We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. We’re all about Packers’ history here, so this update focuses on the game program for the September 13, 1981 game against the Atlanta Falcons in Green Bay’s Lambeau Field. Above is the program cover, and let’s get to it.
On this 74-degree day in northeast Wisconsin, plenty would have wanted to enjoy a cold, home state-brewed Pabst Blue Ribbon. Times have changed: “Now based in Los Angeles, Pabst Blue Ribbon is contract-brewed in six different breweries around the U.S. in facilities owned by Miller Brewing Company.”
Legendary Packers LB Rich Wingo earns a few extra bucks as a spokesman for locally-owned Bertrand’s Sport Shop, Inc.
What’s noteworthy here is not the table of contents, but the ad on the right side of the page for the Durkee Mail Bag Program, which was a radio post-game show. Hosted by broadcaster Jim Ford, it also featured “Packer greats” Mike Michalske (G; 1929-35, 1937), Charley Brock (C/LB; 1939-47), and long-time super-fan/supporter Paul Mazzoleni.
Head coach Bart Starr and his 1981 staff are pictured here. A few former Packer players joined him in his work to bring some on-the-field pride back to Green Bay.
We don’t believe that Sears is the go-to place for Packer fans to get their gear, but in 1981 it could’ve been your headquarters.
Some NFL Trivia, 1981-style. Note the piece on Packers’ and NFL Hall of Famer Jim Taylor.
What young fan in the early ’80s wouldn’t want to sleep while covered with NFL team logos?
A two-page feature on former Packers’ Center (and current Packers’ radio broadcaster/media personality) Larry McCarren and his family.
Well, that little gal doesn’t look too happy at the Fan/Photo Day now, does she?
Above and below, some Packer game action from the second pre-season game against Oakland in Milwaukee. The Packers won, 34-14.
The point to be made here with this ad is to state how Green Bay gear was seemingly never included in these ads at the time, being on the lower echelon of the NFL then. It wasn’t that easy to find Packers gear in Green Bay, either.
These next few scans show the 1981 team.
Your complete 1981 Green Bay Packers roster.
Above and below, the starting lineups for both teams.
At the top, an article on Packers’ and NFL Hall of Famer Willie Davis.
1981 Packer stats.
Here you could vote for your Packer linemen. Hall of famers one and all.
Bring back the Helmet hat! At least they show the Packers version here.
We know you all went out on Black Friday to get a good deal on an RCA VideoDisc System.
Lastly, all homes should be equipped with a Packer FanPhone. Those homes that still have land lines, that is.
The Falcons were victorious on this day, 31-17. It was the first loss of an 8-8 season.
