By Kris Leonhardt
Editor-in-chief
In The Greatest Story in Sports: Green Bay Packers 1919-2019, author Cliff Christl presents a comprehensive and captivating history of, arguably, the most storied team in professional football.
Christl was a natural selection to produce the four-volume hardbound book set, with four decades in the journalism industry — most of them covering the Green Bay Packers.
The book set was released to coincide with the franchise’s 100th season, featuring key moments in its history, and remains a feature at the Packer Pro Shop.
Through the book series, Christl chronicles the Packers’ story from its humble beginnings to its legendary status, chronicling its evolution from a community team to an NFL giant while highlighting key individuals such as Earl “Curly” Lambeau and Vince Lombardi and games like the “Ice Bowl,” as well as the moments that helped shape the team.
The incorporation of personal anecdotes aids in bringing those stories to life, with quotes from fans, players, coaches and others who are a small portion of the team’s livelihood and success.
Paired with Christl’s in-depth research and his ability to see inside the franchise’s legacy and cultural impact on the community provides a deeper look into the team’s significance.
At over 1,000 pages of full-scale detail, the book may not appeal to the passive Packer fan; however, the unique photos and stories make it a perfect read for the dedicated fan with a deep appreciation for the team, or football history in general.
Tidbits, such as a Green Bay Packer Player Talent Report on Willie Wood from his days at Southern Cal, stating in large writing “No Pro Prospect,” and input from fans make it an entertaining read even for the passive fan.
Ultimately, Christl does a fantastic job of chronicling the long history of the team which has seen its share of ups and downs with a focus on detail and accuracy.
He illustrates the importance of the community, fans and its leadership to the team’s success — a fact delivered by a quote at the start of Volume I:
“Not two, three or four people were responsible for keeping the Packers alive in Green Bay. The people, the fans of Green Bay did it through the years. …And that type of thinking must prevail in Green Bay.”
-Curly Lambeau
The Greatest Story in Sports: Green Bay Packers 1919-2019 is the perfect read during the off-season for the dedicated Packer fan experiencing withdrawals.