In this last decade, I was finally able to complete a few sports related dreams of mine.

I’m a small fry that was born in South Philly, spent quite a few years in Queens and I’m currently located in Boston. Based on all of that, you’d think one of the locations of my sports bucket list would be in one of those cities.

Nope.

My sports dreams were made when I got to watch my first Packers game vs the New York Jets in 2018 AND got to make my way to Green Bay, Wisconsin to enjoy my first game at the historic Lambeau Field in 2019.

 

If you didn’t know, I’m a massive Green Bay Packers fan. I first got into football during the 2010 NFL season. My uncle told me to just pick from one of the random games that were playing and I would follow that team for the entire season so I could learn the sport more thoroughly.

When we were channel flipping, I saw live coverage from a home game at Lambeau. I remember distinctly thinking as the commentators droned on about stats that I didn’t understand: “These fans look like they know how to have a good time, I want to follow this team!”

And well, if you know football, you know how that story ends: the Packers win Superbowl XLV and I’m now a lifelong fan.

I also know I was lucky in having my friend Amanda during this time. She also got into the Packers around the same time and for years we would cheer, complain and groan about this team together. In Senior Year, I remember us half joking that one day it’d be “Green Bay or Bust!” because we knew one day we’d both make the trek all the way to Wisconsin to shout about our boys in person.

After we graduated from high school and moved states apart for our respective life journeys, we would still text each other during most games continuing our tradition of sharing the game even while far (thanks technology!)

I’ve been to sporting events for a good chunk of my life. If I learned anything from those years with my sports appreciative uncle, it’s that the best time to watch a really good team is when they’re scheduled to play less successful team. In the summer of 2018, I realized I had a chance to see the Packers play against the Jets. Getting to Met Life wouldn’t have been too difficult around mid-December for me, I was heading that direction anyway.

So I grabbed tickets, texted my friend Amanda and pretty much told her we’re going to get a chance to see our boys in person.

That was one hell of game folks (I’d use a picture during the game if I took any lol.) The Packers manage to win in OT with a great pass from Rodgers to Adams AND they finally got a road win.

I thought that would have been it for my sports bucket list, but I was wrong. My older sister realized the Pack would be playing the Eagles at Lambeau. I thought she was kidding, but she was absolutely serious about us both making our way to Wisconsin.

It was a rare opportunity for me. The Eagles, my number two football team, only plays Green Bay every other season. Who knew when would be the next perfect chance for me to go to Green Bay for a match up where I was solidly invested in both teams?

Somehow, we made it work. I was sad Amanda couldn’t be there, but I knew I could be hype enough for both of us for the Thursday Night matchup.

It was unreal to see all these players who I love and respect dearly on both teams in person. Seeing the warm ups and preparations, getting a high five from Alexander, watching Boyle play catch with fans, it was all so amazing. I do wish I could have seen Davante or Jamaal up close but they’re both having a solid season so I really can’t complain.

It was a tough loss for the Pack, but an exciting opportunity for me. I was only a few rows away from the End Zone! While I didn’t get to see anyone do the leap, I did get to hear Aaron Rodgers pretty clearly pre-snap AND got to be a part of the “GO PACK GO!” cheer at the game.

Honestly, one of the most memorable moments was definitely being able to go on the Alumni tour with Antonio Freeman. It was awe-inspiring to meet someone you only really knew about via sports highlights (Sidenote: I never realized how beat up a wide receiver’s hands could get, especially when you played with Brett Farve for so long.)

I was so excited when I was on the field for the end of the tour. I remember just staring out at the field, just knowing I was on the same grass that so many great players walked on.

I hope one day to make it back to Green Bay, especially with Amanda. I’d love to properly fulfill my dream of Green Bay or Bust with the OG. Maybe we’d even get a chance to be on the field with some of our favorites pre-game. Who knows?

If you told me back when I first started watching football that I’d get to do any of this in the last decade, I would think you’re being absurd. But anything is possible. Go Pack Go.