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Green Bay Packers Announces Memorial Service for Bob Harlan, Honoring the Legacy of Legendary Former CEO and President

March 12, 2026 – Green Bay, WI

The Green Bay Packers community continues to honor the life and legacy of former CEO and President Bob Harlan, who recently passed away. The organization has now announced the details for a public memorial service to celebrate the contributions of one of the most influential figures in the team's history.

The public memorial service for Harlan is scheduled for March 16, 2026, in Green Bay, where family members, former players, team officials, and fans are expected to gather. This event will offer the community a chance to reflect on Harlan’s decades of leadership and the lasting impact he made on the Packers organization.
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Harlan served as the president of the Green Bay Packers from 1989 until his retirement in 2007, overseeing one of the most transformative eras in the team’s history. Under his leadership, the Packers not only returned to national prominence but also maintained their unique community ownership structure.

One of Harlan’s most significant decisions was hiring Ron Wolf as general manager in the early 1990s. That move helped reshape the team and ultimately brought quarterback Brett Favre to Green Bay, laying the groundwork for the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI victory in 1996.

Ed Policy Reflects on Harlan’s Legacy
Ed Policy, the current president and CEO of the Packers, expressed how much Harlan meant to him personally. “Bob Harlan saw value in me when I was just a young attorney from Ohio, new to the Packers organization, trying to learn how to lead such a special franchise. He not only shared his wisdom and invaluable experience but treated me like a part of the Green Bay family. His humility, foresight, and love for the Packers that he passed down will forever guide me.”
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Harlan’s contributions weren’t limited to on-field success; he played a pivotal role in modernizing Lambeau Field, ensuring the Packers’ financial stability and continuing their competitiveness while preserving the rich traditions of Green Bay football.

Funeral and Memorial Service Details
The funeral service for Bob Harlan will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Green Bay on March 16, with a viewing from 11:00 AM to 1:45 PM, followed by the funeral Mass at 2:00 PM.

While preparations for the memorial service continue, the Packers community remains in deep reflection on Harlan's significant contributions. The upcoming memorial service will be the final tribute to a visionary leader who guided the Packers into a new era of success, leaving a lasting legacy for both the team and the city of Green Bay.

Conclusion
As the Packers continue to honor the memory of Bob Harlan, the upcoming memorial service will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate his remarkable leadership. His influence will be remembered forever as a guiding light for the organization.

Sources Say Packers Are "Finalizing Terms" to Trade Jayden Reed to Boost Pass Rush with Defensive Player Who Has 243 Tackles
The Green Bay Packers have been selective with their free agency additions this offseason, bringing in cornerback Benjamin St. Juste, former division rival from the Minnesota Vikings Javon Hargrave, and return specialist Skyy Moore. However, after the departures of Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare through trade and free agency respectively, the edge rusher group is certainly looking a bit thinner than the team would otherwise want beyond All-Pro Micah Parsons. So, it is not shocking that rumors have already surfaced claiming that the Packers are “interested” in Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Josh Sweat. However, given that Green Bay is not exactly blessed with draft capital in 2026, having given up their first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 in the trade that had them acquire Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys, it stands that general manager Brian Gutekunst may well be wary of moving any and all draft picks. Especially for a franchise that is notorious for its draft-and-develop approach. Cardinals don’t have a natural slot receiver after Greg Dortch hit free agency.Josh Sweat for Jayden Reed, who says no? — Mark Oldacres (@MarkOldacres) March 12, 2026 So, a proposal coming from Cheesehead TV and The Packers Wire’s Mark Oldacres suggests that Green Bay could consider moving receiver Jayden Reed in return for Sweat, citing the Cardinals’ need in the slot and the Packers’ desire to bolster the pass rush. Mark Oldacres@MarkOldacresCardinals don’t have a natural slot receiver after Greg Dortch hit free agency. Josh Sweat for Jayden Reed, who says no?12:48 pm · 12 Mar 2026 Why Would the Packers Trade Jayden Reed? It has been suggested by some Packers media that the team could quietly look to move off of Reed this offseason. The former second-round pick has been productive when on the field, but with imminent extensions likely for wideout Christian Watson and tight end Tucker Kraft, it could be difficult to justify also handing one to Reed, especially given the presence of 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, who is expected to have a more substantial role in 2026. The Packers also have players like Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, and Edgerrin Cooper to consider – all of whom are playing at a Pro Bowl level, even if none have made one – who will be up for a contract renewal at the end of this season. So signing Reed to a long-term deal could be complicated and financially unfeasible. Josh Sweat Would Boost the Packers’ Edge Rushing Corps Sweat, on the other hand, has three years remaining on his deal – which could easily become two with an early release – and would provide Green Bay with some short-to-medium-term help on the edge as the team looks to capitalize on their Super Bowl window. The 28-year-old had 12 sacks last season and has managed a total of 37.5 over the past four years. In a defense that will be focused on stopping the likes of Parsons, having a top-of-the-range secondary edge rusher like Sweat could be even more beneficial. Sweat would face fewer double teams and have less specific defensive focus directed on him, allowing him to roam free one-on-one for much of the season, Parsons’ health permitting. And for the price of a receiver who is out of contract at the end of the year, it could make a lot of sense for GB – even if they have to throw in another Day 3 pick in 2027 as a sweetener.      

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