He Never Missed a Game—Not Even From the ICU: The Inspiring Story of Packers Superfan John Brosig
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In the world of sports fandom, few stories can match the dedication and devotion shown by John Brosig, a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan whose unwavering commitment to his team transcended even the most difficult circumstances. John’s journey as a Packers superfan not only earned him a place in the Packers Fan Hall of Fame but also captured the hearts of fellow fans, friends, and family members across the country.
John Brosig, a Marathon County resident, was posthumously inducted into the Packers Fan Hall of Fame as its 27th member. His passing at the age of 80 on December 28, 2024, came just months after he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Despite knowing his health was failing, John’s resolve to be present at every Packers game remained unshaken. Even in his final days, he never missed a game—no matter the odds.
John’s love for the Packers was legendary. His son, Max Brosig, recalls how the Packers were not just a team to his father but a constant thread woven through every aspect of their lives. “Everything in his life revolved around this organization,” Max said. “Whether it was birthdays, weddings, you name it. Even if there was possibly a playoff game, he would always say, ‘don’t plan anything that day.’”
John’s devotion to the Packers was evident in the way he lived his life. He had held season tickets since 1964 and had never missed a home game in that time. His passion for the team was so strong that it even sustained him through his toughest battles. Just a week before the 2024 home opener, John was admitted to the ICU. His health was deteriorating, but that didn’t stop him from making it to the game. In fact, he attended that game and three more after it, defying the odds and showing his true commitment to the Green Bay Packers.
As his daughter, Cheryl Brosig, put it, “Packers games were like a shining light for him. It helped him with his goals.” For John, attending games was not just a hobby; it was a lifeline, a way to stay connected with his passion and his family.
Beyond football, John had a love for deer hunting, a passion he shared with his son, Max. One memorable hunting trip occurred during a crucial Packers game. The score was tied at the end of the third quarter, but John insisted they leave the stadium early. He was determined to make it to their hunting land before dark. They drove 45 minutes to their land and, despite the short window of daylight, managed to bag a deer. “Even with the game still on, he had his priorities straight,” Max recalled. “Packers football and family always came first.”
John Brosig’s legacy isn’t just in the games he attended or the number of stadiums he visited—he also left an indelible mark on the people around him. His friend, Greg Klimek, fondly remembers the days they spent tailgating together, each with their own ambulances converted into mobile tailgating stations. They bonded over their love of football and their shared experiences at Lambeau Field. “Our favorite day of the year was the day the schedule came out,” Klimek shared. “We would start figuring out where we were going because we both needed stadiums.”
In fact, John’s travels took him to nearly every NFL stadium, with only three left on his list. But even in death, his spirit will continue to accompany the Packers on their journeys. Cheryl shared that John’s ashes will make the trip to Houston, Los Angeles, and Tampa for future Packers games.
John Brosig’s story is one of extraordinary dedication, love for the game, and an unbreakable bond with the Green Bay Packers. He will forever be remembered as a true superfan whose heart beat for the Packers, no matter what life threw his way.
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