Packers' Training Camp Debut: A Single Goal in Sight

Before Super Bowl XLV in February 2011, a video featuring the voice of actor Sam Elliott was shown as the Green Bay Packers were introduced.

Elliott had a single line that stood out before presenting the team.

Expectations? In a city called ‘Titletown,’ the chances are they’re quite high.

That is true.

In Green Bay, you either triumph or face defeat. There is no concept of finishing in second place.

The 2025 Green Bay Packers started their training camp today following another season of defeat.

The Packers from last year arrived at training camp openly discussing their goal of reaching the Super Bowl.

You’re aware of what occurred by now. They failed to arrive.

They didn’t come close.

In reality, they moved in the opposite direction from their 2023 campaign. They secured two additional regular season victories, but were eliminated in the Wild Card round due to a poor finish, and dropped all three of their last games.

Falling in this manner raises numerous questions, and typically, regardless of fairness, it begins with the quarterback.

Jordan has a significant year coming up.. This is his third year serving as the starting quarterback. He had an inherent excuse during his first season, as it was a rebuilding year.

His second season comes with the note that he spent most of the year sidelined due to injury, and his receivers let him down.

This year? None of those excuses are valid, and tight end Tucker Kraft made it very clear from the start how confident the Packers are in their team, especially its quarterback.

“Excellence,” Kraft said when questioned about what Love is capable of when he’s in good health.

He advanced another step just a few seconds after.

I think Jordan is the person who will lead us to a Super Bowl. That’s all.

The Super Bowl is the main focus of this game. That’s why the city is known as Titletown. That’s also why the trophy presented at the end of the Super Bowl is named after Vince Lombardi.

Mike Holmgren remarked after his team’s Super Bowl XXXI win, “It holds even greater significance for us than it does for any other team or player.”

Although expectations for Love are significant, that’s something he will enjoy. Despite everything Love has experienced throughout his young career, he was never going to fail because the spotlight was too intense.

The team’s success during the regular season, along with his own, must lead to success in the playoffs, and Love is aware of this.

“It’s definitely time. Since I’ve been here, as you’ve mentioned, we’ve been a team that has performed well during the regular season. I believe that’s the standard here. We need to go out and win those games,” Love said.

Those major games feature a focus within the division, where the Packers have usually been dominant but dropped to 1-5 last season, with their only victory coming from a blocked field goal at the end of the game at Soldier Field.

“Strong focus on the NFC North. We’ve done well in the past, and clearly last year was our poorest performance in the NFC North. It all begins there. It starts with going out and securing victories against the NFC North teams,” Love stated.

But I believe it’s clear that once you reach the postseason, those are the games that truly count. For us to make that next advancement, it all comes down to the effort we put in every single day. I think consistency is key; we’ve had many games with high points and some low points. Our goal is to be as smooth and consistent as possible, continuing to build throughout the season and being at our best when the postseason arrives. Obviously, we also aim to be as healthy a team as possible. There are many factors involved. I think it starts with taking it one day at a time. Once the regular season begins, we’ll take it one week at a time.

Clearly, it begins with the NFC North, managing the division, and when the playoff games arrive, giving it everything, maintaining that focus because once these games happen, there are no second chances. There’s no redo. Every play we’ve missed in previous playoff games, we need to make up for and take advantage of those opportunities. So I believe it all starts with consistency. We’re definitely aiming to take the next step. That’s the focus and goal we discuss every day.

Securing the North title would be a feat the Packers haven’t achieved since 2021. Capturing the division is typically a step toward becoming a championship team, a goal that Brian Gutekunst believes he has contributed to building.

He made sure to mention, nevertheless, that his group cannot resort to any quick fixes.

“Well, I believe there are many skilled players in that room,” Gutekunst stated.

Before becoming a team capable of winning championships, you have to go through a lot, correct? This is Day 1, Day 1 of training. Each year is different. These players definitely have the potential to become that. There’s no question that’s their objective, and we’re eager to begin. However, there’s a significant amount of work ahead before they reach the level of a championship-caliber team. But I like the group, I appreciate how they work and the effort they put in. They certainly have strong leadership with Matt – many elements that I believe can lead to that, but it will take time.

Gutekunst might be correct that it will require time, but his remarks were part of a broader topic that was addressed throughout the team on the first day of training.

The Packers possess the necessary elements. They are prepared to move past last year’s letdown.

They’re tired of losing.

They want to win.