Packers Creative Writing

In the Fall of 2010, I watched my first televised football game from beginning to end. I sat down beside my older brother, Nick, and watched him as he analyzed every play of a Green Bay Packers game. He would scream at the tv when a bad play happened but would rejoice when a good one followed. I wanted to be just like him and know everything about football. I watched every game that season and annoyingly asked Nick every question that came to mind throughout the year. On February 6th, 2011 the Green Bay Packers won their 4th Superbowl title and I knew football like the back of my hand. After the game my brother said to me, “There’s no way you could ever not be a Packers fan now. You’re their good luck charm.” as I nodded, smiling ear to ear.
I had learned that my brother became a Packers fan due to his dedication for their quarterback, Brett Favre, but I became a Packers fan due to my dedication of being a little sister.
Fast forward 5 years, Nick owns an Aaron Rodgers jersey, I have a Clay Matthews jersey, and we both have a variety of towels, socks, cheeseheads, and t-shirts. Regardless of our multitude of Packer souvenirs, we still had never been to a live Packer game. So early last year, we found out the Packers were coming to Charlotte to play the Carolina Panthers on November 8th. We knew this was our shot. Because we live so close to Charlotte where the Panthers play, it was essential that we get tickets to that game. In mid October I walked out of my class and received a text message from my brother saying he found tickets to our big game. He had managed to talk a co-worker of his into giving us his season tickets just for that game. Not only were they free seats but seats that were in the Silver Club Section. The Silver Club seats are exclusive, have an amazing view of the field, no huge line to get inside, and include private concessions. So now we had the tickets, we had the free parking spots at our dad’s work site, and all that was left was to mark the calendar and wait. I had never been more excited and impatient in my life.
Game day arrived, and we got dressed in anything that had a Packer symbol on it.
We got to Charlotte, parked, took a good look at each other faces full of eagerness and off we ventured into the private doors to the stadium seats. I remember walking out of the tunnel leading to our seats and the first thing I noticed, to my surprise, was a plethora of green and yellow. Of course there was more black and blue, but I don’t think either one of us expected that many Packer fans. I looked down at the perfect view I had in front of me. The bright green rectangle of fresh turf and huge screens on each side of the field to catch every minute detail amazed me. We were right in the middle of the field and far enough back to watch as each play unfolded. Being so anxious, we arrived 45 minutes before kick-off leaving us with nothing to do but go grab something to eat. We stepped up to the counter to take in the huge sign with a list of foods. I smelled popcorn and although tempting, I knew exactly what I wanted. “What are you getting?” Nick’s voice interrupted my thoughts of food. “The only thing I ever eat, pizza” I replied back truthfully. He bought my pizza and himself a huge double cheeseburger. After inhaling our food (my mother says we eat too quick), The Packers ran out unto the field for warm-ups. Nick and I both cheered and screamed while dirty looks came our direction from Panther fans. Nick laughed at me for immediately taking my phone out and snapping a million pictures but deep down inside I knew he was glad I was doing it so he wouldn’t have
to. In no time the game had begun with the Packers kicking off to the Panthers. The Panthers made plays left and right and were soon at the 10 yard line. Nick and I were already nervous but surprised when our team held them to just a field goal. The excitement of the Packers receiving the ball turned quickly into disappointment as our quarterback was sacked and our time with the ball ended with a quick turnover. Luckily, the Panthers gave the ball back just as quickly and after a few great runs by James Starks, the Green Bay running back, the Packers managed a long-awaited touchdown leading the first quarter 7 to 3.
Naturally, Nick and I imagined a dominating second quarter and we were right… but it wasn’t the team we were hoping for that dominated. The Panthers came out strong with a 60 yard pass for a touchdown and with their next possession, had a 50 yard pass leading to yet another touchdown. Meanwhile, the Packers were completing nothing but turnovers, fouls, and fumbles. The first half ended with the Packers at 7 points and the Panthers at 27. I remember looking at my brother with a panicked expression but as usual he said “Relax. We still have plenty of time” and I believed him. The 3rd quarter began and within a minute, the Packers scored a touchdown with a 53 yard pass to their wide receiver, Randall Cobb. Although starting out well, the Packers lost momentum and soon were repeating turnover after turnover again. By the end of 3rd quarter, it was raining and I remember both of us had gotten so fed up that we went inside. The score was 14-30 with the Panthers winning, leaving us hopeless.
The Panthers started out the 4th quarter with a touchdown, but Nick and I only knew that because we continued to watch inside on a TV. Soon after though, we ran back out to our seats due to a Packer touchdown halfway through the last quarter. The Packers had begun to rally. Instead of a field goal, they went for a 2 point-conversion and were successful. After holding the Panthers to a turn over, a forty pass was caught by James Jones, another Packer wide receiver, which then lead to another touchdown. We were so excited and I’m sure we annoyed every Panther fan within our vicinity. My favorite part was right after the punt back to the Panthers, the very next play was an interception from the Packers and the ball was once again in their possession. The score was now 29-37 and it was completely possible for the Packers to tie within the few minutes left of the game. Within the 5 yard line, Rodgers knew the team was at the 4th down but went for the touchdown zone anyways. I remember both of us screaming while our hands were shaking. The anxious feeling soon turned to anger as the pass was intercepted and the game was practically over. There was nothing else the Packers could do. The game had ended and our team had lost.
My brother and I walked back to our car from the stadium, joining the other disappointed Packer fans as we dragged our feet and hung our heads. Amongst the cheering crowd of Panther fans, we passed a drunk man wearing a scowl on his face meant for us. He was wearing a Cam Newton jersey with a large, beer-stained number one on the front. Although he slurred most of his words, I heard “Y’all ain’t nothing but a bunch of cheeseheads”. My brother’s face fell flat but I saw red as my anger flared. Before I knew it both my middle fingers were waving in the air directly at the guy, who probably was counting more than two fingers. Nick and I joined in laughter because although upset, we were still happy for the opportunity. Looking back now I think, to some extent, the drunk man was right. Maybe not as bad as he made it sound, but we are cheeseheads and we’re proud of that.