By Heather Graves
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – Aaron Rodgers’ mustache is a common sight during training camp, one many fans expect to see.
But this preseason’s version was groomed for a very specific reason.
On Wednesday, Aug. 28, fans filled Lambeau Field Atrium for the Welcome Back Packers Luncheon, an annual event hosted by the Greater Green Bay Chamber that gives community members the chance to dine with players and coaches to mark the beginning of the season.
Each year, Rodgers uses the event to show his sense of humor by choosing a new theme, and this year was no different.
Dubbed one “Happy” QB squad on Twitter, this year’s preseason quarterback crew – Rodgers, Tim Boyle, DeShone Kizer and Manny Wilkins – nailed their rendition of characters from the popular 1996 film “Happy Gilmore.”
Sporting a backward hat, Subway T-shirt and flannel, Boyle portrayed Gilmore, the hockey player turned pro golfer.
Kizer took on the role of Chubbs, Gilmore’s coach who lost his hand to an alligator.
Wilkens’s scruffy beard came in handy for his portrayal of Gilmore’s un-kept caddy, Otto.
And as for Rodgers, the two-time NFL MVP’s unique mustache made him a dead-ringer for his character – Hal L., the orderly from Gilmore’s grandma’s retirement home.
This year’s theme will be hard to top.
Players and coaches were seated randomly after being introduced by emcee Dorsey Levens, retired Packers running back.
This was head coach Matt LeFleur’s first welcome back luncheon, and it’s one the first-year leader of the Pack said is just another example of the support and passion of the fans.
“I’ve been around the NFL at a couple of different teams now and you just don’t get events like this,” LeFleur said. “I think that any of our players and coaches that have been other places, it makes you realize how fortunate we are to be part of such a great organization and it’s because of you guys who are loyal, passionate fans.”
During the luncheon, the Chamber presented Packers inside linebacker Blake Martinez with the Community Service Award for his contributions to the Green Bay community.
Martinez, now in his fourth year, has been an advocate for organizations such as the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, Big Brothers and Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“We are honored to honor Blake with the Community Service Award and to recognize the exceptional impact he makes on this community and many others,” said Laurie Radke, president and CEO, Greater Green Bay Chamber.
Martinez was humbled by the honor saying he couldn’t have done it without the people of the Green Bay community.
“I want to thank the Green Bay community for being so easy to work with and I’m just excited to keep working with you guys and keep having those opportunities come my way – I just need all the great fans and people of this community and Go Pack Go.”
Nearly 1,000 fans, players and coaches attended this year’s luncheon.