Steve, sorry about your friend Ray. I'll be 47 this Feb, so I've been a Packer fan since I was 6 or so. My entire family is from NW Wisconsin, but I grew up in Northern Virginia about 15 miles S of D.C. I've visited relatives in WI probably at least 14 times. Summer or in winter. Much different area full of dairy farms & small towns. Opposite of my suburbia up bringing. Had a kids Packer helmet, trash can, & all sorts of gear as a kid. Still have friends from back then that remember I always loved the Pack. Not just when they got popular. I'm a part 'owner' with my one share of stock, which is cool as it's different then all other NFL teams. Got it for Christmas 2011.
I did a book report on Vince Lombardi in 6th grade, so I've been a big fan for a while. I remember watching GB vs.TB games when both were in the NFC Central Div. They rarely were on network TV back in the 80's with just the three networks. I was in the Redskins market, so they always got priority. Thank God for Sunday Ticket now!
Got used to watching losing season after losing season. Never wavered! I remember when 'Don Majik Majkowski' starting winning games & finally getting excited about the Pack.
Then came Favre & he was just awesome, a character, & fun to watch. He became my idol for a while. Tough as nails! From Favre straight to Rodgers & he was shockingly great & still is. We as Packer fans have been spoiled for 20 years with those 2 amazing QB's. Should have at least 4 Super Bowl wins with those 2 at the helm over the years.
I really thought this was going to be their year to win another. Finally a good & improving D, the offense was clicking every week. They were getting 5 starters back for the San Fran game. All was aligned. Not!
The cold weather & snow I think were a disadvantage at home for that game. When it was a run focused league, definitely an advantage. The D missed at least 3 pick sixes! It just really sucks, as it could be a LONG time before we're in the position to make another run.
I still need to visit to Lambeau Field. It's on my bucket list. A friend of mine who grew up around me & still a big Skins fan went to Lambeau from Oregon to catch GB vs.Wash this season. He said everyone was super nice, the facility is amazing, & it's everything they say it is on TV. Not a bad seat..
Nice to see other long time Packer fans on Pregame!