Forever in our hearts: Green Bay Packers star dies in a car crash.
Several notable former Green Bay Packers players and figures passed away in 2023, including John Brockington and Ken Bowman. In total, 12 former members of the Packers organization were known to have passed during the year, among them executive board member Mark McMullen and John Gordon, the designer of the iconic Packers “G” logo. Here’s a tribute to these former Packers:
Mark McMullen, who served as a director and treasurer for the Packers, passed away on February 1 at the age of 74 in Green Bay. McMullen, a retired executive vice chairman of Associated Bank, played a pivotal role in the oversight of Lambeau Field’s renovation and maintenance in 2003. He joined the Packers board of directors in 2007, holding positions such as treasurer and executive committee member. McMullen’s contributions extended to leading Associated Bank’s trust department for many years since joining in 1981.
John Brockington, a renowned running back in the Packers Hall of Fame, died on March 31 at the age of 74 in San Diego. Notably drafted ninth overall in the 1971 NFL draft, Brockington achieved the milestone of rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, earning him the title of Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1971. He played a significant role in the 1972 NFC Central Division-winning team, a standout period in Packers history. Brockington’s legacy also includes his philanthropic efforts through the establishment of the John Brockington Foundation to support organ transplant recipients.
Don McIlhenny, who played for the Packers for three years and scored the Dallas Cowboys’ first-ever rushing touchdown, passed away on April 18 at the age of 88 in Dallas. His football career spanned from being a third-round draft pick for the Detroit Lions in 1956 to joining the Packers in 1957-1959, then moving on to the newly formed Dallas team in 1960. McIlhenny’s achievements were recognized both in college, where he played for Southern Methodist University, and posthumously in his inclusion among the 50 greatest Nashville football players of all time by The Tennessean newspaper.
Jesse Kaye, a former scout for the Packers, passed away on June 3 at the age of 79 in Green Bay. Joining the Packers in 1989, Kaye served in various capacities within player personnel and scouting departments, including as director of the pro scouting department. His career also saw stints with the New York Jets, where he notably advocated for the drafting of University of Michigan quarterback Tom Brady. Kaye’s football journey took him from playing at various universities to scouting for both the BLESTO combine and the Pittsburgh Steelers before his tenure with the Packers.
