Policy officially takes over for
Murphy as president/CEO at Packers' shareholders meeting
[July 26, 2025]
By STEVE MEGARGEE
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Ed Policy began his tenure as the Green Bay
Packers’ president/CEO by paying tribute to his predecessor.
Policy officially took over for Mark Murphy on Friday as the NFL’s
only publicly owned franchise held its annual shareholders meeting.
During Murphy’s 17 seasons on the job, the Packers made 13 playoff
appearances, with the 2010 team winning a Super Bowl.
“I assure you that going forward I’m going to lean heavily on your
example and your pearls of wisdom as I move the organization into
the future,” Policy said.
Murphy is stepping down because he reached the franchise’s mandatory
retirement age of 70 earlier this month. Murphy said he felt he
could continue meeting the demands of this position but added that
he agrees with the Packers’ retirement policy.
“In my career – business and with the league and others – you see
examples where maybe people stay on a little too long, so I think
this serves the Packers well,” Murphy said.
Policy, 54, didn’t focus much on his own plans during the
shareholders meeting, which instead pretty much served as a
testimonial for Murphy.
There were plenty of shouts of “Thank you, Mark,” among the 6,529
shareholders in the Lambeau Field stands. On a hot afternoon, many
shareholders tried to cool themselves off by waving fans that
featured Murphy’s face. A tribute video included messages from NFL
Commissioner Roger Goodell and former commissioner Paul Tagliabue
among others.
Murphy signed autographs and greeted fans after the Packers’ Friday
morning practice and again after the shareholders meeting.
“It’s a little bittersweet,” Murphy said. “Obviously, I’m a very
appreciative and I also feel honored, too, that the fans have been
so supportive of me and the organization. But (I’m) really excited
too for the future of the organization and for Ed in particular.”
The Packers say Murphy, who played defensive back for Washington
from 1977-84, is believed to be the only person to earn a Super Bowl
ring both as a player and as a team’s chief executive. He was on
Washington’s 1982 championship team.
His stint as Green Bay’s president/CEO included the construction of
Titletown, a 45-acre development adjacent to Lambeau Field that
features shops, restaurants and apartments.
He capped his tenure earlier this year by welcoming the NFL Draft to
Green Bay, an event that drew an announced three-day total
attendance of 600,000. Murphy also presided over multiple
renovations to Lambeau Field, including the opening of a new home
locker room this week.
“He’s been tremendous for us,” wide receiver Jayden Reed said. “I
thanked him today, knowing this was his last day here, so I went up
to him and I thanked him for everything. Without him, we wouldn’t be
standing in this locker room right now. He’s been a tremendous help
to all of us, very supportive. He gets this thing done. I appreciate
him for that.”
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Mark Murphy signs autographs for fans after walking off the practice
field on his final day as the Green Bay Packers' president/CEO,
Friday, July 25, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Steve Megargee)
Murphy said he hopes to stay involved in the game
and noted that he’s talked to Goodell about things he’d like to do
on a league level. He also mentioned spending more time with his
family and increasing his involvement in his charity work and in the
golf course he owns at Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin.
The Packers’ board of directors unanimously selected Policy as
Murphy’s replacement after a search committee recommended him last
year. Policy, the son of former San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland
Browns president, joined the Packers as vice president and general
counsel in August 2012 and was promoted to chief operating officer
in January 2018.
“I want to thank you, our owners, for investing so much in me over
the past 13 years,” Policy told the shareholders. “It’s been really
special, and I intend to pay it back with results both on and off
the field.”
Packers coach Matt LaFleur, general manager Brian Gutekunst and
executive vice president/director of player operations Russ Ball
report to the president/CEO under the team’s leadership structure.
All three of them have two years remaining on their contracts.
Policy said earlier this year he has no plans to extend those
contracts before this season, though he praised all three men and
noted his long working relationships with them.
“(I’m) certainly going to miss Mark and everything that he’s done
for this place, but feel like we’re in great hands with a guy like
Ed Policy,” LaFleur said.
Murphy was asked what advice he had for Policy.
“The one thing I told him is he’s got to be himself,” Murphy said.
“I’ve seen him grow quite a bit as a leader. The search ended up
with him. They did a great job. There’s no question he’s positioned
and ready to have success.
“He and I have talked about it. Don’t be afraid to change things.
Follow your instincts. He’s got really good business sense.
Hopefully we put him in a position where he can have success not
only in the short term but the long term of the organization.”
NOTES: LaFleur said OL Aaron Banks is “day to day” with a back
issue. … Rookie WR Savion Williams didn’t practice Friday due to a
concussion.
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