GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Fans of all ages, outfits, states and even some furry friends came out to Ray Nitschke Field today to cheer on the Green Bay Packers on their first day of training camp. With the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the field, many were also singing, "Hallelujah!".
"I'm so excited that he's back to be part of the team," Kathy Teski said. "You know, at the Stockholder's meeting, they made the comment that Lambeau Field is one of the greatest assets of the Packers. It probably is one of the biggest physical assets of the Packers, but the people including Aaron Rodgers are the greatest assets of the Packers."
It's no secret COVID-19 took a toll on last year's season, with no fans at training camp, and capacity protocols in the stands at Lambeau Field. All that on top of a devastating loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs, it had fans crying, "We were so close!"
While COVID-19 protocols are more relaxed, there are still some in place to keep the players and fans safe. The annual Dream Drive to start the first day, which sees the players on bikes running alongside kids making their way to the field, was modified to just the players riding along. But despite the changes, that didn't stop fans or old and new from coming out and showing their Packer pride.
When talking to fans, many have the same motto: Super Bowl 2022 or bust. That thought was almost put on the back burner with the rumors of star quarterback Rogers possibly not returning. Thankfully, everyone in Green Bay took a deep sigh of relief Tuesday when he did, in fact, show up for camp. Most are thrilled he's back.
"I think we're in for a good year," said Kay Weiss. "You know, people just got to get past that a little bit. Who knows what the future holds but for the present, that just supports them."
Others are frustrated with him.
“Aaron held on for this long, and to come back and say this and that, I just can’t believe the guy anymore," Christopher Handler said. "Will he be here for a year and then a 'see-ya-later' kind of thing? It doesn’t feel right yet. I think they should put [Jordan] Love in and see what they can do for this year.”
Most people know, however, a Super Bowl win is better with Rodgers on the team.
"They got some new players, they kept some players, so they have the foundation to have a great offense and defense," Jeff Lanier said. "I hope we can be in Los Angeles in early February for the Super Bowl."
