Bob Harlan, Packers President Who Oversaw Revival, Dies at 89

Under Harlan's leadership, the Packers brought on key players like Brett Favre and renovated Lambeau Field.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:04pm

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Bob Harlan, the former president of the Green Bay Packers who helped the franchise overcome decades of mediocrity and steer it toward two Super Bowl championships, died on March 5 at the age of 89. Harlan joined the Packers in 1971 and became president in 1989, overseeing the team's football and business operations during a period of revival that included hiring key personnel like general manager Ron Wolf and coach Mike Holmgren, signing star players like Brett Favre and Reggie White, and leading a major renovation of the team's historic Lambeau Field.

Why it matters

The Packers are a unique franchise in the NFL, owned by a half-million shareholders rather than a billionaire owner. As president, Harlan played a crucial role in preserving the team's status as a "national treasure" and restoring the Packers to prominence after a long period of struggle following the retirement of legendary coach Vince Lombardi.

The details

Harlan joined the Packers in 1971, three years after Lombardi's retirement, as the team endured nearly three decades of mediocrity. He helped turn things around by hiring Ron Wolf as general manager, who in turn brought in key players and coaches like Brett Favre, Mike Holmgren, and Reggie White. Under Harlan's leadership, the Packers won Super Bowls in 1996 and 2011. Harlan also oversaw a major $295 million renovation of Lambeau Field, including adding nearly 12,000 seats, new scoreboards, and an atrium with a restaurant, pro shop, and team Hall of Fame.

  • Harlan joined the Packers in 1971, three years after Lombardi's retirement.
  • The Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996 and 1997 under Harlan's leadership.
  • The $295 million renovation of Lambeau Field was completed in 2003.

The players

Bob Harlan

The former president of the Green Bay Packers who helped the franchise overcome decades of mediocrity and steer it toward two Super Bowl championships.

Ron Wolf

The general manager hired by Harlan in 1991 who rebuilt the Packers team with key moves like signing Mike Holmgren as coach and trading for Brett Favre.

Brett Favre

The star quarterback acquired by the Packers in a trade, who helped lead the team to two Super Bowl appearances in the 1990s.

Reggie White

The free agent defensive end signed by the Packers in a $17 million contract, who was a key part of the team's Super Bowl-winning squads.

Mark Murphy

The former Washington Redskins player who succeeded Harlan as the Packers' president in 2008.

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What they’re saying

“Encounters with him always made you feel better. He had an internally sanguine outlook.”

— Andrew Brandt, Vice president of player finance under Harlan (New York Times)

“When I played a game at Lambeau, it was nothing special: just a big, green box.”

— Mark Murphy, Former Packers president (New York Times)

“Ron used to rely on Ted a lot. He'd always say, 'Ted, what are you thinking?' and he always listened to his opinion.”

— Bob Harlan (Green Bay Press-Gazette)

What’s next

The Packers are expected to hold a memorial service for Harlan at Lambeau Field in the coming weeks to celebrate his legacy and contributions to the franchise.

The takeaway

Harlan's tenure as Packers president exemplifies how strong leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to a team's unique history and community can revive a storied franchise and cement its status as a beloved sports institution.