Lombardi Ave » Michael Philbin

Joe Philbin: In his own words

Raymond Rivard — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:43:51 +0000

Joe Philbin

Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin issued a public statement within the past hour.

In his own words …

“We love Michael so much and will miss him dearly. He loved his family, friends and life. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. We are appreciative of the prayers and the support of our family, friends and the Packers family. We ask for continued respect and privacy for our family as we deal with our loss.

“Our family also wants to thank the Oshkosh Police Department, Winnebago County Dive/Rescue/Recovery Team and the Winnebago County Coroner’s office for their efforts and compassion during this difficult ordeal.”

We here at Lombardiave keep our thoughts and prayers with you and your family, Joe.

Keep the faith and stay strong. There’s an entire Packers Nation out there behind you.

Body found in Fox River confirmed by authorities as that of Michael Philbin

Raymond Rivard — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:10:51 +0000

Authorities officially confirmed this morning that it was the body of Michael Philbin, the son of Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, that was pulled from the Fox River yesterday.

Though the Green Bay Packers coaching staff and players will have to forge ahead starting tomorrow with practice for their upcoming Divisional Playoff game against the New York Giants, it looks like they will most likely have to do it without their offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin.

Authorities this morning confirmed the body they pulled from the Fox River yesterday is that of Michael Philbin, the second oldest child of Joe and Diane Philbin.

According to a published report by Don Walker of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, this is what we know so far:

Michael Philbin, who lived in Ripon, had been reported missing Sunday night. He had been last heard from about 2 a.m. Sunday while visiting friends in Oshkosh.

Authorities said a witness called 911 early Sunday to report that someone was in the water, yelling for help and in distress. Authorities said the witness reported to them that they saw what appeared to be a head of someone sticking up out of the water.

An autopsy is scheduled. Winnebago County Coroner Barry Busby said he wasn’t sure a cause of death will be known on Tuesday. Toxicology tests also are planned.

Exactly how this turn of events will affect the football operations and preparations by the team is not known at this time. Coach Mike McCarthy will certainly have to address the issue sometime today or tomorrow.

Update on Michael Philbin story – body of male found in Fox River believed to be the son of Joe Philbin

Raymond Rivard — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:14:31 +0000

Joe Philbin, the Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, has been recently named as a candidate to fill the Miami Dolphins' head coaching position. Today he has more important matters in which to address ... he son, Michael, was reported missing.

An update to this story as reported in the national press. This update comes from the New York Daily News:

The body of a male victim was recovered from the icy waters of the Fox River in Wisconsin Monday and is believed to be that of Michael Philbin, the 21-year-old son of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin.

Oshkosh police issued a statement Monday that said a positive identification of the victim had been made, but that the identity would not be released until Tuesday, so family members and next of kin could be notified. The statement added that no foul play was suspected and the investigation of the matter was ongoing. WTMJ Radio and several Wisconsin media outlets reported that the body recovered was that of Michael Philbin, citing sources.

This was published earlier today when the news broke:

Joe Philbin, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator, was in the middle of preparing a game plan for the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New York Giants.

Clearly, his plans are on hold …

His son, Michael, has gone missing.

According to an Associated Press report released in the last hour, police in Oshkosh have mounted a search for the young man.

Here is the report that was published earlier today from the AP:

Police in Oshkosh say 21-year-old Michael T. Philbin of Ripon was last heard from around 2 a.m. Sunday. He had been visiting friends in Oshkosh that evening. He was reported missing on Sunday evening.

A police spokesman did not immediately return a message left Monday seeking additional comment.

A Brown County judge sentenced Michael Philbin to six months in jail in 2009 after he was convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls and two counts of battery.

His disappearance comes as the Packers prepare to face the New York Giants in an NFC playoff game Sunday in Green Bay.

Michael Philbin, the son of Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, has been reported missing.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy briefly addressed the matter with reporters Monday, saying, “the Philbin family is obviously going through a tough time right now. As we always have, we’re a family-first philosophy with the organization. We’ll hold out hope this comes to a positive conclusion.” McCarthy said Joe Philbin was in Oshkosh Monday.

Packers General Manager Ted Thompson released this statement this afternoon:

“The Packers organization is aware of the missing person report regarding Michael Philbin, son of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Philbin family during this difficult time. We ask anyone with information about Michael to contact the Oshkosh Police Department.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Philbin family and hope there is a resolution to this in short order.