5 Things Worth Knowing About the Oldest NFL Franchise
The Green Bay Packers’ longevity isn’t accidental. It’s the result of deliberate choices—some strategic, others born of necessity—that set them apart from every other team in the league. Their history reveals a franchise that has repeatedly reinvented itself while staying true to its roots. Here’s what defines their endurance.1. The Only Nonprofit Team in the NFL
Most NFL teams are for-profit corporations, but the Packers exist as a nonprofit, incorporated under Wisconsin state law in 1923. This structure was born from necessity: in the 1920s, the team’s founders couldn’t secure enough local investors to keep it afloat. Instead, they sold stock to fans at $50 per share (equivalent to roughly $800 today), creating a model where the team belongs to its supporters. Today, shareholders—limited to 16,000—receive annual dividends, which have averaged around $1,000 per year since the 1950s. The nonprofit status also means the team pays no federal income tax, a financial advantage that has helped sustain operations during lean decades. While other franchises rely on luxury suites and sponsorships, the Packers’ stability comes from their ownership model, a relic of early 20th-century football that still works in the 21st century. This structure isn’t without trade-offs. The nonprofit model limits the team’s ability to raise capital through traditional means, like selling shares to outside investors. When Lambeau Field needed a $325 million renovation in 2013, the team relied on bonds backed by future ticket revenue and concessions—rather than an infusion of private equity. Yet the trade-off has paid off: the Packers have never had to sell out to a corporate owner, ensuring their identity remains tied to Green Bay, not a distant conglomerate.2. A Founding Member That Nearly Disappeared
The Packers weren’t just the oldest NFL franchise—they were also one of its most volatile in the early years. Founded in 1919, they joined the American Professional Football Association (the NFL’s predecessor) in 1921. By the 1930s, the team was on the brink of collapse, playing in half-empty stadiums and struggling to pay players. In 1936, owner George Calhoun sold the franchise to a Chicago syndicate for $10,000, moving the team to Soldier Field. The move was disastrous: the Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) rejected the Packers as a tenant, and the team was forced to fold after just one season in Illinois. The NFL stepped in, returning the Packers to Green Bay in 1937—an intervention that saved the franchise from oblivion. This near-death experience shaped the Packers’ future. The 1936 sale exposed the fragility of early NFL teams, leading the league to tighten financial controls. For the Packers, it reinforced the need for local ownership. The team’s return to Green Bay wasn’t just a geographical reset—it was a rebirth. Under new owner Horace B. "H.B." Lovell, the Packers stabilized, and by the 1940s, they were a consistent contender. The 1936 crisis proved that survival in the NFL required more than talent—it demanded resilience, adaptability, and a connection to the community.3. The Rise of Vince Lombardi and a Dynasty
The Packers’ modern identity was forged in the 1960s under head coach Vince Lombardi, whose name now adorns the league’s trophy. Lombardi took over in 1959, inheriting a team that had won just one championship in its first 40 years. In his first season, he led the Packers to a 7-5 record, but it was the 1960s that cemented their legacy. Under Lombardi, the Packers won five NFL championships (1961–1962, 1965–1967) and two Super Bowls (I and II). Lombardi’s impact extended beyond wins: he professionalized the team’s operations, introduced rigorous training regimens, and instilled a winning culture that persists today. The 1967 Super Bowl II victory—over the Oakland Raiders—marked the peak of Lombardi’s era, though his death in 1970 left a void that would take years to fill. Lombardi’s tenure transformed the Packers from underdogs to titans, but his greatest contribution might have been preserving the franchise’s soul. As the NFL expanded in the 1960s, many original teams struggled to compete with new, wealthy franchises. The Packers’ success during this period proved that a small-market team could thrive with the right leadership. Lombardi’s philosophy—"Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is"—became the team’s mantra, a reminder that legacy mattered as much as trophies. Even today, Packers players and coaches reference Lombardi’s teachings, ensuring his influence endures long after his retirement.4. Lambeau Field: A Cathedral of Football
No discussion of the oldest NFL franchise is complete without examining Lambeau Field, opened in 1957 and named after Curly Lambeau. The stadium is more than a venue—it’s a pilgrimage site for football fans. Its exterior, with its iconic green roof and field-level windows, is instantly recognizable, while its interior has hosted some of the most dramatic moments in sports history. The "Frozen Tundra" nickname reflects Green Bay’s harsh winters, but the field’s grass has been meticulously maintained for decades, earning it a reputation as one of the NFL’s most playable surfaces. The stadium’s capacity has fluctuated—from 32,000 in 1957 to over 81,000 today—but its atmosphere remains unmatched, with fans packing the stands even in subzero temperatures. Lambeau Field’s significance extends beyond games. It’s the only NFL stadium where season tickets are sold through a lottery system, ensuring broad access to fans. The "Lambeau Leap"—where players celebrate touchdowns by jumping into the stands—originated here in the 1960s and became a cultural phenomenon. The stadium also hosts the annual "Lambeau Field Christmas Tree Lighting", a holiday tradition that draws thousands. In 2023, renovations included a new video board and luxury suites, but the core experience remains unchanged: a place where football feels sacred, not commercialized. For the Packers, Lambeau Field isn’t just home—it’s the physical embodiment of their history.5. The Challenges of Staying Relevant
Being the oldest NFL franchise comes with pressures few teams face. The Packers must balance nostalgia with innovation, tradition with modernization. In the 2000s, the team struggled on the field, finishing with losing records in six straight seasons (2008–2013). Fan frustration peaked in 2011 when the team fired head coach Mike McCarthy midseason after a 2–10 start. The hiring of Mike McCarthy (who had been interim coach) and the drafting of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2005 revitalized the franchise, leading to a Super Bowl XLV victory in 2011. Yet the 2008–2013 slump revealed a harsh truth: even the most storied franchises can stagnate without adaptability. The Packers’ response has been twofold: investing in talent and modernizing operations. The 2013 renovation of Lambeau Field cost $325 million, funded entirely by bonds and revenue streams, not corporate backers. Off the field, the team has expanded its global brand, selling merchandise in international markets and broadcasting games to a worldwide audience. Yet challenges remain. The nonprofit model limits the team’s ability to spend like their peers—reportedly, the Packers’ 2024 salary cap allocation is lower than many larger-market teams. Balancing frugality with competitiveness is an ongoing tightrope walk. The oldest NFL franchise can’t afford to rest on its laurels, even as it celebrates a century of existence.
How These Facts Connect
The Packers’ story isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about how a franchise survives by redefining survival itself. Their nonprofit structure, born from financial desperation in the 1920s, became their greatest strength. While other early NFL teams folded or were relocated, the Packers’ community ownership ensured stability. This model allowed them to weather the 1936 near-collapse, the 1950s financial struggles, and even the 2008–2013 on-field drought. Each crisis forced adaptation: selling stock to fans, hiring Vince Lombardi to professionalize the operation, and renovating Lambeau Field to meet modern demands. Yet their resilience isn’t just reactive—it’s proactive. The Packers have repeatedly chosen to prioritize identity over profit. When other franchises chase billion-dollar valuations, the Packers distribute dividends to shareholders. When stadiums become soulless corporate venues, Lambeau Field remains a fan-first experience. This philosophy isn’t just sentimental; it’s a business strategy that has kept the team relevant for over a century. The table below contrasts their unique traits with those of a typical NFL franchise:| Trait | Oldest NFL Franchise (Packers) | Typical NFL Franchise |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Nonprofit, community-owned (350,000 shareholders) | For-profit, corporate or private ownership |
| Revenue Model | Ticket sales, concessions, dividends to shareholders | Luxury suites, sponsorships, media rights |
| Stadium Experience | Lottery-based season tickets, "Frozen Tundra" tradition | High-end suites, corporate hospitality |
| Financial Flexibility | Limited by nonprofit status; relies on bonds/revenue streams | Access to private equity, high-cap spending |
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers are more than the oldest NFL franchise—they are a living paradox. In an era where sports franchises are often judged by their market value and corporate partnerships, the Packers thrive on intangibles: loyalty, history, and a refusal to chase the almighty dollar. Their story is a masterclass in longevity, proving that success isn’t measured solely by championships or revenue but by the ability to evolve without losing sight of what made you great in the first place. From Lambeau’s $500 loan to Rodgers’ Super Bowl rings, the Packers have defied the odds at every turn, offering a blueprint for how tradition and progress can coexist. Yet their greatest lesson may be the simplest: football isn’t just a business—it’s a community. The Packers’ nonprofit model ensures that every fan, regardless of wealth, has a stake in the team’s future. In a league where franchises are bought and sold like assets, the Packers remain a relic of a time when sports mattered more than money. As they approach their second century, the question isn’t whether they’ll survive—it’s how they’ll continue to inspire. The answer, as always, lies in Green Bay.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: How many times have the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl?
A: The Packers have won four Super Bowls: Super Bowl I (1966), Super Bowl II (1967), Super Bowl XXXI (1996), and Super Bowl XLV (2010). They also won five pre-Super Bowl NFL championships (1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939), making them one of the most decorated franchises in NFL history.
Q: Why is the Green Bay Packers’ ownership structure unique?
A: The Packers are the only nonprofit NFL team, meaning they don’t pay federal income tax and distribute profits to shareholders (limited to 16,000) as dividends. This model was created in the 1920s to ensure the team remained locally owned, preventing corporate takeovers or relocations.
Q: What happened during the Packers’ 2008–2013 losing streak?
A: The team finished with losing records for six straight seasons, culminating in a 2–10 start in 2011 that led to midseason coaching changes. The slump was attributed to poor drafting, injuries to key players, and a lack of quarterback stability before Aaron Rodgers’ arrival. The 2011 Super Bowl XLV win marked their return to prominence.
Q: How does Lambeau Field compare to other NFL stadiums?
A: Lambeau Field stands out for its fan-centric design, including lottery-based season tickets, a historic atmosphere, and the "Frozen Tundra" nickname due to its cold-weather games. Unlike many modern stadiums, it retains a grass field (not artificial turf) and limits luxury suites to preserve affordability for fans.
Q: Can outsiders buy Packers stock?
A: No. The team limits stock ownership to 16,000 shareholders, who must live within 60 miles of Green Bay or be season-ticket holders. Shares are sold at face value ($285 since 2011) and cannot be traded publicly, ensuring the team remains community-owned.
Q: How has the Packers’ nonprofit status affected their finances?
A: The nonprofit model has both advantages and limitations. Benefits include no corporate taxes and stable fan ownership, but it restricts access to private equity. Major projects, like Lambeau Field’s 2013 renovation, are funded through bonds and revenue streams rather than outside investment, which can limit spending compared to for-profit teams.
Q: What’s the most valuable asset of the Green Bay Packers?
A: While their Super Bowl trophies and Lombardi legacy are iconic, their most valuable asset is their fan base. With over 350,000 shareholders and a global following, the Packers’ brand transcends football—it’s a cultural institution that ensures their relevance for generations to come.
