The Packers have one of the richest histories in all of sports. With how much winning they have done in the last century, the Packers Hall of Fame is full of great players. The Packers lost one of those great players yesterday. Packers Hall of Famer Gary Knafelc passed away at 90 years old yesterday.
Gary Knafelc, a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, dies at 90. https://t.co/tXEzWBlpuc
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 20, 2022
Gary Knafelc Passes Away At 90 Years Old
There are not many players that are as important to Packers history as Knafelc. He played from 1954-62 under legendary coach Vince Lombardi. Knafelc caught three game-winning touchdowns but the one on September 29th, 1957 was the most memorable. His 6-yard touchdown catch from Babe Parilli allowed the Packers to upset the Bears 21-17 in the game where the Packers dedicated Green Bay City Stadium (now Lambeau Field). After his playing days, he was the PA announcer for the home games from 1964-2004.
One Of The Last Of The Lombardi Era
Knafelc was one of two living players of the Lombardi era. With his passing, Jerry Kramer is the only living member of the Packers to play under Lombardi. Another one of Knafelc’s game-winning touchdown catches resulted in an iconic photo. He caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tobin Rote with 20 seconds left on the clock. Even though there was time left, hundreds of fans stormed the field and carried Knafelc back to the Packers bench. The extra point and kickoff were delayed for several minutes. This is just one of many iconic moments from his career.
If you have time, read up on Gary Knafelc. He has so many important moments in the Packers’ history. Some of his interviews about these iconic moments bring some fun insight into those Vince Lombardi teams. He will always be remembered as one of the most impactful players in the Packers’ organization.
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