Since starting college, it has been brought to my attention that you do not need to be a blood-born "cheesehead" to have a deep love for our boys in the green and yellow. Furthermore, let the Packers' 4-0 record this season rub in a little deeper the success that the team continues to hold.
Yet, what makes this team so incredibly talented? Many cannot help but love the Packers and, I assure you, many cannot help but hate the team with a burning passion. But looking past the haters, what gives the Green Bay Packers the fan support, the love, and the general prosperity as a team making it an American NFL favorite?
To begin, the team's deep roots are clear evidence of the team remaining a fan-favorite through every season. As the third-oldest NFL franchise, the Green Bay Packers were established in 1919 by Earl "Curly" Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun. Green Bay, Wisconsin was forever changed by the team and 13 league Championships, the most in the NFL, along with four Super Bowls, two of which were the first two ever played. The Packers are on their way to another successful season of wins this year. From the very beginning, the Packers have been a nationally loved team and continue to be until the end of each season.
Lambeau field has the Packers' history etched into its very building, where season-changing and, what some might even call, life-changing events have taken place. In the center of Green Bay neighborhoods, the very environment reveals the dedication of fans. Houses of green and yellow, Packers signage, and street names based on Packers' history are just a few hints at the love for Lambeau. Titletown, USA is not a nickname for no reason, considering the Packers continue to bring reasons to wear green and yellow with pride.
The success held by many of the Packers' coaches can be exemplified through the total number of wins held by the team, the number of championships won, and the characteristics each coach brought to the team itself. Names like Bart Starr, Vince Lombardi, Mike Holmgren, and current coach, Mike McCarthy, are a few favorites of Packer enthusiasts. Of these four, three have brought the team to an NFL Championship and the same three brought the team to Super Bowl wins. The two entries to the Pro Football Hall of Fame are just a small piece of evidence for the love felt towards Packers' coaching—one of the biggest parts of the Green Bay Packer family.
One of the largest reasons for fan support toward the Pack definitely has to be the unique and incredibly talented individuals who have played for the team. The Packers are notably familiar with quarterback success, as Brett Farve and Bart Starr are two of the greatest QBs seen by the NFL. Furthermore, I can just simply state the name "Aaron Rodgers" and leave this paragraph as it is. Well known, well loved, and extremely talented, Aaron Rodgers had not thrown an interception in 580 pass attempts previous to Sunday's game versus the Rams. Additionally, teammates Clay Matthews, Jordy Nelson (out due to ACL injury), James Jones, Eddie Lacy, Randall Cobb, B.J. Raji, Mason Crosby, and Sam Shields bring great talent and much excitement to the field for fans as well. This team, specifically, leaves the field with nothing left to give and has fans obsessed with the game and always wanting more from the team.
Last, but probably the most important, is simply the feeling of being a Green Bay Packers fan. There are not many words to describe the excitement of wearing a cheesehead and Packers jersey every Sunday, but Packers fans have a specific aura around them. It is known that these fans are hardcore, love their team, and have an incredible amount of pride for the successes of the Pack. This team has created a fan base throughout the nation due to the rich team history, hard-working ethics bringing success for the team, phenomenal coaching and players, and the community on which it was built—Green Bay. Whether it be through the large amounts of sausage, cheese, and beer consumed on game day, or the loss of one's voice from cheering at the TV screen, it is always a great day to be a Green Bay Packers fan.
