The Green Bay Packers have announced the retirement of assistant strength and conditioning coach Dave "Red Man" Redding, who coached for 24 seasons in the National Football League.
Redding joined the Packers' staff in 2009 as strength and conditioning coordinator, implementing his program as Green Bay posted an 11-5 record and advanced to the playoffs. In 2010, he swapped roles with former assistant Mark Lovat, and was part of a staff that helped guide the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV title.
"I've had the pleasure of coaching with 'Red Man' in Kansas City and Green Bay, and he was a pioneer in the field of strength and conditioning," said Head Coach Mike McCarthy. "He always impressed me with his teaching skills and his ability to get the most out of all the players he worked with. He built relationships in a way where he could push the players to get their best every day.
"The strength and conditioning program that he put into place here played a big role in our team's success the past two seasons, and his impact will continue to be felt in the coming years. 'Red Man' will be missed, and I wish him nothing but the best in his retirement."
Before coming to Green Bay, Redding worked as a strength and conditioning coach for four other NFL teams – the San Diego Chargers (2002-06), the Washington Redskins (2001), the Kansas City Chiefs (1989-97) and the Cleveland Browns (1982-88). When he broke into the NFL with the Browns, he became the team's first-ever strength coach.
In 2006, Redding was named the NFL's strength and conditioning coach of the year following the Chargers' 14-2 season. He was also inducted into the USA Strength and Conditioning Coaches Hall of Fame that same year. In 24 seasons as an NFL coach, Redding was a part of 16 playoff teams.
"I have really enjoyed the opportunity I've had to work with 'Red Man' these last two years," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "He was a great teacher who believed in doing things the right way, but even beyond that, I enjoyed our conversations off the field and hearing his stories and philosophies about life. After experiencing what was a long and accomplished NFL career, I am glad we were able to send him out on top."
Prior to entering the NFL ranks, Redding served as the University of Missouri's first-ever strength coach from 1978-81. In 1977, he became the first-ever strength coach at Washington State, where he also coached defensive ends, after beginning his coaching career in 1976 as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Nebraska.
The 58-year-old Redding is a native of Holdenville, Okla. At Nebraska, he was a three-year letterman (1973-75) at defensive end under legendary coaches Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne.
