Bob Long’s Untold Love Story with the Packers – Why He Never Left Green Bay

Bob Long’s legacy as a Green Bay Packers player isn’t just about his contributions on the field. It’s about the profound connection he felt with the team, the city, and the community that embraced him throughout his career and beyond.

Born on June 16, 1942, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Long came to the Packers in 1964, drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. While his playing time was limited in comparison to some of his peers, his place in Packers history was secured when he contributed to the team’s victories in Super Bowl I and II under the leadership of the iconic Vince Lombardi. Long’s time with the Packers, from 1964 to 1967, was a chapter of championships and camaraderie that shaped the rest of his life.

His football journey started at Wichita State University, where he transitioned from basketball to football and set records in a single season. His athletic versatility caught Lombardi’s attention, and Long’s talent as a wide receiver became a critical asset to the Packers’ strategy. With 98 receptions for 1,539 yards and 10 touchdowns, Long was part of the “Lombardi Legends,” a group celebrated for their significant contributions to the team’s success during the 1960s.

Though his role on the team was largely as a backup player, Long’s connection to Packers fans remained unwavering. In a 2015 interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Long expressed his gratitude for the fans, saying, “But Packers fans are the best fans in the world. I may not be a legend, but they never, ever forget. Wherever I go, they treat me like I’m a Hall of Famer.” His words speak to a bond that transcended the field — a bond built on mutual respect and an appreciation for the Packers’ community. The fans, he felt, never forgot the players who helped lay the groundwork for the team’s success.

His love for Green Bay and its culture extended beyond his playing days. In the same interview, Long shared, “I don’t think I could live anywhere better,” referring to his home in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where he spent his post-football life surrounded by “years of green and gold memories.” The memorabilia in his home — photos, footballs, and even his appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show — serve as tangible proof of the deep emotional ties he had to both the Packers and the city.

Long’s attachment to the Packers was not limited to his personal love for the team but also extended to his admiration for his teammates. He frequently praised his fellow Packers, such as legendary quarterback Bart Starr, acknowledging Starr’s talent as one of the most accurate quarterbacks of all time. Long also reflected on the enduring legacy of his coach, Vince Lombardi, with whom he shared many pivotal moments. One such moment, when Long was traded to Washington, involved Lombardi asking, “Do you still have your basketball hands?” a reminder of the unique dynamics between coach and player that shaped Long’s career.

Beyond his football career, Long’s dedication to the Green Bay community remained evident in his charity work, raising over $1.5 million for causes like the Ray Nitschke Foundation and Special Olympics. His connection to the Packers wasn’t just about the glory years — it was about a shared commitment to giving back and supporting the values that the Packers community stood for.

In a reflection on his time with the team, Long spoke candidly about the Packers’ run-heavy offense and Vince Lombardi’s expectations. “If you had three passes thrown to you in a game, that was a lot, and you’d better catch them,” Long said. This acknowledgment of Lombardi’s tough standards illustrates Long’s understanding of the Packers’ ethos — a no-nonsense, team-first mentality that continued to define his love for the organization long after his playing days ended.

Bob Long’s story with the Packers is not just about football. It’s a testament to loyalty, love, and a connection that endures for a lifetime. Whether on the field, in the stands, or in the heart of the Green Bay community, Long’s spirit remains an integral part of the Packers’ legacy.