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:
With an 11-5 record, the Packers have already secured a playoff spot. In order to advance in the playoffs, though, we will have to play better. We missed a great opportunity last Sunday in Minneapolis to capture a big win, but got off to a slow start. We made a furious comeback, but couldn't get a stop at the end.
As we head into the final game of the regular season against the Bears at home, we know that we will be playing on the road in the playoffs as either the seventh or sixth seed (if we win and Dallas beats the Commanders). A key for us will be to start fast against the Bears, get a win and gain back momentum as we head into the playoffs.
Much has been made about the strength of the NFC North this year. With three teams having 11 or more wins heading into the Week 18 games, it is the strongest division since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Although we haven't fared well within the division, I'm confident that these games have prepared us well for the playoffs. It's up to us now to break through and win games against strong opponents.
Now, on to your questions.
Michelle B. from Cecil, WI
This year's Christmas tree, the big one outside, is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! It is so beautiful and a nice change according to my Packer loving family. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Thank you, Michelle, and happy holidays to your family, too. I agree that this year's Christmas tree is stunning. It's the capstone to the Festival of Lights program, now in its 18th year at Lambeau Field. The tree was donated by Neil and Julie Basten of De Pere, who had decorated it for 20 years in their own yard. It had outgrown their use, so it was a great addition to the Harlan Plaza this year. Green Cut Lawn beautifully decorated the tree for us.
We hear many comments about the festive décor at Lambeau Field and across the street in Titletown. Many families have made it a tradition to walk around the stadium during the holidays to take in all the lights.
Dave R. from Grayslake, IL
Speaking for THOUSANDS of Packers' owners and Gold season-ticket holders, please represent our voices to the NFL about having been slighted with the scheduling. We understand having the ninth home game, that's a part of being Gold, but keeping up the suspense as to which date and what time the game will be played is VERY inconsiderate.
I understand your concern, Dave, but I don't see this changing anytime soon. This is all about television. There is just too much money at stake for the networks and the league. The Vikings-Lions game this year is a great example. Before the season, I doubt many people would have predicted that both teams would be 14-2 heading into the last game of the season. This should be the best regular-season game of the season. Being able to showcase this matchup on NBC's Sunday Night Football is a huge win for the league and NBC. Also, by having all the games TBD, the league can stagger the start times so that as many games as possible are relevant.
A question from James C.
I'm a part of Tom Grossi's Possi as one of his chat moderators. Big fan of the Green Bay Packers and you as well! Thank you for all you have done for the Packers organization! My question is by chance do you know when there would be another shareholder sale? I have long wanted to be a shareholder. Just wondering if you may know of any plans?
Thanks, James. Congratulations on being affiliated with Tom Grossi. He does a great job covering the Packers. With regard to the next stock sale, that will be up to Ed Policy. Our thought process has been to have a stock sale every 10-15 years, so that every new generation of fans can purchase shares of stock. Our last two sales were in 2011 and 2022. We have to get approval from the league office for stock sales. Also, I think it is helpful that the proceeds from the sale are used for improvements to the stadium (e.g., addition of the south end zone and new videoboards).
A question from Mark M.
I would like to propose the NFL add team-specific game packages to watch games live. As a Packers fan living in Maryland, I am very limited in the games I can watch. Assuming the price was reasonable I would think there would be widespread interest from fans of all teams.
From one Mark M. to another, I appreciate your suggestion. As you note, I do think there would be interest in a package. This would be especially popular with our fans, since we have so many fans across the country (and world). The league's Sunday Ticket, however, does allow fans to watch all out of market games and is not overly expensive.
Allan B. from Crystal Falls, MI
Do you think longer FGs (say 60 yards or more) should be rewarded by giving them four points? I think it's a good idea. Thanks for your time. Go Pack!
Thanks for raising this issue, Allan. It is really amazing how much kickers have improved over the years. I would say that the 60-yard field goal now is what the 50-yard field goal was not that long ago. The number of domed stadiums currently in the league certainly helps as well. That said, though, I do not think it would be a good idea to reward long field goals with four points. I think it is good for the game to incentivize teams to try to score touchdowns. Also, maybe I'm a traditionalist, but a kick is a kick and I don't think we should make longer kicks worth more. Would teams intentionally lose yardage when they are down three to kick a 60-yard field goal to win the game?
