Cory's Corner: Packers Were, Are And Will Be No. 1

With the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Brewers destined for a back-to-back deep playoff run, the question has turned to the Packers. 

Many think that the Packers will be reduced to No. 3 on the pecking order of pro teams in the state of Wisconsin. 

Ryan Wood from the Green Bay Press-Gazette writes: “The truth is, we live in a very bandwagon-driven society. We’re instantly attracted to the next hot item. So just as this is a fair question because of what the Packers haven’t done the past two years, and what the Bucks and Brewers are doing now, the answer really rests on what they’ll do in the future.”

I get what Wood is trying to say. The Packers haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 and haven’t won a Super Bowl since 2010. 

But Wood is missing an important point: the Packers are a national brand. There are only three national NFL brands that supersede wins and losses in the NFL. Those three are the Cowboys, Steelers and yes, the Packers. The best way to prove this was during the dreadful years. From 1973-1992, Green Bay only made one playoff appearance and had five different head coaches. 

Yet, the attendance never wavered. People still came to watch an awful product that was consistently one of the worst in the league. That says something right there. There’s a reason why TV stations in Green Bay have to find a Packers angle every day of the year and there’s a reason why Packers conversation continues to creep into sports talk radio shows around the state.

Being born and raised in Wisconsin, I don’t remember when the Brewers and Bucks were No. 1 in the state’s pecking order. Obviously both haven’t been consistent winners, but both don’t have the muscle of the NFL either. 

Many can say that the Packers will all of a sudden be a forgotten team in this state. But, that’s just a fallacy. There are too many people that need a Packers fix. If you don’t believe me, go ahead and ask the Railbirds that come out in droves to watch…practice! Or perhaps the thousands of people that are still waiting for season tickets. 

What the Bucks and Brewers are doing is incredible. Both teams have one of the best players in their respective leagues. Giannis Antetokounmpo in the NBA and Christian Yelich in Major League Baseball. 

But let’s not forget that Aaron Rodgers is still one of the best players in the NFL — with a Q-rating that supersedes the game as noted by Rodgers’ recent cameo on “Game of Thrones.”

Finally, Wood is way off the mark on this one because we’re talking about this while the Bucks and Brewers are still playing. The fact that the Packers are even being talked about at the end of May just speaks to how gigantic the Packers are. 

 

 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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Comments (23)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
RCPackerFan's picture

May 21, 2019 at 06:43 am

Packers are and will always be my #1.

After that I'm a Brewers fan, Wisconsin sports fan followed by a Bucks fan. I'm just not a huge NBA Fan. Love college basketball, just not a big time NBA fan.

I love watching the Brewers and the Bucks are great to watch right now too. But the Packers are still my number 1. Nothing will change that.

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NickPerry's picture

May 21, 2019 at 06:43 am

Sigh... I understand what the Milwaukee Bucks are doing IS exciting and the Brewers at this time are just a game out of 1st BUT we're talking about the Packers. The 13 time World Champion Green Bay Packers. IMO it's not even close.

I can only speak about myself but when it comes to the Packers EVERY other team or sport immediately takes a backseat and it's not even close but again, that's speaking just for myself. I think a lot of other people might feel the same way too, even way out here in Southern California. Last season when the Packers played IN Los Angeles the Rams fans were outnumbered by Packers fans... In Los Angeles and it wasn't that close.

The Packers ARE a "National Brand" and win, lose, or draw I'm there supporting MY Packers. If they win the SB it's a feeling that last's until the following year. No offense but if the Bucks or Brewers win a title on Sunday I'll most likely forget by Tuesday.

Go Pack Go!

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PackfanNY's picture

May 21, 2019 at 08:07 am

LOL. I flew with my wife and son to the game at the LA Coliseum. It was the equivalent of a home game for the Packers. As I walked down a tunnel to leave the Stadium after we lost it was all Packer fans. A guy next to me a Rams fan says “good Lord, these people represent I’ve seen other teams fans here but this is ridiculous”.
I was surprised that the national media said very little that the Rams the favorite and of course eventual winners of the NFC were so outnumbered at home.

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flackcatcher's picture

May 21, 2019 at 02:16 pm

Was there too. To say the Rams fans were overwhelmed is a vast understatement. Talking to a friend who works in their front office after the game about the attendance, he said 'LA is a town of folks passing by'. Wished he could book Packers for every game. Yeah, Packers fans are really special, you don't know until you see it first hand.

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Savage57's picture

May 21, 2019 at 07:11 am

This is an odd article that read like it's written by someone who feels threatened by the success of other Wisconsin pro teams.

Binary thinking, and its 'or' requirement sucks when you have directional thinking, with its 'and' accommodation available to you.

It's not like if the Bucks or Brewers win, then the Packers can't.

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Nbakken81's picture

May 21, 2019 at 07:25 am

So here's another reason the Packers transcend. I don't live in Wisconsin, I was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and I am, and have been since 1981, a die-hard Packers fan. I have nothing against the Bucks or Brewers, and will root for them over most teams. But, I routinely meet Packer fans all year long, and especially during the football season. I can't say the same for the Bucks or Brewers. So while the country is littered with Packers fans, I don't think you can say the same for the other Wisconsin teams

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PackfanNY's picture

May 21, 2019 at 07:32 am

I am an outsider on this topic as I am not from Wisconsin but I love the Packers and am not a fan of either the Brewers or Bucks. Although I do enjoy watching those teams right now. Brewers are an exciting team that seem like they are on the cusp of a championship. Bucks are probably going to Finals and Giannis is a must watch.
Now with that being said I am always amazed that Packers have a “family night” where a team does a glorified workout and 75,000 show up. A scrimmage. I’m sure some people drive a few hours on a Saturday. Pretty amazing. Who else does that.

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Freezn's picture

May 21, 2019 at 09:13 am

I live in the Canadian north (Yellowknife) and have been a packers fan since I was five and I believe the packers will surprise a lot of people this year

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stockholder's picture

May 21, 2019 at 07:35 am

There are only three national NFL brands that supersede wins and losses in the NFL. Those three are the Cowboys, Steelers and yes, the Packers. No, there is another. The New England Patriots. People Love winning. The patriots just aren't about Tom Brady. The packers think their to Big to fail. Living in the past is for Losers. Ask any Browns fan. Look at what happen to the Bears. While Green Bay has been an example of great Marketing. They still can't turn back the clock. The dynasty ,Rule the world part is gone. Yes the experts are right again. Green Bay is #3. Wood is right. Arron Rodgers is losing support. The NFL is the #1 sport in America. Not the Packers. The packers run on Money. Everyone wants it. The money is #1. The packers must win, to keep Green Bay on the map. TV revenue, demand, and winning, is what Green Bay should be about. The Fans "Need" will only be met if they do.

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egbertsouse's picture

May 21, 2019 at 08:05 am

My son lives in Utah and watches games at a “Packer” bar. He is not aware of any “Bucks” or”Brewers” bars.

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Tundraboy's picture

May 21, 2019 at 08:11 am

So ends the discussion!

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Handsback's picture

May 21, 2019 at 08:25 am

I grew up in VA. I've seen the three consecutive NFL championship games that the Packers won. I wore Jim Taylor's number when I played lacrosse and 66 when I played HS football. So yeah I'm kind of a FANatic for the Packers. Brewers or Bucks do nothing for me and frankly my love for baseball is centered on a local minor league team and lukewarm about Pro Basketball. Rather enjoy college basketball better.

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Packmaniac's picture

May 21, 2019 at 08:28 am

I’m a Milwaukee native who hasn’t lived in my home state since 1990. The Milwaukee sports renaissance reminds of the 80’s, when the Bucks and Brewers were consistently competitive AND were fun in the community and team chemistry sense. The Packers were of course huge but, at least in Southeastern Wisconsin, weren’t much bigger than the Brewers or Bucks. The key, though, is that the Packers were blech but were still easily as big or bigger than both Milwaukee teams. That wasn’t close to the case in the 90’s when the shoe was on the other foot (the woeful Milwaukee sports days and the rise of the Pack) . But in the end, it’s as Savage says, no either/or mentality necessary. Just grateful for a Milwaukee sports renaissance and a new day dawning in Green Bay.

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4thand1's picture

May 21, 2019 at 08:35 am

There is nothing like watching the Green and Gold step onto the field. Walking through the parking lot on game day, it feels like time stops for a while. The smoke from the grills hangs in the air, the fans are smiling, celebrating and couldn't be happier. They offer opposing fans a brat or a beer with a little friendly chiding. Nothing compares to being a true Packer Backer, small town heros that make you forget all the BS in the world for a few hours on a Sunday. A city of less than a hundred thousand people can put over 80k in a stadium every week. GOPACKGO

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Since'61's picture

May 21, 2019 at 08:44 am

I have been a long distance Packer fan since the early Lombardi year’s and I have always lived in NYC or the surrounding tri-state area.

The number of Packer fans in this area has continued to grow here and around the country. There are more Packer fans outside Wisconsin than within the state. By the last count that I am aware of the Packers fans number about 5 million nationwide. It could be higher.

My point is that the Packers will remain a national brand and #1 in Wisconsin regardless of what happens with the Milwaukee teams. The Packers season ticket waiting list is still 20+ years.

Just more off-season click bait. Thanks, Since ‘61

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Freezn's picture

May 21, 2019 at 09:19 am

I am also a long distance fan from Yellowknife Canada the true frozen tundra and have been a packers fan since I was 5 years old. My father took me to Lambeau field once when I was quite young and it was the greatest thing to see the field where my Favorite sports team plays and it was just awesome the packers will surprise a lot of people this year

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flackcatcher's picture

May 21, 2019 at 02:20 pm

MY KIND OF CLICK BAIT BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (heh heh heh heh heh.........)

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

May 21, 2019 at 09:13 am

I will just say it is an incredible time to be a Wisconsinite. In Northern Idaho I get to watch the Bucks tonight while humming the Green and Growing theme. Tomorrow night I get to attend an evening with Jerry Kramer in our local theater. The Crew has been on TV more than any time I can remember (suck it Seattle Pilot fans). And the Pack is about to embark on an epic reboot that will be fascinating and successful for years. I couldn’t care less which team is most important (hint: they wear pads), but I am really enjoying the daily reminders of my home.

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Leatherhead's picture

May 21, 2019 at 09:56 am

As a kid growing up in the frozen Northwoods of Wisconsin, I'd go to church on Sunday morning and the pastor would always begin his sermon by assuring us we'd be done in time for us to go home and watch the Packers.

Never the Bucks, never the Brewers.

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Sol's picture

May 21, 2019 at 10:25 am

I have been a Packer fan for over 60 years. In my carrier I have traveled overseas extensive for business and pleasure. I have never returned home and not felt grateful for the great contrary we live in and all our personal freedoms.
I've been to many college and and professional games for several different teams and sports and have yet to find an atmosphere quite like a Green Bay home game.

When your at a packer game and they are honoring our fallen veterans and a flight of F-18's fly over and one peals off to honor fallen veterans, who have sacrificed their lives defending our great contrary, the feeling you get kind of sums up what it means to be a Packer Fan.

It's at that moment you truly know that the Packers are America's Team and will continue to have a internationally and nationwide following for generations to come.

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SterlingSharpe's picture

May 21, 2019 at 10:40 am

Amen Sol!
Yes, God Bless the Packers, and God Bless the USA!

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Samson's picture

May 21, 2019 at 01:53 pm

The Pack is Back!
Fear the Deer.
The Brew Crew.
The Bucky Badgers.

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PatrickGB's picture

May 21, 2019 at 07:56 pm

I have not watched Milwaukee baseball since the Braves left. I have not watched Milwaukee Basketball since Lew..er I mean Kareem left.
I live in South Carolina, and follow every single game and read as many articles as I can.
Oh but but but Dorsey said that the Browns fans are more enthusiastic...nah

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