Bob Harlan, the former Green Bay Packers president, has died at 89, according to an announcement from his family. Harlan served as president and CEO until he retired in 2008. He is the only person in NFL history to hire two different general managers that won Super Bowls with entirely different rosters: Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson.
Harlan’s Impact on the Packers
Harlan took over as team president in 1989. The team was more than two decades removed from the Vince Lombardi era. Current Packers president and CEO Ed Policy said that Harlan was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational.
One of Harlan’s first moves was hiring Ron Wolf as general manager in 1991. That opened the door for Wolf to hire Mike Holmgren as head coach, trade for quarterback Brett Favre and sign Reggie White. During Harlan’s tenure, the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI.
Wolf said that Harlan gave him an opportunity, for which he was deeply indebted. Wolf added that Harlan’s greatest trait was that he was an honourable man, a man of his word and a man of character. He described Harlan as an honour to know and a pleasure to work with.
Building for the Future
Before retiring, Harlan hired Ted Thompson as general manager. This led to another championship in Super Bowl XLV with Mike McCarthy as coach and Aaron Rodgers as quarterback.
Harlan was also largely responsible for the renovation to Lambeau field. The stadium reopened in 2003. The initial $295 renovation needed to be approved by Brown County voters, and Harlan played a key role in convincing the public to support the move.
The renovation paved the way for what Lambeau Field has become today. It is now a year-round destination that also included the Titletown area featuring restaurants, office buildings, a luxury hotel and residences.
Honouring Harlan’s Legacy
Prior to becoming team president, Harlan served the Packers in various roles. These included assistant general manager (1971-75), corporate general manager (1975-81), assistant to the president — corporate (1981-88) and executive vice president of administration (1988-89).
Harlan was elected to the Packers Hall of Fame in 2004. There is a plaza in front of Lambeau Field named in his honour.
Policy stated that Harlan restored the Packers to competitive excellence during his tenure. He also helped ensure the unique and treasured NFL franchise was on sound footing for sustained generational success. Policy added: “We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Madeline, and the entire Harlan family.”