GREEN BAY, Wis. — It’s the start of a big weekend in Green Bay as Packers fans get ready for the team’s home opener against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday.
Quarterback Jordan Love is listed as questionable for the game and did not practice Friday. Love suffered a knee injury during the team’s first regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil last week.
Third-year quarterback Mark Willis will start in Love’s place Sunday.
Cheeseheads we spoke with at the Packers Pro Shop at Lambeau Field Friday are choosing to focus on the positive. For them, the home opener is the official start of football season in Green Bay.
Two of the people searching for new green and gold gear to wear were Alex and Rachel Rowlands, who came all the way from England.
“I’ve been a Packers fan now for about 12 years,” Alex said. “First got into watching my first game on TV, a game they actually lost to Chicago. But ever since then, I’ve been a Packers fan, and it’s been my dream to come to Lambeau Field.”
This Sunday’s home opener will be their first time experiencing a Packers game in-person.
“We’re lucky enough that we’re staying with a couple of American friends, literally two blocks away,” Alex said. “So, we got the right view of the stadium all the time, and we’re just so excited to be in. We just can’t wait for that kickoff.”
Rachel said this trip is special for another life-changing reason. It’s part of Alex’s bucket list, after beating cancer.
“About a year ago, we found a huge lump in Alex’s throat, and he was subsequently, and completely out of the blue, diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but he’s now in remission,” Rachel said.
They chose to celebrate, surrounded by cheeseheads, like Braxton Olson, who also showed up at Lambeau Friday to buy a jersey Friday.
“I’m going to be here on Sunday. It’s my second Packers game ever, and I’m quite excited for it,” Braxton said.
Chrysta Jorgensen, Director of Retail Operations with the Packers Pro Shop, isn’t surprised by what’s flying off the racks this first home game weekend.
“Jerseys are always going to be number one seller for us, but we are here standing in front of our headwear wall, and headwear is always going to be one of those top sellers too,” Jorgensen said.
As Alex bought a Jaire Alexander jersey, he made a vow that nothing was going to stop him from enjoying his first trip to Lambeau. While he’s disappointed that Love likely won’t be playing Sunday, he said the quarterback’s injury won’t shake his optimism for the season ahead.
“He’s a terrific player, but I think we have other great players, and I still think we can win over the Colts,” Alex said. “It really doesn’t matter whether the Packers win or lose, in the end, we’re all still fans. Go Packers!”