Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The Golden Boy

If you go to any Packers’ game at Lambeau Field, you’re sure to see middle-aged men wearing #5 Paul Hornung jerseys, and it has been 45 years since he suited up for a game at Lambeau Field. Such is the legend of “The Golden Boy” in Packers’ history. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Hornung’s Heisman Trophy can be seen on the club level of the Lambeau Field Atrium. It has been said that Forrest Gregg was the best player Vince Lombardi ever saw, but Paul Hornung was like a son to the coach — which must’ve been puzzling to Vince Lombardi, Jr.

Hornung will always be remembered fondly in Titletown, and that’s the way it should be. His jersey number has never been formally retired, but it informally will not be issued to anyone anytime soon. It was used a couple of times briefly in the ensuing years, but not recently.

Following his retirement he entered the business world, primarily as a real estate investor, but remained involved with professional football as the producer and host of a nationally televised sports program. He also did commentary on television broadcasts of college and NFL football for several years to a generally favorable reception.