Packers FAN Hall of Fame Finalists
John Brosig – Pound, WI
The Brosig Family is nominating our dad, John Brosig, for the Packer Fan Hall of Fame. Dad started attending Packer games in 1960 when tickets were free. He got his season tickets in 1964 and has been to every home game for his ticket package since. This year, 2024, was his 60th year! Dad's love of the Packers is larger than life. His entire year is planned around the Packers. Weddings, travel plans, birthday parties, graduation parties, and anniversary parties had to be planned around the Packer schedule. He says being a Packer Fan has always been in his blood. Growing up as a kid in the 1940s and 1950s, he remembers sitting around the radio with his father and uncles and learning about the legend of the Packers. Too him, they were like gods. He even recalls sneaking into many games for free. Dad has always been a positive fan, never swearing or bad-mouthing the players or coaching staff. "Just have faith" he always says. He talks often of his favorite memory, attending the Ice Bowl game and how pivotal this game was. He still has a team bench from that game! Dad and Mom's (Dianne) love of tailgating are unmatched. They would routinely have tailgates which had attendees of up to one hundred family and friends. From their extensive travel to 29/32 rival NFL stadiums and Super Bowl 31, they made many friends from both the Packers and opposing teams. They always extended an open invite to them if ever in Green Bay. Many took them up on the offer. They had a way of bringing fans from all teams and all walks of life into the fold of the Frozen Tundra making them feel welcomed. Dad and his nephews took their tailgating to another level, purchasing an ambulance and renovating it into the "Pulse of the Pack." He was even interviewed by Sports Illustrated on what being a Packer Fan means. Dad's support of Veteran's service and their family's sacrifices is heartfelt. Having many family members and friends who are Veterans, dad goes the extra mile to coordinate tickets and tailgating experiences. In 2006, Dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer but was able to beat it. To quote Coach Lombardi: "It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." Dad did get back up and is still with us. He talks about all the Packer experiences he has had in those 18 years and how important they are to him. Unfortunately, Dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in June 2024. When asked what goals he would like to set, the first goal was to attend the home opener so he would not break his streak and start year number 60! We made that happen for him. Dad went as far as to push chemotherapy treatment till after the game. He is still fighting to see more games of The Green and Gold.
Regan Buchholz – Bonduel, WI
Being a Packers fan involves more than just watching the games, and Regan has done just that! Regan grew up a Packers fan as a young boy after his dad attended the famous Ice Bowl in 1967. As he grew up he enjoyed going to games, owning Packers stock, collecting unique Packers memorabilia, meeting his favorite players, visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame to see Dave Robinson inducted in 2013, adding his son and daughter to the season ticket wait list and joyfully watching them receive tickets 30 years later, and being a beer vendor at Lambeau for a few years in the 1990's when they still poured the beer in plastic cups for the fans, are just a few of his memorable moments. In the beginning of the 1995 season, state Rep. John Gard organized a petition to have Vince Lombardi honored on a postage stamp. Regan, who was a mail carrier on Green Bay's west side for 34 years, learned about Gard's efforts through an article in the Press Gazette, and did not expect to get as involved as he did. He thought he could collect a couple hundred signatures. All of a sudden it turned into a thousand, then 2,000 and finally over 11,000 signatures! Regan asked businesses on his mail route to help display the petitions and used his resources to get the petitions sent to small post offices throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Just over 26,000 total signatures were turned over to Green Bay postmaster John McCormick. Lombardi was honored on a commemorative stamp in the summer of 1997. Gard said, "Regan has been unbelievable. He's the epitome of a true Lombardi fanatic."
Lori Coonen – Combined Locks, WI
Lori Coonen's love for the Green Bay Packers is not only a part of her life; it's a legacy. Since childhood, Lori's Sundays have been dedicated to football, where she joined her family to cheer for the Packers. Immersed in Packers culture from a young age, Lori's parents regularly attended games at Lambeau Field, and Lori yearned to join them. Her father, however, set a unique requirement: she could only take her place in Lambeau once she learned the names, numbers, and positions of all 53 players. With fierce determination, Lori met this challenge by age 12, earning her first cherished trip to Lambeau Field to watch her favorite player, #59 John Anderson, in action. This memory cemented her lifelong bond with the team and stadium that would become her second home. Lori's passion quickly became contagious. In seventh grade, she inspired her friends to join her in rooting for the Packers, sparking new fans among her peers. This early display of loyalty and community-building was just the beginning of Lori's lifelong dedication to the Packers. Whether she's rallying friends to support the team, coordinating family gatherings around game days, or dedicating her weekends to following the season, Lori embodies the spirit of a true Green Bay fan. Her enthusiasm isn't confined to her own enjoyment-she actively brings others into the fold, building a community that shares her passion for the game, Green and Gold. As an adult, Lori has continued to make football a family affair. She organizes Fantasy Football leagues that bring her family closer each season, especially during playoff games and the Super Bowl. These gatherings have become cherished family events, where Lori's leadership turns football into a shared experience that brings joy, unity, and unforgettable memories. Her commitment to making football an inclusive, family-centered tradition illustrates her deep-rooted loyalty and love for the Packers beyond just the game. Lori's dedication to the Packers is also evident in her status as a proud third-generation fan, a bond she proudly displays with her personalized Packers-themed license plate. Her loyalty is visible not only in her personal traditions but also in how she inspires others with her infectious enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. Lori is the kind of fan who creates a ripple effect, spreading her passion to everyone around her and ensuring that the Packers fandom grows stronger with each generation. Her love for the Packers is about more than just supporting a team; it's about creating a lifelong legacy, one that celebrates community, loyalty, and the joy of the game. Whether it's rallying friends, bringing family together, or cheering her heart out at Lambeau Field, Lori Coonen exemplifies the spirit of a true Packers fan. For her dedication, impact on others, and unmatched passion, Lori is a standout candidate for the 2024 Packers Fan Hall of Fame. Her story is one of tradition, inspiration, and unwavering loyalty-a perfect reflection of what it means to be a part of the Packers family.
Paul Gasper – Onalaska, WI
For as long as I have known my dad, he has been a Packer fan...no joke! I was born on January 3, 1999, during a Packers playoff game against the 49ers and the game was on the TV in the delivery room (my mom loved that). Paul has worn a Packers shirt every day for the past 38 years (since 1986) with no breaks. He wore them under his work uniform, and he even wore one to walk me down the aisle at my wedding this year! He loves collecting memorabilia and talking Packers with anyone who will listen. His favorites to collect are old bobbleheads, and nameplates from the locker room. The basement of his house looks like a Packers locker room with all the nameplates. When the Lambeau Field used to have their annual tent sale, my dad and I would go every year. One year we decided to camp outside. It was 34 degrees that night and we froze, but we were one of the first in the building! It was like Black Friday for Packers fans. When it comes to planning vacations in our family, we have to make sure there is not a Packers game happening when we will be gone. If there is a game, my dad will call the place we are staying to make sure they have access to the TV channel the game is broadcasted on otherwise we can't go, or he has to find a Packers Bar to watch it at. I remember when the Packers went to and WON the Super Bowl in the 2010 season, my dad had already taken Monday off; but he told me if the Packers won, I got to stay home from school on Monday to celebrate because for him, the adrenaline was still running though his veins. Speaking of Super Bowl XLV, he was featured in a Packer Fan Documentary called eXtreme Loyal Victorious with the goal of finding the most passionate, extreme and loyal Green Bay Packers fans. He was also featured on PBS along with the creator of the documentary to showcase his love for the Packers. In the documentary he stated he had 265 Packers shirts and displayed some of his favorite memorabilia (pictured). He is a shareholder and loves to tell people that he "is an owner of the Packers". This is one of his favorite things to say about the Packers because so many people do not know they are the only team in the NFL owned by shareholders and not by a person. Paulie Packer is what he is called by many, and coach by his friends. Green and gold is in his blood, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Ken Groholski – Manawa, WI
Ken Groholski is more than just a devoted Green Bay Packers fan-he is a living legend whose unwavering passion and dedication have shaped the very spirit of Packers fandom. He has not only witnessed iconic moments like the Ice Bowl, Snow Bowl, and Super Bowl XXXI, but has also played a vital role in creating new memories for fans and fostering a deep sense of community among fellow supporters. Groholski's influence extends beyond the stands of Lambeau Field, making him a beloved figure both at the stadium and in his hometown of Manawa, Wisconsin where he is a dedicated advocate for youth and high school sports. His commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes is evident in his tireless efforts to promote and support local sports programs. One of Groholski's greatest joys has been sharing his love for the Packers with others. Countless individuals have experienced their first game at Lambeau Field thanks to his generosity and hospitality. Tailgating has been a cherished tradition for Groholski, where he has forged lifelong friendships with fellow fans, sharing stories, snacks, and occasional beer. Ken Groholski's impact on the Green Bay Packers extends far beyond his ticket-holding status. He is a symbol of unwavering loyalty, a pillar of the community, and a true ambassador of the Green and Gold. His dedication to the team, the sport, and the fans makes him a worthy candidate for induction into the Packers Fan Hall of Fame. Ken Groholski's legacy as a passionate and enduring supporter of the Green Bay Packers is more than just his six decades as a season ticket holder or his role in the Packers' historical moments. Known as the "Grandpa" of Section 104, Groholski has made a lasting impression on younger Packers fans, who eagerly ask about him whenever he's not there. His warm and welcoming spirit, combined with his wealth of Packers knowledge, has earned him the title of a local legend, a fatherly figure who embodies the essence of what it means to be a true Green Bay Packers fan. Whether it's sharing stories from the Ice Bowl or recounting the glory days of Super Bowl XXXI, Ken's tales and wisdom have created a sense of family and tradition in the stands that transcends the game itself. Ken Groholski's impact is a testament to the soul of Packers fandom-a spirit of loyalty, unity, and familial connection that has enriched the team's legacy. His steadfast support of the Packers, his tireless community involvement, and his dedication to fostering new generations of fans make him the ideal candidate for induction into the Packers Fan Hall of Fame. When you think of Packers fans who define what it means to bleed Green and Gold, Ken Groholski is the name that immediately comes to mind. It's time to honor this living legend, whose devotion to the Packers, and to his fellow fans, has created a bond that will last long after he passes his seats down to the next generation of Packer fans.
Tammy Hedges – Weston, FL
I am overwhelmed with joy to nominate my best friend of 30+ years, Tammy Hedges to the Packers FAN Hall of Fame. Her undying support of the Packers is truly a wonder to behold. Tammy has been a flight attendant with American Airlines since we graduated high school in Sheboygan, WI. As a result, she has moved several times, finally landing in Weston Florida, a western suburb of Fort Lauderdale. Her base airport is Miami. I bring this to your attention because what ultimately makes Tammy the greatest Packers fan is her REACH! For as long as Tammy has been a flight attendant, she has ALWAYS sported some sort of Packers paraphernalia. Whether it be a "G" lapel pin proudly fastened to her airline ID lanyard, or a Packers luggage tag firmly affixed to her bags. All Tammy ever hopes for is for someone, anyone, to say, "Oh hey, are you a Packers fan?". If she is fortunate enough to have that happen while flying across the country for her job, she beams with excitement for the opportunity to engage with the stranger. She will enthusiastically talk about the Packers and Wisconsin. While Tammy may not look like a typical football fan-she knows her stats! She is up-to-the-minute on any and all Packers news and updates, so she will happily educate anyone willing to listen. She also becomes engrossed in learning about the stranger because of their mutual love for the Packers which has now made them kindred spirits for life. For example, on one particular flight she was working, during take-off she mouthed to a passenger she liked her outfit. Once the flight was underway and Tammy was conducting service, the passenger with the outfit said, "Oh hey, are you a Packers fan?". Tammy was so elated the woman noticed! The woman said, "I work for the Packers in the 'back office'". Well Tammy and this woman developed a friendship as pen pals (pre-email!). The first letter Tammy received from the woman was on official Packers' letterhead! For Tammy, it was literally like winning the lottery and she faithfully carried it with her to show every future crew member or passengers who loved the Packers. Of course Tammy is a Packers shareholder and makes sure she gets back to Wisconsin to attend every Owners meeting and meet the players during training camp! She takes her Packers' ownership as serious as a heart attack and wears her owner's shirt like a proud peacock from Florida to Wisconsin and back again! Tammy is also an athlete herself. She has run dozens of full and half marathons and is currently training for an Ironman race in 2025. Her commitment to the things she cherishes and her passion toward the things she loves is amazing and inspiring! Whether she's flying, on a Florida beach with her Packers towel, or running a marathon wearing her "G" visor, she's always just hoping for someone, anyone, to say, "Oh hey, are you a Packers fan?"!
Bill Port - New Berlin, WI
I'd like to nominate my brother, Bill Port. Bill was a local and national news story this year when his tongue-in-cheek letter to Mark Murphy went viral after the Packers executive wrote him back a personalized letter. Bill wrote to Murphy to apply for the vacant defensive coordinator job in the off-season, despite not having any coaching experience and not wanting to work weekends. Murphy politely rejected his application, but he encouraged Bill to continue his dream, perhaps with the rival Chicago Bears. It's been one of the more hilarious NFL stories this year, and it culminated last week when Bill was featured on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown program. Along with that, Bill has been to more Packers games than anyone I know, usually with his wife Alix (another family superfan!). The pair even had a Packer-themed wedding photo shoot and they have travelled all over the country to root on the Pack in many other cities. Bill is the youngest of three brothers, and while myself and our older brother Jeff are big Green Bay fans ourselves, Bill is definitely on another level. He lives and breathes the green and gold, and he certainly deserves to be in the Fan Hall of Fame.
Michael Rossi – Hackettstown, NJ
I am nominating my father, Michael, for the 2024 Green Bay Packers Fan Hall of Fame because he exemplifies the passion, loyalty, and dedication that makes a true Packers fan. My dad's journey as a Packers fan began at just 8 years old, when he took the extraordinary step of placing himself on the season ticket waiting list-a decision that reflects his lifelong commitment to the team. Since then, his love for the Packers has only grown stronger. I am incredibly fortunate to have been born into Packers Nation, a privilege my dad made possible. He took me to my first game at Lambeau Field when I was just 9 years old, and it's a memory I'll cherish forever. Over the years, attending games together has become a special tradition that reflects not just our shared love for the team, but also the bond we share as father and daughter. My dad is a walking encyclopedia of Packers history. Whether it's legendary games, player stats, or the franchise's rich legacy, his knowledge is unmatched. Packers games are sacred to him-he never misses watching one and makes every effort to attend games at Lambeau Field when he can. When he can't make it to Lambeau, my dad transforms our living room into a mini Lambeau Field every Sunday. The space is decked out with Packers memorabilia, and he creates an atmosphere that captures the energy and excitement of being at the stadium. He treats game days like a ritual, complete with cheering, commentary, and celebration that brings the whole family together. My dad's unwavering support for the Packers goes far beyond the average fan's dedication. His passion is infectious, and he embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Green Bay Packers fan. This is why I believe he deserves a place in the Packers Fan Hall of Fame. My dad isn't just a fan; he's a living testament to the heart and soul of the Green Bay Packers community. GO PACK GO! The attached photo is of my father, me, and my brother at Lambeau field in 2004. This was my first game.
Scott Schwartz – Pulaski, WI
Every single home game for over 30 years, Scott Schwartz has been welcoming fans to Lot 1, and getting them amped up for gameday. In rain, snow, sleet or hail Scott can be found at the front of the line to get in the parking lot at least 6 hours before kickoff. The hired crew know him by name. He posts up in the same parking spot every game, unloads a professional PA system onto the roof of his truck, and gets the party started for all those die hard Packer fans that show up in the lot 4 hours prior to the start of the game. He has amassed a team of about a dozen other incredibly committed tailgaters to play a variety of roles in assembling the party and ensuring fans have a great time. There's brats, beer, cheese and crackers (of course), but there's also steaks, burgers, cookies, and so much more. You'll hear comical parodies about the NFC North playing on the loudspeaker, you'll see dedicated performers acting out "Tim the Die Hard Packer Fan" and the "Wedge of Allegiance", and he's even solicited help from a local musician to write a song celebrating the epic tailgate that is Lambeau Field's historic Lot 1 - which you can hear performed live at nearly every tailgate. Scotty is the Godfather and the maestro of the Lot 1 tailgate experience. But it's not just about the party. Scott knows the history of the team both on the field and off. He shares stories of seasons past with the newbies. He takes great pride in his extensive, awe-inspiring collection of memorabilia. He instills a sense of pride for the team in fans from all over the world simply by being him self. You can find him wandering the tailgate handing out handmade buttons commemorating each game of the season, making new friends, and always bending over backwards to ensure everyone is having a great time. And of course he does all this in a pair of athletic shorts, no matter how cold, wet and frigid it gets, because he is a hearty man of Wisconsin. He gives endlessly, and expects nothing in return, but to be made Fan of the Year would surely warm his heart and honor him with the appreciation he deserves.
Valerie Smick – Yorkvile, IL
The first thing you notice is her wide smile. It is inescapable. Whether it's the off season or a game week, Valerie Ann Smick - my goddaughter and niece - is grinning. What follows next depends on whether the Green Bay Packers are playing that day. Game day means she is wearing her green and gold jersey. Val loves wearing that jersey, but will only don it on Packers game days. Game day means Val will be spending the day in the basement, which is decorated with Cheeseheads, posters and assorted Green & Gold paraphernalia. Strategically placed throughout are autographed footballs and jerseys of Packers past and present; her favorites being Brett Favre and Jordy Nelson. So too is her share in the Team framed and proudly hanging on her wall. And all she will want to talk to you about is today's game and what it means for the Packers' chance to go to the Super Bowl. Win or lose, game days are good days. Any other day of the year, she will provide an update of the most recent Packer news and events. One of her earliest memories is watching Super Bowl XXXI with her dad, and every year is the year the Pack may go back. She knows more about every player, every game, every season of the Packers than most, and will tell you about trade rumors, days left before the preseason starts, and when she will be able to pick her 2 home games from the handicapped-accessible seating lottery. She might tell you that she volunteers at the annual Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation charity golf event to hopefully meet a player or two. Or, in a lucky year, she may regale you about how she has convinced her parents to visit - again - the Packers Hall of Fame, take another stadium tour or catch a sideline pass. Living deep in Chicago Bears country, Valerie loves escaping to Green Bay for a booster shot of the Packers and check out "her" seats for the upcoming season. She might also point you to the area where her surprise 30th birthday party was held at Lambeau! Val was born in 1985 Chicago with a debilitating disability that severely limits her mobility. But she does not let that define her. Rather, she is a lifelong Packer fan and faces her life's challenges as such. Win or lose, game day or off season, for almost 40 years now Val looks forward to the next play, the next game or the next season. And, after flashing her introductory smile, will happily tell you all about her Team.