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1996 Green Bay Packers season

NFL team season (won Super Bowl)

NFL team season (won Super Bowl)

FieldValue
teamGreen Bay Packers
year1996
record13–3
division_place1st NFC Central
coachMike Holmgren
off_coachSherman Lewis
def_coachFritz Shurmur
general managerRon Wolf
ownerGreen Bay Packers, Inc.
presidentBob Harlan
stadiumLambeau Field
playoffs**Won [Divisional Playoffs](1996-97-nfl-playoffs)**
(vs. [49ers](1996-san-francisco-49ers-season)) 35–14
**Won [NFC Championship](1996-97-nfl-playoffs)**
(vs. [Panthers](1996-carolina-panthers-season)) 30–13
**Won Super Bowl XXXI**
(vs. [Patriots](1996-new-england-patriots-season)) 35–21
pro_bowlers{{Collapsible list
title5
1QB Brett Favre
2TE Keith Jackson
3C Frank Winters
4DE Reggie White
5SS LeRoy Butler
shortnavlinkPackers seasons
AP_All-pros{{Collapsible list
title3
1QB Brett Favre *(1st team)*
2S LeRoy Butler *(1st team)*
3DE Reggie White *(2nd team)*

(vs. 49ers) 35–14 Won NFC Championship (vs. Panthers) 30–13 Won Super Bowl XXXI (vs. Patriots) 35–21 |AP_All-pros={{Collapsible list The 1996 season was the Green Bay Packers' 76th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 78th overall and their fifth under head coach Mike Holmgren. The franchise won its third Super Bowl and league-record 12th NFL Championship. The Packers posted a league-best 13–3 regular season win-loss record, going 8–0 at home and 5–3 on the road. It was the first time since 1962 that the team went undefeated at home. Additionally, the Packers had the NFL's highest-scoring offense (456) and allowed the fewest points on defense (210). Green Bay was the first team to accomplish both feats in the same season since the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins. They finished the season with the number one offense, defense, and special teams. They also set a then NFL record for the fewest touchdowns allowed in a 16-game season, with 19. The Packers also allowed the fewest yards in the NFL and set a record for punt return yardage. Brett Favre won his second straight MVP award while also throwing for a career-high and league-leading 39 touchdown passes.

In the postseason, the Packers defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round and the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game. Green Bay beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI to win their third Super Bowl and twelfth NFL Championship.

In 2007, the 1996 Packers were ranked as the 16th greatest Super Bowl champions on the NFL Network's documentary series America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, with team commentary from Brett Favre, Mike Holmgren, and Desmond Howard, and narrated by Kevin Bacon. The 1996 Packers were ranked 6th-greatest Super Bowl team of all time by a similar panel done by ESPN and released in 2007. Later, they ranked #20 on the 100 greatest teams of all time presented by the NFL on its 100th anniversary. As of 2023, the Packers are the only team since the implementation of the salary cap to score the most points and allow the fewest in the regular season.

Offseason

AdditionsSubtractions
WR Don Beebe (Panthers)
WR Desmond Howard (Jaguars)
FS Eugene Robinson (Seahawks)
DT Santana Dotson (Buccaneers)

NFL draft

Main article: 1996 NFL draft

Undrafted free agents

PlayerPositionCollege
Brad KeeneyDefensive tackleThe Citadel
Eric MatthewsWide receiverIndiana
Troy StarkOffensive tackleGeorgia

Staff

  • President/chief executive officer – Bob Harlan

  • Executive vice president/general manager – Ron Wolf

  • Director of pro personnel – Ted Thompson

  • Director of college scouting – John Math

  • Pro personnel assistant – Reggie McKenzie

  • Head coach – Mike Holmgren

  • Offensive coordinator – Sherman Lewis

  • Quarterbacks – Marty Mornhinweg

  • Running backs – Harry Sydney

  • Wide receivers – Gil Haskell

  • Offensive line – Tom Lovat

  • Assistant offensive line/tight ends – Andy Reid

  • Defensive coordinator – Fritz Shurmur

  • Defensive line – Larry Brooks

  • Linebackers – Jim Lind

  • Defensive backs/secondary – Bob Valesente

  • Defensive assistant/quality control – Johnny Holland

  • Special teams – Nolan Cromwell

  • Strength and conditioning – Kent Johnston

  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Barry Rubin

Roster

  • Brett Favre

  • Jim McMahon

  • Doug Pederson

  • Edgar Bennett

  • William Henderson FB

  • Travis Jervey

  • Calvin Jones

  • Dorsey Levens

  • Don Beebe

  • Antonio Freeman

  • Desmond Howard

  • Derrick Mayes

  • Terry Mickens

  • Andre Rison

  • Mark Chmura

  • Keith Jackson

  • Jeff Thomason

  • Gary Brown OT

  • Jeff Dellenbach C

  • Earl Dotson OT

  • Lindsay Knapp G

  • John Michels OT

  • Marco Rivera G

  • Aaron Taylor G

  • Adam Timmerman G

  • Bruce Wilkerson OT

  • Frank Winters C

  • Gilbert Brown DT

  • Shannon Clavelle DE

  • Santana Dotson DT

  • Darius Holland DT

  • Sean Jones DE

  • Bob Kuberski DT

  • Reggie White DE

  • Gabe Wilkins DE

  • Ron Cox OLB

  • Bernardo Harris MLB

  • Lamont Hollinquest OLB

  • George Koonce MLB

  • Keith McKenzie OLB

  • Wayne Simmons OLB

  • Brian Williams OLB

  • LeRoy Butler SS

  • Doug Evans CB

  • Chris Hayes SS

  • Roderick Mullen SS

  • Craig Newsome CB

  • Mike Prior FS

  • Eugene Robinson FS

  • Michael Robinson CB

  • Tyrone Williams CB

  • Craig Hentrich P

  • Chris Jacke K

  • Robert Brooks WR (IR) [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • James Bostic RB (IR) [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • Rob Carpenter WR (IR) [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • Chris Darkins RB (IR) [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • Matthew Dorsett CB (IR) [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • Mike Flanagan C (IR) [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • Ken Ruettgers OT (IR) [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • Brian Satterfield RB (IR) [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • Eric Matthews WR

  • Kyle Wachholtz QB

  • Bill Schroeder WR

  • Buster Owens CB

  • John Solomon OLB

  • Walter Scott DE

1996 Green Bay Packers season

Preseason

Green Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"WeekGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"DateGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"OpponentGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"ResultGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"RecordGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"Game siteGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"Game
recap1234
[New England Patriots](1996-new-england-patriots-season)**W** 24–71–0Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1996/gamelog/)
[Pittsburgh Steelers](1996-pittsburgh-steelers-season)**W** 24–172–0Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1996/gamelog/)
at [Baltimore Ravens](1996-baltimore-ravens-season)**W** 17–153–0Memorial Stadium[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1996/gamelog/)
at [Indianapolis Colts](1996-indianapolis-colts-season)**L** 6–203–1RCA Dome[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1996/gamelog/)

Regular season

Green Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"WeekGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"DateGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"OpponentGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"ResultGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"RecordGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"Game siteGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"Recap1234567891011121314151617
September 1at **[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](1996-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)****W** 34–31–0Houlihan's Stadium[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199609010tam.htm)
[Philadelphia Eagles](1996-philadelphia-eagles-season)**W** 39–132–0Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199609090gnb.htm)
September 15[San Diego Chargers](1996-san-diego-chargers-season)**W** 42–103–0Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199609150gnb.htm)
September 22at **[Minnesota Vikings](1996-minnesota-vikings-season)****L** 21–303–1Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199609220min.htm)
September 29at [Seattle Seahawks](1996-seattle-seahawks-season)**W** 31–104–1Kingdome[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199609290sea.htm)
October 6at **[Chicago Bears](1996-chicago-bears-season)****W** 37–65–1Soldier Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199610060chi.htm)
[San Francisco 49ers](1996-san-francisco-49ers-season)**W** 23–20 (OT)6–1Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199610140gnb.htm)
*Bye*
October 27**Tampa Bay Buccaneers****W** 13–77–1Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199610270gnb.htm)
November 3**[Detroit Lions](1996-detroit-lions-season)****W** 28–188–1Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199611030gnb.htm)
November 10at [Kansas City Chiefs](1996-kansas-city-chiefs-season)**L** 20–278–2Arrowhead Stadium[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199611100kan.htm)
at [Dallas Cowboys](1996-dallas-cowboys-season)**L** 6–218–3Texas Stadium[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199611180dal.htm)
November 24at [St. Louis Rams](1996-st-louis-rams-season)**W** 24–99–3Trans World Dome[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199611240ram.htm)
December 1**Chicago Bears****W** 28–1710–3Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199612010gnb.htm)
December 8[Denver Broncos](1996-denver-broncos-season)**W** 41–611–3Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199612080gnb.htm)
December 15at **Detroit Lions****W** 31–312–3Pontiac Silverdome[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199612150det.htm)
December 22**Minnesota Vikings****W** 38–1013–3Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199612220gnb.htm)

Postseason

Green Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"RoundGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"DateGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"Opponent (seed)Green Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"ResultGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"RecordGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"VenueGreen Bay Packersyear=1996border=2}}"RecapWild CardDivisionalNFC ChampionshipSuper Bowl XXXI
*First-round bye*
January 4, 1997[San Francisco 49ers](1996-san-francisco-49ers-season) (4)**W** 35–141–0Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199701040gnb.htm)
January 12, 1997[Carolina Panthers](1996-carolina-panthers-season) (2)**W** 30–132–0Lambeau Field[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199701120gnb.htm)
January 26, 1997[New England Patriots](1996-new-england-patriots-season) (A2)**W** 35–213–0Louisiana Superdome[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199701260gnb.htm)

Game summaries

Week 1: at. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 3: at Green Bay Packers

First quarter

  • GB – Edgar Bennett 10-yard run (Chris Jacke kick), 9:51. ''Packers 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 3:31.'''''
  • SDG – John Carney 43-yard field goal, 1:05. ''Packers 7–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:06.''''' Second quarter
  • GB – Antonio Freeman 19-yard pass from Brett Favre (Chris Jacke kick), 12:52. ''Packers 14–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:13.'''''
  • GB – William Henderson 8-yard pass from Brett Favre (Chris Jacke kick), 1:13. ''Packers 21–3. '''Drive: 17 plays, 88 yards, 9:24.''''' Third quarter
  • GB – Keith Jackson 7-yard pass from Brett Favre (Chris Jacke kick), 1:52. ''Packers 28–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 5:27.''''' Fourth quarter
  • SDG – Tony Martin 9-yard pass from Stan Humphries (John Carney kick), 8:16. ''Packers 28–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 1:18.'''''
  • GB – LeRoy Butler 90-yard interception return (Chris Jacke kick), 6:31. Packers 35–10.
  • GB – Desmond Howard 65-yard punt return (Chris Jacke kick), 4:59. Packers 42–10. Top passers
  • SDG – Stan Humphries – 16/31, 130 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • GB – Brett Favre – 22/33, 231 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
  • SDG – Leonard Russell – 9 rushes, 27 yards
  • GB – Edgar Bennett – 13 rushes, 65 yards, TD Top receivers
  • SDG – Tony Martin – 3 receptions, 38 yards, TD
  • GB – Robert Brooks – 8 receptions, 108 yards

Week 5: at. Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

  • GB – Antonio Freeman 13-yard pass from Brett Favre (Chris Jacke kick), 4:36 (GB 7–0)
  • GB – Chris Jacke 36-yard field goal, 0:34 (GB 10–0) Second quarter
  • GB – Dorsey Levens 4-yard pass from Brett Favre (Chris Jacke kick), 3:54 (GB 17–0)
  • SEA – Chris Warren 37-yard run (Todd Peterson kick), 1:56 (GB 17–7) Third quarter
  • GB – Keith Jackson 10-yard pass from Brett Favre (Chris Jacke kick), 8:24 (GB 24–7)
  • SEA – Todd Peterson 44-yard field goal, 5:35 (GB 24–10) Fourth quarter
  • GB – Antonio Freeman 4-yard pass from Brett Favre (Chris Jacke kick), 9:50 (GB 31–10) Top passers
  • GB – Brett Favre: 20/34, 209 yds, 4 TD
  • SEA – Rick Mirer: 10/30, 156 yds, 4 int Top rushers
  • GB – Edgar Bennett: 22 car, 94 yds
  • SEA – Chris Warren: 18 car, 103 yds, 1 TD Top receivers
  • GB – Antonio Freeman: 7 rec, 108 yds, 2 TD
  • SEA – Mike Pritchard: 2 rec, 54 yds Team – pass – rush – total – to
  • GB – 202 – 142 – 344 – 0
  • SEA – 170 – 159 – 329 – 5

Standings

Season statistical leaders

Brett Favre broke the Packers single-season record for touchdown passes by throwing 39.

  • Passing yards: Brett Favre 3,899 yards
  • Passing touchdowns: Brett Favre 39 TD
  • Rushing yards: Edgar Bennett, 899 yards
  • Rushing touchdowns: Dorsey Levens, 5 TD
  • Receiving yards: Antonio Freeman, 933 yards
  • Receiving touchdowns: Keith Jackson, 10 TD
  • Points: Chris Jacke, 114 points
  • Kickoff return yards: Desmond Howard, 460 yards
  • Punt return yards: Desmond Howard, 875 yards
  • Tackles: George Koonce, 97 tackles
  • Sacks: Reggie White, 8.5 sacks
  • Interceptions: Eugene Robinson, 6 interceptions

Playoffs

NFC Divisional Playoff vs. San Francisco 49ers

Green Bay was able to win going away on a cold damp day at Lambeau Field. With the weather turning the field into a muddy mess both offenses struggled. San Francisco was able to keep pace offensively and defensively for most of the game, with the score 21–14 in favor of Green Bay in the third quarter, but special teams were decisively dominated by the Packers. Penalties also played a factor as San Francisco had 6 for 42 yards, while Green Bay only had 1 for 5.

A muffed kickoff by Green Bay set up a 49ers touchdown, but Green Bay's Desmond Howard returned two kicks for large gains, including one touchdown. The final score was Green Bay 35–14.

NFC Championship Game vs. Carolina Panthers

Super Bowl XXXI vs. New England Patriots

The Packers win their first championship since 1967. Desmond Howard is named the Super Bowl MVP, as he accumulated 244 total yards worth of returns (kick and punt) including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Patriots Quarterback Drew Bledsoe threw 4 interceptions while Brett Favre threw for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran another one in.

Awards and records

  • Brett Favre, club record, most touchdown passes in one season, 39
  • Brett Favre, NFC leader, touchdown passes (39)
  • Brett Favre, NFC leader, passing yardage (3,899)
  • Brett Favre, NFL MVP
  • Brett Favre, Bert Bell Award
  • Brett Favre, Offense, UPI NFC Player of the Year
  • Brett Favre, NFC Pro Bowl selection
  • Brett Favre, All-Pro selection
  • Brett Favre, Best NFL Player ESPY Award
  • Desmond Howard, Super Bowl XXXI MVP
  • Reggie White, NFC Pro Bowl selection
  • Keith Jackson, NFC Pro Bowl selection

References

References

  1. NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, {{ISBN. 0-7611-2480-2, p. 266
  2. "1996 Season in Review".
  3. "NFL Top 100 Teams". Pro Football Reference.
  4. "100 Greatest Teams: Numbers 100-1 SUPERCUT". NFL.com.
  5. "1996 Green Bay Packers Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  6. "All Time Coaches Database". Packers.com.
  7. [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199609010tam.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]. Retrieved 2014-Jun-20.
  8. "Green Bay Packers 1996 Statistics". ESPN.
  9. "Maxwell Football Club - Bert Bell Award Past Recipients".
  10. "Super Bowl MVPs - Super Bowl History - National Football League".
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

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