The Green Bay Packers have a very loyal fanbase. Once a player signs with or is drafted by Green Bay, they are automatically considered part of the community. Indeed, Packers players continue to interact with fans long after their retirement because of the special bond that they have.
Of course, given the business of the NFL, it is not uncommon for fan-favorite players to end up leaving the Packers before their careers are over. As much as every player may want to play for one team for their entire career, it simply does not happen very often. Even Packers legends Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, Dorsey Levens, and dozens of others ended up playing for other teams before their playing career was over.
In some cases, players leave with disdain towards the organization (see Greg Jennings) which affects how much fans choose to cheer for them after the sign elsewhere. For the most part, though, fans are happy to see their former favorite players succeed on other teams.
Green Bay Packers Fans Loved Center Corey Linsley
Corey Linsley was drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The Packers were in desperate need of a center who could be relied upon week in and week out for the long-term. Following Scott Wells’ departure via free agency after the 2011 season, Green Bay had used an over-the-hill Jeff Saturday and Evan Dietrich-Smith as their starting centers.
Dietrich-Smith, who was typically a backup lineman until spending the 2013 season as the starting center, signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 2014 and beyond.
Enter Linsley, who assumed starting duties from the very beginning of his career. He ended up playing seven seasons with the Packers and was named First Team All-Pro in 2020.
Packers fans loved him because he was as reliable a center as the team had previously had, and he consistently anchored an offensive line that kept Rodgers clean.
Unfortunately, the Packers could no longer afford Linsley after the 2020 season and he signed a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Corey Linsley’s Time with the Los Angeles Chargers Was Cut Short
Linsley picked up in Los Angeles where he left off in Green Bay during his first season with the Chargers. He played in 16 games and was named to his only career Pro Bowl. He had another solid season in 2022 as well.
Unfortunately, after three games into the 2023 season, the Chargers placed Linsley on the non-football injury list and shut him down for the season. Linsley had developed a heart condition that threatened his playing career.
On Wednesday afternoon, Linsley and the Chargers announced that the former All-Pro center had decided to retire.
Green Bay Packers Fans Wish the Best for Corey Linsley
Given the nature of Linsley’s condition, the decision to retire is understandable. Even though it was been over three years since he last donned a Packers jersey, Green Bay fans showed their love for him on social media:
Hell of a career, @Linsley71!!! Now let’s get that one day #Packers contract and get #63 in the Packers HOF! https://t.co/VzVZiJsmLH
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) June 5, 2024
About as rock solid a 10-year career as you’re gonna see — from a 5th round pick!
2020 Corey Linsley had a legitimate case for being the best interior lineman in the sport. Stellar player. https://t.co/t37G01TC4r
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) June 5, 2024
Hell of a career @Linsley71. @packers do the right thing please! https://t.co/ymyhw8Cpxg
— Welsh Packer (@WelshPacker) June 5, 2024
🫡🫡 hope he retires a Packer https://t.co/oVmn3IZQkz
— Chunky Stardust 🏳️🌈🧀 (@ChunkyStardust) June 5, 2024
Come sign back with us, then retire! 🧀 https://t.co/YBbRb6oWVJ
— Chris | BARE CHEESE PODCAST 🧀 (@GB4LCal) June 5, 2024
One has to imagine that Linsley will find himself in the Packers Hall of Fame at some point in the near future.
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