LAMBEAU FIELD, Wis. (WBAY) - As we heard from many people on Thursday, Bob Harlan was the key to revitalizing the Packers franchise during his historic tenure in Green Bay, overcoming challenges both on and off the field.
You could point to decades of green and gold mediocrity on the gridiron and the threat of losing the team as two reasons Bob Harlan needed to make a positive impact once elected to lead the franchise in 1989.
“The franchise was certainly at a crossroads, and what he accomplished was critical to the Packers’ continued survival and success,” says Packers historian Cliff Christl.
“Everybody goes and tells me, ‘Why don’t you go sell that club and let him save the team? The first thing someone’s going to do if he pays 700 million or whatever this club is worth, is he’s going to pack it up and leave town,” Harlan once said.
Within a decade and a half at the helm, Harlan not only helped bring the Lombardi trophy back to Titletown for the first time in nearly 30 years, but also secured public funding for a major stadium project to keep football in Green Bay and build the Lambeau we know today.
“Well, I’m very proud of Brown County, and proud to be part of the Packers organization,” Harlan said after the funding was secured.
Beyond his success with the organization, he also built a strong rapport with faithful Packers fans, meeting them where they were.
“When they were redoing the stadium, he came to the bars, and he was helping, actually talking to people, shaking people’s hands, going out, just a real nice guy. He just cared for the people around here, wanted the best for the Packers,” says Douglas Harmer of Green Bay.
“I’d hope that he’s remembered as the one who brought greatness back to Green Bay and brought the Lombardi trophy home,” says John Hickey of De Pere.
Several more Packers’ legends and NFL icons have also shared their memories of Bob Harlan.
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