Former Packer President Harlan dies

Former Green Bay Packer President and CEO Bob Harlan passed away Thursday at the age of 89.  Harland led the Packer organization for more than 18 years, but first joined the club in 1971 as a player-contract negotiator.  He also served for six years in the front office of baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals and worked as Sports Information Director at Marquette University.  He was named President and CEO of the Packers in 1989.  He then fired General Manager Tom Braatz and hired Ron Wolf as General Manager.  Wolf in turn hired Mike Holmgren as head coach, traded for quarterback Brett Favre and signed free agent Reggie White.  Under Harlan’s leadership, the Packers won a Super Bowl title in 1997, went to the Super Bowl in 1998, and won 63% of their games.  Harlan also led the move to impose a half-percent sales tax to pay for the 2003 renovation of Lambeau Field.  That renovation led to the expansion of Lambeau Field and the establishment of the Titletown District