Chereads / Packers Timline (1919-2020) / Chapter 6 - Part Six (2006-2016)

Chapter 6 - Part Six (2006-2016)

2006

One day after a 23-17 win over Seattle finalized the Packers' first losing season since 1991, GM Thompson dismissed Sherman (Jan. 2).

After a thorough and exhaustive nine-day search, Thompson names Mike McCarthy the Packers' 14th head coach (Jan. 12).

Lambeau Field hosts Frozen Tundra Classic, a collegiate hockey game in which eventual national champion Wisconsin defeats Ohio State, 4-2. The event drew 40,890, a virtual sellout and fourth-largest crowd at the time to see an outdoor hockey game (Feb. 11).

At the team's quarterly board meeting, Harlan formally becomes chairman and chief executive officer and Jones becomes president and chief operating officer (May 31).

Annual shareholders' meeting moves back to Lambeau Field; Weyers reports $18 million profit from operations during 2005-06 fiscal year, saying Packers have moved to franchise-high seventh place in NFL team revenue rankings (July 19).

White, a perennial All-Pro and then team's career sacks leader, becomes the Packers' 21st representative in Pro Football Hall of Fame, receiving induction on the first ballot (Aug. 5).

2007

Work begins on Lambeau Field's new playing surface, a project that will equip the hallowed ground with the latest technology, DD GrassMaster. A natural-grass surface, reinforced with man-made fibers, is installed on top of the drainage and heating system (Jan. 10).

Team promotes Vicki Vannieuwenhoven to vice president of finance and Jason Wied to vice president of administration/corporate counsel (April 3).

Team announces plans to celebrate 50th anniversary of Lambeau Field, NFL's longest-tenured facility. Anniversary logo is created to mark the occasion with plans to feature it prominently, including on uniforms and on field (May 15).

The Executive Committee announces that John Jones, president and COO, has taken leave of absence for personal reasons (May 26).

At the team's quarterly meeting, the board of directors unanimously supports a move that will allow Bob Harlan, then chairman of the board, to serve as Packers' principal executive officer despite having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 (May 30).

The Executive Committee formally accepts resignation of Jones, who cites health concerns as reason for departure. A search committee for a new president and CEO, consisting of members of the Executive Committee and board of directors, is formed (July 20).

At the annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Weyers reported a $22 million profit for the 2006-07 fiscal year and a $10 million boost to PFPF, now at $125.5 million (July 25).

For the first time since Aug. 5, 1961, Packers held training camp practice at City Stadium, with nearly 3,500 in attendance (July 31).

Favre throws his 421st career touchdown pass in victory at Minnesota, breaking Dan Marino's NFL career record (Sept. 30).

Packers clinch first NFC North title and first playoff berth since 2004 with win over Oakland (Dec. 9).

Board of directors unanimously elects Mark H. Murphy as Packers' new president and CEO. Schedule is established for Harlan to remain as chairman through the end of football season, when he becomes chairman emeritus and Murphy officially assumes the role as top executive (Dec. 3).

Team historian Lee Remmel announces retirement, effective at end of calendar year, ending 62-year association with organization as a sportswriter and member of front office (Dec. 12).

2008

GM Thompson signed a new five-year contract (Jan. 7).

Packers overcome early 14-point deficit to defeat Seattle, 42-20, in NFC Divisional playoff at snow-covered Lambeau (Jan. 12).

In the third-coldest game in league championship history, with minus-1 temperature and minus-23 wind chill at kickoff, the quest for a fifth Super Bowl berth comes up agonizingly short with a 23-20 overtime loss to eventual champion N.Y. Giants (Jan. 20).

McCarthy signed a new five-year contract (Feb. 5).

In awarding annual grants through the Packers Foundation, the franchise announces a comprehensive charity impact of more than $5 million in the past year (Feb. 19).

Favre, owner of NFL career records for pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns at the time, and team's starting quarterback for past 253 games (275 including playoffs), announces his retirement in a formal press conference at Lambeau Field (March 6).

At annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Weyers reported $23.4 million profit for 2007-08 fiscal year and $2 million boost to PFPF, now at $127.5 million (July 24).

Favre un-retires and is reinstated to the roster by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (Aug. 4), then traded to N.Y. Jets (Aug. 6).

Aaron Rodgers becomes the first quarterback other than Favre to start a Packers game since Sept. 27, 1992 (Sept. 8).

2009

One week following the conclusion of the 6-10 season, McCarthy dismissed six assistant coaches (Jan. 5).

Shawn Slocum promoted to special teams coordinator (Jan. 15), Dom Capers hired as new defensive coordinator (Jan. 19), and rest of coaching staff is filled out (Feb. 3).

Packers select Boston College NT B.J. Raji with the No. 9 overall pick in the NFL Draft and trade up to select Southern California LB Clay Matthews at No. 26, the first time since 1993 the Packers bring in two first-round draft choices (April 25).

At the annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Weyers reported $4 million profit for the 2008-09 fiscal year with PFPF remaining at $127.5 million (July 30).

Packers dedicate renovated Nitschke Field as primary training-camp facility, welcoming overflow crowd of approximately 2,100 for first practice. Permanent bleachers are installed, and a portion of the new field is heated for late-season use (Aug. 1).

WR Donald Driver breaks Sharpe's franchise record for career receptions (Oct. 18).

Favre, now with Minnesota, plays first game against Green Bay (Oct. 5) and first game at Lambeau Field as a member of the visiting team (Nov. 1).

Green breaks Taylor's franchise record for career rushing yards (Nov. 8).

2010

Defense finishes season first in NFL against the run for first time in team history, setting a franchise record for rushing yards allowed per game. Offense sets franchise record for points in one season, surpassing 1996 Super Bowl-winning team (Jan. 3).

In the highest-scoring postseason game in NFL history, Packers fall, 51-45, in overtime at Arizona in NFC Wild Card playoff (Jan. 10).

In awarding annual grants through Packers Foundation, the franchise announces a comprehensive charity impact of more than $4 million in the past year (Feb. 22).

At the annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Weyers reported $5.2 million profit for the 2009-10 fiscal year with PFPF remaining at $127.5 million (July 29).

Five players are named to the Pro Bowl roster for NFC (Dec. 28). After the addition of three alternates later in the process, Packers are represented by eight players on the all-star team, the franchise's most since 1967.

Packers win the final two regular-season games to finish 2010 with a 10-6 record, securing sixth and final playoff berth in NFC. The six regular-season losses come by a combined 20 points, and Green Bay becomes the first team since AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to not trail a game by more than seven points in an entire season.

2011

Team opens playoffs on the road at hostile Philadelphia in Wild Card round, containing the Eagles' powerful offense en route to a 21-16 victory, Rodgers' first playoff win as a starter (Jan. 9).

Packers travel to Atlanta to face the NFC's top-seeded Falcons just six days later for NFC Divisional matchup. Green Bay routs Atlanta by a score of 48-21, the second-largest margin of victory in team playoff history (Jan. 15).

Packers complete their road playoff march by making a short trek to Chicago to face division-rival Bears in NFC Championship Game (Jan. 23). Just the second postseason meeting in the history of the two franchises, the Packers win, 21-14, punching ticket to Super Bowl XLV in North Texas.

In the organization's fifth-ever Super Bowl appearance, Packers square off with AFC's Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas (Feb. 6).

Rodgers threw for 304 yards and three scores with no INTs, earning game MVP honors, and the defense forced three turnovers, including an interception return for a touchdown by safety Nick Collins late in the opening quarter. Fourth-down stop on Steelers' final possession seals 31-25 win and gives franchise its record 13th world championship and fourth Super Bowl title.

On the day following their return from Texas, Packers are met by more than 56,000 fans inside the bowl at Lambeau Field for the team's "Return to Titletown" celebration. A frigid afternoon, temperatures range in the single digits with wind chills below zero (Feb. 8).

Packers sign Thompson to multi-year contract extension to continue serving as executive vice president, general manager and director of football operations (Feb. 11).

Packers sign McCarthy to multi-year contract extension to continue serving as team's head coach (March 4).

Team announces that it has begun installation of a new distributed sound system throughout Lambeau Field that will be operational in time for the 2011 season (April 27).

Separated by the bounds of an ongoing labor negotiation between club owners and players, Packers are granted a one-night exemption by NFL and convene to receive their Super Bowl XLV championship rings at a private ceremony inside Lambeau Field Atrium (June 16).

At the annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Weyers reported $17.1 million profit for the 2010-11 fiscal year with PFPF remaining at $127.5 million (July 28).

Continuing custom for reigning champions in professional sports, the team travels to Washington, D.C., to tour White House and be recognized by President Barack Obama, whom they present with a Packers jersey and a share of the franchise's common stock (Aug. 12).

Organization announces plans for an expansion project at the stadium, highlighted by addition of 6,700 seats to the south end of bowl and new entrance gates behind both north and south end zones. Plans also include installation of high-definition video boards and new elevator shafts on each side (Aug. 25).

Packers start season victorious in league-opening Thursday night contest at Lambeau Field against New Orleans Saints (Sept. 8), kick-starting a franchise single-season record 13-game winning streak to open the 2011 campaign. Combined with six wins that closed out 2010, 19-game winning streak marks second longest in NFL history (including playoffs).

By virtue of a last-second, 38-35 victory at N.Y. Giants in Week 12, and Detroit Lions' loss to New Orleans in a Sunday night contest, Packers clinch NFC North division title, franchise's first since 2007 season (Dec. 5).

Organization announces the fifth stock offering of its 92-year history, initially offering 250,000 shares at $250 per share (Dec. 6).

Rodgers is named NFC's Pro Bowl starter after leading the offense to 560 points, third most in league history, and setting franchise records for passing yardage, touchdowns, completion percentage and yards per attempt (Dec. 27).

2012

Coming off first-round bye, Packers fall victim to four costly turnovers and lose to Giants in NFC Divisional contest, 37-20 (Jan. 15).

Rodgers is voted the NFL's Most Valuable Player by The Associated Press and is presented with the award at NFL Honors ceremony (Feb. 4).

In awarding annual grants through the Packers Foundation, the franchise announces a comprehensive charity impact of more than $6 million in the past year (Feb. 21).

Stock sale concludes after an additional offering in Canada. In total, more than 268,000 shares were sold, netting the organization $67 million to put toward a $143 million stadium construction project that will include addition of 6,700 more seats, new high-definition video scoreboards and two new gates on exterior (March 1).

At annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Mark McMullen reported $42.7 million profit for 2011-12 fiscal year with corporate reserves in a strong position to support franchise (July 24).

Team clinches second consecutive NFC North championship with 21-13 victory at Chicago, first back-to-back division titles for Green Bay since 2002-04 (Dec. 16).

Three players are named to the Pro Bowl, including Rodgers as NFC's starter for the second consecutive season, and Matthews, who becomes the first player in franchise history to earn distinction in each of his first four seasons in the league (Dec. 26). Following the addition of alternates, four players are ultimately chosen to represent the club in the annual all-star game.

2013

Owners of No. 3 seed in NFC playoff bracket, Packers win a home playoff game for first time since 2007, defeating division-rival Minnesota Vikings, 24-10, in Wild Card matchup at Lambeau Field (Jan. 5).

Plans are announced regarding completion of the final phase of the 2011 renovation project. Upgrades include new on-site locations for Packers Pro Shop, restaurant and Packers Hall of Fame, in addition to enhancement of the Oneida Nation Gate on the east side of the stadium (Jan. 8).

In an NFC Divisional contest at San Francisco, Packers fall to 49ers, 45-31 (Jan. 12).

Former LB Dave Robinson becomes 22nd member of Packers to gain entry into Pro Football Hall of Fame after being voted in as a senior candidate (Feb. 2).

Driver retires as the team's all-time leader in both receptions (743) and receiving yards (10,137) in a ceremony in front of more than 1,000 fans on the floor of Lambeau Field Atrium (Feb. 6).

Organization announces long-term contract extensions for both Matthews (April 17) and Rodgers (April 26).

At the annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Mark McMullen reported $43.1 million profit for 2012-13 fiscal year with corporate reserves rising to $250.6 million (July 24).

First phase of a two-phase stadium project is completed, which includes south end-zone expansion as well as sound and video upgrades. Season-ticket holders sit in new seats for the first time at preseason opener vs. Arizona (Aug. 9).

Former K Ryan Longwell, all-time leading scorer in franchise history, retires with Packers (Aug. 12).

Packers board of directors member Thomas Olejniczak elected to the executive committee (Oct. 23) after member Edward Martin resigned from the Packers board (Sept. 27).

After winning three of the last four games, Packers clinch playoff berth and third straight NFC North title, with a win at Chicago (Dec. 29).

2014

In subzero weather, Packers face 49ers in NFC Wild Card game and fall short, 23-20, marking the second year in a row San Francisco ends their season (Jan. 5).

Team promotes Nicole Ledvina to vice president of human resources (Jan. 21). Craig Benzel is promoted to vice president of sales and business development (May 12) and Gabrielle Valdez Dow is hired as vice president of marketing and fan engagement (May 12).

Veteran, award-winning journalist Cliff Christl named team historian (Feb. 4).

Harlan Plaza rededicated after renovating the front of the stadium (July 9).

New 21,500-square-foot Packers Pro Shop opens (July 17).

At annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Mark McMullen reports $25.3 million profit for 2013-14 fiscal year (July 24).

GM Thompson signs new multi-year contract (July 30).

McCarthy signs new multi-year contract (Nov. 3).

Legendary guard Fuzzy Thurston passed away at age 80 (Dec. 14).

• The Packers are one of two teams in the NFL to finish 8-0 at home during the regular season and finish 12-4 overall. Team sets franchise record by winning fourth consecutive division title after a victory over Detroit Lions to end regular season (Dec. 28).

2015

With first-round bye, Packers defeat Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field in NFC Divisional playoffs, 26-21 (Jan. 11).

In Seattle in the NFC Championship Game, the Packers outplayed the Seahawks much of the day but the home team staged a stunning rally to win in overtime, 28-22 (Jan. 18).

Rodgers earns NFL Most Valuable Player honors by AP for second time in his career, becoming the eighth player in NFL history to win the award two or more times (Jan. 31).

Longtime Packers organization member Lee Remmel passed away at age 90 (April 16). Associated with the Packers since the Curly Lambeau era, he retired Dec. 31, 2007, after a 62-year relationship with the franchise.

Favre is inducted into Packers Hall of Fame and sixth uniform number in team history, his No. 4, is officially retired (July 18). Lambeau Field sells out to view induction and welcome Favre back onto Lambeau Field.

1919 Kitchen & Tap, new Lambeau Field Atrium restaurant, opens. Inspired by local community and rich team history, gastropub is a tribute to the year the team was organized (July 24).

At annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Mark McMullen reports $29.2 million profit for 2014-15 fiscal year (July 28).

Former Executive Vice President and General Manager Ron Wolf inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor candidate (Aug. 8).

Plans are announced for a Titletown District, a destination area to be created on approximately 34 acres of land west of Lambeau Field (Aug. 20). Targeted completion is set for Fall 2017.

New Packers Hall of Fame officially opens (Aug. 21).

Former executive committee treasurer, John Underwood, passes away (Aug. 27).

Former head coach Lindy Infante passed away at 75 (Oct. 8).

During halftime ceremonies, Wolf's name is unveiled next to fellow Pro Football Hall of Famers on Lambeau Field's east façade (Nov. 15) and Favre's retired No. 4 is unveiled on the stadium's north façade (Nov. 26).

2016

As No. 5 seed, Packers win, 35-18, in NFC Wild Card game over Washington Redskins (Jan. 10) then fall, 26-20, in overtime to the No. 2 seed Arizona Cardinals in divisional round in Glendale, Ariz. (Jan. 16).

Packers promote Eliot Wolf to director-football operations and Brian Gutekunst to director of player personnel (March 21).

Packers promote Jon-Eric Sullivan to director of college scouting (June 16).

Hinterland breaks ground on its new home as part of Titletown District development to the west of Lambeau Field (June 16).

At annual shareholders' meeting, treasurer Mark McMullen reports $48.9 million profit for 2015-16 fiscal year (July 21).

Favre became the 24th member of the Packers inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Aug. 6).