GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers are 9-3 after Thursday night’s 30-17 victory over the Dolphins at Lambeau Field. They were in total command. Now, they go to Detroit for a showdown with the Lions next Thursday night.

I grew up in Hartford listening to Jim Irwin and Lionel Aldridge dreaming of covering the Packers. I’m grateful that I’ve been blessed to have that opportunity.

Every time I drive over that bridge in Green Bay and see Lambeau Field in the distance, it still means something to me. Doing the radio pregame show. Sitting in the press box. Doing The Postgame Show on Spectrum News. Doing the Roundtable with LeRoy Butler and Gary Ellerson. Doing Packers Live. I don't take any of that for granted. I shouldn't. Many people would love to do any of those things (and many could do them better!)

I've had a chance to cover three Super Bowls and countless Packers games at home and away. I've been fortunate and lucky.  Some of my first Packers memories are of Vince Lombardi and the Glory Years teams of the 1960’s. I still think of those teams regularly and fondly. 

There were some lean years when I was growing up. I can’t lie about that or gloss over it. Still, since 1992, the Packers have been good to great most of the time.

My parents both worked in a factory. I get paid to go to games and talk about sports. I fully realize that’s a pretty sweet deal.

The Packers have been a constant in my life. Handed down from my late parents to me and my siblings. To my kids and their kids. 

I’ve seen more Packers games in the past than I will in the future. That's not being morbid, that's just a fact.

This day and every day, I'm thankful for the Packers. And for the viewers and listeners who I “work” for.