The annual search for the next honoree for the Packers FAN Hall of Fame has begun.
The first professional football team to have a hall of fame, the Green Bay Packers enhanced that distinction in 1998 by establishing a Packers FAN Hall of Fame. It was founded for the purpose of annually honoring a devout and longtime Packers fan.
The nomination phase for the 16th honoree is underway and will continue through Nov. 30. Fans again are being asked to nominate themselves, a relative or friend for the honor in an essay of 500 words or less, describing the merits of the nominee. Each nomination should be accompanied by a photo.
The 10 finalists who best represent the spirit of the Packers will be chosen in December by the Packers FAN Hall of Fame selection committee. The final round of voting will begin Jan. 1, 2014.
During the voting process, Packers fans will be asked to vote for one of the 10 finalists, whose stories will be profiled on packers.com. The winner will be selected by three different groups of people: Fans (50 percent), the Packers' committee (30 percent) and previous honoree votes (20 percent).
Like last year, the nominating and voting process will take place entirely online. Nominations should be submitted to the Packers website at www.packers.com/FHOF. Fans without internet access can mail their nominations to: Green Bay Packers FAN Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628, or drop them off at the Lambeau Field Atrium (1265 Lombardi Ave.). For those mailing applications, a copy of the original photo should be submitted in case of damage or loss.
The fan receiving the most votes will become the 16th honorary fan to be recognized in the Packers FAN Hall of Fame.
The honoree's selection will be announced in spring 2014. He or she will receive four club seats to a 2014 Packers home game; a $500 Packers Pro Shop gift certificate; a road trip for two to a 2014 Packers away game, including game ticket, air fare and hotel accommodation; and a one-year subscription to Packer Plus.
The honoree also will have his or her name permanently displayed in a place of honor in the Packers Hall of Fame.
Past honorees include: (1999) Mel Knoke, Appleton, Wis.; (2000) Louis Gardipee, Black River Falls, Wis.; (2001) Ed Jablonski, Wausau, Wis.; (2002) Paul Mazzoleni, Green Bay; (2003) Wanda Boggs, Brookfield, Wis.; (2004) Sister Isaac Jogues Rousseau, Milwaukee; (2005) Dorothy Hanke, Milwaukee; (2006) Kathy Lazzaro, Milwaukee; (2007) Rich Barbera, River Vale, N.J.; (2008) Richard 'Ike' Eisenhauer, Wauwatosa, Wis.; (2009) Allan Hale, Green Bay; (2010) Jim Becker, Racine, Wis.; (2011) Tom Little, Mount Sterling, Ill.; (2012) Rick Steele, Greensburg, Pa.; and (2013) Edward Fritsch, Sheboygan, Wis.
The FAN Hall of Fame sponsors are Associated Bank, Verlo Mattress Factory and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
