Dipping into the media file again, we have a newspaper photo of Packers’ coach Vince Lombardi with President Kennedy’s congratulatory telegram sent on New Year’s Eve 1961 after the Packers’ first championship in his tenure. Lombardi, a Democrat and friend of the president, was obviously proud to receive the congratulations. The original photo caption reads:
GREEN BAY, Wis. (Jan. 3) -- CONGRATULATIONS -- Packer coach Vince Lombardi holds telegram from President John F. Kennedy congratulating him on Green Bay’s National Football League championship victory over New York Giants Sunday. Wire said: “Congratulations on a great game today. It was a fine victory for a great coach, a great team and a great town. Best Regards” (AP Wirephoto)
This telegram hung on the wall of the coach’s office throughout his time in Green Bay.
