Packer Scrimmage Last Night · KICKERSCAMP: Kicking Skool

Packer Scrimmage Last Night

I just happened to catch a few plays from the "game" last night while chowing down on a bacon cheeseburger at Jumbo's in West Bend, WI. 🍔

I couldn't help but think of my own experience playing in this Family Night game (back in 1985). It's a Packers vs. Packers scrimmage alright, but unlike the one's you've been a part of, this one has over 80,000 people attend. Up to that point, the biggest crowd I'd played in front of was about 10,000. It's a whole different world! 😳

The Packer franchise is unlike any other in pro sports. The small city of Green Bay turns out en masse... for everything! The waiting list for Packer season tickets is up to 30 years now! 🎟️

It also reminded me of one of the best traditions in all of sports when it comes to practice sessions. The fans can watch - and they turn out by the thousands - to PRACTICE at the Hutson Center. The morning practice during the pre-season is especially fun because the kids from Green Bay wait by the locker room door to lend you their bikes (the Hutson Center is across the Lambeau Field parking lot - about a quarter of a mile). 🧀

In my day, the message was very clear, if you were a star, you'd get the pick of the bikes and take a Spree scooter. If you were a lesser known vet, you'd get a 10-speed and if you were a back up, you'd get a nice spider bike to ride. In all cases, the kids would carry your helmet and shoulder pads running beside you (and it was a thrill of a lifetime for all of them). 🚲

And then there are kickers and punters — (and rookie kickers and punters) — you get last pick!

BUT you still get a bike. Typically the tiniest thing that was almost unridable. You'd go "coaster-style" and be thankful for the wheels. One morning, I met a little guy (maybe 8 or 9) named Kevin in a James Lofton #80 jersey, loan me his bike. While riding alongside a hustling Kevin, I asked him who his favorite Packers were. Slightly out of breath, he stated, "James Lofton, Lynn Dickey... and YOU!" I know he had no idea who #38 was on the Packers, but I was riding his bike to practice — and that made me a star! ⭐

I told him when we got to the practice field, "You show up tomorrow at the same time and YOU'LL be my bikeman!" And he did... over and over! 🏈

Now watch the video I found of star Packer's QB Jordan Love doing the same thing. I think Savannah's bike was just slightly larger than the one I got — Jordan could actually pedal his! 🤣

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