VIDEO TRIBUTE AT SHAREHOLDERS MEETING, NAME UNVEILING IN THE WORKS
Reggie White, the late legendary Packers defensive end, is being honored this summer with induction to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
Fittingly, the Packers organization is making preparations to recognize those honors in the coming months.
White, who passed away on Dec. 26, 2004, first will be saluted at the July 19 Packers shareholders' meeting with a video tribute in Lambeau Field.
During August's Induction Weekend in Canton, Ohio, the Packers will help sponsor a reception in his honor for the White family and its guests.
A final tribute will take place prior to the 2006 home opener, Sept. 10 vs. the Chicago Bears, when former General Manager Ron Wolf will assist in unveiling White's name on the Lambeau Field facade as it joins the other Packers enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"Reggie White's impact on this team and its fans was tremendous," said Packers Chairman/CEO Bob Harlan. "We are proud to have retired Reggie's number last year and this year will be excited to further honor him with these recognitions as his family celebrates his inductions to the two halls of fame. The season opener vs. the Bears will be a special moment when his name becomes the latest to be added to the Packers greats in Lambeau Field."
The team took the first step in honoring White at last season's home opener by retiring his No. 92. It is just the fifth retired number in team annals.
The most honored athlete ever to play defensive end in the NFL and a key member of the Packers' 1996 squad that won Super Bowl XXXI, White joined the team as the league's most sought-after free agent in 1993 and immediately elevated the performance of the Green and Gold's defense. After finishing 23rd in the league in 1992, the unit rose to No. 2 in 1993. The defense ranked No. 1 during the 1996 championship season, the first such ranking since 1967.
