Packers: Matt LaFleur takes the team paint-balling to end minicamp
![Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1341563395-850x560-7be1d2ec9a94dcf7bd6f8cc1c3870c4355a09522a065cc2d0bcef4035b69de2a.jpg)
In his first three seasons, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has won a lot of games.
Forty-one to be exact, including playoffs, which is the most ever for a head coach in his first three career seasons. For any coach to even come close to what LaFleur has done, you have to build a winning culture with great team comradery.
To build that team comradery, it sometimes takes participating in team-building activities outside of the building.
So, renting out an entire movie theatre to see Top Gun: Maverick or going paint-balling would definitely help. LaFleur has done both of those things this offseason.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the Packers were canceling Thursday’s OTAs and having their own organized team function.
According to Sammy Watkins’ Instagram, that “team function” was paint-balling.
These are the types of things that helps boost morale in a locker room. Each coach has his own way about doing things. But at the end of the day, that coach will reward his players for putting in the time and work on the field.
This just shows you the type of coach and person LaFleur is. When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. But when it’s time to have fun, it’s time to have fun.
He is a very personable guy too. He is one of the many reasons why QB Aaron Rodgers came back. He is one of the many reasons why former offensive assistants like Nathaniel Hackett, Luke Getsy, and Justin Outten got promotions this offseason.
LaFleur is one of the many reasons why young players like Elgton Jenkins, Allen Lazard, Jaire Alexander, and Rashan Gary have become absolute studs for this franchise.
It’s moments like going to the movies and paint-balling that are why this Packers team is in a great place right now. That sounds crazy to say, right?
How can a team get better by being away from the practice field and the film room? It builds joy and it builds relationships. That’s what LaFleur wants. That’s the foundation of this team.
When you go to work with people that you love, you perform that job with that same love. This is the quietest reason why the Packers are contending for a Super Bowl.
It won’t get all the headlines (I don’t think LaFleur cares and I love it), but it will go a long way for this team.