Green Bay Packers: Top 30 moments in franchise history

Zach Roethlisberger

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By Zach Roethlisberger and Ray Rivard

The represent one of the most historic franchises in the history of professional sports. Their 96-plus years of existence have provided some memorable instances that you can either smile or cringe about when looking back.

With 96-plus years of history, it was tough to narrow down the 30 exact moments that have come to define the Green Bay Packers.

This list is a purely subjective look at that history by Ray Rivard and Zach Roethlisberger, and we welcome all Packers fans to list their favorite memory of this franchise in the comment section. It is difficult to track down all that history, and there are surely some memorable moments that we left off this list.

As a fan, it’s a joy to look back and reminisce on all the memories that were a part of your life. This is a franchise that will live in people’s hearts forever, continuing a championship pedigree year-in and year-out.

Looking back at all the great names that have worn the green or blue and gold, it makes you smile as to how lucky we all are to be fans of the Green Bay Packers.

Again, I want to reiterate that this list is purely subjective – something we’d love all fans of this historic franchise to reminisce about in the comment section.

Through the good and the bad, here are our top 30 moments that have defined the Green Bay Packers.

Next: Let's start with #30

30. 2015 NFC Championship Collapse

I am sure this is still fresh in everybody’s mind, as it happened this past January and broke the hearts of Packers fans everywhere.

Green Bay Packers fans will never get over this moment, nor will Brandon Bostick. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Up 16-0 at one point in this game, and 19-7 with less than four minutes remaining, the Packers had everything go wrong in defeat.

From the fake field goal, to the mishandled onside kick by tight end Brandon Bostick, the Packers gave away a trip to the Super Bowl in dramatic fashion.

Though the Seahawks would go on to lose in the Super Bowl, this game was the source of multiple future decisions and altercations. After not being able to score touchdowns on the goal line twice, the Packers decide that Mike McCarthy would no longer be in charge of the play calling, which has been taken over by associate coach this season.

This game also sparked the controversy of saying in his post game interview that God was responsible for the Seahawks’ victory. This got a response from who said on ESPN Milwaukee after “I don’t think God cares a whole lot about the outcome. He cares about the people involved, but I don’t think he’s a big football fan.”

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Rodgers took a shot at Wilson when the Packers defeated the Seahawks in Week 2 of the 2015 season, by saying, “And then getting help from God. I think God was a Packers fan tonight, so he was taking care of us.”

All religion aside, the collapse of the 2015 NFC Championship game has to be one of the most heartbreaking losses in Green Bay Packers history.

Next: #29

Quarterback Matt Flynn. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

29. : 480 yards and 6 touchdowns

The 2011 regular season for the Green Bay Packers, will go down as one of the most successful seasons in NFL history.

Even the last game of the 2011 regular season saw a remarkable performance from somebody unexpected.

Backup quarterback Matt Flynn started the game in place of Aaron Rodgers and in his stead we saw him throw 480 yards and six touchdowns against the Detroit Lions.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Between Flynn and Detroit Lions quarterback , this game saw an exact total of 1,000 yards passing with 11 total touchdown passes. Flynn broke the Packers record for passing yards in a game, set originally by in 1980 with 418, (Rodgers tied the mark in 2013) which was highly unexpected coming from the team’s second string quarterback.

Flynn had this to say after the game:

“Just think of all of the great quarterbacks that have come through here, it’s very humbling. I just thank everybody around me and everything. I couldn’t have done it, obviously, by myself. There’s weapons all around me, and the line did a great job. It’s one of those games where it got to a shootout, and we just kept having to match each other.”

Flynn’s performance will go down as one of the most memorable performances in Packers history.

Next: #28

28. ‘He Did WHAT?!?’

still can’t believe it.

On a rainy November night in 2000, the Green Bay Packers desperately needed a win against their division rival, the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings were 7-1 at the times, and Green Bay needed a win to stay alive in the division race. They certainly got just that, and in dramatic fashion.

The Packers had battled the Vikings all game, a hard fought affair. Huge plays from kicker , running back , and kick returner put the Packers in contention through the night. All knotted up at the end of regulation, the game went into overtime.

From the Vikings 43 yard line, Packers quarterback flung up a desperation pass on third and four to wide receiver .

As the Vikings defender batted the ball, Freeman dove to the ground to have the ball bounce off his back shoulder. He then grabbed the ball before it touched the ground, stood up, juked a defender and scored a touchdown to win the game for the Packers.

The play is still much remembered today and plays on ESPN’s Monday Night Football opening montage.

“It’s the most commonly asked question I get, more than my 81-yard touchdown catch in the Super Bowl, or any other individual play,” Freeman said in a 2006 interview.

Next: #27

The Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson were a phenomenal combination in 2011.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

27. Packers’ 2011 disappointment

This team should go down as one of the greatest teams in NFL history, but will be remembered as a disappointment, rather than a success.

The season started with the Packers winning their first 13-0 games before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15, 19-14. Amid the disappointment in Week 15, the Packers still finished the season 15-1, and looked to be the Super Bowl favorite going into the playoffs.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had maybe the best season from any quarterback to play the position in NFL history, as he threw 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions. What was more impressive, was that Rodgers had a 122.1 quarterback rating which is the record for the highest quarterback rating in an NFL season.

Having already defeated the New York Giants 38-35 during the regular season, the Packers were favored heading into the divisional round – it was one of those games that would go down as one of the biggest upsets in NFL history. The 9-7 Giants defeated the Packers 37-20 at Lambeau Field.

Coming off a Super Bowl championship, the Packers had one of the most talented teams in the Aaron Rodgers era, to come up short in the playoffs. The defeat still leaves a bad taste in Packers fans mouths.

This team went from one of the greatest to possibly the biggest disappointment in team history.

Next: #26

26. 4th and 26

Jan. 11, 2004, marked another devastating loss for the Green Bay Packers, as they allowed one of the single most devastating plays in their history. The divisional round playoff match up, saw the Packers take a 14-0 lead over an Eagles team that was heavily favored. The Packers even held a three point lead with a minute remaining.

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With the Eagles possessing the ball and driving down the field, the Packers backed them up to a 4th and 26 situation. With the Packers running a cover two defense, exposed that by throwing a 28-yard pass to Freddy Mitchell across the middle. The Eagle then moved into field goal range to hit the tying field goal.

Overtime saw Brett Favre throw a long lob pass that was no where near a receiver, to be picked off by Eagles safety . The Eagles were then able to get into field goal range, and to hit the field goal to win the game.

The Eagles went on to lose in the NFC Championship game to the Carolina Panthers, but the Packers let one slip right through their fingers with one of the most devastating plays in team history.

Next: #25

25. Aaron Rodgers takes over for Favre

Multiple people were upset.

The fact that the Green Bay Packers had moved on from their franchise quarterback who had decided to retire and then un-retire, was puzzling after what he had done for this franchise. You could see more New York Jets’ Brett Favre jerseys in Green Bay, than Aaron Rodgers’ jersey for this game.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Everybody was unsure how Rodgers would reciprocate Favre’s hall of fame career, and could not wrap their head around #4 not being under center any longer. Fans speculated that the Packers had run Favre out of town in favor of Rodgers, who they had drafted in the first round three years earlier.

Rodgers was able to beat the Minnesota Vikings, who ultimately ended up winning the division, on Monday Night Football. Although Brett Favre was a great player for the Green Bay Packers organization, the passing of the torch to Rodgers ended up working out for the organization.

Though Rodgers went 6-10 in his first season, with a depleted and injured team he led the Packers to a Super Bowl Championship in 2010, and like Favre, will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Next: #24

Mike McCarthy. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

24. Hiring of Mike McCarthy

With the Packers firing Mike Sherman after the 2005 season, much drama followed as to who would replace him as the Packers next head football coach. It was believed that Packers quarterback Brett Favre was vouching for his former assistant coach Steve Mariucci to become the next head coach, but general manager went another direction.

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The Packers hired San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy to replace Sherman, a decision that has proven to be the right one.

McCarthy had been a part of the Packers organization in 1999, working directly with Favre, which resulted in them remaining in contact with each other after McCarthy left in 2000.

McCarthy currently has a 100-52-1 record since being named the Packers head coach, which includes a Super Bowl Championship in 2010. He provides a character and demeanor that is liked or respected from all Green Bay Packers fans, and is known for having a good relationship with his staff and players. He represents everything about the Green Bay Packers, from his competitiveness to his class.

Championship franchises are made from coaching decisions like this.

Next: #23

23. The First Lambeau Leap

One of the most iconic celebrations for the Packers started 22 years ago.

As Packers defensive end recovered a fumble he was able to lateral to Packers strong safety, who took the ball in for a touchdown. Butler then flipped the ball before jumping into the stands to be grabbed by the crowd. It has since translated into one of the most iconic celebrations in all of football.

LeRoy Butler is the originator of the Lambeau Leap, having enthralled fans with the first one Dec. 26, 1993.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With multiple celebrations banned in today’s NFL, the Lambeau Leap still remains legal, which may be due to the fact that former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue was highly supportive of the celebration. He admired it, because it didn’t show up the other team, and provided a great interaction with the fans.

Multiple players have executed the Lambeau Leap, and have commented on the cool and unique experience. Packers wide receiver said about his first Lambeau Leap, “Got a fade ball in the corner in the south end zone — and jumped,” Nelson remembered. “It’s always a hassle to get out of it. That’s the biggest issue. The fans hold onto you. They want to try to stay warm and cuddle a little bit.”

Butler’s first Lambeau Leap will go down as one of the most iconic images in Packers history. There is a even an interactive statue of the leap outside of Lambeau Field.

Next: #22

22. Packers 2010 NFC Championship Game

One of the most thrilling victories in Packers history couldn’t have come against a better opponent, as they defeated the Chicago Bears in the 2010 NFC Championship game.

The win sent the Packers to their first Super Bowl since 1998, resulting in their fourth Super Bowl Championship in franchise history.

B.J. Raji

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Everybody remembers this game, due to the fact that went down with a knee injury in the third quarter, to be replaced by both and . Although Hanie was able to come in and give the Bears some energy, it was a case of being too little too late.

The Packers took a 14-0 lead in the first half, with rushing touchdowns from Aaron Rodgers and , before the Bears got it rolling in the second half with a score from their running back .

With six minutes remaining, Packers defensive tackle, picked off Hanie and scored to virtually put the game out of reach. Although the Bears made things interesting with a score of their own at the end of the game, the Packers were able to ice the remaining four minutes to get to Super Bowl 45.

Next: #21

21 ‘s heroics

The 1996 NFL regular season, saw Desmond Howard lead the NFL in punt return attempts, yards, and touchdowns.

His 875 punt return yards that season, shattered the NFL record, and still stands as the record today. Howard’s heroics in the regular season were remarkable, but it was his heroics in the Super Bowl which elevate him to a Packers’ legend.

Super Bowl 31 saw the Green Bay Packers face Bill Parcells and the New England Patriots. The Patriots were led by quarterback and running back , but were outmatched from the start. The Packers took a 27-14 lead into halftime, and looked to have the game all but wrapped up.

The Patriots responded with a touchdown in the third quarter which put them within six points with momentum on their side. Patriots kicker Adam Viniateri kicked the ball of to the Packers 1 yard line to Howard who then took off.

Howard went 99 yards to score before the Packers capitalized on a two-point conversion attempt. Their 14-point lead essentially put the game out of reach and gave the Packers their first Super Bowl since the Vince Lombardi era.

Howard finished with four kick returns for a total of 154 yards with a touchdown, while also accumulating 90 punt return yards as well.

Parcells said after the game, “We had a lot of momentum, and our defense was playing better. But [Howard] made the big play. That return was the game right there. He’s been great all year, and he was great again today.”

Next: #20

Ted Thompson

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

20. Hiring of Ted Thompson

The Packers signed one of the greatest evaluators of talent in 2005, but it came with drama. Our story starts in 1999 when Mike Holmgren left for the Seattle Seahawks after enjoying success in Green Bay.

The Packers hired in 1999, who was eventually replaced in 2000 by Mike Sherman who served as the both the general manager and head coach of the Packers.

Eventually Packers’ team president Bob Harlan made the decision that Sherman couldn’t handle both tasks and set out to look for a general manager.

Ted Thompson.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Seattle was experiencing a feud between Holmgren and president Bob Whitsitt, who knew his days were numbered. Harlan reached out to Seattle to get permission to speak to Thompson, who served as the vice president of football operations at the time. Holmgren was on vacation, and it was said that this was the last chance for Whitsitt to get back at him. Whitsitt gave the Packers permission to talk to Thompson, who was hired almost immediately, not requiring an interview.

Thompson had been a part of the Packers organization in the 1990s and Harlan knew his capabilities. Harlan said in an interview later,

"“The reason I didn’t need a face-to-face meeting with him was because I watched him here for eight years,” Harlan said, referring to Thompson’s personnel job in Green Bay from 1992 to 1999 under Wolf. “I’d been around and I worked with him and I knew what I was getting when I went after him. And then I watched what he did when he went out to Seattle.”"

Next: #19

Brett Favre, the legend. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

19. Favre’s last pass as a Packer

Another playoff disappointment sits at number 19 on our list, which ended the tenure of Brett Favre as the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.

The 2007 Packers finished the season at 13-3, and headed to the playoffs with a first round bye.

After defeating the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, the Packers were set to face the New York Giants, who they had already beaten during the regular season, 35-13. Neither team could get an advantage, as they swapped the lead multiple times.

Brett Favre created momentous moments while playing in Green Bay. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The fourth quarter saw Packers kicker notch a 37-yard field goal to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Packers won the toss and started their drive on the 26 yard line. After a two yard rush from running back , Brett Favre dropped back on second down.

Looking for , Favre misread the coverage and put the ball right into the hands of Giants defensive back . The Giants then kicked a field goal to send them to Super Bowl XLII. The Giants ultimately defeated the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl in one of the biggest upsets in NFL history.

It marked the last pass Brett Favre would make as a Green Bay Packer.

Next: #18

January 17, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; National head coach Mike Holmgren watches game action against American during the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at StubHub Center. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

18. Hiring of Mike Holmgren

“Here was everything that you supposedly look for,” said Packers GM, Ron Wolf, “Here was a gentleman I could work with. It was all right there.”

In January 1992, the Green Bay Packers were on the verge of rejuvenating the franchise. Before making a trade for a certain quarterback in February, January saw general manager Ron Wolf looking for a head coach to take over for Lindy Infante who had just ended his tenure in Green Bay with a 24-40 record.

His decision was San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren.

Holmgren initially signed a five-year deal, which proved to be one of the greatest moves in Ron Wolf’s hall of fame career. Holmgren never had a losing season and ended up with a 75-37 as the Packers head coach. He coached the Packers to a Super Bowl championship in 1997, and brought them back in 1998 to lose to the Denver Broncos.

Though Holmgren left Green Bay to take the Seattle job in 1999, he is an iconic name in Packers history, and one of the figures who brought back the championship pedigree to this organization in the early 1990s.

He was inducted into the Packers hall of fame in 2012.

Next: #17

17. Packers beat Bears in 2013

What a season 2013 turned out to be for the Green Bay Packers.

As crazy as it sounds, the Packers started four different quarterbacks in the 2013, and still made the playoffs. After starting the season 5-2, the Packers played the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, which ended up putting their season in jeopardy. Not only did the Bears defeat the Packers at Lambeau Field, but Aaron Rodgers endured a serious injury, which put him on the sidelines until week 17 of the season.

Players such as , , and Matt Flynn started for the Packers in Rodgers’ absence, and combined for a 2-4-1 record. Heading into Chicago the last game of the regular season, the Packers needed to beat the Bears to go to the playoffs.

Randall Cobb. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Down by eight in the fourth quarter, the Packers got a touchdown and extra point to put them within a point. Possessing the ball at the end of the fourth quarter, the Packer were faced with a 4th and 8 situation. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers snapped the ball and rolled to his left, which almost saw him sacked by then-Bears defensive end .

Rodgers then found wide receiver deep for a touchdown and the dagger to win the NFC North division tittle.

Next: #16

16. Favre plays after father’s death

Nobody has ever questioned Brett Favre’s toughness, but his performance in a Monday Night Game the day after his father passed away, put him on another level.

First of all, the ability Favre had to be with his team during the difficult time he was going through was one thing, but to put up the performance he did was sensational. Favre ended the night throwing for 399 yards with four touchdowns while completing 22 of his 30 passes.

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It was a statement game, that spoke even more to Green Bay Packers fans, even with his previous accolades. It’s tough for anybody to bounce back from something to happen of that signficance in their life, but the way Favre was able to do so on national TV, speaks volumes about the competitor he was.

Favre’s performance against Oakland, will go down as maybe the greatest individual performance of his career. His ability to play through his own personal situation while putting this organziation first, is why fan’s loved him and why #4 will always be a huge part of Green Bay.

“I knew that my dad would have wanted me to play,” Favre said. “I love him so much, and I love this game. It’s meant a great deal to me, to my dad, to my family, and I didn’t expect this kind of performance. But I know he was watching tonight.”

Next: #15

15. Super Bowl XXXII Loss

After starting the season 3-2, the 1997 Green Bay Packers finished the season 10-1 to give them some momentum going into the playoffs.

After defeating the Tampa Bay Buccanners and San Francisco 49ers, the Packers were slated to face the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.

Winning the Super Bowl in 1997, Green Bay was looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions, much like their first two Super Bowl championships in 1967 and 1968.

Denver featured quarterback , who had been to the Super Bowl three times previously without winning. Elway was on the verge of retirement, but still had something left in the tank to prove he was an established player in this league.

The Super Bowl proved to be a great match up, as the score was neck and neck throughout the evening. The Broncos were up 17-14 at halftime, to set the stage for an epic ending. The Packers tied the game at 17 in the second half before Broncos’ running back scored his second touchdown of the night to give the Broncos’ a 24-17 lead.

Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman tied the game at 24 in the fourth quarter with his second touchdown of the night, but Davis and the Broncos proved to be too strong as he scored his third touchdown of the game.

This marked the first and only Super Bowl loss in Packers history, and would be the final Super Bowl that Brett Favre would play.

Next: #14

14. Fail Mary

Back in 2012 the NFL was experiencing a strike from its officials, which sparked the worst call in NFL history.

Walking into Seattle, the Packers were heavily favored despite possessing the same record of 1-1. The Seahawks were still a bit unknown, and everybody had no idea what to expect from quarterback Russell Wilson.

Playing in Seattle, the Packers were not ready for the pass rush and noise from the crowd, as the Seahawks got to Aaron Rodgers eight times. Coming out and hitting the Packers in the mouth, the Seahawks only took a 7-6 lead over the Packers despite outplaying them.

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks receiver Golden Tate (81) catches a 24-yard touchdown pass as Green Bay Packers players Sam Shields (37), and Jarrett Bush (24), and Charles Woodson (21) and Jarrett Williams (38) defend on the final play at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

After a scoreless third quarter, the Packers were able to get into the end zone with running back scoring on a 1 yard run. An unsuccessful two-point conversion then kept the score at 12-6.

Possessing the ball for one last drive, the Seahawks got down to the Packers 24 yard line with time for one more play. Wilson scrambled around until he chucked into the end zone hoping for the best.

With five packers players surrounding two Seahawks players which included wide receiver , Tate pushed off Packers cornerback , which should have been an instant pass interference call. Even so, Packers safety caught the ball and went to the ground to be grabbed by Tate.

With one official signaling a touchback, the other along side him signaled touchdown despite being right in front of the play. What was even worse was they reviewed this play and it still stood as a catch, giving the Seahawks the victory.

It will go down as one of the biggest whiffs in referee history, and needless to say the NFL made an agreement to bring back the regular officials the next week to end the strike.

Next: #13

Nov 15, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Detroit won 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

13. MVP Accolades

Can you guess how many times a member of the Green Bay Packers has been named the NFL MVP since 1957?

If you said eight, you would be correct.

It started in the 1962 season, with none other than winning the first ever individual NFL MVP award for the Green Bay Packers and running back following right after in 1963. The Packers had to wait until 1966 for their third MVP recipient in quarterback who was the first Packers quarterback to receive the accolade.

The Packers then didn’t see an MVP award for 29 years, as Brett Favre won the award in 1995. He also went on to earn MVP honors in 1996, and was co-MVP in 1997, to become the second player at the time to win three MVP awards ().

Bart Starr was the Super Bowl I and II MVP.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Packers then waited until 2011 to see their fifth MVP recipient in Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers had led the Packers to a 15-1 record, and put together one of the greatest seasons at the quarterback position. He won the award again this past season, for a second time, which is the eighth in Packers history.

What fans may not know is that former Packers legend won the Joe F. Carr Trophy in 1941 and 1942, which was the equivalent of the MVP award at the time. Hutson played wide receiver and defensive back for the Packers, and some still consider him the greatest player in NFL history.

Next: #12

Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers former general manager Ron Wolf looks on during a press conference to introduce the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

12. Hiring of Ron Wolf

1991 started the turnaround for the Green Bay Packers franchise – and it started with Ron Wolf.

From 1986-91 the Packers had one winning season, and were looking for a rebuild. That all started with the hiring of Ron Wolf in 1991. He was the start of something magical that was about to transpire in Green Bay.

Initially, team president Bob Harlan sparked some controversy in giving Wolf complete control of the organization.

"“He has total authority over every phase of the [football] operation and over every person in the player personnel area,” Harlan said. “What he does with the head coach, what he does with the scouts, that’s all his prerogative.”"

Hiring Wolf proved to be a brilliant decision, as he helped guide a turnaround of the franchise that is still thriving today. He made the decision to hire Mike Holmgren, trade for Brett Farve, and sign Reggie White. The Packers team in the 1996 season was one of the most talented in franchise history, which was built by Wolf.

Wolf served as the Packers general manager from 1991-2001 and is one of only two executives in the pro football hall of fame.

Next: #11

11. Signing Reggie White

“One of the all-time great steals in free agency, and the best player I played with or against,” said quarterback Brett Favre looking back on it.

On April 6, 1993, the Green Bay Packers made a splash in the NFL by signing defensive end Reggie White. It was originally thought that White and his agent were using the Packers to persuade another team to offer him that amount of money. No other team did and the Packers ended up with a phenomenal talent and character for $17 million.

White played in Green Bay from 1993-98, and was apart of their Super Bowl Championship in the 1996 season. He accumulated 239 tackles, which included 68.5 sacks, with 14 forced fumbles.

White was known as “The Minister of Defense” and made such an impact on the culture of Green Bay that he had his #92 jersey retired, while only playing six seasons for the Packers.

He was the missing piece the Packers needed to solidify the franchise as a Super Bowl contender, and helped turn around the championship pedigree that was instilled in the Green Bay Packers and their fans.

The Minister of Defense will forever go down as a Packers legend, highlighted by his character and leadership.

Next: #10

10. Aaron Rodgers Falls to 24th

It seemed like the perfect fit.

With the first overall pick in the 2005 draft, the San Francisco 49ers had to select Aaron Rodgers right? Rodgers was a native of Chico, Calif., and played at UC Berkley. More importantly, he grew up a San Francisco 49ers fan.

Wrong.

The 49ers went a different direction and selected , leaving Rodgers to wait for hours, until the Green Bay Packers called his name with the 24th overall selection.

It seemed unreasonable that Rodgers would fall that far, and that nobody would take him; but due to salary cap restrictions and talent at other positions on the board, teams passed on Rodgers.

Even at 24th overall, it didn’t seem the Packers needed to make their first overall selection a quarterback, but general manager Ted Thompson had a plan, as he always does.

"“Three or four days before the [2005] draft,” Thompson says, “we’re doing our research, going down the board, and I’m looking, and I think, ‘None of these teams are taking a quarterback.’ I couldn’t find one, after San Francisco. We hadn’t really paid attention to Rodgers because we just figured he’d be gone. Plus, we didn’t have that big a need there, obviously. So I just buried myself and went to look at all the Rodgers tape — from games, from the combine, from his pro day. After a couple of days I just felt he was too good to pass. So I said, ‘If he falls to us, we’re taking him.'”"

Louis H. Rivard photograph

We all know of Rodgers’ accolades and what he’s done in Green Bay. He was the Super Bowl MVP in 2011, and is consistently talked about as being the best in the league, and the greatest of all time, talent wise.

I’m not sure what the Packers’ quarterback situation would be today if Rodgers hadn’t fallen to 24th overall in 2005 … but let’s thank God he did.

Next: #9

Bart Starr, pictured here with some of the members of his team of 1982. Starr was NFL MVP only once – 1966.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

9. Packers select Bart Starr in 17th round

If you want to talk about being a steal in the NFL draft, you must not overlook Bart Starr.

In 1956, the Green Bay Packers selected Bart Starr in the 17th round of the NFL draft. It is overlooked as one of the biggest steals of all time.

While in Green Bay, Starr won six division championships, five NFL championships, and two Super Bowls. He was awarded the NFL MVP trophy in 1966, and was the Super Bowl MVP in 1967 and 1968. What some may not know, however, is that Starr did struggle his first few seasons in Green Bay.

In Starr’s first five seasons he threw 23 touchdowns to 41 interceptions, before he was able to discover the magic with head coach Vince Lombardi. Starr was a perfect fit in Lombardi’s scheme, and the rest was history.

Starr’s career accolades are endless, his #15 sits atop of Lambeau Field in significance of its retirement. He is a member of both the Packers and Pro Football hall of fame.

"“THE QUARTERBACK’S JOB IS TO BE A COACH ON THE FIELD. I’D SAY THERE ARE THREE THINGS A QUARTERBACK MUST HAVE. ONE, HE’S GOT TO HAVE THE RESPECT OF HIS TEAMMATES. TWO, HIS AUTHORITY MUST BE UNQUESTIONED. AND THREE, HIS TEAMMATES MUST BE WILLING TO GO TO THE GATES OF HELL WITH HIM.”"

Next: #8

8. 1958 NFL Draft

Rated as the greatest draft in Packers history, the 1958 draft class set the stage for the magical run through the 1960s.

The 1958 draft class for the Packers included the names, , Jim Taylor, and .

All of whom are in the Packers hall of fame, and were a huge part in establishing the championship culture that is the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers first round pick, Currie, served as a seven-year starter at the linebacker position. Jim Taylor scored 81 touchdowns, a Packers record for a running back by a considerable amount, and ran for 8,207 career yards, which is good enough for second in the Packers history. Taylor is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Jerry Kramer, #64, during a visit to Lambeau Field.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Nitschke served as the anchor of the Packers defense for 190 games and 15 years. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and some consider him the greatest player in the history of the Green Bay Packers.

Jerry Kramer did it all for the Green Bay Packers as an offensive guard and a kicker. He started at the offensive guard position for all 11 seasons, and was one of the major influences on the field and in the locker room. He will be remembered as a Packers legend, and is still being considered as a Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate.

The 1958 draft set the stage for what was to come in the 1960s and will be remembered as one of the greatest drafts by any team in NFL history.

Next: #7 top Packers moment

Jul 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; NFL quarterback Brett Favre (center) arrives for the 2015 ESPY’s award show at Nokia Theater. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

7. Trade for Brett Favre

Brett who?

That comment echoed across Packers Nation when it was announced that newly-hired general manager Ron Wolf went out and gave up a first round pick for a benchwarmer from the Atlanta Falcons in a trade that would eventually never be forgotten.

Wolf knew what nobody else did – that this kid from Kiln, Miss., had the chance to be something great.

What Wolf, Mike Holmgren and the Packers got in Favre was a wild stallion who needed breaking. And though Favre went on to his Hall of Fame career, the ride was anything but smooth.

Favre spent his career driving coaches crazy and piling up statistics that would make him one of the greatest ever – not only in Packers history, but in the history of the entire league.

He was a true ironman and it’s his consecutive game record that is probably Favre’s most important record – one that most likely will never be touched.

There will be others who pass for more yards ( and probably others), but there will never be anyone who will play the game like Favre did.

There were sprained ankles, bruised ribs, broken thumbs and the usual aches and pains of a football player that couldn’t slow Favre down.

He was one of a kind … a player nobody knew until his breakout game against the Cincinnati Bengals when he brought the Packers back. Many of us remember watching that game live and wondering, ‘who is this kid?’

We found out in a hurry – and so did the rest of the league as Favre brought the Packers back from the dead – a franchise that was on the bubble of sustainability – to one that has been considered one of the elite for the past three decades.

Favre had help, but it was that trade back in 1992 that changed everything in Green Bay.

Next: #6 top Packers moment

6. Ice Bowl

It was Dec. 31, 1967.

It was cold.

It was a moment when the Packers teetered on all-time greatness and the disappointment of a championship loss.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It was Bart Starr driving off of right guard behind center and Jerry Kramer to fall across the goal line for the game-winning score, just after head coach Vince Lombardi told Starr to “run it and let’s get the hell out of here.”

But the game is much more than that. Not only did it confirm the greatness of Lombardi’s teams of the 1960s, but it has been cemented into the psyche of America as one of the greatest games of all-time.

Back and forth these two 1960s powerhouses went in this game. The Packers took an early lead before the Dallas defense took over and stopped the Packers through the second, third and deep into the fourth quarter.

However, the Packers defense matched blow for blow, despite giving up the lead late in the fourth.

But it was Starr that led the Packers on one final drive that included the unlikely heroics of a guy by the name of . Running and catching passes during the drive, Mercein’s big plays helped the Packers moved down inside the five yard line as the clock moved inside of one minute to play.

Three straight runs into the Dallas defense were unsuccessful for the Packers before they called timeout with only a few clicks on the clock.

That’s when Lombardi gave his direction to Starr. The quarterback called a dive play for Mercein, but decided to take the ball himself, given the poor field conditions and the difficulty in gaining traction.

Starr took the ball and history into his own hands … diving to his right and into the end zone to give the Packers the eventual win.

While the game is famous for its cold weather significance, it was that final play, Starr’s determination and this particular team’s drive that made the difference … and sent the Packers into NFL history.

Next: #5 top Packers moment

5. Signing of Don Hutson

It pays to get the check into the mail … and in the case of Green Bay Packers great end Don Hutson – the contract.

The year was 1934 – a year before the NFL Draft was official. It was also the year that Hutson was coming out of college and was being recruited by nearly every team, including the Green Bay Packers and the then-Brooklyn Dodgers – the football, not baseball, team.

As it turned out, Packers coach got Hutson to sign on the bottom line on Feb. 19, 1935, for somewhere between $175 and $300 per game.

However, the Dodgers also signed Hutson that same day.

Faced with the prickly decision on which team should be awarded Hutson’s service, the league office decided they would send him to the team whose postmarked contract was the first to arrive at the league office.

It turns out, the Packers’ contract was first to arrive and the rest, as they say, is history.

Hutson went on to become one of the best ever to play the game. He also helped the Packers remain a dominant team through the 1930s and into the mid-1940s.

Don Hutson was not only an offensive player. During the era when players went both ways, Hutson was an incredible defensive back. When he retired following the 1945 season, he was the second-ranking interceptor in NFL history with 30 picks. He also played defensive end until 1939, his fifth year in the league, or his interception totals most likely would have been much higher.

On offense, his production was beyond reproach for years.

According to , he caught 488 passes for 7,991 yards and amassed the remarkable total of 105 touchdowns in 117 games.

Hutson still holds title to no fewer than six major team records: most pass receptions, game, 14; most seasons leading the team in receiving, 10; most games with 200 or more receiving yards, 4; and most points scored in one quarter, 29; in addition to those records for career touchdowns, 105; and career touchdown receptions, 99.

Though we never had the chance to watch this man play, he brought excellence to the league and the team and is still considered one of the top five or 10 players every to “Don” a Packers uniform.

Next: #4 top Packers moment

4. Lombardi’s three straight championships in the 1960s

For those of you who don’t remember the 1960s, they were called the “Glory Years” in Green Bay for many reasons … the most important being the championships that Vince Lombardi brought back to “Packers News.”

Most notable of those championships were the three straight – 1965, 66 and 67.

Only once before had the Packers won three straight titles – that being in 1929, 30 and 31 when Curly Lambeau was at the helm of the Packers franchise.

Lombardi’s three championships were truly remarkable, given that they came during the meteoric rise of football on America’s landscape. Big money was becoming the norm across the league and all the teams in both the NFL and AFL at that time were luring the best college players to their teams with the promise of six-figure salaries.

Through all that change, it was Lombardi’s iron rule and his ability to find players for his system that helped the Packers become the most loved team in the league.

Lombardi’s teams defeated the Cleveland Browns (‘s final game), and the Dallas Cowboys in subsequent years to earn the three straight. In 1965, the Packers defeated the Browns at a muddy Lambeau Field, then went to Dallas to beat the Cowboys in Texas in 1966.

But it was the crowning achievement in 1967 when the Packers hosted the Cowboys once again in the NFL Championship game – this time at Lambeau Field.

That iconic matchup became known as the Ice Bowl and not only propelled the Packers into the first Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, but cemented the Packers franchise of the 60s as one of the best of all time.

Next: #3 top Packers moment

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

3. The first championship triplet: 1929–1931

Mike Michalske, Johnny (Blood) McNally, Cal Hubbard and Green Bay native led the Packers to championships in three straight seasons, starting with the first in 1929.

Under the guidance of Curly Lambeau at the height of his days in Green Bay, the Packers finished second in 1927, had a down year in 1928 and then won it all in 1929.

Defense is what won games for this team. In all, they had eight shutouts.

Because of the defense and a revolutionary offense, these Packers teams had some great seasons. The guys mentioned above – Michalske, McNally, Hubbard and Herber – helped carry this team in the early days of the game.

Imagine how these players would fare in today’s game.

These teams helped revolutionize the game and helped to set the base for fan popularity that has taken decades and years to develop.

One of the many most impressive accomplishments of the Packers players and coaches during these years was the team’s streak of 30 consecutive home games without defeat.

Next: #2 top Packers moment

This post is some of the top news from the NFL and specifically the Green Bay Packers … Oh yeah, unless you forgot … the Packers won Super Bowl XLV. AP Photo/Mike Roemer

2. Green Bay Packers four Super Bowl wins

YEAR	HEAD COACH	REGULAR SEASON	TITLE GAME
RECORD	PCT	OPPONENT	FINAL	SITE

1966	Vince Lombardi	12-2-0	.857	Dallas Cowboys	34-27	Dallas
				Kansas City Chiefs (SB I)	35-10	Los Angeles
1967	Vince Lombardi	9-4-1	.692	Dallas Cowboys	21-17	Green Bay
				Oakland Raiders (SB II)	33-14	Miami
1996	Mike Holmgren	13-3-0	.813	New England Patriots (SB XXXI)	35-21	New Orleans
2010	Mike McCarthy	10-6-0	.625	Pittsburgh Steelers (SB XLV)	31-25	North Texas

The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of all sporting championships. A spectacle that has changed, evolved and gotten a whole heck of a lot bigger than it was when Vince Lombardi’s Packers won the first and second.

In winning four of the five Super Bowls they have played in, the Packers, in all, have won 13 NFL Championships.

Starting with the dominant teams of the late 1920s and early 30s and continuing into the past three decades, the Packers have been among the continuous threats to win it all.

Lombardi’s teams of the mid-60s that won three straight championships (1965, 66, and 67) was as good a football team that has set foot on the gridiron before and after that team faded to history.

Lombardi led the Packers to a thrilling win over the Cowboys in the 1966 championship, qualifying the Packers to play in Super Bowl I. Green Bay went on to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10.

In 1967, the Packers played the Cowboys again, this time in frigid Green Bay.

In the game that became known as the Ice Bowl, the Packers got a last second sneak across the goal line by Bart Starr that won the game.

Starr led the Packers to another Super Bowl, this time over the Oakland Raiders, 33-14.

Lombardi stepped away from coaching after the season and the Packers fell to the bottom echelon of the league for more than two decades.

That was until Mike Holmgren, Ron Wolf, Brett Favre and Reggie White came to town.

They led the Packers to two straight Super Bowl appearances in the mid-90s and one championship – that being against the Patriots in 96.

More than another decade passed before Aaron Rogers and the newest regime of coaches under Mike McCarthy led the Packers back to the Super Bowl in 2010.

The championships are special and help define a franchise.

Each year the Packers are in the chase, but it’s always a little bit better watching the Packers accept the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Next: And ... #1

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

1. The hiring of Vince Lombardi

If there’s a significant moment in the history of the Green Bay Packers, it occurred near the end of January 1959 when the franchise’s board voted to hire Vincent Lombardi to take over the reins as head coach and general manager.

Putting the franchise’s future into the hands of Lombardi, in hindsight, was beyond brilliant, it was a phenomenal move that would not only bring winning to northeast Wisconsin, but would be a move that would help change the entire landscape of the National Football League.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story published Jan. 29, 1959, written by , the 45-year-old Lombardi had spent the previous five years as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants – on the same staff as , who ran the defense on that team before heading to Dallas as the Cowboys’ head coach.

Fans mingle around the statue of Vince Lombardi. Raymond T. Rivard

Lombardi brought not only a new philosophy to Green Bay, but a new culture – a culture of winning. We all know what Lombardi brought to Green Bay – but it wasn’t just winning and championships.

Lombardi’s strong will, determination and personality helped place Green Bay into elite status among the teams of the NFL.

In his eight years of coaching the Packers, Lombardi finished with a 98-30-4 record before announcing his retirement from coaching after Super Bowl II.

During that time, his teams won five NFL Championships and the first two Super Bowls. Those championships included three straight in the mid-1960s.

Over the course of his career, he won more than 75 percent of his games and, more importantly, only lost one playoff game. That loss came in the 1960 Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Lombardi vowed his team would never lose in the playoffs again – and they didn’t.

He oversaw some incredible games in the playoffs – including one of the most famous – the Ice Bowl.

While winning was the only thing for Lombardi, his influence in Green Bay and across the league is felt even to this day.

They named the Super Bowl trophy after him for a reason – many reasons, really.

And his name and influence in Green Bay will live on forever.

Next: Ranking the top 10 receivers in Green Bay Packers history

Zach Roethlisberger

Communications and Criminal Justice student at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Intern at ESPN Milwaukee, and the editor of Lombardi Ave. Those wishing to contact Zach can do so at Roeth001@rangers.uwp.edu