Family Night Letdown (with a great surprise) August 9, 2009
Posted by Wes in : Uncategorized , trackback
Well, the 2009 edition of Green Bay Packers Family Night ended the same way it began–with us driving down the highway in the rain. We (Myself, My wife, my daughter, my father-in-law, my friend Eric, and his girlfriend Tishana) headed to Green Bay early Saturday morning. We drove through a hurricane-like downpour for about 45 minutes. Eventually the rains stopped, giving way to blue skies. We were very happy. We got to Lambeau, enjoyed great weather all day, and were cautiously optimistic that Mother Nature would cooperate with the Green Bay Packers and all of us fans. Unfortunately for everyone, our optimism was not enough. After watching the Packers warm up on the field, the team left to go to the locker room. Shortly thereafter, the fans were all directed to leave the stadium bowl as well, due to lightning in the area. We were waiting outside on the stadium’s upper concourse. The only shelter from the rain that we could find was outside a restroom door in a small cove. While we were waiting there, a woman came and her daughter came over and took shelter from the rain with us. I noticed that she was wearing an authentic #70 jersey with the name “Lang” affixed to the back. Now no disrespect to TJ Lang, but not very many fans run around wearing an authentic jersey of a rookie offensive linemen, even if they were the #1 pick. I asked the woman if she was related to TJ Lang. She replied that she is his mother. We had a wonderful conversation about the Packers organization and a little about TJ’s Journey to the NFL. We even discussed the possibility of the Packers signing Michael Vick. I also met TJ’s older sister, his father, and two of his younger brothers. They are a wonderful group of people (and I mean that with all sincerity.) It is always great to see rookies make an impact on a team, but after meeting some of the “behind the scenes” people in TJ’s life, I only hope more that he gets to make his mark on the Packers. He and his family are truly “Packer people.” Here’s to a long, prosperous career, TJ. By the way, in case you missed it, the scrimmage was cancelled. My 6 year old Daughter, Ava, was devastated that she didn’t get to see the fireworks. Lets hope that the fireworks on the football field during this season are much greater. We will be back soon with our season preview.
Comments»
This is a great little story Wes! What a lucky chance to meet the family of TJ Lang.
Really tough that you went all that way to have it called off, Wes. But thanks for sharing the great story about TJ Lang’s family.
We easily forget (or at least I do) that the players and their families have their hopes and dreams too – it sure would be good to see TJ make an impact!
Hope for lots more #70 jerseys at next year’s event!