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Green Bay Packers play first professional game
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Curly Lambeau outside Lambeau Field
Although the true beginnings of football in Green Bay are shrouded in the annals of time, with some placing their beginnings in 1919, the Green Bay Packers became a member of the National Football League (then known as the America Professional Football Association) when they were granted a franchise on August 27. 1921.
The Packers first game as a professional league member came on October 23, 1921. Their opponent that day was the Minneapolis Marines. The game was held at Green Bay's Hagemeister Park before a crowd of 6,000.
The Marines jumped out to a 6-0 lead and for the next three and a half quarters, Minneapolis was able to keep the Packers out of the end zone.
With approximately six minutes left in the game, the Marines mishandled a punt by Cub Buck (T-Wisconsin). It was recovered on the Minneapolis 35 by Dave Hayes (E-Notre Dame). In two plays the Packers had moved the ball to the 22-yard line.
As the crowd chanted "throw a forward," Curly Lambeau (TB-Notre Dame) heaved a pass to Buff Wagner (HB-Northern Michigan) for an 18-yard reception. Art Schmael (FB-no college) then scampered in for the Packers first touchdown as an NFL franchise.
With Cub Buck holding, Lambeau kicked the extra point through the uprights for the win. The Packers won 7-6 and though their inaugural game was a success, they ended the season with a 3-2-1 record, finishing in seventh place.
For more information on the Packers first game, go to the Packers official website.
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