The Green Bay Packers is football institution. With a record 13 championships, they have set the gold standard for success.
Their storied rivalries, legendary players and historic dynasty runs make them one of the most respected franchises in all of sports.
A Brief History of the Packers
Founded in 1919 by Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun, the Green Bay Packers became an official member of the NFL in 1921.
Unlike other teams, the Packers are the only community-owned franchise in major American professional sports. They have over 538,967 shareholders, creating a one-of-a-kind bond with their fan base.
Lambeau, a former player and coach, led the team to six NFL championships, establishing their early dominance. Today, the Packers play at Lambeau Field, an iconic stadium named in his honor.
Packers’ Championship Legacy
The Packers have won the most championships in NFL history (13)—nine before the Super Bowl era and four Super Bowls. No other team has dominated across multiple generations like Green Bay.
NFL Championships Before the Super Bowl Era
1929, 1930, 1931 led by Curly Lambeau, these were the Packers’ first dynasty years.
1936, 1939, 1944 – The Don Hutson era, when passing became a bigger part of the game.
1961, 1962, 1965 – Vince Lombardi’s early dominance set the stage for Super Bowl history.
Super Bowl Victories
- Super Bowl I (1966): The Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10, with Bart Starr winning MVP.
- Super Bowl II (1967): Green Bay beat the Oakland Raiders 33-14, securing Lombardi’s final title.
- Super Bowl XXXI (1996): Brett Favre led the Packers to a 35-21 win over the Patriots.
- Super Bowl XLV (2010): Aaron Rodgers won MVP as the Packers defeated the Steelers 31-25.
The Packers are also the only franchise to win three consecutive NFL championships twice (1929-1931, 1965-1967).
Legendary Coaches
The Packers’ success is deeply intertwined with the leadership of iconic coaches.
Curly Lambeau:
As a co-founder and the team’s first head coach, Lambeau led the Packers to six NFL championships. His tenure established the foundation for the franchise’s enduring success.
Vince Lombardi: The Ultimate NFL Leader
No discussion of the Packers is complete without Vince Lombardi, who took over as head coach in 1959.
Taking the helm in 1959, Lombardi transformed the Packers into a powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Packers:
- Won five championships in seven years (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967).
- Claimed the first two Super Bowls.
His leadership and philosophy left an indelible mark on the sport and became the standard for excellence.
In honor of such a legendary person the NFL Super Bowl trophy is being named after him as the “Lombardi Trophy.”
Lombardi’s famous words “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” still resonates in the NFL world.
Mike Holmgren & Mike McCarthy: The Super Bowl Coaches
Holmgren (1992-1998): Coached Brett Favre to a Super Bowl XXXI victory.
McCarthy (2006-2018): Led Aaron Rodgers to the Super Bowl XLV title in 2010.
Legendary Packers Players
The Packers’ success is built on iconic players who defined their eras.
Bart Starr (QB, 1956-1971)
As quarterback, Starr led the team to victories in the first two Super Bowls and was named MVP in both games.
His leadership and poise were instrumental in the Packers’ dominance during the 1960s.
- 5× NFL Champion, 2× Super Bowl MVP.
- Led Lombardi’s team with unmatched leadership.
Brett Favre (QB, 1992-2007)
Joining the Packers in 1992, Favre became one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history.
He led the team to a Super Bowl XXXI victory and was a three-time NFL MVP.
- 3× NFL MVP, Super Bowl XXXI Champion.
- Threw for 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns in his career.
Aaron Rodgers (QB, 2005-Present)
Taking over from Favre, Rodgers has continued the Packers’ tradition of elite quarterback play.
He led the team to a Super Bowl XLV victory and has earned multiple MVP awards.
- 4× NFL MVP, Super Bowl XLV MVP.
- Over 62,952 passing yards and 503 touchdowns (as of Feb 2025).
Reggie White (DE, 1993-1998)
- 198 sacks (career), Super Bowl XXXI Champion.
- Dominated on defense and helped bring Green Bay back to championship form.
Packers’ Fierce Rivalries
The Packers have some of the most intense rivalries in the NFL.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
- Oldest rivalry in NFL history (since 1921).
- Packers lead the series 108-96-6 (as of Feb 2025).
Memorable moment: 2010 NFC Championship Game, Packers beat the Bears to reach the Super Bowl.
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
A heated NFC North battle that has seen many playoff implications with Packers leading the overall series with 66–60–3.
Things got more intense when Brett Favre decided to play for Minnesota Vikings in 2009 after his long association with the Packers from 1992-2007.
The 2009 season was the first time the Vikings swept the Packers since 2005.
Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Known for classic playoff games in the 1960s and 1990s.
The Ice Bowl (1967): Packers won the NFL Championship in -13°F temperatures at Lambeau Field.
The Packers’ Place Among NFL Dynasties
Where do the Packers rank among NFL dynasties?
1. Green Bay Packers (1929-Present, 13 Championships)
- Most total championships in history.
- Dominated multiple eras (1920s-30s, 1960s, 1990s, 2010s).
2. New England Patriots (2001-2019, 6 Super Bowls)
- Tom Brady–Bill Belichick era saw six Super Bowl titles.
- Greatest dynasty of the modern era, but fewer total championships.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (1970s, 6 Super Bowls)
- Won four Super Bowls in six years (1974-1979).
- Defined by their “Steel Curtain” defense.
The Unique Fan Culture of the Packers
Lambeau Field: The Frozen Tundra
- Opened in 1957, Lambeau Field is one of the most historic stadiums in sports.
- Known for freezing cold games, especially the 1967 Ice Bowl.
The “Lambeau Leap” Tradition
- The Lambeau Leap was introduced by LeRoy Butler of Green Bay Packers in 1993.
- Packers players jump into the stands to celebrate after the touchdowns.
Packers Stock Ownership
- The Only Fan-Owned Team with approximately 5,204,625 shares.
- It owned by 538,967 stockholders, creating the most loyal fan base in the NFL.
Final Thoughts: The Greatest NFL Franchise?
The Packers’ 13 championships, legendary players and unrivaled fan support make them the most successful team in NFL history.
From Lombardi’s dynasty to Rodgers’ Super Bowl triumph, their story is filled with greatness.
As the franchise moves forward, one thing is certain: Green Bay will always be at the heart of NFL history.
