On the first Saturday of every month, Mark will write about a topic of interest to Packers fans and the organization, and then answer five fan questions. Fans are encouraged to email Mark with their name and hometown at:
Thursday night's game against the Lions had the feel of a playoff game. The Lions had won 10 games in a row and were generally regarded as the best team in the league. Although we were in third place in the NFC North, we came in with a 9-3 record and had been playing well recently (which highlights the historic strength of the NFC North this year). The atmosphere at Ford Field was electric as the fans knew that much was a stake. The game provided a great opportunity for us to make a statement and improve our standing for the playoffs (although it was unlikely that we could win the division even with a win over the Lions).
The loss was obviously very disappointing, and we did not play our best, especially at the start of the game. However, we fought back to take the lead and showed that we can play with the Lions. Given that we have such a young team, playing in a game like Thursday night's is a valuable experience, and should give us confidence as we head into the last quarter of the season. If we are able to make it into the playoffs, this is the type of game we will have to learn how to win to be able to advance.
Now, on to your questions.
A question from Bill
The longest NFL FG is 66 yards. It wouldn't surprise me for the record to be 70 yards before 2030. To me, FGs over 50 yards are not really football. Isn't the idea of a FG to reward a team for getting deep into the opponent's half of the field, but not quite enough for a touchdown? Long FGs are not that at all. Do you think there might ever be a rule change to only allow FGs that are 40 or 45 yards or less? Would you support such a rule?
You raise an interesting issue, Bill. There is no question that kickers are getting better and stronger (and able to make longer field goals). The 60-yard field goal is now like the 50-yard field goal was 10-15 years ago. I would not, though, be in favor of your proposal. It's a testament to kickers that they have honed their craft so well and are having so much success. I would be reluctant to punish them because they have been so successful. Also, the long field goals are exciting, and the risk involved is significant given that the ball is placed near midfield on missed kicks.
Another question from Bill
Some QBs are using a fake slide to pick up more rushing yards. The slide rule is to protect the QBs and it seems to warrant an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to fake a slide. Would you and the other owners ever meet in-season to adjust a rule like that?
A daily double for Bill. The quarterback slide has received a lot of publicity recently because of the concussion Trevor Lawrence suffered while sliding. The defensive player, Azeez Al-Shaair, was suspended for three games. I would be in favor of penalizing players for fake slides, although I think it would make more sense to start the new rule in the offseason rather than during the season. That way, teams (and players) have a lot of time to adjust to the new rule. Finally, the league is rightfully reluctant to change playing rules during the season.
Joel S. from Green Lake, WI
The NFL playoff format works well, being that each team earns their position directly by their record and it's laid out to allow the best teams to not meet until the later rounds/Super Bowl.
After watching the Packers' great run last year, I thought that a slight change would make things more interesting. The Packers, I believe, were the 7th seed and beat the Cowboys, the 2nd seed. Besides earning the right to advance, I think the winner of that game should also be or become the 2nd seed. Playing for that possible higher seed would make for some interesting matchups. The Packers, having earned that 2nd seed, would suddenly have another home game, dramatically changing the playoffs.
Your suggested change would certainly make things more interesting in the playoffs, Joel. I don't think there would be much support for this change, though. The league has always wanted to reward the higher seeds (particularly teams that win their divisions). For instance, division winners are given higher seeds (and home games) even though wild card teams have better records and this would go against that principle.
A question from Grant D.
I am a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers and have been my whole life. This means I have also became a huge Mark Murphy fan as I have gotten older and have learned more about all you have done for Wisconsin, the Green Bay area, and the historic franchise we all love.
I admire how you have led the charge with the additions and updates to historic Lambeau Field and expanded the area around it without infringing on its historic feel. As well as prepping the city for and securing the 2025 NFL Draft.
But my favorite accomplishment of your tenure is your fierce protection of Packer culture within the organization. I rest assured that the franchise my family loves and supports employs quality people and has little to no scandal or bad PR events compared to other franchises. As a leader, an aspiring executive, and a fan I appreciate this culture and understand how a strong culture is hard to create and even harder to maintain.
Which brings me to my question: What advice do you have for leaders to create and maintain a positive culture? Of course, I would be open to any other advice. Thank you so much for your time, your work, and for being a role model for me and so many others. We will all miss you when your tenure ends.
Thanks, Grant. I appreciate your kind comments and agree that establishing a positive culture is one of the most important things that leaders can do for an organization. I've always respected leaders who lead with humility and positivity. A key for me is how leaders not only handle adversity, but also success. Although the leader (CEO/President) of an organization sets the tone for the culture, my experience has been that it is really a collective effort by many in the organization focused on how employees are treated.
A question from Don
I know you are about to retire, so congratulations on that (and being inducted into the Packer HOF). Has Green Bay ever thought about hosting the Army/Navy game? Just an idea. I think it would be a HUGE deal.
Great question, Don. Yes, we have discussed hosting the Army/Navy game. As you may recall, we have hosted college football games (LSU/Wisconsin in 2016, Mankato State/St. Norbert College in 1960, Fordham/St. Norbert College in 1982-83) and will host Notre Dame/Wisconsin in 2026. The games have been very successful, but of course it helps to have a local team playing. I think Army/Navy would draw well, though, and the players and fans would love to play and watch a game in an iconic stadium like Lambeau Field. Most of the Army/Navy games are played on the East Coast (Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Baltimore and D.C.) where students and alumni can easily attend the game. Interestingly though, Army/Navy games have also been held in Chicago and Pasadena, Calif. (Rose Bowl), although many years ago.
