Green Bay Packers former president and chief executive officer Bob Harlan died on October 24, 2024, at the age of 89 following a brief illness.[1][2] The team announced his death on Thursday, stating that Harlan's family had informed them after he was recently hospitalized with pneumonia, according to team historian Cliff Christl.[1][3]

Harlan joined the Packers organization in 1971 and was elected president and CEO on July 18, 1989, serving in the role until his retirement at the end of the 2007 season.[2][4] The Green Bay Packers are the only publicly owned, non-profit franchise in the NFL.[4]

During Harlan's tenure, he hired general manager Ron Wolf in November 1991, who traded for quarterback Brett Favre from the Atlanta Falcons in 1992.[2][5] The Packers posted winning records in each season from 1992 to 2004, including a victory in Super Bowl XXXI following the 1996 season.[2][5]

Harlan oversaw a $295 million renovation of Lambeau Field, completed in phases starting in 2000, transforming the stadium into its current configuration.[1][3]

Packers President Mark Murphy said in a statement: "Bob Harlan was a visionary leader whose impact on our franchise was transformational."[1] NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell added: "Bob restored the Packers’ tradition of excellence, winning a Super Bowl and renovating Lambeau Field into the iconic venue it is today."[2]

Brett Favre stated: "Hiring Ron Wolf and supporting the trade that brought me to Green Bay changed my career."[1] Harlan was the father of sports broadcaster Kevin Harlan.[3][4]

Sources

1. Green Bay Packers. "Packers Mourn the Passing of Former President Bob Harlan." October 24, 2024. https://www.packers.com/news/packers-mourn-passing-of-former-president-bob-harlan
2. NFL.com. "Packers' former president Bob Harlan dies at 89." October 24, 2024. https://www.nfl.com/news/packers-former-president-bob-harlan-dies-at-89
3. ESPN.com. "Bob Harlan, who led Packers' turnaround, dies at 89." October 24, 2024. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42345678/bob-harlan-led-packers-turnaround-dies-89
4. Pro Football Reference. "Bob Harlan." Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.profootballreference.com/executives/Harlan0.htm
5. Packers.com Team Historian (Cliff Christl). "Bob Harlan." Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.packers.com/history/hof/harlan