Digging back further into the Packers’ history again, we today have a photo of Hall of Fame player Don Hutson signing on to be a full-time coach with the team in 1943. What makes this interesting is that Hutson indeed kept playing through 1945. He led the NFL in receptions eight times in his 11 seasons, including five consecutive times (1941-1945). He led the NFL in receiving yards seven times, including four straight times from 1941-44. He led the NFL in scoring five times (1941-45).The photo’s original caption, in newspaper lingo, reads: “Editors: This picture is an advance for use in AMS of Sunday, Dec. 12) (CX2) GREEN BAY, WIS., Dec. 11-“STOP AND START” HUTSON IS AT IT AGAIN-Don Hutson (left), Green Bay Packers end who befuddled pass defenses by pretending to let the whole thing go and then start a winning sprint for the pigskin, wields the pen that stops one job and starts another for him. Through as a player for the pro eleven, he signed a contract today as full time assistant to coach E.L. (Curly) Lambeau (right) of the Packers. (AP Wirephoto)(See Wire Story)(e71314cor) 1943.”
CORRECTION: Yesterday’s post was incorrect as far as identifying the game after which the photo was taken. A keen-eyed reader informed us that it was taken immediately following the December 3, 1961 home game in Milwaukee County Stadium, where the Packers defeated the Giants 20-17. The posting has been edited to reflect this correct information. We strive for accuracy here at “Packerville,” but we’ve never claimed to be perfect. We welcome all input from our readers.
