It’s not particularly easy to make one’s way to Green Bay. The Wisconsin village is home to the Packers, a team that is bound by loyalty and tradition to remain there. As an NFL town, its location is unique but inconvenient for most sports enthusiasts. Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport only offers direct flights to a few cities, all of which host divisional rivals. Extra flights were accommodated this weekend for the NFL Draft, the league’s biggest event. Even with these challenges, fans are flocking to Green Bay to support their teams.
As expected, the majority of fans present are Packers supporters or those within driving distance, such as Bears, Lions, and Vikings fans. However, Panthers jerseys began appearing in the parking lot well ahead of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s scheduled opening of the draft.
Some fans made the trip from the Carolinas, like Logan from Matthews, N.C., who joined his father, a Wisconsin native and Packers fan, to participate in this event where their loyalties overlap. Logan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I like seeing all the different NFL fans and their team fans,” and added an inspired, “Keep Pounding!”
Zach, a Wisconsin native, is planning a move to Raleigh, N.C., this summer, aligning himself with the Panthers ahead of his relocation. Others, like Orin from Fond du Lac, Wis., chose to support the Panthers because, as he put it, “I hate Packers fans.”
Eli from Sturgeon Bay, Wis., offered a more nostalgic reason: he picked the Panthers helmet as a child because it had a cat, and he has been a fan since. Isaac from Minnesota became captivated by the Panthers during a prime-time game years ago, drawn in by Cam Newton.
A family of four from Illinois turned their household into Panthers fans due to the father’s admiration for Newton, making the trip to Green Bay in Carolina-themed apparel. The most traveled Panthers fans are Moritz Haist and Kai Beuchling from Germany, named the International Fans of the Year. This event was special for Kai, marking his first visit to the States. “It’s bigger for me than the Super Bowl,” Beuchling said. “To be here in Green Bay to join the draft, this is crazy.”
Greg Olsen jerseys and Luke Kuechly fan shirts were popular among attendees, and a blazer adorned with Panthers insignia stood out. Despite the draft being led by the Tennessee Titans with the number one overall pick, Panthers fans were prominent, making the team one of the most well-represented.
Haist echoed the sentiment of excitement and gratitude: “It’s so awesome and we’re so grateful for the Panthers choosing us.” They eagerly anticipate the Panthers’ No. 8 overall pick, and fans hope to see it used on Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker. Whoever the selection is, a sizable group is ready to welcome the new talent to the Carolinas.
