Why I Love the Green Bay Packers?

Having had the opportunity to play for the Green Bay Packers for 5 seasons would be the most logical reason. Of course I have to mention the history of the team; so many great players, all those championships, and who can forget Vince Lombardi, the famed head coach of the Packers in the 1960s?

As a high school kid I used to listen to Vince Lombardi’s motivational cassette tapes to pump me up before football games and track meets. Lombardi had claimed that Forrest Gregg was the finest player he’d ever coached. Amazingly, I was coached by Forrest Gregg for 2 of my 5 years as a Packer! Those that have had the chance to visit Green Bay and/or take in a Packers game at Lambeau Field would concur, the fans and the people are truly real, genuine and just so loyal to those Packers. These are all very sound reasons why I should love the Packers, however, there is another reason – the main reason.

During my rookie year, when it was officially announced that I made the team, I received a phone call from Lou Weinstein, a local Green Bay businessman. Mr. Weinstein invited me out to his country club for lunch. I accepted not knowing what or why this man wanted to meet me and buy me lunch. During our lunch Mr. Weinstein said he read about me the previous week in the Jewish Press in an article listing the 5 jews that were in training camp that summer. He also read about me in the Green Bay Press Gazette as it announced the final Packer roster for 1986. Mr. Weinstein went on to ask me if I needed anything. I was taken aback, did I need anything? I was 23 years old at the time, living in a motel across the street from Lambeau Field with $9.00 dollars in my pocket and a suitcase of clothes. Who picks up the phone and asks a perfect stranger out to lunch and ask if he needs anything? Mr. Weinstein, that’s who. He also invited me to synagogue for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) holiday. Mr. Weinstein knew what the Torah says about the obligation and the privilege for one to reach out to another and ask, “Do you need anything? How can I help you?” When was the last time you asked a perfect stranger, “do you need anything, how can I help you?”
That’s why I love the Green Bay Packers. Go Pack Go!

About the author: Alan “Shlomo” Veingrad
Alan Veingrad had a seven-year career as an offensive lineman in the NFL, first with the Green Bay Packers and then the Dallas Cowboys, with whom he won Super Bowl XXVII. Veingrad’s presentation style and post-retirement experience in business have made him a much sought after speaker. Many organizations whose management seeks to lead their organizations by exemplifying a culture of personal and professional achievement blended with a higher purpose call on Veingrad to speak to their employees. Veingrad has captivated religious audiences around the world, bringing his transformational, inspirational messages of positivism, personal excellence, leadership, team play and spiritual connection. Veingrad is also the National Marketing Director with CJA and Associates – specialists in tax elimination strategies and estate planning options for business owners and professionals. For more information, please visit www.AlanVeingrad.com. For Media Inquiries and bookings; please contact alan@alanveingrad.com 954/ 205-6369.