Mark Murphy Reflects on Legacy and Love for Green Bay

Mark Murphy retired this past summer after 16 years as the Packers president and CEO. But he remains quick to express his love for the Green Bay area. Murphy joins former Mayor Jim Schmitt, host of Lean Local, for a conversation filled with hometown pride, legacy, and laughter. The two longtime collaborators and friends reminisce about their years working together to grow the city of Green Bay along with exploring what makes the Packers and Titletown so special.

Murphy is quick to deflect any praise. 

“It was always about the ‘we,’” he says. “When everyone’s focused on making Green Bay a better city, that’s when things really happen.”

“Colgate took a chance on me,” he explains, describing how his law degree and passion for sports led him into athletics administration. “But it was the phone call inviting me to interview for the Packers presidency that changed everything. It didn’t take me long to say yes.”

And from his early days as an NFL player with Washington to his leadership roles at Colgate and Northwestern, Murphy’s journey to Green Bay has been anything but typical. 

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Listen to the complete conversation here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/lean-local/2025/11/02/a-conversation-with-mark-murphy"]

Murphy guided the franchise through challenges and triumphs ranging from the Brett Favre–Aaron Rodgers transition to major stadium upgrades and the creation of Titletown. The mixed-use development is now a Green Bay landmark. 

“We wanted to make Green Bay a year-round destination,” Murphy says. “Something that brings people together even when the season’s over.”

Schmitt asks what Murphy may feel are his biggest accomplishments and Murphy answers without hesitation.

“Winning the Super Bowl was incredible,” he shares. “But what really matters is what we built for the community.”

And as for what’s next, Murphy confirms he and his wife Laurie are planning to stay in Green Bay. 

“We love it here,” he says. “This is home.”

Schmitt closes with a personal, heartfelt thanks. 

“Mark, you never took the Packers corporate,” Schmitt says. “You kept them the people’s team. That’s your legacy.”

Murphy smiles, saying, “That’s exactly how it should be.”

Find and listen to Lean Local every Sunday at 7 am on-air at 97.9 FM WGBW, streaming on the website, or via WGBW on the free Civic Media app.