Hey Dana Jane

Tag: Packers

  • 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!