A Packer Fans Darkness Retreat

In homage to Mr. Rodgers I decided to do a mini darkness retreat in order to conduct my own personal self reflection. I entered my retreat (spare bedroom in my house), as I cannot afford a retreat to a dark place nor could I spend days there, I decided to ponder an age old question. The question is the one all fans get asked and it is; “Why are you a ___________ fan?” I decided to dig deep into my mind in search of the true answer to why I am a Packer fan. During that long retreat (1 hour) I came out of the darkness with 4 answers as to why I am and will always be 100% a Packers fan. The answers are listed below in no particular order:

1. My Youth.

Growing up during the 1970’s and 1980’s it was not easy to be a Packer fan. Living in Iowa and Wisconsin and having your parents divorce was also a difficult experience. But during that trying youth I somehow became a die-hard Packer fan for life. I can attribute that love for the green and gold/yellow (Lil Wayne shout out) to my Father and Grandfather. During those days roles were still pretty traditional and really the only thing men talked about was sports. My earliest memories were sitting in a smoke filled living room watching my grandfather watch sports from his recliner and hearing him and my dad discuss the game on Sunday as they cheered for the Packers. As time went on and when Grandpa Lamphier passed away I remember hearing the stories of him trying out for the Packers as a tight end. Although he did not make the team it still seemed cool when my family would tell the story. Once my dad and I got reconnected later in life it was like a time machine as he would sit in his recliner and he and I would live and die with each Packer play. One of my fondest memories was when I took my dad to his first game at Lambeau. I was definitely on my way to being a Packer fan even without seeing much success in those days.

1. My Love of History.

I have been a history teacher for about 30 years so to say I love history is an understatement. With a passion for enjoying the study of history, how could I not be a Packer fan. Thirteen championships, Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi, the legends of the 60’s, and a community owned team-Is there anything else to say? As a history teacher I always tell my students if you touch an artifact it transports you back in time to that place and time period. So everytime I go to the city stadium or visit the Packer Hall of Fame it is like traveling back to those days and experiencing the rich history of the Green Bay Packers Franchise.

1. Being a Dad.

I am a father of 5 wonderful kids. I have 3 girls and 2 boys and the one thing I know for sure is that their Mom is better at everything when it comes to parenting. The kids know who buys all the presents, makes all the vacation plans, is the sounding board, and is the go to person for all things that matter. I am really only good at the following 3 things: Sports, History, and Unconditional love for my family. With those limitations the Packer franchise has saved me. Need to buy the kids something special? I go to the Packer Pro Shop. Want to surprise or shock them? Buy Packer stock and tell them they are NFL owners or explain to the kids that their inheritance is all my signed Green Bay jerseys, helmets or other items. On a more serious note, I do cherish the Dad/child bonding moments I have been able to share with all my kids. I love taking them to a Packer Family night or the many games that we have attended. This past year I even got to take my youngest to the Lambeau leap section during the victory over the Rams late in the season.

1. The Mecca.

I have traveled a lot during my life, enjoying places like Normandy beach, Paris, Austria, Amsterdam, and even far off places like Iwo Jima. But that feeling you get as you are driving in to see a game and the Mecca of Lambeau field appears in the distance is overwhelming. From the tailgating which back in the day I used to do in the old K-mart parking lot to the slow walk as you smell the brats and burgers to the line to enter the game, pausing to look back and see the mass of Packer fans is just so indescribable. Finally, you enter the arena that is Lambeau and you first gaze upon the field in awe, then your eyes go to the names such as Starr, Reggie, Hutson, and Woodson.After taking it all in you then go find your seats amongst the Packer fans whom you will become fast friends with as the game unfolds over the next 3 hours. Having been to many other sports stadiums I can attest to the fact that Lambeau truly is a special place.

So as I came out of the darkness and found clarity to the question; “Why are you a packer fan?” My answer is simple-it is a part of who I am. I hope all Packer fans take time to reflect on how special it is to be a fan of the Green Bay Packers.