The Man Who Saved Green Bay: A Tribute to Bob Harlan
Green Bay lost more than a former executive on Thursday, March 5. The city lost the primary architect of its modern era. Bob Harlan, the former President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, passed away today at the age of 89 following a brief illness. He leaves behind a legacy that transformed a struggling, small-town team into a global powerhouse.
From Des Moines to 1265 Lombardi Avenue
Bob Harlan was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on September 9, 1936. He attended Marquette University and graduated in 1958 with a degree in journalism. His career began in the sports information department at Marquette. He later spent time working for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball organization, where he served as the director of community relations and public relations, earning a World Series ring in 1967.
In 1971, Harlan moved to Green Bay to join the Packers as an assistant general manager. He worked his way through the front office for nearly two decades before the Board of Directors elected him as the ninth president of the franchise on June 5, 1989. At that time, the team was mired in a twenty-four-year slump characterized by losing seasons and financial uncertainty.
Restoring the Glory
Harlan’s tenure as president was marked by a series of bold, decisive moves that changed the course of NFL history.
The Hiring of Ron Wolf: In 1991, Harlan took the unprecedented step of removing the Executive Committee from football decisions. He hired Ron Wolf as General Manager and gave him full authority over football operations. This single move led to the acquisition of Brett Favre and the signing of Reggie White.
Super Bowl XXXI: Under Harlan’s leadership, the Packers returned to the pinnacle of the sport. The team won Super Bowl XXXI in January 1997, bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay for the first time in twenty-nine years.
The 1997 Stock Sale: Harlan orchestrated the team’s first stock sale in forty-seven years. This initiative raised more than $24 million and helped solidify the fan-owned structure of the team.
The Redevelopment of Lambeau Field: Harlan was the driving force behind the $295 million renovation of Lambeau Field, completed in 2003. He campaigned tirelessly for the Brown County referendum that funded the project, ensuring the stadium became a year-round destination and a permanent home for the team.
A Leader for the Fans and Community
Despite his high-ranking position, Harlan was known for his approachability and kindness. He famously answered his own telephone and took calls from shareholders and fans alike. He viewed himself not as an owner, but as a temporary caretaker of a community treasure. He was generous of his time, even on busy game days.
Bob and his wife, Madeline, were pillars of the Green Bay community for over five decades. They were deeply involved with the Green Bay Packers Foundation, which flourished under his leadership. The couple personally supported numerous causes, including the American Cancer Society, CP (Cerebral Palsy) of Green Bay, and St. Vincent Hospital. Their philanthropic work earned them the Outstanding Philanthropist award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northeast Wisconsin chapter, recognizing a lifetime of service that extended far beyond the football field.
Family and Legacy
Bob Harlan is survived by his wife, Madeline, to whom he was married for over sixty years. The couple was a fixture in the Green Bay community. He also leaves behind three sons: Kevin, a nationally recognized broadcaster; Bryan; and Michael. His legacy continues through his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Green Bay Packers are a stable, thriving professional sports and organization and a pillar of the Green Bay and Wisconsin civic community today because Bob Harlan had the vision to fix what was broken.
He did so with humility, class, and a deep respect for the history of the sport, the league, the team and the city.
May he rest in peace.
Additional Information
