Inbox: It's what makes the Packers the greatest franchise in the world

What is the best part of being an NFL owner? (We're referring to YOU, not Jerry Jones)

Al from Spearfish, SD

Telling people I'm an owner. I went into a convenience store wearing my shareholder T-shirt. A guy asked me if I was a Packers fan. I said I was not just a fan but an owner. He said, "You're the owner of the Packers?" I said, "Not THE owner, but AN owner. There's thousands of us."

Eric from Branch, WI

I lived in Southern Illinois in my last assignment in the Army and after retiring for longer than originally planned. My green Subaru had the license plate "GB OWNER," which was the best individual benefit of being an owner. Even fans of the 'Da Bears agreed that it was pretty cool and quit asking about ownership benefits! The other great thing was it helped fund the expansion and shortly afterwards I got Gold package tickets up in the 700s!

Jeff from Montclair, VA

I have it as the very last line of my professional biography ("In his spare time, Jeff from Montclair owns a professional football team"). It is an instant conversation starter for any meeting I go to and is a great tool to see if anyone bothered to read my bio.

Jeff from Littlefork, MN

The best part about being the owner of an NFL team is being able to SAY that I'm the owner of an NFL team. Being exiled in the heart of Vikings country, as I am, I love having my framed stock certificate hanging in my office along with my college degrees. When Vikings fans get chirping about their fandom, I can shut them down pretty quickly with a, "But are you an OWNER?" I feel it elevates my fandom over theirs. Might be petty but we're a better team, better franchise, and better fans(/owners).

Mark from Naperville, IL

Being able to say "we" when referring to the Packers. My wife (who's a Bears fan) used to always say "Oh, do you play for the Packers?" and once I became an owner, I say, "No, I own them." It's what makes the Packers the greatest sports franchise in the world.

Jerry from Des Moines, IA

The best part of being a Packers shareholder is feeling connected to the team in a special way. Plus, in a small way, we contributed financially to the success of the franchise just like all the other shareholders in Packers history. It's the greatest story in sports!

Jonathon from Raymore, MO

The exclusive shareholder merchandise on packersproshop.com.

Kyle from Osceola, WI

The best part about being an NFL owner, for me, sadly, is the cheese-shaped "OWNER" bumper sticker I have on my car. Unfortunately, I have yet to take advantage of the perks of ownership and attend an annual meeting since buying my stock. Something always comes up. At least I have the sticker, which generates a little levity every now and again!

Dan from Waupun, WI

Best part of being an owner? You get a piece of paper that states you are an owner. One-time payment. The piece of paper is a symbol that you donated, helped out "your team." It means you cared enough to pay a little extra. I'm sure the team will use some of the responses for the next money grab. That's great. Keeps the Packers in Green Bay. (Editor's note: Not at all, Dan. Just want to give the owners a pulpit from which to bully, my friend.)

Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL

The significance of ownership for me lies in how it was achieved. My one share of stock was a Christmas gift from my daughter. It was an acknowledgment of a Packers connection in our lives, a connection that I totally didn't expect. This shared interest is one of the many reasons that I am grateful she is my daughter.

Dan from Tallahassee, FL

Hey Wes, when people see me in my Packers gear and ask if I'm a Packers fan, I get to smugly correct them with, "I'm a Packer OWNER."

Tom from Woodbury, MN

When discussing Packers football with my friends who are fans of other teams, I can refer to my Packers team as "we" and "us" and they cannot refer to their team as such without me giving them some grief.

Bret from Hertel, WI

I get to know that an awesome organization is run by honorable leaders who care about the fans and winning. When I buy merchandise or attend events at Lambeau Field, I know I am helping my team achieve its goals and not padding my own pockets.

Sharon from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Looooonnnnngtime fan and not an owner but made sure my mom and sons are. My dad, always a "Packer Backer," bought stock when I was a teen. My folks were diehard season-ticket holders for many years; with my mom being a "win-it-all" avid fan! When she was losing her battle with cancer in 1997, to cheer her up, I bought her a share of her beloved team. In 2021, my sons, who bleed green and gold, each received a share for being the loves of my life, along with the Pack! Love my Pack! No matter what!

Dave from Huntsville, AL

The best part of being an NFL owner is I always have something to use when someone asks what is something interesting about you? That and the special owners' swag at the Pro Shop!

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Aside from the obvious novelty of being an NFL owner, I enjoy the fact that it means I'm part of a legacy and system that ensures decisions are made for the good of the team and community, not individual greed or by a jerk with a superiority complex. Sure, the league is money driven and we are part of it and benefit from it. But I believe our presidents have done a stellar job of balancing league business with what's best for GB, because they can.

Rick from Woodstock, GA

Telling people that not only do you support the Green Bay Packers but also are an owner. Also, telling them that if they have shaken your hand, that they have shaken the hand of an NFL owner.

Adrian from Chula Vista, CA

Bragging rights! I am the only person in my family who can say that I am a part owner of a major American sports franchise. Whenever my Cowboys relatives talk about being a diehard fan and show me their tattoos, I just point to my shares certificate on the wall and silence the entire room. Also, it's a great conversation starter whenever someone asks if I am a Packers fan when I'm wearing my Packers gear.

Ted from Amherst, NY

I was in a workshop where the facilitator introduced himself as a Cowboys fan and asked us what teams we were fans of. My friend, Don, was the only other Packers fan. When my turn came, I said, "Sorry, I'm really not a football fan…I'm an owner." Don, turned and said, "You bought stock? What a waste of money, you get nothing for that." I said, "Don, it allows me to make obnoxious comments like 'I'm not a fan, I'm an owner.' What better investment could I make?"

Marcus from Midvale, UT

The best part of being an owner is the added level of connection we feel with our team. No other team in the country feels quite like the Packers.

George from North Mankato, MN

The best part about being an NFL owner is being secure in knowing that my (our) team will never be sold or have to endure an ownership scandal. A close second is to humble brag while living in enemy territory!

Tell us about your experience randomly meeting a Packers player in the NFL offseason in another country. (Joe from Hampshire, IL)

Paul from De Pere, WI

Not a player, but a legendary coach: I met Mike Holmgren in Vatican City inside of St. Peter's Basilica when our St. Norbert College basketball team traveled there to play a few games against some of the pro Italian teams. Of course, we made the St. Norbert connection and discussed life in De Pere. He was very friendly and for some reason much taller than I imagined. Unimportant detail: we went 3-0 :)

Anthony from River Falls, WI

A number of years ago a few buddies and I went on a trip to Norway. We had just landed at the Narvik Airport in northern Norway, and I noticed an older gentleman wearing a Packers hat and shirt. My buddy asked the man, "Are you by chance from Wisconsin?" The man replied, "Yes, we're from Green Bay on a group trip with a bunch of us old folks!" We talked for a few minutes about Norway and our love of the Packers. Go Pack Go! (Editor's note: Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Outsider Inbox. The traditional Insider Inbox restarts tomorrow. Be sure to submit your questions below).