What’s new with the Green Bay Packers? That’s what this page is all about.
The Team Spirit OVERTIME website begins where the Team Spirit books end.
That’s because football never stands still … And I can never squeeze everything I want into 48 pages!
Scroll down for team updates, player profiles, and stats you won’t find in the book. Click on the videos to the left to hear me talk about Team Spirit OVERTIME as well as my favorite players. And take a look below at some of the Packers collectibles I have in my home—pretty cool, right?
Enjoy this site, check back whenever you like, and contact me with any questions or comments.
Updates
2022 Season
2022 Season Preview: Aaron Rodgers keeps getting older and keeps winning MVP awards, so it is hard to imagine Green Bay finishing out of first place. Rodgers will have a couple of new targets, veteran Sammy Watkins and rookie Christian Watson, along with reliable Randall Cobb. The Green Bay defense is tough as usual. It has been more than 10 years since the team’s last Super Bowl victory. Is this finally the year?
February 10, 2022: Aaron Rodgers was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the 2021 season. It was his second MVP in a row and fourth overall.
2021 Season
2021 Season Roundup: The Packers made the playoffs tied for the best record in the NFC at 13–4. All-Pro Aaron Rodgers led an offense that starred receiver Davante Adams, who caught 123 passes for 1,553 yards. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell led the team in tackles, while Kenny Clark, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary teamed up for more than 20 sacks. Green Bay looked like a good bet to reach the Super Bowl, but struggled against the 49ers in the playoffs and lost 13–10 after leading 10–3 with under 5 minutes to go.
2021 Season Preview: In 2020, Aaron Rodgers ended any question as to whether he was an all-time great. He made the Green Bay offense unstoppable. Unfortunately, the Green Bay defense was not as good as it needed to be and the Packers missed a trip to the Super Bowl once again after reaching the NFC title game. Defensive linemen Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark, and Rashan Gary will have to stay healthy and Rodgers will need great years again from veterans Aaron Jones and Davante Freeman to earn home-field advantage during the playoffs.
2020 Season
2020 Season Roundup: Green Bay’s balanced attack featured 1,000-yard runner Aaron Jones, 115-catch receiver Davante Adams, and Aaron Rodgers, the best quarterback in the NFC. Rodgers led Green Bay to a 13–3 record with 4,299 passing yards and 48 touchdowns, while the defense held its own thanks to excellent years from Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith. The Packers finished the year strong, but lost the NFC Championship to the Bucs, 31–26. Other standouts for Green Bay included tight end Robert Tonyan and wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
2020 Season Preview: Green Bay fans know that quarterback Aaron Rodgers is nearing the end of his career, but what does that mean? Will they see the team’s running backs used more in 2020, or will Rodgers be unleashed to throw for 5,000-plus yards? Aaron Jones returns as one of the NFL’s best runners and Davante Adams leads a good group of receivers. The Packers’ defense played well in 2019, but did not always make big plays when it had to. For a deep playoff run this winter, that will have to change.
2019 Season
2019 Season Roundup: Green Bay fans had visions of a return to Super Bowl glory after a 13–3 season and a clutch win over the Seahawks in the playoffs. They could not get past the 49ers in the NFC title game. Aaron Rodgers was healthy the entire year and threw for over 4,000 yards. His favorite receiver, Davonte Adams, caught 83 passes. The Packers’ defense made big plays all year. Kenny Clark was a great run-stopper and Za’Darius Smith was one of the NFL’s best all-around linebackers.
2019 Season Preview: Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams should provide the offensive fireworks for Green Bay while the defense will be counted on to keep games close. Mike Daniels and Clay Matthews are gone but new faces Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith hope to fill their shoes. The Packers are looking to improve on their worst record (6–9–1) in over a decade.
2018 Season
2018 Season Roundup: For the second year in a row, the Packers lost more games than they won and missed the playoffs. The difference in 2018 was that their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, was healthy. Coach Mike McCarthy was fired during the season, which ended with a 34–0 loss to the Lions. The Green Bay offense was one of the best in the NFC. Rodgers topped 4,000 passing yards and Davonte Adams caught 111 passes. Linebacker Blake Martinez led the Packers in tackles for the second year in a row.
2018 Season Preview: There will be no margin for error in the competitive NFC North in 2018. The Packers, with Aaron Rodgers back in the huddle, will be first-place favorites. He has great weapons in Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and newcomer Jimmy Graham. The defensive line, led by Mike Daniels, Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenny Clark, might be the NFC’s best.
2017 Season
2017 Season Roundup: Injuries limited Aaron Rodgers to just seven games and the Packers could not win without him. Their 7–9 record could have been worse but for a pair of overtime victories in the second half of the season.
September 17, 2017: Aaron Rodgers threw his 300th touchdown pass in a won over the Falcons. He broke Peyton Manning’s record for the “fastest 300,” reaching that milestone in his 144th game. It took Manning 157 games to reach 300.
2017 Season Preview: In the final two months of 2016, Aaron Rodgers proved he had as much talent and leadership skills as anyone in the NFL. As long as he and receiver Jordy Nelson stay healthy, Green Bay can win any game that is close in the 4th quarter. If the team’s rookie defensive backs play well, the team’s passing defense could be the best in the division.
2016 Season
2016 Season Roundup: The Packers won their division for the fifth time in sixth seasons, but they didn’t make things easy for themselves. The team lost five games in a span of six weeks during October and November and needed six wins in a row after that to make the playoffs. Jordy Nelson was named Comeback Player of the Year after missing all of 2015 with an inury. He caught 97 passes and scored 14 touchdowns.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to victory over the Giants and Cowboys in the playoffs, but they could not stop the Atlanta Flacons in the NFC Championship Game.
2016 Season Preview: No one in football believes the Packers were as bad as they looked at times in 2015. They’ll have a chance to prove it in 2016. Aaron Rodgers seems primed to win a third MVP, and the return of Jordy Nelson from injury should make a huge difference. Green Bay’s defensive front seven is okay but not great, however its secondary is loaded with young talent. They could make the difference over the course of a long regular season.
2015 Season
December 3, 2015: Aaron Rodgers completed a 61-yard scoring pass on the final play of the game to defeat the Detroit Lions. Richard Rodgers caught the pass, which fans nicknamed The Miracle in Motown.
October 18, 2015: Aaron Rodgers reached 30,000 passing yards faster than any quarterback in history. The previous record was set in the 1960s by Johnny Unitas.
2015 Season Preview: The loss of receiver Jordy Nelson has Green Bay fans a little concerned, but who will stop QB Aaron Rodgers? The Packers’ division foes—Vikings, Bears and Lions—probably won’t. Which makes Green Bay a favorite to finish with the NFL’s best record.
2014 Season
January 31, 2015: Aaron Rodgers was named NFL MVP and FedEX Air Player of the Year.
November 9, 2014: Aaron Rodgers threw six touchdown passes in the first half of a 55–14 victory over the Bears. The only other player with six TD passes in one half was Daryl Lamonica of the Raiders, in 1969.
September 1, 2014: Green Bay fans believe that Aaron Rodgers is the finest quarterback in the league. He’ll have a chance to prove it this year thanks to quality offensive players at every position, including running back Eddie Lacy, who figures to have another big year. An improved pass rush should create opportunities for the defensive backs, which is one of the Packers’ few soft spots.
2013 Season
September 4, 2013: The Packers spent the off-season rethinking their defense, which fell apart in the playoffs. There’s plenty of talent to work with. As far as the offense is concerned, it seems as if Green Bay keeps adding new weapons. This season, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has terrific receivers, and a loaded backfield starring DuJuan Harris. If Harris misses a game, rookie Eddie Lacy is good enough to lock up the job before he recovers.
2012 Roundup
February 2, 2013: After a sluggish 2–3 start, the Packers won 9 of their next 10 games to capture the NFC North crown. Aaron Rodgers threw for 39 touchdowns, with Randall Cobb and James Jones teaming up for 22 TD catches. Clay Matthews led the defense as the Packers made a run toward another Super Bowl. However, they ran into the red-hot 49ers in the playoffs and lost 45–31.
Summer, 2012: The Packers did everything right in 2011. They won 15 of 16 games and had the fewest turnovers and penalties in team history. Aaron Rodgers and the offense were so effective that no one could say for sure how good the defense was. They found out against the New York Giants in the playoffs. In 2012, Green Bay will look for its defense to play like it did in 2009 and 2010. If it does, the Packers could be headed back to the Super Bowl.
More Go-To Guys
Verne Lewellen— Quarterback
Born: 9/29/1901
Died: 4/16/1980
Played for Team: 1924 to 1932
Verne Lewellen was a talented passer, kicker, and defensive back. But it was as a pass-catcher that he was at his best. In the days when football stars were expected to do a little of everything, Lewellen did more than most.LaVerne Dilweg — End
Born: 1/11/1903
Died: 1/2/1968
Played for Team: 1927 to 1934
When Verne Lewellen wasn’t catching passes, he was often throwing them to “Lavvie” Dilweg. Dilweg played end on offense and also defense. He was one of the NFL’s best tacklers.Cal Hubbard — Lineman
Born: 10/31/1900
Died: 10/17/1977
Played for Team: 1929 to 1933 & 1935
Cal Hubbard was a star with the New York Giants, but he did not like life in the big city. He forced the Giants to trade him to Green Bay, and the Packers won three championships in a row. Hubbard was one of the NFL’s biggest linemen and also one of the fastest.Johnny McNally — Running Back
Born: 11/27/1903
Died: 11/28/1985
Played for Team: 1929 to 1933 & 1935 to 1936
Johnny “Blood” McNally was a perfect fit for the Packers when he joined the club in 1929. He was quick, smart, and daring—and loved catching passes. Green Bay won three NFL titles in his first three seasons, and another when he returned to the team in 1936. McNally’s career inspired the character of Dodge Connolly in the 2008 movie Leatherheads. He was played by George Clooney.Arnie Herber — Quarterback
Born: 4/2/1910
Died: 10/14/1969
Played for Team: 1930 to 1940
Arnie Herber grew up in Green Bay and dreamed of playing for the Packers. He lived that dream for 11 seasons. Herber used his powerful arm to help the Packers win four championships. He threw more touchdown passes during the 1930s than any other quarterback.Clarke Hinkle — Running Back
Born: 4/10/1909
Died: 11/8/1988
Played for Team: 1932 to 1941
Clarke Hinkle was a coach’s dream. He was a swift and powerful runner. He could throw the ball with great accuracy. Hinkle even handled kicking duties for Green Bay. When he left the NFL to fight in World War II, he was the league’s all-time rushing leader.Cecil Isbell — Quarterback
Born: 7/11/1915
Died: 6/23/1985
Played for Team: 1938 to 1942
Cecil Isbell was a perfect fit for Curly Lambeau’s offense when he joined the team in 1938. That season Isbell led the Packers in rushing and passing. He worked especially well with receiver Don Hutson. In 1941, Isbell set an NFL record with 1,479 passing yards. In 1942, he smashed his own record with 2,021 passing yards. Isbell retired at the top of his game to coach at Purdue University.Tony Canadeo — Running Back
Born: 5/5/1919
Died: 11/29/2003
Played for Team: 1941 to 1952
In the years after World War II, the Packers relied on Tony Canadeo to do just about everything. He was just the third runner to gain 1,000 yards in a season, and he also returned kicks and punts. Canadeo was also a star on defense. He worked for the team for many years after retiring and helped the Packers hire Vince Lombardi in 1958.Billy Howton — Receiver
Born: 7/5/1930
Played for Team: 1952 to 1958
Packer fans thought they might have the next Don Hutson after Billy Howton caught 13 touchdown passes as a rookie in 1952. He did not match those numbers again, but by the time he retired he had broken several of Hutson’s marks. Howton was an All-Pro selection in 1956 and 1957, and played in four Pro Bowl as a Packer.Jim Ringo — Center
Born: 11/21/1931
Died: 11/19/2007
Played for Team: 1953 to 1963
Jim Ringo was one of the team’s few stars during the 1950s. When Vince Lombardi took over the Packers, he built his running game around Ringo’s quickness and talent. His blocking helped Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor become superstars.Forrest Gregg — Offensive Lineman
Born: 10/18/1933
Played for Team: 1956 to 1970
Forrest Gregg was too small to overpower most defensive players. Instead, he used his quick feet and great balance to become an All-Pro at both tackle and guard.Herb Adderley — Defensive back
Born: 6/8/1939
Played for Team: 1961 to 1969
Herb Adderley joined the Packers as a running back. They switched him to cornerback, where his tremendous speed helped him shut down the league’s best receivers. Adderley and safety Willie Wood gave Green Bay the NFL’s top pass defense during the 1960s.John Brockington — Running Back
Born: 9/7/1948
Played for Team: 1971 to 1977
John Brockington was a powerful runner who loved to crash through tackles and make defenses feel a little pain. He ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons—no one in NFL history had done that before. Brockington and teammate MacArthur Lane gave Green Bay one of the top running attacks of the early 1970s.Ahman Green — Running Back
Born: 2/16/1977
Played for Team: 2000 to 2006 & 2009
After helping his college team win two championships, Ahman Green sat on the bench with the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers got him in a trade, and he was magnificent. Green set a team record with 1,883 rushing yards in 2003 and broke Jim Taylor’s team record for career yards in 2009.Donald Driver — Receiver
Born: 2/2/1975
Played for Team: 1999 to 2012
Donald Driver went to training camp as an unknown seventh-round draft pick. He made so many amazing catches that the Packers had to keep him on the team. Driver became one of the best receivers in the NFL; in 2011, he passed James Lofton as the club’s all-time leader in receiving yards. He also hosts one of the most popular sports shows on Wisconsin TV, Inside the Huddle.
More Fun Facts
LAWYERED UP
During the 1920s, teammates Verne Lewellen and Lavvie Dilweg studied law when they weren’t on the playing field. Lewellen served two terms as District Attorney while playing for the Packers. Dilweg became a Congressman and later worked in the U.S. State Department during the 1960s.BIG BABY
The star blocker for the Packers in the 1930s and 1940s was Buford Ray. He towered over opponents at 6′ 6″ and weighed more than 250 pounds. Ray’s nickname was “Baby.”SECOND TO NONE
During the early 1960s, Jim Taylor was the NFL’s top runner once and also finished second to Jim Brown four times. However, when their teams met, the Packers won every time—including two championship games.A HOUSE DIVIDED
A.J. Hawk’s wife, Laura, is the sister of NFL quarterback Brady Quinn. In Hawk’s final college game, he faced Quinn in the Fiesta Bowl—and sacked him twice!
League Leaders
RUSHING YARDS
1962 — Jim Taylor — 1,474RECEIVING YARDS
1936 — Don Hutson — 536
1938 — Don Hutson — 548
1939 — Don Hutson — 846
1941 — Don Hutson — 738
1942 — Don Hutson — 1,211
1943 — Don Hutson — 776
1944 — Don Hutson — 866
1952 — Billy Howton — 1,231
1956 — Billy Howton — 1,188
1992 — Sterling Sharpe — 1,461
1998 — Antonio Freeman — 1,424PASSING YARDS
1932 — Arnie Herber — 639
1934 — Arnie Herber — 799
1936 — Arnie Herber — 1,239
1941 — Cecil Isbell — 1,479
1942 — Cecil Isbell — 2,021
1944 — Irv Comp — 1,159
1956 — Tobin Rote — 2,203
1983 — Lynn Dickey — 4,458
1989 — Dan Majkowski — 4,318
1995 — Brett Favre — 4,413
1998 — Brett Favre — 4,212RUSHING TDs
1935 — Clarke Hinkle — 5 (tied for NFL lead)
1946 — Ted Fristch — 9
1960 — Paul Hornung — 13
1961 — Jim Taylor — 15
1962 — Jim Taylor — 19
2019 — Aaron Jones — 16RECEIVING TDs
1933 — Johnny McNally — 3 (tied for NFL lead)
1935 — Don Hutson — 6
1936 — Don Hutson — 8
1937 — Don Hutson — 7
1938 — Don Hutson — 9
1940 — Don Hutson — 7
1941 — Don Hutson — 10
1942 — Don Hutson — 17
1943 — Don Hutson — 11
1944 — Don Hutson — 9
1956 — Billy Howton — 12
1992 — Sterling Sharpe — 13
1994 — Sterling Sharpe — 18
2012 — James Jones — 14
2016 — Jordy Nelson — 14PASSING TDs
1932 — Arnie Herber — 9
1934 — Arnie Herber — 8
1936 — Arnie Herber — 11
1938 — Bob Monnett — 9
1941 — Cecil Isbell — 15
1942 — Cecil Isbell — 24
1955 — Tobin Rote — 17
1956 — Tobin Rote — 18
1983 — Lynn Dickey — 32
1995 — Brett Favre — 38
1996 — Brett Favre — 39
1997 — Brett Favre — 35
2003 — Brett Favre — 32
2016 — Aaron Rodgers — 40POINTS
1938 — Clarke Hinkle — 58
1940 — Don Hutson — 57
1941 — Don Hutson — 95
1942 — Don Hutson — 138
1943 — Don Hutson — 117
1944 — Don Hutson — 85
1946 — Ted Fritsch — 100
1959 — Paul Hornung — 94
1960 — Paul Hornung — 176
1961 — Paul Hornung — 146
1962 — Jim Taylor — 114
1972 — Chester Marcol — 128
1974 — Chester Marcol — 94
2007 — Mason Crosby — 141INTERCEPTIONS
1940 — Don Hutson — 6
1962 — Willie Wood — 9
2000 — Darren Sharper — 9
2009 — Charles Woodson — 9
2011 — Charles Woodson — 7SACKS
No Packer has led the NFL in sacks.
Playing for the Championship
| SEASON | GAME | OPPONENT | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | NFL Championship | Boston Redskins | Won 21–6 |
| 1938 | NFL Championship | New York Giants | Lost 23–17 |
| 1939 | NFL Championship | New York Giants | Won 27–0 |
| 1944 | NFL Championship | New York Giants | Won 14–7 |
| 1960 | NFL Championship | Philadelphia Eagles | Lost 17–13 |
| 1961 | NFL Championship | New York Giants | Won 37–0 |
| 1962 | NFL Championship | New York Giants | Won 16–7 |
| 1965 | NFL Championship | Cleveland Browns | Won 23–12 |
| 1966 | NFL Championship | Dallas Cowboys | Won 34–27 |
| 1966 | Super Bowl I | Kansas City Chiefs | Won 35–10 |
| 1967 | NFL Championship | Dallas Cowboys | Won 21–17 |
| 1967 | Super Bowl II | Oakland Raiders | Won 33–14 |
| 1995 | NFC Championship | Dallas Cowboys | Lost 38–27 |
| 1996 | NFC Championship | Carolina Panthers | Won 30–13 |
| 1996 | Super Bowl XXI | New England Patriots | Won 35–21 |
| 1997 | NFC Championship | San Francisco 49ers | Won 23–10 |
| 1997 | Super Bowl XXXII | Denver Broncos | Lost 31–24 |
| 2007 | NFC Championship | New York Giants | Lost 23–20 (OT) |
| 2010 | NFC Championship | Chicago Bears | Won 21–14 |
| 2010 | Super Bowl XLV | Pittsburgh Steelers | Won 31–25 |
| 2016 | NFC Championship | Atlanta Falcons | Lost 44–21 |
| 2019 | NFC Championship | San Francisco 49ers | Lost 37–20 |