Green Bay Packers Equipment Manager Gordon "Red" Batty is retiring from the position. The announcement was made Thursday by Executive Vice President/Director of Football Operations Russ Ball.
"On behalf of the Packers, I want to thank Red for all of his hard work and dedication to the organization," said Ball. "With his vast knowledge in his field and immense pride in his work, he kept the players and staff well taken care of both on and off the field. We wish him and his family the very best in the future."
(BATT-ee) Batty has worked in the NFL for 43 seasons, including the last 30 seasons as the equipment manager for the Packers. Prior to his move to Green Bay, Batty spent 13 seasons (1981-93) in the same position for the then-Houston Oilers. Last year, he completed his 50th season in the equipment field, a career he began in 1974 at age 14 as an equipment assistant for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. Six years later, Batty was elevated to the position of equipment manager for the Alouettes, a team that won two Grey Cups (1974 and '77) during his tenure in Montreal.
In his 30 seasons with the Packers, Green Bay has made the playoffs 22 times and won 15 division crowns, three NFC titles and two Super Bowls (XXXI and XLV). Batty purports to be the first native-born Canadian staff member to garner both a Grey Cup and Super Bowl ring, and he has two of each. Over his career, Batty has worked with quarterbacks Ken Stabler, Archie Manning, Oliver Luck, Warren Moon, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love.
During his time in the NFL, the Montreal native has worked 683 regular season games, 53 postseason contests, six Pro Bowls and has been the equipment coordinator for what is now known as the NFL Players Association Rookie Premiere preseason event for 30 years. A devout hockey fan, Batty has also worked several NHL Winter Classic and Stadium Series outdoor games.
