The Lass Word: It Really Is Our Team

Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful.  For family, friends and good health of course.  When it comes to football, I’m thankful to be part of a fan base I believe is truly unique.  Every sports fan feels a strong connection to his or her team.  But the fact that Packer fans can take ownership of their team in a very literal sense is specific only to us.  

As I write this, the franchise is offering one of its infrequent stock offerings.  Followers of other teams pretend to laugh at us for throwing our hard-earned money at something they feel has no value.  Yet we know they would jump at the chance to buy a piece of actual, real, legitimate ownership of their team.  Symbolic as it may be, that certificate of stock is a small part of what assures our team will never leave us.  

I’m thankful for Lambeau Field.  For the decision to modernize the periphery with the atrium and the Titletown District et al, but yet keeping the historical, traditional feel of the stadium bowl.  I was watching the Steelers/Chargers game at the magnificent SoFi stadium in Los Angeles Sunday night.  I thought to myself, wow, I’d really like to see a game there.  One game.  It looks like an awesome place to visit.  Kind of like a trip to Disney Land, which, by the way, is not far from there.   

But it wouldn’t feel like “home” to me.  It’s so shiny and dynamic and high tech.  It would be like staying at a fancy hotel.  You would enjoy the experience, but eventually you long to get home and sleep in your own bed.  The vintage feel of Lambeau connects with the Packers’ history of struggle for survival, frozen tundra, blue collar fans and small town devotion.  We put on our heavy coats, fur-lined hats complete with ear flaps, and gloves.  We breathe smoke in the frigid cold.  We sit on bleachers.  We are fighting the elements as our team fights for victory on the field.  Our players play a tough game for fans that endure a tough environment.  This is not mere entertainment.  This is a joint effort. 

I’m thankful for thirty consecutive years of Hall of Fame caliber quarterback play.  It’s a streak no other team can match.  A streak that may come to an end after this year.  We don’t know what the future holds, but that stretch has brought us three Super Bowls and two championships.  We are spoiled to the point where we believe anything short of the title is a disappointment.  Nothing wrong with that.   

I’m thankful I’m not a Detroit Lions fan.  There have been fifty-five Super Bowls played.  The Lions haven’t come close to playing in any of them. 

I’m thankful for the skill of Davante Adams, the beer-chugging, fun loving spirit of David Bakhtiari, the humble gratitude of Aaron Jones, the patience of Jordan Love, the creativity of Matt LaFleur, the leadership of Marcedes Lewis, the poise of Adrian Amos, the persistence of Rashan Gary, the inspiration of De’Vondre Campbell, the courage of Brian Gutekunst, the financial prowess of Russ Ball, and the management expertise of Mark Murphy. 

None of them are perfect.  Who of us is?  But, collectively, they enable us to wear our team merchandise proudly.  We don’t win it all every year, but we’re in it every year.  Falling short is frustrating, but at least it’s a fall.  Fans of franchises like the Jets, Jaguars, Texans and Giants would give anything to be close enough to success to be able to fall. 

I’m especially thankful for fans like you who faithfully read articles like this, written by folks such as us, and who support sites like CHTV.  Here’s wishing you a safe, healthy and joyous Thanksgiving.  Let’s hope the rest of the season gives us even greater things to be thankful for.