After an inspiring end to the 2023 season, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love can feel the energy and bond between teammates during the offseason training program.
It’s only June, but Love says 2024 could be a “very special year” for the Packers.
Overcoming adversity in the first half of last year, preparing for the playoffs, and then returning – with near-perfect attendance – for the offseason program created a positive atmosphere filled with energy at Lambeau Field.
“The bond that started last year has brought us so much closer together, despite the adversity of last season and the strong run at the end,” Love said Tuesday. “But when we got to OTA, there was a lot of energy in the building. Since I’ve been here, I feel like this is the closet that the band has been in. It was great to see the guys come out on the pitch and compete with each other. Having everyone here during this time is very cool because you just build these relationships and get closer to the guys and get to go out and work with them every day. So I think this team is in a great place right now.”
The Packers started out 3-6 through their first nine games in 2023, but Love eventually broke out, fueled by the improvement of all the youthful and talented players around him, and the Packers went from being relegated to an NFC Wild Card berth with a 6-2 finish. A playoff victory in Dallas and a near-miss in San Francisco legitimized the late-season streak.
The Packers returned with the players and energy expected from an up-and-comer.
“I’m really happy with where we are right now,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “Not only consistency on the pitch, but also off the pitch. Every time we walk into the meeting rooms there is great energy and great interaction with the guys. This is part of the process of how we can come together. That’s a great part of the offseason… it allows these guys to spend a lot of time together, not only in the building but outside of it as well.
The Packers wrap up OTAs this week and have a mandatory three-day minicamp next week as the final stage of preparation and team building before training camp.
“We have a team that loves each other, we’re all here, we’re all grinding and working hard,” receiver Bo Melton said. “We love the atmosphere and the energy we bring to the team now.”
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