Here’s a couple of fine individuals who did their share to contribute to the success of the championship teams during the Lombardi years. Back-up QB Zeke Bratkowski (left, #12) and WR Max McGee (#85), are seen above on the annual photo day, when all of the black & white press photos were taken over on the Oneida Street practice field. Bratkowski played at Georgia before embarking on a pro career with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, and the Packers. He became an ideal backup and spot starter during the Lombardi championship era. In a 15 year year NFL career, Bratkowski passed for 10,345 yards and 65 touchdowns. In the 1965 Western Division championship game versus the Baltimore Colts, Bratkowski relieved the injured Bart Starr and led the Packers to a 13-10 victory on their way to the 1965 title. After his playing career, he served two stints as Packer assistant coach, from 1969-1970 and from 1975-1981. He also coached the Browns, Rams, Jets and Eagles, before retiring in 1996. He was inducted into the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1980, and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1989.Max McGee, out of Tulane University, played for Green Bay from 1954-1967. He may be best known for his performance during the first Super Bowl game. McGee, who had to borrow a teammate's helmet because he had not brought his own out of the locker room, was put into the game when Boyd Dowler was injured early. A few plays later, McGee made a one-handed reception of a pass from Bart Starr, took off past Chiefs defender Fred Williamson and ran 37 yards to score the first touchdown in Super Bowl history. By the end of the game, McGee had recorded seven receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns, assisting Green Bay to a 35-10 victory. After football, his many successful business entities made him a wealthy man. His ties to the Packers continued from 1979-1998 when he served as the color commentator for radio broadcasts of Packers football games with Jim Irwin. On October 20, 2007, McGee died as a result of a fall from the roof of his home in Deephaven, Minnesota while removing leaves from the roof with a leaf blower. He is also a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
