Former Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan dies at the age of 89
Former Green Bay Packers president Bob Harlan, credited with revitalising the franchise and overseeing the renovation of Lambeau Field, has died at the age of 89.
Harlan passed away on Thursday, according to an announcement by his family.
The long-serving administrator served as the team’s chief executive from 1989 until his retirement in 2008.
He remains the only person in NFL history to hire two different general managers who won Super Bowls with entirely different rosters.
Restoring the glory years
Harlan took charge when the organisation was more than two decades removed from the success of the Vince Lombardi era.
In one of his first significant moves, the executive hired Ron Wolf as general manager in 1991.
That appointment paved the way for the arrival of head coach Mike Holmgren and the acquisition of legendary quarterback Brett Favre.
Under this new leadership, the team won Super Bowl 31, securing their first championship in nearly 30 years.
Tributes to a visionary
Current Packers president and CEO Ed Policy described Harlan as a “visionary leader” whose impact was “transformational”.
“From his inspired hiring of Ron Wolf to turn around the club’s on-field fortunes to his tireless work to redevelop Lambeau Field, Bob restored the Packers to competitive excellence,” said Policy.
“We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Madeline, and the entire Harlan family.”
Wolf, who was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, also paid tribute to his former boss.
“Bob Harlan gave me an opportunity, and I am deeply indebted to him for that,” said Wolf.
“His greatest trait, in my opinion, is that he was an honorable man, a man of his word, a man of character.”
A lasting legacy
Beyond on-field success, Harlan was instrumental in securing the franchise’s financial future through the redevelopment of their stadium.
He played a key role in convincing Brown County voters to approve the initial $295m renovation of Lambeau Field.
The project, completed in 2003, transformed the venue into a year-round destination and paved the way for the modern Titletown district.
Before retiring, Harlan hired Ted Thompson as general manager, a decision that eventually led to victory in Super Bowl 45 with Aaron Rodgers as quarterback.
Harlan was elected to the Packers Hall of Fame in 2004 and has a plaza named in his honour outside the stadium.