GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Sunday Packers game versus the Chicago Bears was one for the books for a young boy from Texas who had been praying and hoping to be at this particular game.
“I just like the Packers since I was a kid,” said Zackary Swanson.
For 12-year-old Zackary Swanson watching this rivalry in person had been on his bucket list since the second grade.
“At school every time we get to write a letter I’d always wish to go to a Packers game against the Bears,” Zackary said “Because it’s the biggest rivalry that we have.”
“So when he was little he would write letters to the teacher when she asked what do you want to be or what would be your dream come true when you grow up. It was always come to Lambeau Field and watch Aaron Rodgers play either against either the Bears or Vikings. He wanted it snowing. We got snow over the weekend but we didn’t get it today. That’s alright,” said Ryan Swanson, Zackary’s father.
Though the Swanson family lives in Texas, Zackary believes he got his love for the green and gold from his father.
“My dad has always been a Packers fan, he grew up in Green Bay. I’m a Packers fan because of that,” Zackary said.
And he sure considers himself to be one of the biggest fans out there.
“I know a lot about Aaron Rodgers, Brett Farve, all the old legends I guess. I read a lot of books in school and stuff,” Zackary said.
This game also extra special for Zackary as he learned the meaning of hard work just to be here.
“I saved enough money to save a ticket. I was surprised I didn’t have to pay for it. That was cool. Just collected over the years, never really spent a ton. Yard work and chores I guess,” Zackary said.
“The fact that he’s willing to work so hard to make sure he got here. That meant a lot. Proud of him,” said Ryan.
Throughout the weekend the Swanson family was able to take a stadium tour and create all sorts of other fun Packers memories that will last a lifetime.
And if you are wondering where Zackary got his cool luchador mask? He says he got it during a family trip to Mexico. How neat is that?
