GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Fans, former players and executives gathered at Lambeau Field to honor the life and legacy of Bob Harlan, the former president and CEO widely credited with transforming the Green Bay Packers into one of the NFL’s model franchises.
Harlan, who passed away March 5 at the age of 89, led the organization through one of the most successful stretches in its history, both on and off the field.
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Speakers at the event included current president Ed Policy, former president Mark Murphy, former Packers and current Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, Hall of Fame general manager Ron Wolf, and Harlan’s son, broadcaster Kevin Harlan.
Each shared stories highlighting Harlan’s leadership, vision and lasting influence on the organization. Policy credited Harlan with helping create the very space where the ceremony was held.
“He put a roof over our heads, literally,” Policy said, referring to the Lambeau Field Atrium.
That atrium is part of the larger $295 million redevelopment of Lambeau Field that Harlan oversaw, a project that transformed the stadium into a year-round destination and helped secure the team’s financial future in the NFL’s smallest market.
Kevin Harlan said his father’s vision extended far beyond football.
“Every team wants this,” he said. “Every organization wants to create something fans can be part of year-round.”
Before that transformation, the Packers were struggling. From 1986 to 1988, the team went 13-33 and had not reached the playoffs since 1982.
When Harlan became president and CEO in 1989, he made a series of decisions that reshaped the franchise, including hiring Wolf to run football operations. That move led to the arrival of head coach Mike Holmgren and star players like Brett Favre and Reggie White.
The result was a dramatic turnaround that culminated in a Super Bowl XXXI victory, ending a nearly three-decade championship drought.
Wolf recalled the state of the team when he arrived, saying Harlan’s willingness to take a chance changed everything.
McCarthy remembered Harlan as a personable and genuine leader who connected with people across the organization.
Murphy said Harlan’s impact extended well beyond his own tenure, laying the groundwork for everything that followed, including continued development around Lambeau Field and Titletown.
Harlan also helped strengthen the Packers’ unique community-owned model through a historic stock sale, ensuring long-term stability for the franchise in Green Bay.
Beyond football, Harlan and his wife, Madeline, were deeply involved in the community, supporting numerous charitable efforts throughout the region.
The Packers announced plans to honor Harlan’s legacy during a game this season, with his name to be permanently recognized inside Lambeau Field.
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For many in attendance, the message was clear: Harlan’s influence is still felt across the organization today.
He didn’t just build a winning team — he helped ensure the Packers would remain in Green Bay for generations to come.
