for franchise
preservation. Included in Cash & Investments above is $397 million of
investments. Our safety net is strong.
We continue to invest in Lambeau Field. We’ve made some small
improvements to the Lambeau Field concourse over the past couple
seasons, and have been using the knowledge gained from those changes
to plan future enhancements. We continue to invest in Titletown, our real
estate project just west of Lambeau Field. Titletown is an investment both
in the Green Bay community and our future by enhancing quality of life
in Brown County, while also providing a reasonable return on our
investment. Our balance sheet refl ects these new assets, and the
additional borrowings that help fund the improvements to our home and
neighborhood. Revenues from current and future years will be more than
adequate to pay off that debt.
We express our sincere appreciation to the residents of Brown
County, shareholders, season ticket holders, employees, fans everywhere,
customers, suppliers, and friends for your support and loyalty. The
support of this community has helped sustain the Green Bay Packers for
100 years and we look forward to preserving and nurturing that unique
relationship for the next century. Because of you, there is not a better story
in professional sports.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael D. Simmer
Treasurer / Executive Committee
Millions
$60
$40
$80
$20
$0
2016 2017 2018 2019
Profit from Operations
$34.1
$0.7
$75.0 $65.3
PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS
19
2019 2018Balance Sheet
$444,170 $424,302Cash & Investments
370,581 378,025Property & equipment net
96,838 82,857Other
152,222 99,489
Unamortized signing
bonuses, net
Liabilities & Equity
Total assets $1,063,811 $984,673
Total Liabilities & Equity $1,063,811 $984,673
Equity 663,462 657,954
Other liabilities 169,230 151,701
Compensation liabilities 83,711 60,142
Debt 147,408 114,876
Assets $ thousands
20
OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION
The GreenBay Packers’ executive committee directs corporate management,
approves major capital expenditures, establishes broad policy and monitors
management’s performance in conducting the business and affairs of the corporation.
Michael D. Simmer
Treasurer
Thomas M. Olejniczak
Executive Committee
John Skoug
Executive Committee
Thomas L. Olson
Vice President & Lead Director
Susan M. Finco
Executive Committee
Mark H. Murphy
President & CEO
Daniel T. Ariens
Secretary
Marcia M. Anderson
Clerk of Court
U.S. Bankruptcy Court,
Western Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Daniel T. Ariens
Chairman/CEO
Ariens Company
Brillion, Wisconsin
Nancy Armbrust
Retired
Schreiber Foods
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Thomas D. Arndt
Chief Marketing Officer
Bellin Health
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Ave M. Bie
Partner
Quarles & Brady, LLP
Madison, Wisconsin
Thomas J. Cardella
Retired
MillerCoors
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Richard J. Chernick
CEO
Camera Corner, Inc.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Casey Cuene
Managing Partner
Broadway Enterprises
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Valerie Daniels-Carter
CEO
V & J Holding Companies, Inc.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Robyn Davis
President/CEO
Brown County United Way
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Ricardo Diaz
Executive Director
United Community Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Craig S. Dickman
Managing Director
TitletownTech
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Andrew E. Farah
Owner/Branch Manager
AFI Wealth Strategies
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Susan M. Finco
Owner/President
Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Philip B. Flynn
President/CEO
Associated Bank-Corp
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Terrence R. Fulwiler
Retired
WS Packaging Group
Algoma, Wisconsin
Gerald L. Ganoni
Retired
Humana
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Rob Gilson
President/CEO
Imperial Supplies
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Johnnie L. Gray
Instructional Aide
Syble Hopp School
De Pere, Wisconsin
Michael J. Haddad
President/CEO
Schreiber Foods, Inc.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Jeffrey A. Joerres
Managing Partner
Incito Capital, LLC
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
David Kohler
President/CEO
Kohler Company
Kohler, Wisconsin
William F. Kress
President/CEO
Green Bay Packaging, Inc.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Thomas G. Kunkel
President Emeritus
St. Norbert College
De Pere, Wisconsin
Donald J. Long, Jr.
Retired
Century Drill and Tool Co., Inc.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Thomas J. Lutsey
Managing Partner
Lutsey Enterprises
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Larry A. McCarren
Packers Sports Analyst
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Michael J. McClone
President/Owner
McClone Insurance Group
Menasha, Wisconsin
Dexter E. McNabb
Associate Principal
Green Bay Public Schools
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Mark H. Murphy
President/CEO
Green Bay Packers, Inc.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Thomas M. Olejniczak
Attorney/Managing Partner
Law Firm of Conway, Olejniczak &
Jerry, S.C.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Thomas L. Olson
Retired
US Paper Mills Corp.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Gary M. Rotherham
Vice President - Sales
The Elite Group, Inc.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Diane L. Roundy
Marketing Director
Clifton Larson Allen, LLP
Appleton, Wisconsin
Karl A. Schmidt
President/CEO
Belmark, Inc.
De Pere, Wisconsin
Michael D. Simmer
President
BMO Harris Bank-Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Mark D. Skogen
President/CEO
Festival Foods
De Pere, Wisconsin
John L. Skoug
Chairman/CEO
Marathon Cheese Corporation
Marathon, Wisconsin
Dr. Elizabeth R. Trowbridge
Associate Vice Chair of Primary Care/
Professor of Medicine
University of Wisconsin School of
Medicine and Public Health
Madison, Wisconsin
Mike L. Weller
CEO
Mike Weller and
Associates, LLC
Appleton, Wisconsin
Michael A. Wier
Owner
Kroll’s West Restaurant
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Hon. John P. Zakowski
Circuit Court Judge,
Brown County
Green Bay, Wisconsin
21
DIRECTORS EMERITUS
John F. Bergstrom
Terry J. Bogart
John E. Broeren
Robert C. Buchanan
Robert G. Bush
James M. Christensen
Virgis W. Colbert
Willie D. Davis
Beverly A. French
Robert C. Gallagher
Dr. Donald F. Harden
Robert E. Harlan
(Chairman Emeritus)
George F. Hartmann
Thomas J. Hinz
George F. Kerwin
James F. Kress
(deceased 05/19)
Bernard S. Kubale
Carl W. Kuehne
C. Patricia LaViolette
Charles R. Lieb
John N. MacDonough
Mark J. McMullen
John C. Meng
Stewart C. Mills, Jr.
Peter M. Platten III
Herman J. Reckelberg
Pat Richter
Leo J. Scherer
Allan H. “Bud” Selig
K.C. Stock
Edward A. Thompson
Larry L. Weyers
Hon. Donald R. Zuidmulder
The Annual Meeting of the company’s shareholders will be held at Lambeau Field, 1265 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay,
Wisconsin, on Wednesday, July 24, at 11 a.m. A formal notice of the Annual Meeting, together with proxy information, was
mailed to shareholders in advance of the meeting.
2019 ANNUAL MEETING
1265 LOMBARDI AVENUE GREEN BAY, WI 54304 920.569.7500 PACKERS.COM
GREEN BAY PACKERS
