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.
The 2025 NFL Annual Meeting was held in Palm Beach, Fla., earlier this week. As usual, there were many sessions (and reports) for owners, club presidents and head coaches. While a main focus is always on ensuring that these groups are updated on important information regarding the league, it is also a time for votes on playing rules and by-laws brought forward by individual clubs and the competition committee. Several playing rules were passed this year – including changes to the regular-season overtime rules (both teams will now have at least one possession, even if the first team with the ball scores a touchdown), the dynamic kickoff rules from last year were made permanent (it was passed for one year only last year) and the touchback was moved from the 30 to the 35-yard line. The hope is that this will result in more short, high kicks and returns. The most discussion, though, was held regarding our proposal to ban the Tush Push, the play where players lined up in the backfield, push the player (usually the QB) taking the snap from the center. We expressed our concerns regarding the potential safety of the play and the impact on the pace of play (citing the Commanders' four offside penalties in a stretch of five plays in the NFC Championship Game). Our proposal was tabled until the May meeting and we will propose going back to the language from 2004 that prohibited the pushing of runners. One final notable change is that the league's Sony Hawk-Eye camera-based optical tracking system will be the primary method to determine if teams have made a first down. Yes, no more drama with the chain gang walking out on the field to stretch out the chain. I remember when one referee took out an index card to determine if a first down was gained. They will still be there, but only as a backup if the tracking system fails.
Now, on to your questions.
A question from Isaac B.
Hello Mr. Murphy, I know you will be retiring this July, but I was wondering if you would be selling shares of the Green Bay Packers. I have been a Packer fan for my whole life, but no one in my family owns a share of the Packers. We are from western Wisconsin where our Packers-Vikings rivalries never stop. I have learned many things in my 14 years of life. The Packers not only are a great football team, but they are also inspirational. I've read stories of players like LeRoy Butler who couldn't walk until he was 10, or players like Jerry Kramer who lived most of his life with wood splinters stuck in his body. I would love to be able to own a share of the Packers to show how I am a true Packer fan. Thank you for your time!
Thanks so much, Isaac. I agree regarding inspiring stories of so many of our players, including Jerry Kramer and LeRoy Butler. With regard to our stock sales, this is something that has to be approved by the league. We have had six stock sales in our history. The first ones were to save the franchise and keep the team in Green Bay. The more recent ones have been to make improvements to Lambeau Field (the South End Zone and new video boards). My thought is that we should have stock sales every 10 to 15 years so that each generation of fans can own shares of stock. The last sales have been in 1997, 2011 and 2022. If my math is correct, the next sale will be in the year 2033! Thanks for supporting the Packers in western Wisconsin. I know there are many Vikings fans not far from you.
Jared from Kenosha, WI
Dear Mr. Murphy, congratulations on the successful career, and I hope your final weeks on the job are fulfilling! While I am sure Mr. Policy will do a great job, I will miss having a former NFL player representing the team. It was one of the many things that made the Packers unique. Does any other team or function, such as the NFLPA, have NFL players as their representatives in owners' meetings? And have you ever felt that the other owners were "kept in check" by the presence of a former player? I imagine the owners who were never players themselves would be more measured in what they say about player safety, for instance, knowing a former player is in their midst.
You raise an interesting issue, Jared. I think the fact that I played in the NFL has certainly helped me in my career (not only with the Packers, but as an athletic director, and with the NFLPA and the Department of Justice), but more important is how qualified someone is to do their current job. Ed Policy did not play in the NFL, but he played the game and grew up around the NFL with his father in leadership positions in San Francisco and Cleveland. Across the league, I think there are more former players involved with the NFLPA than NFL clubs. Gene Upshaw, the longtime executive director of the NFLPA, is a great example of a former player having great success in a leadership position. Also, there are many examples across the league of former players having success as coaches or in player personnel.
Dan K. from Washington, D.C.
Good morning, Murph. How is your day going? Well, that's good to hear. Just a couple questions. What? Yes, I know Murph takes Five. Hey, it's like fishing. Catch many, keep few. Ask many, answer five. Now, where was I? Oh, yea. Will you be buying a Wisconsin fishing license this year? Duck hunting license? I really liked that you took care of some duck habitat for us Wisconsin hunters. Staying in Wisconsin or moving on? Now, the big question, will you be banning Bear fans from your golf course? If not, why? You need to keep those type of people OUT. I know I couldn't sleep at night if I allowed them in. Just say'n. Have a good rest of your day, Murph. Also, I hope you get some of those Green Bay walleyes. Donald from Washington, D.C.
It is good to hear from you, Dan. I know Donald from Washington, D.C., would not write a question to MT5! I have never thought of MT5 as being like fishing, but you make a good point. I am much more into fishing (usually catch and release) than hunting and hope to fish more in retirement. My wife, Laurie, and I do plan to stay in Wisconsin, and will probably spend more time in Door County. Our daughter, Emily, and her husband and three daughters live in Door County. With regard to banning Bears fans from Maxwelton Braes, hell no! Do you realize how many people from Illinois there are in Door County? Also, they love to play golf and spend a lot of time and money in Door County. Finally, if they spend enough time up here, we may be able to convert them to Packers fans.
Walley from Tigerton, WI
Good morning Mr. Murphy. First of all, thank you for all you have done for the Green Bay Packer organization and congratulations on your upcoming retirement. My son and I had a brief meeting with you in 2012 after the Vikings game. You were kind enough to take a photo with us. We fondly talked about that this past weekend. It was much appreciated. My/our questions were if the Packer organization ever rents out the Hutson Center for events? Our thought was an offseason indoor softball tournament. If so, how would a group go about getting these details? Thank you again, wishing you the best in your retirement. GPG
Great question, Walley, and thank you for your kind comments. We have a policy of not renting out our football practice facilities. We want to make sure they are available and in top shape for our team. Also, our insurance would be impacted if we rented them out regularly. We do, however, allow high school and college teams to practice in the Don Hutson Center if they are in postseason play and their practice fields are not playable due to snow and ice.
A question from Jeffrey C.
Hello Mr. Murphy. I'm wondering what the process is for players to get elected to the Packers Hall of Fame? Who does the voting? I can't wait to see Mason Crosby get that honor. What a great kicker, Packer, and most importantly, person. As Mike McCarthy said during a contentious press conference during Mason's slump, "Mason's our kicker." He had several excellent years kicking after that.
Interestingly, Jeffrey, the process for electing people into the Packers Hall of Fame is run by an organization separate from the Packers – Packers Hall of Fame, Inc. They have a fairly large board (and several members have connections to the Packers), that vote on inductees. Sam Kluck serves as their executive director and Dr. Don Sipes is the president. We have a great relationship with Sam, and we have an understanding of the selection committee's process each year. They obviously lowered their standards for this summer's inductee, though. I agree with your thoughts on Mason Crosby. He will definitely be inducted into our Hall of Fame and should be in consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We were very excited to have Mason officially retire as a Packer recently.
