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Lee Remmel
Lee Remmel
Lee Remmel
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Leland "Lee" Remmel (June 30, 1924 – April 16, 2015) was an American public relations/historian/spokesman and sportswriter. He was known for working 62 years with the Green Bay Packers as a sportswriter and later a team employee.[3]

Key Information

Remmel was born in Shawano, Wisconsin, a small city about 30 miles (48 km) outside Green Bay. He began writing as a freshman at Shawano High School[4] and went to his first Packers game on September 24, 1944.[5] On October 7, 1945, Remmel started covering the Green Bay Packers as a sportswriter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette.[6] He was the only sportswriter who had covered all of the Packers coaches from the team's first coach Curly Lambeau to Bart Starr.[4] He was hired to work in the Packers front office in 1974[6] as the teams public relations director and spokesman.[4] In February 2004, Remmel was named the first historian for the Green Bay Packers,[6] a role he served until his retirement in December 2007 at age 83.[7] He remained on the board of directors for the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

Remmel covered the first 40 Super Bowls. He represented the Press Gazette at the first eight, 22 as NFL auxiliary media relations staff, two years for the Green Bay Packers, and another eight with the NFL.[4] He was one of twelve people honored by the NFL for their association with the first forty Super Bowls.[4] Remmel has served on NFL committees on statistics and NFL Films, and participated in the NFL public relations directors' Professional Football Writers of America liaison.[4]

Remmel is known for his in-depth knowledge of Packer's history, especially about the team's rivalry with the Chicago Bears. Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre described Remmel, "He’s a Packers icon. There will never be another like him. His knowledge of the team and its history has always been impressive. He is sharp as a tack when it came to those things – truly impressive."[4]

Awards

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Remmel was named Wisconsin's Sports Writer of the year in 1967.[4] Remmel was inducted in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame on March 30, 1996.[4][8] To honor his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame, the team built a new press box in August 2003, and they named it "The Lee Remmel Press Box".[4] Each April, the "Lee Remmel Sports Awards Banquet" honors high school to professional athletes;[4] the banquet has raised over $150,000 for Green Bay area colleges and high schools.[9]

Personal

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Remmel married Margaret "Noreen" Berg in 1948, predeceasing Remmel on April 27, 2012, after a brief illness.[2] Remmel died on April 16, 2015.[10]

References

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[edit]
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Lee Remmel

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Lee Remmel (June 30, 1924 – April 16, 2015) was an American sportswriter, public relations director, and team historian known for his 62-year association with the Green Bay Packers, during which he chronicled the franchise's history and served as one of its most enduring figures. Born in Shawano, Wisconsin, Remmel began covering Packers games for the Green Bay Press-Gazette in 1945, becoming the paper's full-time beat reporter in 1967 after years of contributing sidebars and columns, and he earned recognition as Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year that same year. Remmel transitioned to the Packers organization in 1974, initially as Director of Public Relations, later holding titles such as Director of Publicity and again Director of Public Relations, before being named team historian in 2004—a position he held until his retirement at the end of 2007. In these roles, he worked closely with every head coach from Dan Devine through Mike McCarthy and developed strong relationships with franchise legends including Brett Favre, while also attending 40 Super Bowls across his career in various capacities. His contributions earned him induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1996, and in 2003 the press box at Lambeau Field was renamed the Lee Remmel Press Box in his honor. Widely regarded as an icon whose knowledge of Packers history was unparalleled, Remmel served as a key ambassador for the organization and multiple generations of fans.

Early life

Birth and family background

Leland John Remmel was born on June 30, 1924, in Shawano, Wisconsin. He was the son of George Meyer and Helen (Lorenz) Meyer. Following the death of his mother in childbirth in 1926, when he was two years old, Remmel was raised by Edwin Remmel and Hazel (Lorenz) Remmel. He had two brothers: an elder brother, Clifton George, who died in 1949, and another brother, Jack, who was adopted in infancy by the Tischer family of New London, Wisconsin, and died in 1980. His early years were spent in Shawano, Wisconsin.

Education and early influences

Lee Remmel attended Shawano High School in Shawano, Wisconsin. Serious health challenges profoundly shaped his early years and educational path. At age 10, he experienced epileptic-like seizures, leading to evaluations at the Mayo Clinic and Wisconsin General Hospital. At age 15, a brain tumor was discovered, requiring two major brain surgeries in late 1939 and early 1940, during which he suffered a near-fatal brain hemorrhage during the first procedure. These events caused him to miss nearly two years of high school. He returned to school as a freshman in the fall of 1940 and graduated in June 1944. Unable to participate in athletics after his surgeries, Remmel channeled his passion for sports into writing. He began contributing sports reports to the Shawano County Journal during high school, initially earning $1.25 per week for prep game coverage and a column. By his sophomore year, he assisted the Green Bay Press-Gazette correspondent with high school sports coverage. His interest in the Green Bay Packers developed early through listening to their games on the radio with his father, an experience that sparked his lifelong love of sports. After graduation, Remmel chose to forgo a college scholarship in order to begin full-time work at the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Military service

World War II enlistment and duties

Lee Remmel enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He served in the branch until the end of the war, though specific duties, locations, or rank are not detailed in available sources. Upon discharge, he returned to civilian life in Wisconsin and resumed his pre-war interest in journalism.

Journalism career

Early roles at Green Bay Press-Gazette

Lee Remmel joined the Green Bay Press-Gazette in 1944 as a city reporter following his military service. He transitioned to the sports department in 1946, marking the beginning of his specialization in sports journalism. His early sports assignments encompassed coverage of local high school athletics, bowling events, and the Green Bay Bobcats semiprofessional hockey team. Remmel began contributing to Green Bay Packers coverage in 1945, writing locker-room sidebars for home games and occasionally pinch-hitting for lead reporter Art Daley on offseason stories. He covered his first Packers game that year in Milwaukee. As the Packers achieved greater success under head coach Vince Lombardi, Remmel's role expanded to include traveling to more away games for sidebar reporting. In 1964, he launched a semiweekly sports column titled "Personality Parade," which frequently profiled Packers players and coaches alongside figures from other local sports. These early responsibilities laid the foundation for his extensive knowledge of the team.

Sportswriting tenure and notable coverage

Lee Remmel covered his first Packers game in 1945, shortly after returning from World War II military service. He joined the Green Bay Press-Gazette in 1944 as a city reporter and moved to the sports department in 1946, serving in various reporting and sportswriting roles until resigning in March 1974. His coverage focused heavily on the Green Bay Packers, documenting the team's activities across the late Curly Lambeau years and the entire Vince Lombardi era, including championship seasons and major NFL games; he wrote primarily sidebars from 1946 to 1966 before succeeding Art Daley as the full-time Packers beat reporter in 1967. That year, he was named Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year. Remmel also reported on local high school, college, and amateur sports, providing comprehensive accounts of athletic events in the Green Bay region. As a respected voice in Wisconsin sports journalism, he earned recognition for his detailed and knowledgeable reporting on Packers games and broader NFL developments during a transformative period for the franchise. In 1974, Remmel concluded his tenure at the Press-Gazette to join the Packers organization.

Green Bay Packers career

Transition to public relations director

In 1974, Lee Remmel ended his long journalism career to join the Green Bay Packers front office. He resigned from the Green Bay Press-Gazette on March 14, 1974, after nearly three decades with the newspaper, including his role as the full-time Packers beat reporter since 1967. Remmel immediately assumed the position of director of public relations with the Packers, marking his transition from sportswriting to team administration. His extensive prior coverage of the Packers as a journalist provided deep familiarity with the organization and contributed to his appointment. The title changed to director of publicity in 1975 before returning to director of public relations in 1980. This shift began a 30-year tenure in the Packers' public relations department.

Key responsibilities and achievements in PR

Lee Remmel served as the director of public relations for the Green Bay Packers from 1974 to 2004, a tenure of 30 years during which he served as the team's primary spokesman and oversaw all publicity operations. His title began as director of public relations upon joining the organization on March 14, 1974, was changed to director of publicity in 1975, and reverted to director of public relations in 1980. In this capacity, Remmel managed media relations, produced press releases—often working late into the night after road games—handled game-day media operations, and served as the main point of contact for local and national reporters at Lambeau Field. He conducted news conferences using signature phrases such as opening with "Questions, please" and closing with "Does that do it?", reflecting his structured and professional approach to media interactions. Remmel navigated a dramatic increase in media demands during the 1990s, particularly under general manager Ron Wolf and head coach Mike Holmgren starting in 1992, when coverage intensified around players like Brett Favre and Reggie White and culminated in the Super Bowl XXXI championship in 1996. Unlike earlier eras with smaller media contingents, he coordinated with scores of reporters seeking stories on the team's resurgence, earning respect as an "old-school PR man who knew what reporters needed to do their job" through his accessibility and reliability. His loyalty to the organization was evident in his protective stance toward the team, as when he once responded to a request for unfavorable statistics by stating, "We don't keep track of those things around here." Remmel's contributions were recognized with induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1996 and the naming of the Lambeau Field press box as the Lee Remmel Press Box in 2003. He remained widely regarded by media members for his professionalism and kindness, with his successor noting that inquiries about Remmel persisted years after his transition from the PR role.

Role as team historian and spokesman

Lee Remmel's extensive knowledge of the Green Bay Packers' 100-plus-year history established him as the franchise's foremost historian and principal spokesman for all matters related to its past. Having followed the team closely since childhood and covered it as a journalist before joining the organization, he developed an encyclopedic grasp of its people, events, and traditions that few could match. In his capacity as historian, Remmel served as the primary resource for media outlets, broadcasters, authors, and fans seeking verified facts, context, and anecdotes about the Packers' legacy. He fielded countless inquiries on topics ranging from the team's founding in 1919 to key games, players, and eras, ensuring accurate representation of the franchise's heritage in articles, documentaries, and broadcasts. His insights often provided essential background that enriched coverage and preserved institutional memory. Remmel also contributed to the team's historical documentation through his involvement in official publications and archival efforts, sharing stories and details that helped maintain the continuity of the Packers' narrative. His role as spokesman for historical topics extended the team's ability to communicate its rich tradition authentically to diverse audiences. In recognition of his unparalleled expertise, Remmel was formally designated as the Packers' first official team historian in 2004, a position he held until his retirement in 2007. This title formalized the role he had long filled informally, underscoring his status as the living repository of Packers history.

Media appearances and contributions

Television and documentary credits

Lee Remmel appeared as himself in several television programs focused on NFL and Green Bay Packers history, providing interviews and commentary drawn from his extensive experience with the team. He contributed to three episodes of ESPN SportsCentury between 2000 and 2004, including episodes on Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr, where he shared historical insights as a longtime observer and former Packers staff member. In 2006, Remmel appeared in an episode of NFL Films Presents, offering additional perspectives on Packers-related topics. These documentary-style credits reflect his role as a knowledgeable source on the franchise's legacy following his tenure as public relations director and team historian.

Broadcasting and public commentary

Lee Remmel occasionally participated in local television pregame programming during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he appeared regularly on a Sunday morning show where participants shared predictions for upcoming Packers games. Unlike many contributors who offered balanced or cautious assessments during a period of team struggles, Remmel consistently predicted Packers victories each week. Beyond television appearances, Remmel engaged in public speaking and event hosting. For several years, he served as emcee for the Brown County Civic Music Association's membership campaign kickoff luncheons, where colleagues noted his articulate and tactful style, timely sense of humor, and quick wit. He was recognized for regaling audiences with Packers stories at fan dinners and gatherings, drawing on his deep historical knowledge. Remmel's public presence was marked by his commanding baritone voice and storytelling prowess. At press conferences, he introduced players with dramatic flair, such as announcing "And now, ladies and gentlemen, BRETT LORENZO FAVRE!" before stepping back from the spotlight. Described as a first-rate storyteller with impeccable timing, he often filled waiting periods with humor-infused Packers history, captivating listeners and reinforcing his role as a beloved ambassador.

Later years, death, and legacy

Retirement and post-retirement activities

Lee Remmel retired from his position as Director of Public Relations for the Green Bay Packers in 2004 after serving in that role for 30 years, beginning in 1974. Concurrent with this transition, he was appointed the first official team historian for the franchise, enabling him to continue his deep involvement with the organization by focusing on preserving and documenting its history. He remained in the historian role until his full retirement in 2007 at age 83, concluding a 62-year association with the Packers that dated back to his early days as a sportswriter covering the team. During this period, Remmel made himself available for historical inquiries and contributed to the team's archival efforts as part of his post-public relations responsibilities.

Death and immediate aftermath

Lee Remmel died on April 16, 2015, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at the age of 90. The Green Bay Packers promptly announced his passing and released a statement expressing profound sorrow over the loss of a longtime team icon who had been associated with the organization since the Curly Lambeau era. Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy issued a tribute, stating, "The Packers lost a cherished family member today. Lee was a key member of the organization." The family arranged for a private funeral service following his death.

Honors, awards, and lasting impact

Lee Remmel was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1996 in recognition of his distinguished career as the team's public relations director, where he served as the primary media liaison and team spokesman for nearly three decades. This honor acknowledged his pivotal role in shaping the Packers' public image and maintaining strong relationships with the media during a transformative era for the franchise. Posthumously, Remmel was named one of the recipients of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 Awards of Excellence in the public relations directors category, an honor that celebrates outstanding achievements in public relations within professional football. The award, to be presented in June 2026 in Canton, Ohio, underscores his lasting influence on the standards and practices of NFL team communications. Widely known as "Mr. Packer" among journalists and league personnel, Remmel's legacy endures through the professional benchmarks he established in Packers public relations and his dedication to preserving the team's historical narrative. His contributions continue to be referenced as a model for effective team-media interactions in the NFL.

References

  1. https://www.packers.com/history/hof/lee-remmel
  2. https://www.packers.com/news/lee-remmel-long-time-packers-organization-member-passes-away-15148561
  3. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/greenbaypressgazette/name/leland-remmel-obituary?id=20659848
  4. https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/a-packer-for-life-ac3n1tg-137142753.html
  5. https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2015/04/16/lee-remmel-passes-away/25895643/
  6. https://www.packers.com/news/packers-icon-lee-remmel-dies-at-90-15148967
  7. https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/20020/remember-the-packers-lee-remmel
  8. https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2025/12/30/packers-lee-remmel-to-receive-pro-football-hall-of-fame-award-green-bay-press-gazette/87901846007/
  9. https://www.packers.com/news/lee-remmel-longtime-packers-pr-director-passes-away-at-100
  10. https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2021/04/16/lee-remmel-longtime-green-bay-packers-pr-director-dies-age-100/7266840002/
  11. https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/longtime-green-bay-packers-pr-director-lee-remmel-dies-at-90-b99483003z1-300185591.html
  12. https://www.packers.com/news/former-packers-pr-director-lee-remmel-to-receive-award-of-excellence-from-pro-football-hall-of-fame-dec-23-2025
  13. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1676666/
  14. https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/lee-remmel-packers-pr-great-passes-away
  15. https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2015/04/16/packers-pr-man-varied-interests/25900115/
  16. https://www.eventusa.com/2015/04/20/lee-remmel-packers-tribute/
  17. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2015/04/16/lee-remmel-long-time-packers-pr-executive-dies-at-90/
  18. https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/04/16/ap-fbn-obit-remmel
  19. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2025/12/3-former-public-relations-directors-selected-to-receive-2026-awards-of-excellence/
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