Girl asks Packers' Ryan to prom during tour
WAUSAU – The first stop of the Green Bay Packers’ Tailgate Tour on Tuesday was a surprise visit to Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School. It was there that inside linebacker Jake Ryan was reminded just how much fans love the team.
One of the first questions from the student crowd that gathered in the school auditorium was a proposal from a high school girl to Ryan for Wittenberg-Birnamwood’s prom in May.
The third-year player had to decline the offer, however, due to a previous engagement.
“I had to say no because we have OTAs,” Ryan said of the Packers' scheduled off-season team workouts.
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Wittenberg-Birnamwood was one of four scheduled visits through central Wisconsin on the first day of the tailgate tour, which included two stops in Medford as well as one at The Salvation Army in Wausau. The Packers bus rolled into Wausau around 11:15 a.m. for a 75-minute stop in which the team party served lunch and mingled with a crowd of more than 100 people at the Salvation Army shelter.
The Packers contingent consisted of Ryan, quarterback Brett Hundley and fullback Aaron Ripkowski. The group also included team President Mark Murphy along with former Packers players Ahman Green, Ryan Longwell and Robert Ferguson.
One fan at the Wausau stop tore a large corner from an empty potato chips cardboard box and used the blank backside to collect an autograph from each member of the tour group.
“This is going to be worth something,” she said of her prized piece.
Hundley, who is entering his third season with the Packers, volunteered for the five-day tailgate tour that ends Saturday.
“(Linebacker) Jayrone Elliott did (the tour) last year and I remember those pictures from him,” Hundley said. “It’s a chance to get out and give back to the community. It’s a real exciting opportunity for myself and all the guys coming along. It’s just awesome to see the faces (of the people) when you’re serving food to them or just the smiles when you’re taking pictures with them. It means a lot.”
It's the 12th year of the tailgate tour, and Murphy has been part of all but two.
"The tour really highlights the uniqueness of the Packers organization and the connection we have with our fans," said Murphy, the Packers' top executive. "It's really special when you go across the state and see the reaction from our fans and how much the Packers mean to them. I have been doing (the tour) for 10 years but for some of our players, it's an eye-opener when you see the passion that our fans have for the team. It really makes us appreciate how special our fans are."
A few fans are willing to give their advice to Murphy on the direction of the team.
"Especially the shareholders," Murphy joked.
The advice ranges from who the Packers should select in the upcoming NFL Draft to free agents the team should sign. One prominent name still available on the free agency market is running back Adrian Peterson. Some fans would like to see the former Vikings standout added to the Packers backfield.
Green, who spent eight season in Green Bay and rushed for more than 9,200 yards in a 12-year career, said he wouldn't mind the addition either.
"One thing is that the Packers need (another) running back right now," Green said. "They have Ty Montgomery and right now that is his (starting) job. I say they need a running back to back him up. I believe AP, if he comes in as a running back, will be more of that backup. If he understands being a team player, he'll fit right in."
As far as Peterson's style fitting with the Packers?
"His style fits with any team," Green said. "I don't care wherever he plays, whatever team he signs with or if he stays with Minnesota. His style fits anywhere as a running back."
Tim Johnson: 715-845-0731, or twjohnson@gannett.com; on Twitter @timmyjo11