Green Bay Packers Honor Former President Bob Harlan at Lambeau Field
The late executive's name was officially unveiled on the Lambeau Field façade during a Thursday night game against the Carolina Panthers.
The Green Bay Packers immortalized former president and CEO Bob Harlan by adding his name to the Lambeau Field bowl façade during a game against the Carolina Panthers. Harlan's name now rests beside that of former general manager Ted Thompson, making them the only non-players or non-coaches in the Pro Football Hall of Fame to receive the honor, joining the display alongside franchise legends.
Harlan passed away on March 5, 2026, in Green Bay at the age of 89. His son, broadcaster Kevin Harlan, spoke to the stadium crowd of 77,000 occupants during the halftime ceremony to express the family's deep gratitude. "On behalf of my mom and our family, our gratitude is immeasurable. My dad would be so humbled by this moment," Kevin Harlan said.
Kevin Harlan also shared memories of his father's dedication to the organization, noting that he came to the stadium every day for 37 years with a strong sense of responsibility. Before accepting the tribute for his father, Kevin Harlan congratulated longtime friend Bud Selig and the Milwaukee Brewers for their recent World Series victory, drawing widespread cheers from the Green Bay audience.
Current Packers President and CEO Ed Policy praised Harlan's transformative leadership. "Bob was a transformational leader for the Packers. He restored us to competitive greatness both on and off the field," Policy stated, adding personal gratitude for Harlan's guidance and generosity with his time.
Harlan joined the Packers organization in 1971 as an assistant general manager handling player contracts. After taking over as president and CEO in 1989, he completely reshaped the franchise following decades of struggles after the Vince Lombardi era. He hired general manager Ron Wolf in 1991, who subsequently brought in coach Mike Holmgren, acquired quarterback Brett Favre, and signed defensive star Reggie White, turning Green Bay into one of the league's most successful teams.
Beyond on-field success, Harlan oversaw crucial financial and infrastructure developments for the franchise. He led the push for a local sales tax that helped fund the 2003 renovation of Lambeau Field, transforming it into a year-round destination that later sparked the Titletown development. He also ended the long-standing practice of playing select home games in Milwaukee and conducted a 1997 stock sale that raised over $24 million for stadium investments.
Reflecting on his father's character, Kevin Harlan highlighted his humility and egalitarian approach to staff members, noting that he treated everyone from the head coach to the mailroom staff with equal respect. Former employee Mark Schieffelbein echoed those sentiments, stating that Harlan made workers feel special and would have felt both proud and sheepish about the stadium tribute.