The Green Bay Packers are one of a kind, and so is Robert ‘Bobby’ Tonyan Jr.
Tonyan’s piece in The Players’ Tribune, ‘Green Bay, I Wrote This For You’, details the moments that meant the most to his success as a Green Bay Packer.
If you haven’t read it yet, go do that immediately.
Bobby’s’ journey as NFL-castoff to leading his position in touchdowns proves special things happen inside the hallowed halls of Lambeau Field.
Bobby’s Journey
Everyone who is part of the Packers has their role that is crucial to the franchise’s success — from the 350,000 plus ‘owners’, to the 130,000 people on the waitlist for season tickets, to the volunteers who shovel the stands, to the Hall of Fame quarterbacks.
Bobby’s role when he joined the Packers, like many undrafted rookies who had been cut multiple times, was regulated to practice squad duties.
However, Bobby got lucky that his practice squad quarterback was the rehabbing Aaron Rodgers. Tonyan writes that he caught three touchdowns that day during red zone drills. Flashforward three years, instead of practice squad drill touchdowns, Bobby is catching three touchdowns on Monday Night Football.
The connection forged during that practice three years ago has paid dividends in 2020. Tonyan mentions the little things that made him fall in love with Lambeau and the Packers — the grass, the colors, the snow. And maybe not so coincidentally, the little things have propelled his breakout campaign.
Tonyan credits playing behind veteran tight ends in Marcedes Lewis, Lance Kendricks and Jimmy Graham for his attention to detail. While playing behind those vets, Tonyan’s stats were mediocre. The only highlight coming on his first career reception.
Tonyan’s workout buddy, George Kittle, has been saying it for a long time, but the production throughout the season has finally lamented Tonyan as a ‘special’ talent.
After finally making a name for himself, he also made sure everyone knew how to say his name.
What’s ‘Bobby’s’ Role vs. LA?
In Gunner Davis’ article, he mentions how important the role players will be for Green Bay’s offense. However, Tonyan is no longer a role player — he is a special player. The Rams will be locked in on Tonyan — particularly in the red zone and 3rd down situations. But special players tend to figure out how to make things happen.
——————
Kirien is a big fan of the Packers, Beer, and Battlestar Galactica. You can follow him on twitter at @KirienSprecher.
——————
1 response to “Authentic ‘Bobby’ Tonyan Story Confirms Packers are a Special Franchise”
Nice article but do you ever proofread?