The Green Bay Packers are an anomaly in US sports. They are publicly owned, in the smallest television market (by far), and play in the 3rd oldest stadium in the league. All of these ingredients would seem destined for failure, and yet, the Packers enjoy one of the richest and storied histories the game has to offer, and have found a way to thrive in a time dominated by PSLs and merchandise sales. They have done it the hard way, and if it weren’t for a loan from their archrivals, would be occupying the same space the Rock Island Independents do. Even with this great history, one could argue the modern Packers have made the greatest impact on the game today, through coaches and players alike. With state of the game in such a different place as before, I thought that a modern Mt. Rushmore would do best. After all, Don Hudson was great, but I just don’t see him or Bart Starr being able to physically compete with the NFL of today (or my childhood for that matter).
BRETT FAVRE as GEORGE WASHINGTON
The founder and creator of the modern Packers, any list that doesn’t start with Brett Favre is no list at all. He started 253 in a row, threw 442 touchdowns, 71,838 yards, and a lifetime of dreams and nightmares. Brett Favre brought dignity and respect back to Green Bay after some truly dark days, taking them back to playing meaningful games and creating a nation full of Packers fans as far out as Turlock, CA. Though it didn’t end the way anyone would have wanted it to, he was a 3x league MVP and a universally beloved figure in and out of Wisconsin. Truly one of the greatest of all time.
REGGIE WHITE as THOMAS JEFFERSON
Another founding father (of free agency), Reggie White signaled to the league that the Packers were a force to be reckoned with. Reggie White followed God (definitely not the 17 million no siree!) and transformed the Packers into the power of the 90s they ended up being. He stabilized the line for the defense, and commanded double teams that allowed guys like Gilbert Brown to flourish. Arguably the greatest defensive lineman of all time won his only Super Bowl with the Packers, leading an all-time team to greatness.
CHARLES WOODSON as THEODORE ROOSEVELT
While he didn’t speak softly, he always carried a big stick. Charles Woodson, much like Reggie White, Woodson came in as a free agent and pushed an offensive minded Packers over the top by giving them a respectable defense. Teaming with players like Nick Collins and Clay Mathews, Charles Woodson dominated the 2009 season en route to Defensive Player of the Year (Reggie White and Clay Mathews were the others). Charles Woodson is a top 5 defensive back of all time, and was productive all the way to the end. And to think that the Packers were the only team to offer him the chance to continue playing cornerback.
AARON RODGERS as ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Mike McCarthy withstanding, Aaron Rodgers is thought to be one of the top QBs in physical talent. The main reason McCarthy had a job for as long as he did, Rodgers has been able to do more with less for the past 6 years, taking the Packers to the playoffs every year but last season, when he broke his collar bone for the 2nd time. If you want to see how important Aaron Rodgers is, I suggest starting with Brett Hundley tape from last year. Speaking of tape, watch this! It’s a 25 minute long of all the awesome throws Aaron Rodgers has had the last 10 years! Seriously though, people argue that he’s as good (if not better) than Tom Brady, and Tom Brady is now considered the greatest quarterback of all time. Rodgers still has a good 6 years left in him as well, so a couple more Super Bowl opportunities should still be there for him (especially with the defense on the up and up).
