Green Bay Packers Shareholders Deliver Emotional Thank You as President/CEO Mark Murphy Takes Final Stage Walk on July 25

On July 25, 2025, thousands of Green Bay Packers shareholders packed Lambeau Field for the team’s annual shareholders meeting, a tradition unlike any other in the NFL. This year’s event, however, carried an emotional weight as President and CEO Mark Murphy made his final appearance in the role he’s held since 2007. As Murphy walked out onto the stage, a roar of appreciation swept through the stadium—an impromptu standing ovation accompanied by homemade signs, cheers, and heartfelt thank-you messages from Packers faithful.

“THANK YOU, MARK!” read one massive banner in the north end zone. Another read, “You kept Lambeau strong, our community stronger.” It was a rare moment of unified fanfare not for a quarterback or coach—but for a front-office leader whose impact on the franchise will be felt long after he exits the building.

A Transformational Tenure

Mark Murphy, a former NFL safety and college athletic director, took the helm of the Packers on January 28, 2007. In the 17 years since, he’s overseen one of the most successful eras in franchise history. From a Super Bowl victory in 2010 to multiple NFC Championship Game appearances, Murphy’s stewardship of the only publicly owned team in professional sports has been marked by consistency, ambition, and sustainability.

More than just wins, Murphy’s legacy includes modernization. The Titletown District—a sprawling development of shops, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment adjacent to Lambeau Field—was one of his most ambitious and successful initiatives.

“Mark didn’t just focus on football,” said one shareholder from Milwaukee. “He focused on Green Bay, on this community. He made us relevant year-round.”

A Moment of Thanks

When the meeting officially began, Murphy took to the podium, visibly moved by the reception. “This has been the honor of a lifetime,” he said, pausing as the crowd erupted once more. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—there’s no other place like Green Bay. No other fanbase like this.”

He then transitioned into his final “State of the Franchise” presentation, delivering an optimistic forecast for the Packers’ future. “We’re in great hands,” he said, referencing incoming President and CEO Ed Policy, who has worked under Murphy as COO since 2012.

Murphy also addressed key areas:

• Team performance: He praised head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Jordan Love, noting the promising direction of the franchise following the 2024 playoff run.

• Financial stability: The Packers remain one of the league’s most profitable organizations, thanks in part to the Titletown development and national sponsorship growth.

• Fan engagement: Lambeau Field renovations, improved mobile ticketing, and youth initiatives like the “DreamDrive” have continued to connect the team with new generations of fans.

As he finished, shareholders rose again, echoing the same energy they gave Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers in his prime. It was a farewell moment fit for a leader who has shepherded the franchise through stability, prosperity, and innovation.

Shareholder Voices

Among the crowd were longtime shareholders and first-time attendees. Many wore custom shirts with slogans like “In Mark We Trust” or “CEO MVP.” Others simply brought handwritten notes and letters to drop off with team staff.

Linda Jaeger, a third-generation shareholder from Oshkosh, brought her teenage daughter to the meeting for the first time. “I wanted her to see this,” she said. “He gave us more than a football team. He gave us a vision for what the Packers can be.”

Several former players, including Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson, also issued tributes via video played during the meeting. “Mark created an environment where players felt respected and supported,” Driver said. “He didn’t play favorites—he led with class.”

The Man Behind the Curtain

Murphy’s unique perspective as a former NFL player gave him credibility in league circles. He served as a player rep during his time with the Washington franchise and was instrumental in key CBA negotiations. His time as athletic director at Northwestern and Colgate added an academic polish to his business acumen.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who worked closely with Murphy on numerous league committees, called his tenure “a model for what thoughtful, principled leadership looks like.”

Under Murphy, the Packers were not only competitive on the field—they were active in the league’s decision-making processes, including media rights, safety protocols, and diversity hiring practices.

Ed Policy Steps In

Murphy’s departure means Ed Policy will take the reins. Policy, son of former NFL executive Carmen Policy, has built a strong reputation of his own. He’s been instrumental in overseeing Lambeau Field’s expansion, community outreach, and the Titletown District’s continued growth.

“He’s the right person at the right time,” Murphy said. “Ed understands the DNA of this team and the values of this community.”

Policy briefly addressed the shareholders, offering a tone of gratitude and humility. “No one can replace Mark Murphy,” he said. “But I’ll work every day to honor his legacy while moving us forward.”

What’s Next for Murphy?

When asked about his future, Murphy was coy but clear—retirement doesn’t mean disappearing. “I’ll still be around,” he laughed. “You might catch me at a training camp practice or a Titletown coffee shop.”

He also hinted at involvement in charitable causes, especially those focused on youth sports and concussion research. “There’s still work to be done,” he said. “Just not always from this podium.”

Some fans speculate he could eventually land in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, not as a player, but as a contributor. With a track record of transformative leadership, few would argue he doesn’t deserve it.

As the July 25 meeting came to a close, the sun began to set over Lambeau Field. It was a poetic moment—one era ending as another begins. Shareholders lingered, taking photos near the stage, and some even waited in long lines to shake Murphy’s hand one last time.

A young boy approached him with a Packers mini-helmet, asking for an autograph. Murphy knelt down, smiled, and signed it slowly. “You take good care of this,” he told the boy. “It represents something special.”

For Packers fans, Murphy’s name will always represent stability, vision, and a belief in the power of a community-owned franchise. And as he left the stage for the final time, the crowd roared once more—just as they would for a game-winning touchdown.

Because in Green Bay, legends aren’t just made on the field. Sometimes, they wear suits