Top 10 Green Bay Packers of All Time: Icons Who Defined the Legacy of the Lambeau Field
When you think about the greatest Green Bay Packers of all time, you’re diving into a storied tradition of excellence spanning decades. With names like Bart Starr and Brett Favre etched into football lore, one might wonder if Aaron Rodgers completes the trifecta of iconic quarterbacks.
Then there’s Reggie White, a defensive powerhouse, and Ray Nitschke, who anchored the defense with sheer intensity. Players like Paul Hornung added flair to the offense, while Curly Lambeau himself set the groundwork. But are there others on this list of top 10 Green Bay Packers of all time that might surprise you or challenge your expectations of what defines greatness?
Table of Contents
1. Bart Starr
- Years Played: 1956-1971
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 197 lbs
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Bart Starr is a legendary figure in Green Bay Packers history, known for his leadership and precision on the field. Playing his entire professional career with the Packers, Starr was the central figure in transforming the team into a powerhouse during the 1960s under coach Vince Lombardi.
His calm demeanor and exceptional decision-making helped the Packers secure five NFL Championships, including the first two Super Bowls where he was named MVP both times. Starr’s ability to execute the Packers’ famed sweep plays and his clutch performances in critical games guarantee his legacy as a Green Bay icon.
- Accolades:
- 5-time NFL Champion
- 2-time Super Bowl MVP (I, II)
- NFL MVP (1966)
- 4-time Pro Bowl selection
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1977)
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame inductee
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
2. Brett Favre
- Years Played for Green Bay Packers: 1992-2007
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 222 lbs
Brett Favre’s tenure with the Green Bay Packers is marked by his fiery competitiveness and resilience, helping transform the team into a consistent contender. Known for his gunslinger approach, Favre’s powerful arm and risk-taking demeanor became signature elements of his play style.
He was integral in leading the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI, ending a more than two-decade championship drought.
His iron man streak of 297 consecutive starts solidified his legendary status. Favre wasn’t only a dominant force on the field but also brought charisma and leadership that forged a lasting legacy with the Packers.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl XXXI Champion
- Three-time NFL MVP (1995, 1996, 1997)
- 11-time Pro Bowl Selection
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2016)
- NFL All-Time Leader in Passing Yards and Touchdowns at Retirement
3. Reggie White
- Years played for Green Bay Packers: 1993-1998
- Position: Defensive End
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 291 lbs
Reggie White, often referred to as the “Minister of Defense,” had a monumental impact during his time with the Green Bay Packers. Known for his striking power and quickness off the snap, White dominated as a defensive end, contributing greatly to the Packers’ success in the mid-90s, including their Super Bowl XXXI victory.
His ability to terrorize quarterbacks and shut down opposing offenses made him a cornerstone of the Green Bay defense. White’s leadership both on and off the field earned him immense respect, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest Packers of all time.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl XXXI Champion
- 6× Pro Bowl selection (1993-1998)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1993-1998)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1998)
- NFL 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Teams
- 198 overall sacks in NFL career, making him one of the league’s all-time leaders
4. Ray Nitschke
- Years Played for Green Bay Packers: 1958-1972
- Position: Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 235 lbs
Ray Nitschke was a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers’ defense during their dominance in the 1960s. Known for his intense playing style and exceptional instincts, Nitschke became the epitome of a middle linebacker.
His aggressive tackling and leadership on the field were instrumental during the Packers’ era of glory under Coach Vince Lombardi.
Nitschke was a part of the team that won five NFL Championships, including the first two Super Bowls. His legacy includes being a critical component of one of the most formidable defenses in NFL history, and he remains an icon in Green Bay.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1978)
- Five-time NFL Champion
- Two-time Super Bowl Champion
- Named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Number 66 jersey retired by the Green Bay Packers
5. Aaron Rodgers
- Years Played for Team: 2005-2022
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 lbs
Aaron Rodgers was a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers from 2005 to 2022. Known for his precision passing, quick release, and strategic intelligence, Rodgers established himself as one of the most skilled quarterbacks of his generation.
His ability to extend plays, combined with an outstanding TD-to-INT ratio, kept the Packers consistently competitive during his tenure.
A memorable moment includes his role in winning Super Bowl XLV and being named the game’s MVP. Rodgers’ leadership and on-field prowess have cemented his status as a Green Bay icon.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XLV)
- Super Bowl MVP (XLV)
- 4× NFL MVP (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021)
- 10× Pro Bowl selections
- 4× First-team All-Pro selections
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
6. Don Hutson
- Years Played for the Green Bay Packers: 1935-1945
- Position: End
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 183 lbs
Don Hutson is celebrated as one of football’s first true wide receivers and perhaps the most influential player in the history of the Green Bay Packers. Playing from 1935 to 1945, Hutson revolutionized the passing game with his precise route-running and exceptional speed.
Notorious for his ability to break free from defenders, Hutson led the NFL in receptions eight times and touchdowns nine times.
His playing style set the blueprint for future generations of receivers. In the twilight of his career, he became a player-coach, further embedding his legacy within the team. Hutson remains a towering figure in Packers history for his unparalleled achievements and records.
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- Accolades:
- 3× NFL Champion (1936, 1939, 1944)
- 2× NFL Most Valuable Player (1941, 1942)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1963)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (1938–1945)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
7. Paul Hornung
- Years Played for Team: 1957-1966
- Position: Halfback
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215 lbs
Paul Hornung, known as “The Golden Boy,” made a significant impact on the Green Bay Packers during his decade with the team. His versatility as a halfback was unparalleled, blending his rushing prowess with an ability to pass and kick.
Hornung’s playing style was characterized by powerful runs and a keen football IQ that made him an invaluable asset to the Packers’ offense.
One of his standout moments was his 176-point season in 1960, which set an NFL record at the time. Hornung’s legacy is highlighted by his role in helping the team secure four NFL Championships.
- Accolades:
- NFL MVP (1961)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1986)
- 4× NFL Champion (1961-1962, 1965-1966)
- 2× Pro Bowl selections (1959, 1960)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
8. Forrest Gregg
- Years played for Green Bay Packers: 1956–1970
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 249 lbs
Forrest Gregg was a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line, setting the standard for durability and excellence as an offensive tackle. Renowned for his consistency, Gregg’s powerful blocking and agile footwork greatly contributed to the dominance of the Packers’ offense during the Vince Lombardi era.
His relentless work ethic and mastery of technique won him admiration from both teammates and opponents. A key player in Packers’ victories, Gregg was instrumental in securing five NFL Championships, including the first two Super Bowls, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the team’s storied history.
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- Accolades:
- 9× Pro Bowl selections
- 7× First-team All-Pro
- 3× Second-team All-Pro
- 3× NFL Champion (1961, 1962, 1965)
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (Super Bowl I, II)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977
9. Curly Lambeau
- Years Played for Team: 1919-1929
- Position: Halfback/Coach
- Height/Weight: 5’10″/210 lbs
Curly Lambeau was a pivotal figure in the early years of the Green Bay Packers, not only as a standout player but also as a trailblazing coach and co-founder of the franchise. As a halfback, he was known for his agility and strategic mind on the field.
Lambeau’s innovative approach to coaching and game strategy laid the foundation for the team’s long-standing success.
His drive and passion for the sport established the Packers as a formidable team in the early NFL, fostering a legacy that endures to this day. Lambeau’s influence extended well beyond his playing years, cementing his status as a legend within the Packers’ history.
- Accolades:
- 6-time NFL Champion (1929, 1930, 1931 as a coach)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963
- Co-founder of the Green Bay Packers
10. Willie Wood
- Years Played: 1960-1971
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 190 lbs
Willie Wood was a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers’ defense during the 1960s, known for his exceptional play at safety. Wood was an undrafted free agent out of USC, but his impact on the field was immediate and lasting.
Known for his exceptional vision and ability to read the game, Wood played a pivotal role in the Packers’ dynasty under Vince Lombardi, contributing to five NFL Championships, including the first two Super Bowls. His tenacity and leadership on the field made him a respected figure and an integral part of the Packers’ storied history.
- Accolades:
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989
- 8-time Pro Bowler
- 9-time All-Pro selection
- 5-time NFL Champion
- 48 career interceptions
