Hey Dana Jane

Tag: Football

  • Super Bowl Sunday: Faith, Food, and Football

    Ah, Sunday. The day of rest, reflection, and—if you’re in our house—strategic grocery shopping and football-induced snacking.

    We kicked off the morning (pun absolutely intended) at St. Bronislava, where I’ve been a parishioner since birth. Gannon served at Mass today, and let me tell you, there is nothing cuter than seeing your kid in an altar robe, looking all angelic and composed—until you remember this is the same child who, just yesterday, probably tried to wrestle his brother over the last slice of pizza.

    Post-Mass, the Huz declared that lunch was necessary, but first—Super Bowl snack reconnaissance. We made our way to Plover Metro Market to stock up for the big game, dodging fellow shoppers who were also on a mission to secure their game-day essentials. Chips, dips, and all things that will ruin my attempt at healthier eating magically found their way into the cart.

    Then, Pizza Ranch. We arrived right as they opened, narrowly avoiding the stampede of hungry weekend warriors. The boys went all-in on pizza and fried chicken, while I attempted to show some self-control with salad and soup. (The keyword here is attempted—fried chicken is a powerful temptress.)

    Once home, groceries were put away, and I donned my Chiefs gear—not out of loyalty, but out of the practical need to get more mileage out of an outfit I wore last year. Hey, if I own it, I might as well wear it, right?

    Now, I’m curled up on the couch with both dogs at my side, diving into It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. I started it last night and am hoping to get a few more chapters in before the game. Whether the book or the Super Bowl will have the more dramatic twists remains to be seen.

    So here’s to a relaxing Sunday filled with family, football, and fun commercials. May the best team win—or at the very least, may the halftime show be entertaining enough to distract us from the calories we’re about to consume.

  • Green & Gold: A Love Letter to Wisconsin, Family, and Football

    There are movies that entertain, movies that inspire, and then there are movies that take root in your soul. Green & Gold is one of those movies.

    Gannon and I saw it yesterday on opening weekend, and from the very first scene, I knew I was about to witness something special. A story about the humble, hardworking, God-fearing farming communities of Wisconsin—woven together with the deep, unwavering love for the Green Bay Packers—was bound to be emotional. But I wasn’t prepared for just how deeply it would resonate with me.

    Sitting in that dark theater, memories of my childhood came rushing back, so vivid I could almost smell the fresh-cut hay. I was back on my grandma’s farm, watching my Uncle Pauly deliver a calf—his arm buried up to his shoulder to help bring new life into the world. I could feel the rough twine of hay bales in my hands, the weight of them just a little too much for my small arms to lift. I saw myself, cautiously walking the aisle of the old barn, petting the heads of the Holsteins, naming them—Bessie, Bossy, Lulu, Buttercup—just like Craig T. Nelson’s character, Buck, named his cows after the 1968 Packers Championship team.

    I thought of my Grandma Alice, how fiercely my family cared for her after her stroke, how we did everything we could to keep her home, safe, and surrounded by love. When Jenny’s grandma had an accident on the farm, the ache in my heart was real. I knew that story.

    And then came the real-life footage of the 1992 Green Bay Packers. Brett Favre, the Gunslinger. Sterling Sharpe. LeRoy Butler. John Jurkovic. Chris Jacke. The icons of my childhood, the voices of my dad and siblings echoing in my memory as we watched those games together. I had goosebumps reliving that era, the golden days of Sundays spent in front of the TV, where wins felt like magic and losses felt personal.

    Craig T. Nelson embodied the kind of Wisconsin man I’ve known my whole life—the hardworking dairy farmer who loves God, his land, his family, and his neighbors. A man whose word is his bond, whose hands are rough from labor but gentle with his children. A man who always does the right thing, even loving his enemy.

    And then there was Jenny—played so beautifully by Madison Lawlor. A girl growing up on a farm, knowing the work never ends, but still daring to dream of something more. I was Jenny. I understood the exhaustion, the longing, the pride. The way your roots never really let go of you, even when you reach for something beyond the fields.

    As the credits rolled, I wiped my tears, turned to Gannon, and asked, “What did you think?”

    “This is the greatest movie ever,” he said.

    I nodded, my throat tight. It’s the Wisconsin, football, farming version of Field of Dreams, I thought.

    And let’s not forget the voice of Charlie Berens, carrying through the film like a thread tying past and present together. It stirred something else inside me—a reminder of Bob Uecker, the voice of my childhood, the sound of sports radio humming in the background of my life. It made me realize, maybe more than ever, how proud I am to be from Wisconsin. To have farming in my blood, to be part of a community that shows up for each other, to wear green and gold like a badge of honor.

    Gannon was right. Best movie ever. Go see it. And Go, Pack!

  • Roaring No More: Lions Join the NFC North’s Losers Club

    Oh, the sweet symphony of schadenfreude! Last night, the Detroit Lions, who had been roaring about their Super Bowl prospects, were tamed by the Washington Commanders in a 45-31 upset. Lions fans, whose confidence was practically dripping from their social media posts, were left stunned. As a Packers fan, I found this especially entertaining—though I’ll admit I had a personal stake in cheering for the Commanders. After all, their center is Tyler Biadasz, a local kid from Amherst, WI. Gotta support the hometown hero!

    The Lions, perched atop the NFC with a 15-2 record, were convinced their postseason would be a victory lap to the Super Bowl. Their fans, emboldened by this success, didn’t hesitate to remind the rest of us—especially those in the NFC North—of their dominance. But as the saying goes, “Pride comes before a fall.” And fall they did.

    Enter the Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns, and adding 51 rushing yards. But let’s not forget the anchor of the Commanders’ offensive line—Biadasz kept things steady and ensured Daniels had the time to shine.

    Meanwhile, the Lions’ offense decided to go into full-on holiday mode, generously gifting the Commanders five turnovers. Jared Goff threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, making Commanders fans cheer while Lions fans cringed.

    As a Packers fan, it’s hard not to chuckle. The Lions, who had been the loudest in the room, now join the Bears and Vikings in the “We Almost Made It” club. It’s a familiar place for them, but this time, they tripped over their own arrogance on the way in.

    So, to all the Lions fans who were booking flights to the Super Bowl, welcome back to reality. The rest of the NFC North has kept your seat warm in the Losers Club. And to Tyler Biadasz—great game, kid! Keep making Wisconsin proud.

    Photo by: Seth Wenig/AP

  • Skol? More Like LOL: Vikings Fall Short Again

    Ah, Minnesota Vikings fans. The eternal optimists of the NFL. Every year, without fail, they come out swinging with their purple-and-gold dreams of finally breaking the curse and hoisting that elusive Lombardi Trophy. And every year, like clockwork, reality gently (or not-so-gently) reminds them, “Not today, my friend.”

    The Vikings’ latest heartbreak came in the form of a 27-9 beatdown by the Los Angeles Rams. That’s right—just nine points. To put that in perspective, that’s the same number of points you’d score if you lost two rounds of bar trivia. And yet, as I sit here sipping my coffee from a Packers mug (taste that? It’s victory… from 2011), I can’t help but chuckle at how predictable this all was.

    Minnesota’s golden boy Sam Darnold got acquainted with the Rams’ defensive line in a way no quarterback should—nine sacks, folks. Nine! At this point, Darnold isn’t just seeing Rams in his nightmares; he’s probably naming them. “This one’s Aaron, that one’s Jared, and over there is Mr. I’m-Coming-For-You-Again.”

    Of course, Darnold, ever the stoic, offered his standard quarterback mea culpa after the game: “I clearly haven’t played good enough the last couple of weeks.” No kidding, Sam. Completing 25 of 40 passes for a respectable-looking 245 yards and a touchdown only sounds decent if you ignore the 18% sack rate and the fact that he was still hanging onto the ball like it was a family heirloom at a yard sale.

    The Rams didn’t even need a superhuman effort to pull this off. They just let their defense plunder away while the offense rode the momentum of a scoop-and-score fumble return. Jared Verse’s 57-yard sprint to the end zone might as well have come with theme music and a montage of Vikings fans sighing in unison.

    And while we’re on the subject of momentum, let’s talk about the Vikings’ playoff hopes. They had one job: beat the Lions last week, secure a bye, and prepare for a playoff run. Instead, they followed up that blunder with this disaster. From a 14-win season to a one-and-done playoff exit—Minnesota didn’t just drop the ball; they fumbled it, kicked it, and watched as the Rams ran it back for a touchdown.

    Head coach Kevin O’Connell tried to sprinkle in some coach-speak optimism: “We’ve got to find a way to check the ball down and just keep moving the ball forward.” But, Kevin, if you’re checking down on fourth-and-21, you’re not moving the ball forward—you’re moving your vacation plans forward.

    So here we are, Vikings Nation, another season of hope dashed on the jagged rocks of postseason reality. But hey, look on the bright side: there’s always next year. And if not, at least you can join me in celebrating our Packers victory… from 2011.

    Photo by Mark J. Rebilas

  • Hanging Up Hope: Until Next Season, Packers

    Today, I hung my Packers jersey in the closet. Not with anger, not with despair, but with the kind of bittersweet reverence only a true fan knows. After last night’s crushing playoff loss to the Eagles—22-10, in case you’ve blacked it out already—it feels like the end of a journey. The kind where you walk home in the rain, telling yourself the weather matches your mood.

    That jersey, though. It’s not just a piece of fabric; it’s a battle flag. Over the months, it’s soaked in every cheer, every groan, every hopeful “Go Pack Go!” This season, it’s been there through the highs of fourth-quarter comebacks and the lows of “How did we miss that tackle?” moments. It was there last night, too, as we fought to stay alive and watched our hopes slip through frozen fingers.

    Hanging it up today wasn’t easy. It never is. There’s an ache in knowing I won’t wear it again until the leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and the promise of a fresh season lies ahead. Eight months feels like a lifetime when you’re counting Sundays.

    But as I carefully placed it among the others—each Packer shirt a reminder of seasons past—I felt something else, too. Gratitude. Because even in a losing season, this team gives us so much. Community. Passion. The belief that maybe next year, we’ll hoist that Lombardi again.

    So, for now, I’ll fold away the frustration, tuck in the disappointment, and let hope linger in the air like Lambeau snow. The jersey might be out of sight, but the memories of this season won’t fade. Nor will the anticipation of what’s to come.

    Until then, we rest. We recover. And when September rolls around, we’ll suit up again. Because no matter how painful the losses, the victories always make it worth it.

    See you next season, Green and Gold.

    Photo courtesy of the Green Bay Packers.

  • Braving the Frozen Tundra: A Sisterly Adventure at Lambeau Field

    Yesterday, my sister Rachel and I bundled up in layers and set off for an unforgettable day at Lambeau Field. It was our first winter game, and let me tell you, it was a whole new ball game compared to our usual September or October outings. Originally, my dad and brother Nathan were supposed to go, but they bailed—probably because of the cold. Rachel and I, however, decided we weren’t wimps. No way were we letting a little (okay, a lot) of Wisconsin chill stop us from cheering on our Packers!

    The game itself? A rollercoaster of emotions. It started with that familiar sinking feeling as the Bears took the lead, but our Packers fought back like champs. We caught up, fell behind again, took the lead, and then… heartbreak. With less than one minute in the fourth quarter, Bears kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 51-yard field goal as time expired. The final score? 24-22, Bears. Ouch.

    The loss was tough to swallow, especially since the Bears haven’t exactly had a stellar season. They came into this game on a 10-game losing streak! Rachel and I decided this loss was a gift from the Packers to the Bears. After all, it’s been the season of giving, and clearly, the Bears needed the boost. You’re welcome, Chicago. Enjoy your consolation prize while we head to the playoffs.

    Let’s talk about the game’s turning points. It wasn’t just a loss; it was a sloppy one. Our defense struggled to contain Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who made a clutch third-down conversion to set up Santos’ game-winning kick. To add insult to injury, a horse collar penalty on Williams and some seriously soft defensive coverage sealed our fate. On the bright side, we’re still playoff bound! The Packers clinched the seventh seed in the NFC postseason and are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. Fingers crossed that Jordan Love and Christian Watson recover quickly after their injuries in this game. We’ll need all hands on deck to take on that explosive Eagles offense.

    Despite the loss, the experience was unforgettable. There’s something magical about Lambeau Field in the winter, even when your fingers are frozen and your team comes up short. Rachel and I spent the game cheering at the top of our lungs and huddling with our bleacher mates for warmth. The Packers may not have won, but we walked away with memories that will last a lifetime—and maybe a touch of frostbite.

    As for those Bears fans gloating over the win? Let’s not forget that their team’s season ended yesterday. Meanwhile, the Packers are still in the hunt for Lombardi Trophy number 14. So go ahead, Chicago. Bask in your moment. We’ll see you next season.

    Here’s to playoff football and braving the frozen tundra. Go Pack Go!

  • A Rollercoaster of Emotions: From Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love – A Packer Fan’s Journey

    It’s Friday, August 11, and the Green Bay Packers are playing a pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals. I have the game on the television, but I’m not too invested in watching. This season is different. Aaron Rodgers is no longer a Packer.

    Being a devoted Green Bay Packers fan has always been a ride filled with exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows. As news broke in late April that our beloved quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, had been traded to the New York Jets, a wave of sadness washed over Cheesehead Nation. However, amidst the bittersweet emotions, there was undeniable excitement to see the rise of a new era led by quarterback Jordan Love.

    Farewell to a Legend

    Aaron Rodgers, a name synonymous with Green Bay football, has left an indelible mark on the franchise. The memories of his pinpoint passes, game-winning drives, and that unforgettable Super Bowl victory will forever be etched in the hearts of Packers fans. Saying goodbye to such an iconic figure is undeniably tough, leaving fans like me with a sense of nostalgia for the moments shared and accomplishments achieved.

    The Jordan Love Era Dawns

    As the dust settled from the trade, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Jordan Love, a young and talented quarterback, is poised to step into the spotlight. Drafted with high expectations, Love has had the privilege of learning under Rodgers’ guidance, soaking up wisdom and experience that only a future Hall of Famer can provide. Now, it’s his turn to prove his mettle and showcase the skills that made him a standout in college.

    The Hope and Uncertainty

    Optimism abounds as we enter this new chapter in Packers history. Jordan Love has showcased glimpses of his potential in practice and preseason games, leaving fans hungry for more. The anticipation of witnessing his growth and development as he takes the reins of the offense is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. There’s an undeniable hope that Love can build upon the foundation laid by Rodgers and lead the Packers to future victories.

    Embracing Change

    Change is never easy, especially when it involves bidding adieu to a player who has become a symbol of the team’s success. Yet, being a Packers fan has always been about more than just one player. It’s about the spirit of the team, the camaraderie among fans, and the unwavering support that transcends individual players.

    As we adjust to the reality of a Packers team without Aaron Rodgers, it’s crucial to remember that change is a natural part of sports. The torch is passed from one generation to the next, and it’s our role as fans to stand by our team through thick and thin.

    The departure of Aaron Rodgers has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of Green Bay Packers fans. However, with every ending comes a new beginning, and the rise of Jordan Love offers a glimmer of hope and excitement for what lies ahead. As we don our green and gold jerseys and gather to cheer on our team, let us remember that being a true fan means embracing change and supporting the Packers through every twist and turn.

    So here’s to the memories shared with Rodgers and the promising future that awaits with Jordan Love under center. As we navigate this rollercoaster of emotions, one thing remains certain: our unwavering dedication to the Green Bay Packers will continue to shine bright. Go Pack Go!