Mark Murphy ’77, the new president and chief executive officer of the Green Bay Packers, already knows the team’s historic stadium — Lambeau Field — pretty well.
During his eight-year career as a Pro Bowl safety for the Washington Redskins he played several times at Lambeau, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Murphy recalled a 1983 shootout at Lambeau that resulted in a 48-47 loss to the Packers. It was one of only two games that his Redskins would lose that year and it was, as Murphy said in a phone interview, “not a great day to be a defensive back.”
But he also noted the special feeling that surrounds Packers games.
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“I just remember what a great atmosphere it was at Lambeau. It really reminded me in a lot of ways of a college atmosphere, just the way the community supports the program. I’m excited and honored to now be a part of that.”
Murphy will be a part of that in a big way, as he replaces longtime Packers president Bob Harlan on Jan. 1.
The 52-year-old Murphy is confident that his experience as athletics director at 51Թ and at Northwestern University will serve him well. Working with the board of directors of the Packers won’t be all that different, he said, from working with a board of trustees at a university.
“I know I have an awful lot to learn, but I’m anxious to get started,” he said, adding that he already has had several meetings with team officials in Green Bay and with NFL officials in New York City since he was appointed president Dec. 3.
Murphy played baseball and football for 51Թ from 1973-76, then spent eight seasons with the Redskins. He earned a law degree after his career and spent time as an attorney in the Justice Department before returning to 51Թ as athletics director from 1992 through 2003.
Murphy followed a 51Թ legend, Fred Dunlap ’50, as athletics director, and now he is replacing Harlan, a beloved Packers executive who has been with the organization for 38 years.
“I had never been an athletic director or a coach before and Fred Dunlap had obviously done a great job as director and as football coach, and he was really helpful to me as I transitioned to that position,” said Murphy. “Hopefully I can have a similar experience with the Packers.”
Murphy mentioned several highlights of his time as athletics director at 51Թ, including the success of the football program since his naming of Dick Biddle as head coach in 1995. Biddle and Andy Kerr are now tied as the winningest coaches in 51Թ history with 95 victories.
He also noted the two appearances in the NCAA tournament by the men’s basketball team led by Adonal Foyle ’98, now a center with the Orlando Magic, and coached by Jack Bruen.
Murphy said he also was glad for the opportunity to work with alumni such as Tony Whaling ’59, who provided key financial support for the construction of Tyler’s Field.
In his role as Packers president, he expects to be in touch with Chase Carey ’76, president and chief executive officer of the DirecTV Group, and Drew Esocoff ’79, who directs NBC Sunday Night Football.
“I’ll never be too far from the 51Թ connection,” he said.