In 1994, Green Bay Packers defensive back George Teague and singer Michael Bolton created the Packers Charity Softball Game.
This was an event where Packers players participated in a softball game to benefit a local charity. The first game took place at Appleton’s Goodland Field, and it later moved to Fox Cities Stadium.
The event was a giant success for its first four years, but its short run came to an end.
In 2000, Packers’ legendary quarterback Brett Favre revived this tradition. He was the primary host for eight years before he left the Packers to join the New York Jets. Over the past eight years, the charity softball game has returned to its high level of success, supporting the Brett Favre Forward Foundation.
Passing The Charity Torch
After Favre left the Packers, he elicited the help of star wide receiver Donald Driver to host the future games. Driver hosted the games solo and with co-hosts for more than 15 years, raising money for the Donald Driver Foundation.
In 2024, he co-hosted with current Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
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After the game, he announced that he would be passing the torch to Love.
Love’s First Year as Primary Host
In Love’s first year, he had the honor of hosting the 25th anniversary of this softball game, playing for the Hands of 10ve Foundation. This is an organization that inspires children to engage in sports and physical activity while also raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health issues.
This year’s game was split into two parts: the home run derby and the softball game. In both events, more than half of the Packers’ roster attended, including some of their biggest stars. Rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden attended his first charity game and was a major talking point.
Approximately 5,000 fans attended, and Love donated $135,000 to the charity.
“Another amazing year. I think every year I’ve been out here, it’s been an awesome turnout by the fans, which is great for getting this thing going and driving the event. First year hosting it — it’s been awesome,” Love said.
Overall, Love’s first year as a host was a massive success, and as long as he is a Packer, we should expect to see him as a prominent figure in these events.
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