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: MurphyTakes5@packers.com.
Last night's game was historic as it was the first NFL game played in South America. Arena Corinthians is a very modern stadium and we were honored that the league chose us to play in such an important game to the league. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric with a sold-out crowd, and the game had a Super Bowl feel to it with a great halftime show, fireworks and continuous entertainment. The crowd was energetic, and there was a good back and forth between fans of the two teams, although it did seem that there were more Packers fans in attendance. After watching the game, you could see why the NFL was eager to play a game in Brazil. I'm certain that it will be a regular host to future international games.
It was a very disappointing loss for the Packers, though. The game was a typical first game, with some sloppy play and penalties, but we had our chances to win the game. Hopefully we will learn from this experience and improve going forward.
Now, on to your questions.
Dheeraj from Weaukee, IA
Thank you for your contributions to this great organization, we wish you all the best in retirement and can't wait for the draft next year. This week the NFL okayed allowing PE investment up to 10% in NFL teams. I am curious as to what it pertains to us as Packers. What can you share regarding the decision and how it may or may not affect us financially given our structure? Does having PE investment give an undue advantage to any of the other 31 teams or is it no different than any rich owner? Curious to hear your thoughts and the decision to vote for it. Go Pack Go!
Thanks, Dheeraj. I am glad you raised this issue, as I've received several questions regarding private equity. We did vote for allowing private equity investment because we think it will be good for the league and clubs. We will not be able to sell private equity shares, though, so it will not directly benefit us. I do not think it will put us at a competitive disadvantage (we have been and will still be able to have stock sales), as most of the teams will use the private equity investments to benefit the controlling owner, not the club. Also, clubs can only sell 10% of the team's value, and the private equity investments have not created competitive advantages in other professional sports.
Jason B. from Kunkletown, PA
I live in the Poconos and am currently serving in the U.S. Navy and have been for the past four years. My question for you is: You have been the Packers president for over a decade now. With your tenure coming towards an end, what is something you are extremely proud of accomplishing during your time in Green Bay? You have been nothing short of amazing to this organization and I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you for everything you have done.
Thank you for your service in the Navy, Jason. I appreciate your kind comments. I am going into my 18th year with the Packers – time does fly by. With regard to your question, although I wish we had won more playoff games, I am extremely proud of the consistent success we've had on the field. In terms of what we've done off the field, it's a tie. I'm very proud of Titletown and the impact it has had on our community, but am also very proud that Lambeau Field continues to be the gold standard among all stadiums. The investments and improvements we have made to Lambeau Field have been well worth it.
A question from Dave M.
It might be a good idea to start making white cheeseheads in preparation for our game against Houston. Might be a good match to the white uniforms and helmets. Just a thought. Go Packers.
Great idea, Dave. I love it – I will run it by our team in the Pro Shop to see if it is feasible. Cottage cheesehead, mozzarella cheesehead, gruyere cheesehead, feta cheesehead – there are many options, and they will all look sharp. Excuse the pun!
Mary from La Crosse, WI
I've watched with interest kickoffs in the preseason under the new rule. What are your thoughts of the new rule and how do you think teams will handle kickoffs in the regular season?
I have to admit, Mary, it took me some time to get used to the look of the new kickoff. It certainly looks very different. As you may recall, we were one of three teams to vote against the new rule. We want to see the kickoff return back in the game (the Super Bowl was key for me, with none of the 13 kickoffs returned) and support making the game safer but thought we should have used the preseason this year as a trial period for the new rule. It is hard to draw many conclusions from the kickoff returns in this year's preseason. Kickoff returns were up (approximately 70% were returned), but teams seemed reluctant to show much in the preseason, knowing that the rule will be in place this regular season. One area of concern for me is the placement of the ball on the 30-yard line on touchbacks. In the preseason, the average return was to the 28.8-yard line. I am concerned that teams will just kick the ball out of the end zone and give the receiving team the ball on the 30. It is almost the same as the average return, and you eliminate the possibility of a big return.
A question from Jon J.
Can we get Lambeau opened for the Eagles game, maybe show it on the Jumbotrons? If not then could we open up tailgating in the parking lot?
I appreciate the suggestion, Jon, and we were excited to play in the first game ever in Brazil. I know that our fans were excited to watch this historic game, and the league had promoted the game heavily as part of kickoff weekend. We did not open up Lambeau Field, but you may have seen that we hosted a watch party in Titletown. A large screen was placed at the base of Ariens Hill, and people were able to sit on the hill and watch the game. It was a great atmosphere.
