Miscellaneous Lombardi

Thought we’d share a few miscellaneous images of Packers’ Head Coach and GM Vince Lombardi. Above, a great shot of him out on the practice field, presumably, with his trademark “GB” hat. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lombardi, dressed up for a special occasion — probably the coach receiving an award of some kind at a banquet. Marie Lombardi was the one who could stand up to the coach when necessary, according to our reading. She never really took to living in Green Bay, and longed to get back to their native East coast. 

They would spar now and then, and when Lombardi’s famous book came out in 1963, the idea was to name it after one of his favorite phrases. It was jokingly suggested that it be called “SHUT UP, MARIE!,” until “Run to Daylight” was offered — obviously more football-appropriate. The actual book title came from… you guessed it… Marie.

One of the worst days in Green Bay Packers history. February 2, 1968 — Vince Lombardi hands over the coaching keys to his longtime defensive assistant, Phil Bengston. Things were never the same, and the team languished in mediocrity for the next 24 years. It wasn’t all Phil’s fault, but that’s when it started: Bengston… Devine… Starr… Gregg… Infante.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette’s front page in the September 3, 1970 evening edition. How awesome were the days when towns had two newspapers, with morning and evening editions? Of course, now the news runs 24 hours a day and is on a device that fits into your pocket. Nevertheless, this was another bad day in Packers’ history, despite the fact that the coach had left town for the Washington Redskins in 1969. A final nail in the coffin of the Sixties.