There was a time when success eluded the Green Bay Packers.

After the Vince Lombardi era ended, a new era began for the Packers. An era of high hopes and unfulfilled promise. One of few highlights, and numerous disappointments.

It seems like ancient history now, because of nearly 20 years of uninterrupted highs by the Packers. But from 1968 through 1988, a successful season was far too often seen as a .500 record for the season.

Two playoff appearances (1972 and the strike shortened 1982 season) were the high points during this twenty year period, a far cry from the 5 championships of the Lombardi era.

Not even former Lombardi heroes Bart Starr or Forrest Gregg could rekindle the success of the 1960’s during  their tenures as Packers head coach.

It was truly a low point in the history of this proud franchise.

And then, seemingly out of nowhere, the 1989 season happened.

Coming off a 4-12 season in 1988, not much was expected from this team. They had Sterling Sharpe on offense, but not much else. They had sack master Tim Harris on defense, but not much else.

It looked like it was going to be a repeat of far too many seasons. But things were going to be different this season.

The 1989 team finished 10-6, their best record since 1972. Earning the nickname “Cardiac Pack” along the way because of their six victories by three points or less. Lindy Infante was named NFL Coach of the Year. Don “Majik Man” Majkowski finished second in MVP voting. Tim Harris finished with 19 1/2 sacks. Sterling Sharpe ended with just under 1,500 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. It was the type of season the Packers fans needed-one which renewed hope in the green and gold after years of suffering.

Although the Packers failed to make the playoffs during the 1989 season, or recapture its success in the final two years of the Lindy Infante era, for one magical season, the 1989 Packers are remembered fondly for some incredible memories they left.

So grab your coffee, sit back, and enjoy some of the highlights of the Cardiac Pack from 1989:

 

 

And as a bonus, enjoy perhaps the high point of the 1989 season: the final minutes of the Instant Replay Game which broke the losing streak against the Bears, and epitomized the term “Cardiac Pack”:

 

 

Don’t forget to head over to AllGBP.com when you’re done viewing this week’s Flashback Sunday, and check out this week’s edition of Surviving Sundays.

Have a great Sunday! 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