Packers
18 May 2026, 19:00 GMT+10
Wes Hodkiewicz
Jeff from Albuquerque, NM
Claymation Clay Maker and cheese curd minions (or tribbles)? Outstanding!
Days later, I'm still blown away by the imagination of my colleagues in Packers digital and social, led by Duke Bobber and Renae Gabriel. This project required creativity, teamwork, and fearlessness to get over the finish line. Beyond just the schedule release, we had multiple teasers, a video game, and an entire brand campaign. The best part is it took everyone to make it happen. I could not be any more proud of our team. We've come a long way in three years.
Harry from Bessemer, MI
Just enjoyed the animation for the schedule release for the second time. Just wondering who the creative genius was that scripted this and how did you get the guys to do the voices?
That's the brilliance of John "Harv" Harvatine and the fine folks at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, who were amazing to work with. Everyone knows "Robot Chicken." Their creative reputation precedes them, but it was so inspiring to see this collection of professionals all of whom are the best at their craft so driven to produce the best schedule release video we've ever seen in Green Bay. And they succeeded. A huge thank you to them from all of us here at packers.com. As far as voiceovers, that was just everyone here at packers.com chasing players down for their vocal contributions. I sat in with Renae whenJordan Lovetaped his VO, which was a ton of fun.
Dom from Fairfax, VA
Hey there! First-time submitter here. The schedule release video was awesome! Takes me back to those Rankin/Bass Christmas specials like 1964 Rudolph. AI slop does indeed bore me. Haha!
Ain't human creativity great? Those were all puppets, too. Only Clay Matthews' hair and the curds were, well, clay.
CJ from Kinderhook, NY
Hey II, loved the schedule release video, the team behind it nailed it again. It was also my first introduction to Packy Packer. Any chance Packy makes a comeback? I think Braun Strowman would be perfect in the role.
I agree. It. Is. Time.
Kyle from St. Charles, MO
Rewatched the schedule release video this morning, missed gems: "Lambeau Leap!" followed immediately by "F--- it, Tuck's down there somewhere." And who did the voice of the mother lovin' ticket collector?
That was the incomparable Tom Grossi, who made his third appearance in our schedule release videos. A big shout out to Tom for taking the time and his support over the years.
Erica from Sheridan, WY
No turtles this year Wes? 10/10 schedule release video.
I had a bit role this year, which was fine by me. I stood in for "The Gamemaker" Clay Matthews in a teaser post.
Rick from Trempealeau, WI
Last year I groaned out loud when I saw the schedule. Poor bye week timing, no warm-weather teams for wintry games at Lambeau. Blah blah blah... But this year's schedule looks like redemption or at least leans that way. A nicely placed bye week and playing Miami, Houston and (domer) Detroit at home in three of the last four; well, you can call me "Mr. Optimistic."
When the schedule-makers bless you with four of the last five at home, you gotta do something with it. I figured the Packers wouldn't open at home because of the Wisconsin-Notre Dame game but was surprised to see two road trips to start the year. That said, you get the road games out of the way early. So, I feel like the overall layout was the best-case scenario given the Packers' Thanksgiving Eve plans.
Chris from Kennesaw, GA
To follow up, there are also four times when we have less than a full week of preparation. It will definitely be an interesting season. No doubt!
As Matt LaFleur told Larry afterwards, it's a very different type of schedule with how many mini-byes are built in. But it's a product of the Packers' popularity and the NFL's rising profile. It was funny, though, to see Green Bay will have a longer break after the Rams game than during the bye week itself. It's as intriguing as it is unique and you gotta make it work.
Matt from Sioux Falls, SD
How does having a mini-bye in Week 11 vs. a full bye week affect the team?
Ask me on Dec. 7.
Dean from Leavenworth, IN
Hola Weston. I absolutely love the schedule. Start with three winnable games, then a stretch of likely playoff teams. A perfectly placed Week 11 bye followed by a mini-bye with the Wednesday night game in the middle. Four of the last five at Lambeau and four of those five likely playoff teams. What a great opportunity to set the tone and build momentum leading into the playoffs. Thoughts?
September was the first thing I looked at on this year's schedule, and I feel like it lays out well for the Packers. With respect to those opponents, Green Bay isn't facing the defending NFC North champions or a team coming off an NFC Championship appearance this year. It's either a good time forTucker KraftandMicah Parsonsto ramp up (or possibly finish) their rehab before business starts to pick up.
Josh from Seattle, WA
Here's my thought on the schedule: If we can start strong on the road, then we will be at a huge advantage the rest of the way. The "double bye" where it's at in the season should play out awesome! All Packers players and fans are responsible for making sure the home stretch is actually an advantage. If fans don't keep those tickets in cold-weather, crunch-time games, the fans should never call a player selfish! If you are a real fan, go defend Lambeau! If we are invaded by blue in Week 18, shame!
I sure hope not, especially if there are major implications for that game. If the Packers take care of business in September, they have a real opportunity to put some wind in their sails entering the middle of the season when the Bears dance into Lambeau in Week 5.
Robin from Ashburn, VA
What is the most anticipated game of the upcoming season?
It has to be Christmas Day in Chicago. One way or another, that game is gonna mean everything.
Chuck from Richfield, WI
I got a big kick out of your schedule release video. I think the only "losers" are the bucks (not our Milwaukee Bucks) who will face a heck of a lot more hunters in the woods on opening weekend of the gun-deer season during the bye weekend!
I hadn't thought about that. To my deer friends, may the odds be ever in your favor.
Darren from Oconomowoc, WI
Good afternoon! Schedule release video was quite creative! I assume we will still have local broadcasting for every game in the Green Bay and Milwaukee markets? While I do have Prime, I do not have Netflix and would prefer to keep it that way. On the bright side, all of these NFL game streaming broadcasts do provide a good excuse to head to the local tavern rather than picking up another monthly subscription.
I hear ya, but to quote Jaire Alexander, I'm just an ant climbing this cold mountain.
Ian from Kirkwhelpington, UK
The NFL wants to grow the game in Europe; the NFL has given commercial rights to the Packers in the UK and Ireland to help to grow the game in Europe; the NFL makes good money from selling the International Game Pass for around $200 per season; so why are six Packers games being scheduled for the middle of the night in Europe, with another four kicking off after 10 p.m. if you are in central Europe? All of that makes the International Game Pass barely worth buying, so where is the thinking?
Because unfortunately everyone wants a piece of the Packers, Ian, especially when they're among the NFL's top teams. Commiserations, my friend. Your frustration is warranted.
Bill from Brooklyn Park, MN
For the second straight year, both the Bears' and Vikings' visits to Lambeau are going to the gold ticket package. Which begs the question: Which gold package season-ticket holder is employed by the league's scheduling department?
That's a strange coincidence.
Craig from Sussex, WI
Some people may not like it that the Packers play on a Wednesday night, two Thursday nights, a couple Sunday nights and a Monday night. But I was around for the '70s and '80s when every game was Sunday at noon and if the Packers played on a rare Monday night, it felt like the Super Bowl. Networks and fans across the nation didn't want anything to do with the Packers. Be grateful for the primetime games.
I understand where fans are coming from. Who doesn't love a noon game at Lambeau Field? I sure do. But the Packers being in primetime is good for football in Green Bay. It means the Packers are a draw and fans worldwide share in your passion for this team.
Megan from Quincy, IL
Which game are you most excited about in the upcoming season?
On a personal level, I'm most excited for New Orleans. I love the city. I love the French Quarter, and I haven't covered a game there in 12 years.
Dave from Phoenix, AZ
I understand fans' infatuation with a 1,000-yard receiver. I would rather have a receiver core with three or four 700-yard receivers than one 1,000-yard receiver and the other receivers picking up the crumbs. Your thoughts?
Jaxson Smith-Njigba had one of the finest seasons I've seen from a receiver and Seattle won the Super Bowl. A year earlier, A.J. Brown barely surpassed 1,000 yards while leading Philadelphia's receiving corps, but the Eagles still won it all. One yard or 1,000, whatever it takes to win. That's all I care about.
Caleb from Knoxville, TN
Was the Jets' schedule video better or worse than watching paint dry?
As someone who enjoys ASMR videos, I actually liked the Jets' schedule release. It was cool watching them capture "Honey Gold," too.
Ron from Spooner, WI
Didn't have "Matt LaFleur shot-gunning a beer on stage at Lambeau Field" on my bingo card!
That one caught me by surprise, too, but it was great to see the head ball coach,Josh Jacobs,Tucker Kraft,Edgerrin Cooper,Evan WilliamsandLukas Van Nesshaving a good time on a Saturday night. Luke Combs put on a great show. Kudos to everyone involved.
Bruce from Yuma, AZ
A comment on the response to Samuel from Skokie I recall reading somewhere a couple of years ago about the early release of veterans. An unwritten rule relates to respected veterans. If the player is unlikely to make the team, then grant him as early as possible in order to give them time to make another team. The Packers have shown over the years that they are the most respectful organization in the NFL. GPG!
It also avoids the awkwardness of a rookie draft pick coming in and competing against a 14-year veteran for one job.Lucas Havrisikstill provides plenty of competition forTrey Smack, who now can focus on his process and getting acclimated to life in the NFL.
James from Appleton, WI
Having Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers back together is like watching Walter Mathau and Jack Lemmon in "The Odd Couple" and then, years later, in "Grumpy Old Men." Is there any other non-Packers story you're as eager to see play out?
Not really, but I'm glad Rodgers is back. It's poetic that the final chapter of his legendary NFL career is written with McCarthy as his head coach. It only seems right given everything those two men accomplished together.
John from Jordan, MN
Spoff, as a meteorologist yes, we do have a direct line to Mother Nature. I have used my powers so far this year to have absolutely fantastic weather for my grandmother's 90th birthday party in February, and my grandfather-in-law's 90th birthday party in March. My source of power has been weakened, but I promise to get the rest of my Packer Backer coworkers on board to aid in delightful winter weather for the home stretch this season. Going to be hard with the Super El Nino, though.
If I could tap into your immense power, please do your best to facilitate a cloudless, 75-degree evening when Noah Kahan plays Wrigley on July 14.
Jim from Hudsonville, MI
Agreed, Micah on the scooter was classic! Well done! Now we have to see "Three Guys with Three Things" done in the same format! After all, IT IS TIME!
That would be a dream come true for me. Send me location.
Ty from Dallas, TX
So, what would have happened if the wheel stopped on Mike Spofford?
You ever seen "Magic Mike"?
HAVE A QUESTION?
ASK A QUESTIONGet a daily dose of Milwaukee Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Milwaukee Sun.
More InformationCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Divers in the Maldives searched on May 16 for four Italian divers who are believed to have died inside an underwater...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Cuba's Raul Castro may be indicted by the United States, a U.S. Department of Justice official said late on May...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Unionized workers went on strike for the first time in three decades, bringing the Long Island Rail Road,...
BANGKOK, Thailand: Miners in Myanmar have found a very large and rare ruby. It is believed to be the second-largest ruby ever found...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Kalshi and Polymarket are reporting a sharp increase in suspicious trading as prediction markets attract more...
DUBLIN, Ireland: A detective garda accused of helping an organized crime gang, taking bribes, and possessing over 100 rounds of ammunition...
(Photo credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images) The Monday night series opener between the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego...
(Photo credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images) The Houston Astros enter a new series with the same old question. When will the team's...
(Photo credit: David Banks-Imagn Images) The last time the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers met, it ended with a dogpile after...
(Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images) Last summer, the Toronto Blue Jays outplayed the New York Yankees and won the American...
(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images) Carson Benge drove in the winning run in the 10th inning for the second time in a...
(Photo credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images) Kody Clemens went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs as the Minnesota Twins escaped with...
