A Year of Impact: Reflecting on the Inaugural PFRPA Champions Luncheon

On June 12, 2024, the Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA) hosted the inaugural PFRPA Champions Luncheon, an event honoring individuals whose efforts have positively impacted retired NFL players and their broader communities.

 

The event took place at the historic Hotel Northland in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Retired NFL players, families, friends, members of the Green Bay community and media were brought together in the Crystal Ballroom; the same room where Vince Lombardi was formally introduced as the Coach and General Manager of the Green Bay Packers in 1959.

 

This month, we look back on the successful event and turn our attention to this year’s upcoming banquet.

 

 

 

 

Last year, three highly deserving honorees received the PFRPA Champions Award: Cathy Dworak, Chris Jacke and Harry Sydney.

 

Dworak, Director of Community Outreach and Player/Alumni Relations at the Green Bay Packers, was recognized for her role with the Packers, while also serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Educational Foundation.

 

Jacke, Founder of Player Alumni Resources (P.A.R. 13), was recognized for bridging the community of Green Bay Packer alumni, Wisconsin sports celebrities, Wisconsin organizations and fans of all ages.

 

Sydney, President and Founder of My Brother’s Keeper, was recognized for his male mentoring program that has assisted thousands of boys and men with finding success in dealing with the hardships in their lives.

 

 

In addition to the honorees, several Pro Football Hall of Famers and PFRPA Board members were in attendance, including Dave Robinson, Ron Mix, Mike Singletary and Mike Haynes.

 

Notable media outlets, including the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Fox 11, Local 5 News and WBAY covered the event.

 

A strong turnout from the retired player community and local media played a key role in making the event a meaningful gathering, promoting awareness about PFRPA’s mission and the importance of preserving the legacy of retired NFL players.

 

 

Last week, PFRPA announced the 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet scheduled for September 25, 2025 at the Directors Club at NRG Stadium in Houston.

 

Building on the resounding success of the inaugural PFRPA Champions Luncheon, this year’s Banquet is poised to be even bigger. The event will provide a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate those making a positive impact in the community; mingle with some of the most respected retired NFL players and Houstonians; and support the Greater Good Fund, PFRPA’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.

 

Registration for the 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet is open to the public. We hope to see you there!

 

Reserve your ticket today for the 2nd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet.

 

For sponsorship opportunities, visit bit.ly/PFRPACBSponsorships or contact Liz Tedesco at [email protected].