The Packers are the only publicly-owned franchise in American professional sports major leagues; the lack of a dominant owner has been stated as one of the reasons the Green Bay Packers have never been moved from Green Bay, a city of only 104,057 people as of the 2010 census.
Founded in 1919 by Earl "Curly" Lambeau (hence the name Lambeau Field on which the team plays) and George Whitney Calhoun, the Packers were named after Lambeau’s employer, the Indian Packing Company, who gave $500 for uniforms and equipment, on the condition that the team be named for its sponsor.
On February 6, 2013, the Green Bay Packers hosted a public retirement ceremony for Donald Driver, number 80, who played his entire 14 season career in Green Bay.
Founder, coach, and player Curly Lambeau is the only Packer credited with wearing the number 1, despite it not being officially retired. As of 2013, the Green Bay Packers have retired only five numbers: Tony Canadeo, HB (#3), Don Hutson, WR/DB (#14), Bart Starr, QB (#15), Ray Nitschke, LB (#66), and Reggie White (#92). However, Paul Hornung’s number 5 was unofficially retired at the Packers' annual press party on July 10, 1967, although there has not been a ceremony to put his number on the wall of retired numbers at Lambeau Field. Plans have been made to retire number 4 Brett Favre sometime in the near future.
Don Hutson was signed by the Packers in 1934; he went on to become one of the most feared pass receivers in pro football history.
The year following the worst season in franchise history (with a record of 1-10-1) in 1958, Vince Lombardi was hired to be general manager and head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Lombardi created a regimented schedule and expected absolute dedication from his players. Receiving Rookie Head Coach of the Year in 1959, Lombardi went on to become one of the best and most successful coaches in NFL history. The Super Bowl Trophy is named the Lombardi Trophy in his honor.
Falling to the 24th pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was drafted to sit behind legendary quarterback Brett Favre.
The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears for first time, 14-10, on September 27, 1925 in their fourth regular-season meeting.
The Green Bay Packers have won 13 World Championships, more than any other team in NFL history.