The Green Bay Packers’ 2024 training camp has arrived, as rookies report Wednesday.
During a visit on WOMT Sports Talk Monday, Team President and CEO Mark Murphy said optimism is high following an unexpected trip to the playoffs in 2023.
“Last year, the expectations were pretty low. People really didn’t know what to expect, and by the end of the season, we were playing as well as anybody.
We beat the Chiefs, beat the Cowboys in the playoffs, and probably should have beat the 49ers. However, every year stands on its own, and you don’t get credit for what you did last year. But I think this team is hungry and will get nothing but better and better.”
Following a 2 and 5 start, the Packers finished 9 and 8 last year, becoming the first seven-seed to win an NFL playoff game.
Quarterback Jordan Love had a lot to do with that turnaround, throwing 18 touchdown passes and only one interception in the last nine games of the season.
Murphy says other pieces of the puzzle came together.
“We’re a quarterback-driven league, and Jordan, last half of the season, was playing better than anybody. Aaron Jones played well, and defensively, the team improved throughout the year.”
The Packers CEO says that he’s excited to see new Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hately’s aggressive, physical approach, which will be led by free agent safety Xavier McKinney.
The former New York Giant signed a 4-year $67 million deal to come to play in Green Bay. Offensively, The Packers let veteran running back Aaron Jones go in favor of Josh Jacobs.
The former Las Vegas Raider is two years removed from leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns. As far as getting Love signed to a new deal, Murphy says—
” We’re very fortunate with (Executive Vice President and Director of Football operations) Russ Ball. We probably have one of the best in football in terms of working with the salary cap and negotiating contracts with players.I know that he and Jordan’s agent are in constant contact, and we are hopeful that something will get done sooner rather than later.”
The Pack will make history on September 6th, when they open the season in Sao Paulo, Brazil, against the Philadelphia Eagles. Murphy says he can’t wait.
“We’re very honored that The National Football League picked us to play in the game. Apparently, the Packers are their number-one team. Even though it’s an Eagles home game, I expect plenty of Packer fans to be there.”
Veterans report on July 21st, with the first training camp practice and annual shareholders meeting set for July 22nd.
