Hey Packers Fans and Football History Buffs,
I share today’s post also to honor John Burr. His birthday is this week, and he’s a lifelong Packers fan. If you’re enjoying this content, please wish him a Happy Birthday here. An additional nod to Mike Udell here: even though it’s not his birthday, he loves the Green Bay Packers, too.
It's time to wrap ourselves in the cold embrace of Green Bay's Lambeau Field in advance of their game at home vs the Chicago Bears this weekend — jump back to uncover the story of an iconic celebration: the Lambeau Leap.
The Lambeau Leap is more than a celebration; it's a tradition that cements the bond between players and fans. Moreover, the accomplishments and timing of the moment add to the memorability and the iconic connection.
It happened on December 26, 1993, when Reggie White recovered a fumble and pitched it back to LeRoy Butler. Butler took it to the house against the then-Oakland Raiders and jumped into the arms of the fans—initiating an endearing ritual.
The Pack won the game that day 28-0 and earned a playoff spot for the first time in a non-strike season since 1972. It was quite the day after Christmas present. Even though the stadium had a wind chill of -20 degrees, the hearts and souls of Packers fans there and everywhere worldwide were warmed.
Green Bay: The Town, The Team, The Triumphs
Green Bay has an intimate community feel that most big-city teams can't replicate. As a storied early Super Bowl champion, the city took a leap of faith, embodying the spirit of perseverance and passion now enshrined in the ethos of the Packers.
First in Flight: LeRoy Butler’s Inaugural Leap
Butler's spontaneous joy captured the hearts of Packers fans everywhere and has since become a rite of passage for Green Bay players. It embodies the thrill of victory and community inclusion.
Watch It Online While You Can. It’s All Business for the NFL:
Interestingly, the video of the play is available here on YouTube; however, it’s restricted in its visibility as the NFL has a copyright claim to the broadcast. Somewhere between the 30,000 views, this great clip has today and the likelihood that it’s coming down—take a look at it today while you still can.
The unbridled and seemingly spontaneous enthusiasm displayed by Butler is worth considering.
Do you like what you do as much as he does?
Are you as excited as he is when you succeed?
Do you care that much about the people in your world?
If yes to any of the three, congratulations! If not to any of the three, well . . . this may be the time to look into that.
Athletic Celebrations and Community Spirit: Beyond the high-stakes plays and the crowd's roar, the Lambeau Leap represents how sports serve as a unifying force, exhilarating a community and reinforcing a shared identity.
More Than a Game, It’s a Business Part II:
The cultural component of the Lambeau Leap aside, one of the noteworthy aspects of the Green Bay Packers is that they have been a publicly owned, nonprofit corporation since 1923. Specifically, there are 538,967 shareholders governed by a seven-person executive committee. As recently as 2022, additional shares of stock were issued and sold.
If you want to take your fandom to the next level, why not become an owner of a professional sports team? It’s on my checklist list of life, so why not own an NFL team?
Here are the details about the shares:
https://shareholder.broadridge.com/gbp/
Keep your eyes and ears open because you never know when a subsequent issuance may occur.
In conclusion, the Lambeau Leap is more than a post-touchdown celebration—it symbolizes the unique camaraderie between the Green Bay Packers and their fans. It's an embrace that warms even the coldest Wisconsin game days and a testament to the city's enduring love for its team. Their leap is nicely nestled in the spontaneous connections between a city, its players, and the ability to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Until the next touchdown,
Jim Flint
Thanks for the shoutout again my friend! This is the second time you mentioned me, the first in “Beyond The Tailgate”. This is another great article and obviously my favorite so far. You are going to make me famous 😁
I am also a life long 3rd generation Packers Fan. I am also an owner and have been a Green Bay Packers Shareholder since 2011 when I had the rare opportunity to buy shares in my team. The team to stay alive offered shares to the fans in Green Bay in 1923. The only NFL team that fans can own. Shares are periodically offered and it can be decades before you get your chance. So if you are a fan and want to own NFL history, then take that Leap and buy the two shares. I guess that puts us up there with Jerry Jones and friends 😁.
I am a fan because the Packers are one of the oldest and greatest teams to play the game. Before the Super Bowl, there were the World Championships (Super Bowl Equivalent) with the NFL and AFL. The Packers record currently:
13 -Time World Champions
Super Bowl Champions I, II, XXXL, XLV
More championship titles than any professional NFL football team, including the Patriots, Steelers, Cowboys and Da Bears. No disrespect the Patriots and Cowboys fans as they are one of the greatest as well, but there is a reason that the Super Bowl trophy is called the Lombardi Trophy. Named after one of the greatest coaches, Vince Lombardi, in his honor.
The Lambeau Leap is also a Packer tradition, as you have pointed out, and some more recent players on other teams have attempted to mimic it, but the Leap will always be a Packers tradition.
My favorite Packers are
Reggie White (‘93 - ‘98)
Ray Nitschke (‘58 - ‘72) he was feared like Dick Butkus.
Jim Taylor (‘58 - ‘67)
And of course Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.
What sets us apart in addition to owning the team:
Packers fans are always courteous and almost always are voted as the best NFL fans….same as the Aggies. No matter whether we win or lose, we are always true to our team, and are courteous to the opposing team fans. “Good Game”
If you ever get the chance to visit Lambeau Field, you need to see the Green Bay Packers Football Hall of Fame museum. That alone is worth the trip. And if you go during a home game, you will be welcomed, invited to join tailgates even if you are wearing the opposing teams jersey, same as we did in College Station.
Another Packers tradition! At the beginning of every season, the Packers players ride bicycles through the town and greet the fans and owners on their way to the stadium. Building that solidarity and deep connection with the community and fans.
Why am I a Packers fan besides being born into it? And why should everyone be in some way?
Because the Packers embody Achievement, Tradition, Determination and Perserverance and are Fan Centered, which link the Green Bay Packers, the hallowed ground of Lambeau Field, and the tradition of the Lambeau Leap with the Strength of the Human Spirit.
We are the Green Bay Packers.
Thanks for the birthday wishes!
I wish Jim, Cheryl and all of you a great, prosperous New Year as we leap into 2024!
GO PACK GO!
John Burr
Green Bay Packers Shareholder 2011
PS: If you haven’t done so, go on Amazon, take that leap and buy Jim and Cheryl’s book, Beyond The Tailgate, it is a great read, and a great cause.
Butkus. He set the standard for all that came after him.