It is almost difficult to remember just how bad the Packers used to be.

From the time Vince Lombardi turned the reigns over to Phil Bengston, up until the early ’90s, to say success was limited would be the understatement of understatements. For the most part, the Packers were bad-really bad. Winning seasons were seen as success, and with a total of four between 1968 and 1991, success was limited to say the least.

That all changed in 1992.

The partnering of Bob Harlan, Ron Wolf, and Mike Holmgren was exactly what the Packers needed-a gathering of individuals with the mindset of doing whatever it took to bring success back to Green Bay.

By the start of the 1996 season, the Packers were ready to reclaim their rightful place on top of the football world. Having tasted playoff success the previous three years, including falling just short of advancing to the Super Bowl in the NFC Championship Game in January of 1996, the Packers were ready to take the jump.

The jump would be to becoming the best team in the world.

Sports Illustrated predicted a Super Bowl appearance for the Packers before the season had even begun.

SI knew before the season begun how good the Packers would be
SI knew before the season began how good the Packers would be

They knew. And the rest of the world was about to find out just how good this team would become.

The players which would make this possible are a veritable who’s who of the best to ever play for the green and gold.

Brett Favre.

Leroy Butler.

Antonio Freeman.

Dorsey Levens.

Frank Winters.

Edgar Bennett.

Reggie White.

These are just a few of the names who would put the Packers back on top, culminating in a 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.

After a nearly three decade absence, the Packers had reclaimed their rightful place at the apex of the football world.

So grab your coffee, sit back, and enjoy a look back at the 1996 Green Bay Packers, the team which brought the Lombardi Trophy back home.

 

When you’re done watching, don’t forget to head over to AllGBP.com and check out this week’s installment of Surviving Sunday: Packers News, Notes, and Links for the Football Deprived. Always great stuff to help you get your football fix.

On a more serious note: while you are enjoying your family get togethers this Memorial Day weekend, stop for just a moment and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending this great country, so we can enjoy things such as family get togethers. They are gone, but they will never be forgotten.

Have a great Sunday! Enjoy the long weekend!

GO PACK GO!!!

John Rehor is a writer at PackersTalk.com and co-host of Cheesehead Radio. To contact John follow him on Twitter @jrehor or email johnrehor@yahoo.com