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GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Bob Harlan, the esteemed former president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, has passed away at the age of 89 after a short illness on Thursday, March 5.
Ed Policy, the current Packers President and CEO, expressed his condolences by stating, “The Packers family was saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Harlan. Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational.”
Harlan’s journey with the Packers began in 1971, and he ascended to the role of president and CEO in 1989. He led the team as its principal executive until his retirement in January 2008, after which he continued to contribute as chairman emeritus.
In a related note, legendary football coach Lou Holtz also passed away at the age of 89.
Under Harlan’s leadership, the Packers experienced a remarkable revival. From 1993 to 2007, Green Bay achieved the NFL’s best overall record, with a tally of 152-88, and celebrated a Super Bowl XXXI victory following the 1996 season. The team maintained an impressive streak of 13 consecutive .500-or-better seasons from 1992 to 2004, marking the franchise’s longest period of success since the 1930s and 1940s.
During his tenure, the Packers experienced a dramatic resurgence. From 1993 to 2007, Green Bay posted the NFL’s best overall record at 152-88 and captured Super Bowl XXXI following the 1996 season. The team also recorded 13 consecutive .500-or-better seasons from 1992 to 2004, the franchise’s best sustained stretch since the 1930s and 1940s.
Harlan is the only executive in NFL history to hire two different general managers who each won a Super Bowl with different rosters Ron Wolf, who built the 1996 championship team, and Ted Thompson, whose roster won Super Bowl XLV after the 2010 season.
Wolf credited Harlan for giving him the opportunity to reshape the franchise.
“His greatest trait, in my opinion, is that he was an honorable man, a man of his word, a man of character,” Wolf said.
Former head coach Mike Holmgren said Harlan “set an incredible tone for the entire organization,” recalling how he would stop by weekly and ask, “What can I do to help you?”
Former quarterback Brett Favre said Harlan’s leadership “changed my career,” referencing the trade that brought him to Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers called Harlan “one of the most naturally funny people” he met in the organization and said he “embodied the spirit of the Green Bay Packers.”
Beyond the field, Harlan’s crowning achievement was the $295 million redevelopment of historic Lambeau Field, completed ahead of the 2003 season. The project strengthened the team’s financial stability and helped position the franchise for long-term success in the NFL’s smallest market.
Former President and CEO Mark Murphy said Harlan was “most responsible for Lambeau Field becoming the most iconic stadium in the NFL” and left the organization “in great shape both on and off the field.”
Harlan and his wife, Madeline, were deeply involved in the Green Bay community, serving on numerous boards and supporting charitable causes. In 2007, he published his autobiography, “Green and Golden Moments: Bob Harlan and the Green Bay Packers.”
He is survived by his wife, Madeline; sons Kevin, Bryan and Michael; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.