GREEN BAY, Wis. — Josh Reuter gave words of encouragement to Green Bay Packers players walking or riding a bike on their way to practice.
More often than not, he got a direct response from the passing players.
Those kinds of interactions are part of what makes Packers Training Camp a unique experience for thousands of people each year.
“It’s just so special. We can see players up close and personal,” said Reuter, who lives in Platteville. “This tradition of players riding bikes to practice has been going on so long. There’s no place in the world, let alone the NFL, there’s no place like this where you’ll get grown men who will ride bikes down to everyday to practice. It’s a very special thing.”
For many attendees, Training Camp is a tradition that spans decades and generations.
“We’ve been doing it since I was a little kid,” said Reuter, who was standing next to his dad. “It’s something I look forward to every single year. Even though I’m 26, I feel like a little kid still coming here.”
Tuesday’s practice is one of 16 open to fans. Practices open to the public end Aug. 22 with a joint session with the Baltimore Ravens.
This week’s practices are building up to Family Night Saturday at Lambeau Field.
Tanner Dooley of Muskego was attending his first camp Tuesday.
“It’s pretty cool seeing all the players walk out, riding bikes,” he said. “It’s just a cool experience.”
It’s also gave him a chance to see how he measures up — literally — to the players on the field.
“They’re huge,” he said. “I always thought I as pretty big; then, I see some of these players and they’re so tall.”
Reuter said camp gives some indication of what’s ahead for the team and fans.
“This year, I feel like it’s a special team,’ he said. “Even from watching press conferences from the players and coaches, you can tell there’s a tight bond between the guys. It could definitely be a very special year here in Green Bay.”
