Instant replay 2021

Not since Jerry Kramer and Dick Schaap chronicled the 1967 Packer season in the classic sports book Instant Replay has a member of that storied franchise so eloquently described what happens behind the scenes of an historic season.

Enter Robert Tonyan, a somewhat unlikely hero of this record-setting Packer season. Thanks to a piece he wrote and titled, “Green Bay I wrote this for you,” Tonyan opened the blinds and let us all peek into the lives of the players we’ve been cheering.

If you haven’t read it yet, I recommend you do. Even if you aren’t a Packer fan, or a follower of sports at all, you will appreciate the story of a man who takes constructive criticism as a compliment, an occasional harsh word as motivation and each day as an opportunity to be a better player and person than he was the day before.

If you are a Packer fan, though, you’ll really love this piece because it tells you everything you need to know about why this team is 13-3 and a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

It also tells you everything you need to know about Robert Tonyan, Bobby to his teammates, thanks to good ole No. 12. I love his attitude, his writing style and his appreciation for people and moments that feel like gifts.

I know, believe me I know, that there are more important things to worry about than a football team right now. But, I also know how important teamwork is and how everyone benefits when a gifted leader coaches a bunch of disparate humans into a cohesive unit.

I think we could all use a little of that right now.

You know what else we could all use? Some fun!

So, I’m looking forward to watching a couple of very good teams play on Saturday afternoon and I’m really hoping to see the green and gold one win.

Thank you Robert Tonyan for sharing a little inside inspiration and doing your part to bring that trophy back to Titletown.

Go Pack Go!

I included the link to his piece above, but, just in case you missed it, you can find Robert Tonyan’s cool piece here: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/green-bay-packers-robert-tonyan-jr-football
For a definitive look at the Ice Bowl and the 1967 Super Bowl season, read Jerry Kramer’s book Instant Replay — a well-written sports book that never gets old.
And, just because my dad’s birthday was yesterday, here’s a shot of Fuzzy Thurston and Jerry Kramer, my mom, Peggy and my daughter Katherine at the NFL season opener in 2006. Go Pack Go!

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