2023 Guide To Buying A Packer Jersey - Who's A Safe Bet?

I grew up in a sports-crazed household. Not only did my entire family play sports, but also had great admiration for professional athletes, especially the Green Bay Packers. Every birthday, Christmas, Festivus, etc - my grandma would have me write down the player, number, and team on a piece of paper, and she would call the late “Reggie White Store” in Green Bay to place my gift order. To the point that the store knew my grandma when she would call in. That store would still be there today if I hadn't grown up!

Buying / wearing a jersey from your favorite team is a source of pride. Some people don’t understand the fascination with jerseys, especially as adults.

But at the end of the day - it is the ultimate wearing “wearing your heart on your sleeve”. Fanaticism at its peak. Not only are you revealing your favorite team colors and admiration for a player, but you are also directly supporting that player with $ in his pocket (players get a royalty for each of their jerseys sold).

How many times have you gotten a player’s jersey and they were traded and/or cut within the year…I know it has happened to me over the years…

Atari Bigby

Grady Jackson

Blake Martinez

Not that it is a huge deal - I still would wear those jerseys. They put in some good years with the Packers, but I wish those players would have been around longer and/or were more recognizable now-days. That is on me. I was also younger, and more eager to get my hands on the NEXT jersey. Not really thinking about longevity.

Now-a-days when I make an investment in a new Packer jersey, I think through it a little more.

This is my 2023 guide to buying a Packer Jersey:

Let me preface - for the players not on the list, or rookies I didn’t include - I still hope people buy their jerseys and they all prove me wrong. All I want is the team to succeed and win another Super Bowl :)

The first (and easiest) category of players to consider, are the players that will stand the test of time. This is the safe route - because there are SO many legendary Packers.

To name a few that will stand the test of time…

Ray Nitschke

Don Hutson

Brett Favre

Aaron Rodgers

Paul Hornung

Jim Taylor

Curly Lambeau

Donald Driver

Bart Starr

Forrest Gregg

Reggie White

Jerry Kramer

Leroy Butler

Dave Robinson

Randall Cobb

Etc etc etc

That was the easy part.

Now comes the hard part.

We all love supporting the current players out on the field for 2023 - but there is an element of risk with a team so young.

Here are some current players and my assessment if you are in the market for a jersey:

OFFENSE:

David Bakhatiari -

–On his beer chugging alone - Dave is a Packer HOFer. And I am sure he already has done enough to be an actually Packer HOFer. Although Dave’s long term future is in question - the legendary #69 will be favorably recognized by the fans beyond his time in GB. His jersey will be in the stands for years.

My evaluation: BUY

Jordan Love -

–Jordan has a lot to prove and monstrous shoes to fill. Packer fans will be INSUFFERABLE to the rest of the NFC North if Jordan lights it up this year. And wow, would it be awesome to be out front repping #10. BUT, he is essentially on a prove-it deal. If he stinks, we may be moving on pretty quick.

My evaluation: BUYER BEWARE

Aaron Jones -

–Aaron Jones has been the consummate professional.He has been the Packer nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year multiple times in a row - and truly has a bond with the community and Packer fans. Harder to find a better person on the team to support, irregardless of his years on the team.

My evaluation: BUY

AJ Dillon -

–The mayor of Door County! AJ has totally embraced the culture of Green Bay. He is built for running the ball in the midwest, and may be here in Green Bay for the long haul. This one may be risky because he is so young and shares a backfield with an allstar - but I still think he would be a safe bet, especially for the next few years.

My evaluation: BUY

Romeo Doubs -

–Romeo was an awesome surprise coming into last year. The 2nd year product has the potential to be a stud. Not his fault, but I do worry about having a new QB1 this year. His style is all about timing and precision with his excellent hands in the middle of the field. Which depends a lot on #10 this year.

My evaluation: BUYER BEWARE

Christian Watson -

–CW was an absolute weapon last year. While he had a slow start last season, his size and speed is something that is not completely dependent on the quarterback. He will fill in nicely to Lazard’s role as a big-bodied receiver that will stick his nose in there and be a factor in the running game. With the confidence he built late last season, I see Watson being a top 5 receiver in the NFC North next year.

My evaluation: BUY

Jayden Reed -

–This rookie is very exciting. Reed has an intangible knack for making big plays and winning 50/50 balls. That combined with his athletic ability gets me pumped up as a fan. This one clouds my judgment with getting rookie jerseys - but after what he did last fall against my Badgers, I have seen his talents first hand.

My evaluation: BUY

Rookie Tight Ends-

–Both Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave were top tight ends coming into the draft. Unfortunately all rookies are very difficult to predict. Athletically, Musgrave is crazy gifted. But also missed a majority of last season. Kraft is a small-school kid that bullied his way through the competition in college. Both could be really solid. If you want to choose - I would say Musgrave could be the big play tight end we are looking for.

My Evaluation: BUYER BEWARE - Musgrave if I had to choose.

DEFENSE:

Preston Smith -

–I appreciate the attitude and professionalism that Preston has brought to this team. I think he is a bit under-appreciated because he isn't flashy, but he is pretty darn productive. With the addition of Luke Van Ness, you may see some snaps diminish depending where he lines up. I see Preston being around for a few more years, but as I mentioned, not super flashy. (not to undersell his importance to this 2023 Packers team - his veteran presence will be vitally important) but in terms of getting a jersey…

My evaluation: BUYER BEWARE

Rashan Gary -

–Although Gary is coming off of a tough injury - he was elevating himself to the biggest threat on our defensive front. It was clear when he wasn't on the field that we had a tough time getting to the quarterback. Knee injury aside - he is one of the top stars on the defense. A critical piece of the 2023 Packers.

My evaluation: BUY

Quay Walker -

–I am very high on Quay. He is one of the most physically gifted linebackers in the NFL. Dealing with 2 disciplinary issues on the field, though, worries me. I hope that cooler heads prevail and he makes a huge leap in 2023. This team depends on it. Until I see that leap - I am holding off on buying the #7 jersey…

My evaluation: BUYER BEWARE

Kenny Clark -

–Kenny Clark is a staple to this defense. He is an immovable object. The way he throws around that Minnesota center is enough for me to buy-in. Captain, big play guy, all-pro - his jersey will stand the test of time.

My evaluation: BUY

De'vondre Campbell -

–Campbell is a leader on this Packer defense. He has played a lot of football and will be important to the Packer’s success. After a great first season with the Pack, some of the “wow” plays have slowed down. But I believe that-to-be a product of some of the schematics. He is a Pro - and the Packers have him inked to a deal that keeps him here for the foreseeable future.

Barring injury - I think he will continue to be a bright spot. But I do worry about the Barry system, and how that impacts him. So….

My evaluation: BUYER BEWARE

Luke Van Ness -

–”LUUUUUUUKKKEEE”...I really hope we hear that ring through Lambeau this season after he makes play after play. Seeing some of his tape after the draft and what he did to some top talent like Peter S from Northwestern, I am very excited to see him out there. Risky because of the rookie-factor of not really knowing how he will adjust. But purely based on excitement for his potential…

My evaluation: BUY

Jaire Alexander -

–If you want to annoy a Vikings fan, stock up on #23. Jaire talks a lot and has backed it up quite often. I hope he is a long-term Packer. He seems like the kind of player that will want to move to the big market team down the road. But for now, he is one of the best on the team, and carries an attitude that you want on that defense.

My evaluation: BUY

With the dawn of a new day in Green Bay - comes a lot of unknowns, and a lot of opportunities for young talent to step up. I am so excited to see what 2023 will bring.

Is it September yet?

And Packer Pro Shop, my Venmo is….