Jordan Love Out as Packers Face Ravens: Backup QBs Battle for Playoff Hopes

The **Green Bay Packers** are a unique professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, competing in the NFL’s NFC North division. Founded in 1919, they are the only major U.S. sports franchise organized as a **publicly owned nonprofit corporation**, held by over 538,000 stockholders as of 2025, with no individual allowed to own more than 4% of shares. This community ownership model has been key to the team's longevity in the smallest NFL market and is grandfathered under league rules limiting ownership structures[2][3]. The organization was originally incorporated in 1923 as the Green Bay Football Corporation and renamed Green Bay Packers, Inc. in 1935. Unlike other teams privately owned by individuals or corporations, the Packers operate under a community board of 43 directors including former players, local business leaders, and officials, who volunteer without financial compensation and provide governance oversight. The team president acts as the de facto owner, currently transitioning from Mark Murphy’s tenure, with the general manager and head coach reporting directly to the president—a structure admired by other NFL franchises[1][8]. On the field, the Packers are one of the NFL’s most historically successful teams, boasting **13 league championships** including **4 Super Bowl titles**, and winning the first-ever Super Bowl under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, for whom the trophy is named. Their home, Lambeau Field, is an iconic stadium known for its rich history and passionate fan base[3][6][7]. Beyond football, the Packers contribute to the community through the Green Bay Packers Foundation, supporting charitable causes and youth programs, reinforcing their identity as a community-centric organization[3]. Despite recent competitive challenges, the Packers remain a storied franchise known for innovation, fan engagement, and a business model that blends sports with community ownership and nonprofit management, making them a singular case study in the sports business landscape[2][4].

## Introduction to the Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland, competing in the National Football League (NFL). The team was established in 1996 after Art Modell relocated the Cleveland Browns franchise, marking a new era for football in Baltimore following a 12-year absence of professional football in the city[3][4]. ## History The Ravens' name was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven," reflecting the city's literary heritage. The team began as an expansion franchise but quickly gained success due to its strong defensive lineup, led by players like Ray Lewis[2][4]. The Ravens secured their first Super Bowl victory in 2001 and their second in 2013[2][3]. ## Key Achievements - **Super Bowl Wins**: The Ravens have won two Super Bowls, in 2001 (Super Bowl XXXV) and 2013 (Super Bowl XLVII)[2][3]. - **Consistent Performance**: The team has maintained a strong defensive reputation and has frequently appeared in the playoffs, with notable seasons like 2006 and 2019[1][3]. - **Division Titles**: The Ravens have won several division titles, including back-to-back AFC North titles in 2018 and 2019 under quarterback Lamar Jackson[3]. ## Current Status As of recent years, the Ravens have experienced resurgence, led by dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson. The team has made the playoffs multiple times, including in 2020, 2022, and 2023[3]. The Ravens continue to be a competitive force in the NFL, known for their strong team culture and innovative approaches to the game. ## Notable Aspects - **Innovative Leadership**: The team is owned by Steve Bisciotti, who has been instrumental in maintaining the franchise's success[3]. - **Fan Engagement**: The Ravens have a dedicated fan base, with games played at M&T Bank

The **Chicago Bears** are a historic professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois, and one of the NFL's charter members, founded in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys before moving to Chicago in 1921 and adopting their current name in 1922[1][2][7]. They compete in the NFC North division and have a significant legacy marked by **nine NFL championships**, including eight pre-Super Bowl NFL titles and one Super Bowl victory in 1985 (Super Bowl XX), making them second only to the Green Bay Packers in total championships won[1][3][4]. The Bears are renowned for pioneering contributions to the game, including being the first NFL team to buy a player from another team in 1922 and playing in the first NFL indoor game in 1932[1]. Their dominant era was notably under the leadership of George Halas—nicknamed "Papa Bear"—who was a founder, player, coach, owner, and general manager. Halas coached the team in four separate stints over nearly five decades, amassing 324 victories, a record that stood for 27 years, and shaping the Bears into a football powerhouse[1][2][6]. Under his guidance, the Bears won multiple championships in the 1940s, including the legendary 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins in 1940, a record for the largest margin of victory in NFL history[1][2][6]. The Bears have produced 39 Hall of Fame players, hold the record for the most retired jersey numbers (14), and have the most members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (29), underscoring their historical and cultural impact on the sport[3]. They also innovated offensive strategies, developing the T-formation offense that revolutionized the quarterback position and offensive play[3]. Although the Bears have struggled in recent decades with sporadic playoff appearances and fewer winning seasons, they remain a storied franchise with

The **New England Patriots** are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the AFC East division. Founded in 1960 as the Boston Patriots, the organization has grown into one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, renowned for its competitive success and innovative team management. The Patriots’ business operations are led by chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, whose Kraft Group portfolio spans sports, entertainment, real estate, and venture investing, highlighting the organization’s strong business foundation beyond football[4]. Historically, the Patriots are celebrated for their six Super Bowl titles, a testament to sustained excellence particularly during the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era. However, recent years have been challenging; the team missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and experienced coaching instability with three different head coaches in as many years. In 2025, Mike Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker and successful Tennessee Titans coach, was hired as head coach to restore competitiveness and culture, bringing optimism for reversing the franchise's declining trend[3][8]. On-field, the Patriots began the 2025 season with a promising 4-2 record, their best start since 2019, and lead the AFC East division[2][3]. The roster has transformed significantly, with the 2025 team marking the first since 1992 without any players who contributed to the franchise’s Super Bowl wins, indicating a full rebuild[3][5]. The team’s defense employs a base 3-4 scheme, supported by a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, while the offense aims to capitalize on innovative strategies under Vrabel’s guidance[2][5]. Off the field, the organization is investing $50 million into a new state-of-the-art facility adjacent to Gillette Stadium, expected to open in 2026, addressing longstanding concerns about outdated locker rooms, cramped weight rooms, and travel accommodations[1]. Player welfare improvements include enhanced famil