Following Don Hutson’s retirement (in 1945), Green Bay’s fortunes declined on and off the field. From 1946 through 1948, the financially-strapped Packers lost two of their three number one draft choices to the upstart All-America Football Conference (A.A.F.C.). Unable to bid with the rival league, the Packers couldn’t replenish their aging roster and lost ground in the standings. The disastrous pro football war between the N.F.L. and the A.A.F.C. brought on another monetary crisis following the 1949 season.
Desperate for new income, the Packers held an old-timers game and intra-squad scrimmage on Thanksgiving Day in 1949. The game raised nearly $50,000 — enough to keep the team operating and finish the season. Despite the success of the fundraiser, it didn’t help the Packers to a winning record that season. The team’s 2-10 record was the worst in Lambeau’s three decades as coach. His relationship with the Green Bay franchise was severed after the 1949 season.
Pictured at Green Bay’s City Stadium on that Thanksgiving Day — left to right, back row: Tiny Engebretsen, 1934-41; Herb Nichols, 1919-20; Curly Lambeau, 1921-30; Jug Earp, 1922-32; Lavvie Dilweg, 1927-34; Verne Lewellen, 1924-32; Johnny Blood, 1928-36; Front row: Charley Brock, 1939-47; Don Hutson, 1935-45; Arnie Herber, 1931-41; and Joe Laws, 1934-45.
Source: “Green Bay Packers: Legends in Green and Gold;” Green Bay Press-Gazette photo
