The Packers Owner Misnomer

Editor's Note: The following is a CHTV reader guest post.

I remember it being a cold yet sunny day in December.  It was a day marked with anticipation and excitement. One of those days where the clock moves at a glacial pace.  I’m sitting in my cubicle trying to look busy when a message pops up across my screen.  It. Is. Time......

It. Is. Time...
These three words send Packers fans into a frenzy of goosebumps and emotion. For me, it meant it was time to get out the wallet.  The process was a blur, but when it was all said and done, I was the newest “owner” of the Green Bay Packers.  That’s right, I just spent my hard-earned money on what is essentially a fancy piece of paper with my name on it.  But it means more than that.

The Packers are the only community-owned team in the NFL, heck the only community-owned team in all of American professional sports. For the 5th time in franchise history, a piece of this team was offered to those willing to shell out for it.  Unbeknownst to many, the early stock sales were necessary to not only keep the team in Green Bay but to keep the franchise alive period.  Today, the sale of stock has allowed renovations and expansion of Lambeau Field, without having taxpayer assistance.  In a roundabout way, it is still helping keep the Packers home in Green Bay.

I am a fan, I give my heart and soul to this team.  I buy jerseys, hats, jackets, knick knacks, anything with a Packers logo on it. I attend games, practices, and whatever else I can.  It just made sense to me to jump on the opportunity to become a shareholder.  I know I won’t get a financial return on my investment, but nor will I on any of the other swag I have purchased over the years.  However, the return on my emotional investment will paying out until the day I die.  I know I have done my part to keep this franchise healthy.  I know I have written a check to help the stadium expand, allowing Lambeau’s reaches to grow. 

Lambeau Field is a part of history, it’s also a current destination for all lovers of football, not just the Packers.  It has become a must visit place for even fans of division rivals. The fact that I have contributed to that makes it all worthwhile. Every new face, every smile, every child I see running through the atrium for the first time, can be directly connected to the shareholders.  If it weren’t for us, none of this would exist as it does today. 

As I sit in the south end zone of the original bowl of Lambeau, I turn around and smile at the thousands of seats above me.  I helped build that.  I have helped thousands of people realize their dream of attending their first of many Packers games.  Could it have been done without me? Sure, but you know what, it couldn't have been done without  “us.”

“Owners” have caught a lot of flack in the media.  Green Bay stock has been called “The worst stock in America” and “The Feel-Good Scam of Owning the Packers”.  Yep, it’s true, the stock has no value, can’t be sold down the road, and will never make you any money.  No, you don’t have any say so on team decisions.  So, the tile of “Owner” is a bit of a misnomer. The only thing you own is a piece of paper.  However, these articles are written by people who have no idea what it is like to be a fan of the Green Bay Packers.  They don’t understand what it is like to have a team with a season ticket waiting list spanning half the lifetime of those who are on it.  They don’t understand that these rabid fans will do literally anything they can for this team.  So when the call comes out to help renovate our stadium in exchange for a certificate with your name on it, entitling you as an owner of the Green Bay Packers, they jump on it.  What other franchise gives their fans a chance to do that?  None.  That is a special and unique opportunity.  I could almost guarantee it wouldn’t be so scoffed at if fans of other franchises were given the same opportunity. 

There may not be another stock sale in the next 10-15 years.  There may not be another sale ever.  If given the chance in the future, don’t just blow the opportunity off as a waste of money.  Think about what the sale of stock has done in the past, and what becoming an “Owner” could mean for the next several generations of Packer fans.  

If you want to look at it as purchasing an over-priced piece of paper, so be it.  If you want to look at it as being a contributor to the future is the franchise, great. No matter how stupid people think it is, no matter who says it’s a waste of money, just remember, being an owner is what you make of it.  It's not just a physical piece of paper, but a state of mind.  If you bleed green and gold, you are an owner by every definition of the word, and don't let anyone tell you differently. 

Go Pack Go

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13 points
 

Comments (42)

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

June 06, 2021 at 04:36 pm

Damn straight. I purchased a brick, too. I feel no regret. only pride.

16 points
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Curt's picture

June 07, 2021 at 01:44 pm

And I proudly visit that "brick" every time I visit the stadium.

2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

June 06, 2021 at 04:48 pm

I understand what you're saying, but you talk as though your life and others' lives should depend on the Packers, and that is a sad place to be. You live and breathe for a sports team to levels that can be deemed sociopathic and likely why any discontent about the Packers send you and alike into a tizzy or the world of unchecked blind optimism. The need to purchase anything that has the GB logo etc on it speaks to an issue related to the head. Check your level of fanatical fandom with the Packers, you'll find you'll be OK and have more cash for other things in life because life isn't just Packer football.

-25 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

June 06, 2021 at 05:48 pm

I think this level of deep psychological analysis of what is simply an expression of love for the home team could indicate that you're the one in a "sad place." "You'll find you'll be OK" and have more fun in life with a more positive attitude towards others.

12 points
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HarryHodag's picture

June 06, 2021 at 05:56 pm

I also wonder why you would want to be on Packers board that is dedicated to rabid fans? You can take your thoughts to a place like the Chicago Bears where they would deeply appreciate your line of thinking.

7 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

June 06, 2021 at 08:13 pm

Check your level of fanatical fandom? I think he was just writing an off-season article. Don't read too deep. It's actually nice to read an article that isn't about #12's temper tantrum.

14 points
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Packerpasty's picture

June 06, 2021 at 09:50 pm

nope...when its the slow time of year as far as Packers football goes I get depressed...often ill drive down to the Pro shop and Lambeau area just to soak it all in and buy a new hat or two...its the only release I have from the drudgery of everyday work and life...to each her own...

8 points
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mnbadger's picture

June 06, 2021 at 10:53 pm

I didn't see where the author said anything about life being dependent on Packers football. But I'm not all-knowing like my friend Taryn. GPG

7 points
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porupack's picture

June 07, 2021 at 06:10 am

This fits your pattern of posts, unchecked, blind negativism, going into a tizzy every time packers lose, or regarding anything about the roster. Check your level of fanatical criticism with the packers, and you'll find it ok to enjoy it as one of the few among many things in life, because criticizing the packers isn't just life.

7 points
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PearlyBakerBest's picture

June 07, 2021 at 07:01 am

What an a hole.

2 points
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10ve 💚's picture

June 07, 2021 at 08:20 am

I see you're commenting about your pathetic, dejected, zero-joy self... same as you always do!

I feel for you. I pray for relief to your tortured soul.

1 points
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Spock's picture

June 07, 2021 at 08:37 am

Taryn, As of the moment I'm posting YOU have posted 3167 times (usually negative) about the Packers and I have posted 1436 (including this one). So, WHO is more fixated on the Packers, me or you? I leave this as an exercise for other readers. :)

4 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

June 07, 2021 at 01:45 pm

There are many who have posted twice my number and likely because of the engagement in the articles that produce such engagement. I find myself unable to simply say someone isn't a fan because of a differing opinion as many here do and disappear for lengths of time, thus recording a low number of comments. If the stat sheet speaks to the truth as you infer about me with my comment count, perhaps then the totals of the like and dislikes should be more lopsided than they show, but do show there is a large number who agree with me and likely many who hit the dislike do so for fear of being ostracized for going against the clique. However, I care little for the number of likes or dislikes and wonder why this site is so afraid to show who does because anyone can click anonymously and feel brave. I know this site does so to protect verbal altercations that get seedy in nature, but the cure for that is simple banning on the spot, but they seem more afraid that such would have many of the clique being banned as they are the larger offenders. Lastly, the number of likes and dislikes reflects that my comments create discussion, for good or bad in each one's eyes or mind, nonetheless, I give many here a reason to do more than simply nod their head yes to every blind-optimistic article or comment. My endeavors should be aptly applauded as to being painted as negative.

-7 points
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PearlyBakerBest's picture

June 08, 2021 at 04:56 pm

So we should all be grateful to you for being an asshole?

3 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

June 07, 2021 at 08:41 am

Another put down rant from Debbie Downer, craving attention. So out of sympathy, I will give it.

4 points
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JerseyAl's picture

June 07, 2021 at 10:41 am

I don't know what the record is for most downvotes, but this comment is deserving of every one it gets.

3 points
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Rebecca's picture

June 07, 2021 at 11:27 am

You are not allowed to have a rational observation here without severe castigation amounting to personal attacks. I guess the only fans approved here are the literal fans as in “fanatics” of optimism. Any rational observations are judged as automatically negative because you don’t blindly spout the “Packer people” myth.

-4 points
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PearlyBakerBest's picture

June 08, 2021 at 08:39 pm

It’ isn’t a rational observation. The sole purpose of this post is the poster wanted to be an asshole. Why? Because the poster is an asshole. The post undeniably demonstrates that. If you want to be an asshole too, I’m sure the poster will make room for you at the asshole table.

1 points
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PhantomII's picture

June 06, 2021 at 09:54 pm

I don't own a stock certificate from the Packers. I am not a Wisconsin native, either. The reason I chose to be a Packer fan "IS" because they are owned by the public, instead of some billionaire. There is a bit more blue collar worker to this franchise. It is a little bright spot in a lot of murkiness. I am not a big fan of the Packers management tight wad mentality. I don't think they really know their fan base too well. This is called title town for a reason and they are not putting our team in the best position to win by choosing not to seek out the best coaches or leaving them in place because they are so cheap, they are unwilling to cut bait and move on because they would have to pay the exiting coach and incoming at the same time. What I mean is fans would buy more stock to enable the Packers to get through any rough spots if they would get a little more serious about winning by better coaching especially ST and trading at the deadline or in season to get the right mix because of injuries, etc. Going into NFCC game with that secondary was a poor decision. However we are slowly learning from our mistakes. The Love pick....another blunder. Vets not retained should be felt loved and appreciated even if they were let go. It is business, but people should not walk without some kind words when they do.

-9 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

June 06, 2021 at 10:04 pm

Tight wad mentality?

They signed Rodgers to the highest paid contract in NFL history at the time of his signing.
They signed Bahk to the highest contract for a OL at the time of his signing.
They signed K. Clark to the highest contract for a DL at the time of his signing.

How exactly is that being a "tight wad mentality"?

10 points
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PhantomII's picture

June 07, 2021 at 06:05 am

They cut costs at other essential spots that are not even associated with "the cap". Grossly overpay contracts like you stated and limit moves. Bahk contract alone would have gotten a vet DT next to clark and a starting vet CB. 1st round draft could have been young plug and play starting LT. OR KC not resigned and 2-vet DT'S in KC's spot. Either way they have stymied 1 or more positions with their stewardship with finances. ST speaks for itself. Hopefully the new ST coach does seems better and Gute did sign picks to excel at ST. Regardless of all that it appears we are a better team....although cash strapped, without our starting QB.

-1 points
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jurp's picture

June 07, 2021 at 07:48 am

A "plug and play LT" at pick 29? I'll have whatever you're smoking....

5 points
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PhantomII's picture

June 07, 2021 at 07:39 pm

That's what draft picks are for. Getting the right player, moving up if need be.

0 points
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croatpackfan's picture

June 07, 2021 at 12:22 pm

I don't own a stock certificate from the Packers. I am not a Wisconsin native, either. Hell, I am not US citizen, also. But I believe you did not understand the article. And I suspect you'll never do.

It is not about management, players, coaches. It is about tradition and solidarity amongst the people with common goal and common interest. It is about understanding position of the beloved franchize placed on the smallest market any professional franchize are in. It is about care of everybody, not only about Diva. It is about pride and belonging. It is about rare uniqueness and it is about need to help. And it is about ... (others can continue).

I respect that. And I did not know the fact about Packers ownership when I started to support them. I picked the Packers because they looked me as underdogs. I started to follow them just after Favre drama ended. When Aaron Rodgers was not so great as starting quarterback. I like underdogs. Especially when I learned and witness rise of that underdogs. I liked Aaron Rodgers a lot. And I started to learn about football, to understand the game that I was and am watching. My knowledge is rised with Packers success. Later I informed about Favre saga, and I was proud that Packers managed it properly. I believed Aaron will learn from that story and will never make the same mistake.

Today I'm disappointed in Aaron Rodgers. I understand that he is very, very rich little selfish kid. I'm also disappointed I have to admit that Tom Brady is GOAT, better than Aaron. Not because of the number of the SB rings, but because he delivers when it matters the most. Aaron does not do that.

I have my opinion how Packers should resolve this situation, if Aaron would not want to play for my team - Packers - any more. I feel the right choice would be to keep him sit the whole season and than trade him to low placed team for a wealthy ransom just before the end of the season 2021 (end of league year).

The article is about people who made and make this possible, who made possibilty for Aaron Rodgers to be very wealthy and he is turning his back to them because he can not accept his flows, at the same time talking about people! How cheap and disrespectful is that.

And I see, you do not understanbd that either!

1 points
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jurp's picture

June 06, 2021 at 05:20 pm

I own a certificate and bought one for my brother as a "happy retirement!" present. in fact, my certificate is framed and hanging in our TV room. I've been a fan for 60 years, but don't bleed green and gold. I look upon the modern stock sales as, essentially, GoFundMe campaigns with a bit of a bonus. As for fans of other teams ridiculing our stock shares, I just look upon them with pity - envy and jealousy are never good looks :) I agree with the author - if other teams could issue stock as fundraisers, their fans would buy up all available shares ASAP.

13 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 06, 2021 at 05:41 pm

It is more than 99.999% recurring of fans of any other major league franchise will ever have. It’s the best ML stock ordinary fans can buy and it has the bonus that nothing is your fault but everything good is in small (very small) part rooted in that certificate you bought.

7 points
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1
HarryHodag's picture

June 06, 2021 at 06:01 pm

The national sports media dopes still can't figure out that the fans buy the stock to help keep the foundation of a unique sports franchise and a critical business in Wisconsin. I stopped trying to explain it to them. They simply see "money in, nothing out", ignoring the fact that the stock sales have kept the Packers competitive with the New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston sized markets. Green Bay has fewer people in it than some locations in New York city.

When a person buys this type of stock they are investing in rewards that can't be measured in terms of dollars and cents. I look back at my 61 years as a Packers fan as hours of wonderful entertainment regardless of the team record. I feel a part of something unique, something the national media sports dopes, largely gypsies and carpetbaggers, can't fathom. Loyalty is foreign to most of them.

We all win with the Green Bay Packers and to hell with anyone who can't figure it out.

17 points
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JerseyAl's picture

June 07, 2021 at 10:34 am

nicely put!

3 points
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scullyitsme's picture

June 06, 2021 at 07:46 pm

I didn’t buy stock, and I bleed green and gold. I also don’t care if you did or didn’t, we all spend money on plenty of worthless things that make us happy, if you did with stock, more power to ya, personally I chose elsewhere with my money.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

June 06, 2021 at 10:54 pm

The season tickets are my preferred stocks. Sometimes they pay dividends.

3 points
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KC Mack's picture

June 06, 2021 at 08:19 pm

As an "owner" myself, it would be great if we did have the ability to rally & have some level of influence over who captains this marvelous & amazing ship. You see in other sports where iconic organizations like Barcelona in soccer actually have the ability & voice to assert that voice through referendums that can influence who provides the day-to-day leadership of am organization. I'd like to see "owners" have a voice that provides more than just pride of ownership...

0 points
3
3
Johnblood27's picture

June 07, 2021 at 05:45 am

No way I want the rabble like the denizens of this fine address calling the shots at 1265.

Get real!

BTW, I am an Owner and have my share framed and hung proudly alongside my many Academic Degrees and Professional Training Certificates on my Ego Wall..

4 points
4
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Coldworld's picture

June 07, 2021 at 06:56 am

Barcelona isn’t a great example, as was shown with the failed bid to pursue a European Super League. At least the Packers are honest. If you want an alternative model, in German Soccer, fans have to own at least 51 percent (from memory) of each team. It’s been argued that that is one reason why German clubs aren’t more represented in the elite however.

Personally, I think Packers history warns us what amateur leadership can threaten. We survived by the skin of our teeth. That said, I’d like to see more football people on the committee rather than Wisconsin “great and good” types on a social boondoggle, as long as that is understood to be only for the event of a catastrophic failure in professional leadership.

1 points
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Tundraboy's picture

June 06, 2021 at 08:58 pm

I am very happy with my share. Proud actually.

5 points
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blondy45's picture

June 07, 2021 at 08:01 am

I too have my Green Bay Packers, INC. certificate framed directly over my computer in my Green Bay room. Some of the best possessions in ones life, have no dollar valve placed on them. A loving and supportive wife, a pride in oneself, good health, the blessings of family, and the freedom to do what you want to do in life to name a few. The certificate may only be a piece of paper to some. To me it is one of those possessions that also makes me proud. I am a part owner of the Green Bay Packers. How many fans of the other 31 NFL teams can state that, PRICELESS. Go Pack Go!

5 points
5
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Since'61's picture

June 06, 2021 at 10:31 pm

2021 will be my 60th season as a Packers fan. I purchased multiple shares in both of the latest stock offerings. I accept the fact there will be no return for my money but I view my stock purchases as donations to a non-profit organization which also happens to be my favorite football team.

Yes, the shares are glorified thank you cards for our donations. It is not a matter of ownership for me, it's a matter of participating and showing support for the team.
I am also a strong believer that billionaire owners should not ask for public funding (tax money) from their home town to build them a new stadium. That's ridiculous when the money is desperately needed for other significant projects.

In any case I believe in the concept of community owned non-profit organizations like the Packers. Our share purchases have contributed to better facilities for players and fans. Our purchases help to provide jobs for the local community while they were constructed at least and maybe beyond. My schedule and now Covid have prevented me from returning to Lambeau for several seasons but I expect to return either this season or next at the latest and see my shares in action once again.

If you believe that it's a worthy cause for whatever reason then it's money well spent. I enjoy the opportunity to purchase shares and I'm happy I have them. That's enough of a return for me. GPG. Thanks, Since '61

11 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

June 07, 2021 at 08:44 am

My Dad, seeing my share hanging on the wall, smiled said "so you actually bought a share of worthless stock."

I told him I viewed it as a non income generating asset. Kind of like the American and Packer flags waving on my flagpole.

3 points
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Spock's picture

June 07, 2021 at 09:01 am

Back in December of 1997 I told my wife, "Honey, I think I'm having a mid-life crisis. I'm trying to decide if I should buy the sports car I wanted as a teenager, have an affair with a woman half my age, or spend $100 on Packers' stock. What do you think I should do?" It's all about how you ask the question :), so I have one share of framed Packer stock on the wall of my den. Never regretted getting this "worthless" stock as I felt buying it was more of a donation for the stadium addition. Alas, I've never been able to go to the stadium and now that I live in Arizona and have some physical issues it's unlikely I ever will go to Lambeau. I don't care and would buy the stock again if I could go back in time. GPG!

8 points
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LombardiSince65's picture

June 07, 2021 at 09:59 am

I, too, have a framed Packer Stock Certificate hanging in the Packer shrine portion of my home. I did not grow up in Wisconsin, but I did grow up in the Lombardi era and now live in the Rocky Mountain part of the US. I could have fell in Love with multiple other teams at many different parts of my lifetime, but the fact that the Pack is the only fan base owned team in professional sports means something deeply within the soul. It breeds loyalty beyond compare, with the only exceptions, possibly being to God and Country.

3 points
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greengold's picture

June 07, 2021 at 11:13 am

Yeah, I bought my share as a gift to the team after winning SB XXXI. That was a magical time. Had been wondering if I'd ever see another Super Bowl win from our Packers, so many seasons removed from Lombardi.

It was nice to have that opportunity to give back, and, I'll do it again.

This is the kind of stuff that makes the Packers unique in the NFL. Pretty special. We are very fortunate as fans (short for "fanatics") of the Green Bay Packers.

4 points
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BJP's picture

June 07, 2021 at 02:20 pm

You own the proud knowingness that you contributed and no one can ever take that away.

1 points
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PatrickGB's picture

June 08, 2021 at 10:07 am

Having that certificate is kinda cool. I wish I did.

0 points
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