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Bob Harlan, who served as president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers for nearly two decades, has died. He was 89 years old.
The Packers announced Harlan’s death earlier Thursday, saying his family informed them of his death after a brief illness. Team historian Cliff Christl noted that Harlan had recently been hospitalized with pneumonia.
Current Packers President and CEO Ed Policy released a statement.
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Bob Harlan, former CEO of the Green Bay Packers, speaks during a news conference regarding the retirement of quarterback Brett Favre at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, March 4, 2008. (Matt Ludtke/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“The Packers family was saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Harlan,” Policy’s social media statement said.
“Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformative. From his inspired hiring of Ron Wolf to turn around the club’s fortunes on the field to his tireless work to redevelop Lambeau Field, Bob returned the Packers to competitive excellence during his tenure and helped ensure that our unique and valuable NFL flagship franchise was on solid footing for lasting generational success.
“We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Madeline, and to the entire Harlan family.”
Harlan joined the Packers in 1971, but he wasn’t elected president and CEO until 1989. But after being elected head of the public franchise, he didn’t leave that position until 2008.
Harlan was instrumental in the Packers becoming a consistent winner in the NFL again, or as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, returning the franchise to its tradition.
“Bob restored the Packers’ tradition of excellence, winning a Super Bowl and renovating Lambeau Field into the iconic venue it is today,” Goodell said in a statement. “He also made a substantial contribution to our league, helping to ensure that all cities, large or small, could succeed.”
Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan waves to the crowd at the renovated Lambeau Field, September 6, 2003, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
The Packers enjoyed winning seasons from 1992 to 2004 under Harlan, including a Super Bowl victory in 1997 as Brett Favre, whom Wolf acquired from the Atlanta Falcons, led the way throughout those years and more as the franchise’s quarterback.
As Policy mentioned, Harlan had a vision for the franchise, which included a $295 million renovation of the iconic Lambeau Field.
“Bob Harlan’s leadership of the Green Bay Packers has been exceptional,” Favre said in a statement released by the team. “Hiring Ron Wolf and supporting the business that brought me to Green Bay changed my career. The organization believed in me and gave me the opportunity.
Green Bay Packers President Bob Harlan talks about the renovation of Lambeau Field from a luxury box into the stadium July 28, 2003, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, file)
“He was so supportive of me during the challenges I faced in my career. The challenges my family faced as well. He was always there to offer support. He was a wonderful, kind man.”
Harlan is also the father of longtime sports broadcaster Kevin Harlan.
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