Decades before becoming the president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, Mark Murphy made some notable NFL history. As Washington’s starting free safety in Super Bowl XVII, he intercepted a pass thrown by then-Dolphins quarterback David Woodley, marking the only pass completed by Woodley in the game’s second half, which Washington won 27-17.
More than 40 years after that accomplishment, Murphy – who turns 70 on July 13 – will resign from his position with the Packers on July 25. His tenure of over 17 years has included a Super Bowl victory in 2010, five NFC Championship game appearances, eight NFC North division titles, and 13 playoff appearances.
“I hope that I have left the Packers in better shape than when I started,” Murphy stated on the team’s site.
During his tenure, Murphy revealed two major regrets, one concerning his late father who passed away shortly after he became the team’s president and CEO but could not attend a game at Lambeau Field. The second regret is failing to return the Packers to the Super Bowl summit.
“At the end of my tenure, not being able to win a Super Bowl with Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur was a big regret, especially considering how close we were in a couple of those years,” he shared.
The Packers faced close calls, particularly in 2020, when they hosted the NFC Championship game only to lose to the eventual champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The following year, they suffered another upset by the San Francisco 49ers in the playoff’s divisional round, with both defeats being particularly heart-wrenching, compounded by the fact that Aaron Rodgers was nearing the conclusion of his legendary run as the team’s starting quarterback.
Reflecting on the future, Murphy noted that he has positioned the team for continued success by identifying Jordan Love as Rodgers’ successor years ago. With Love now starting, the Packers have reached the playoffs in both of the past two seasons. Love is anticipated to have a breakout year after a season plagued by injuries.
Though Murphy regrets not achieving another title, he remains optimistic about the Packers’ prospects for 2025. While some fans believe the team should have pursued more aggressive moves in free agency, significant roster changes have been made this offseason, particularly during the draft. This includes the acquisition of playmakers, notably Matthew Golden, the first wide receiver selected in the first round by the Packers since 2002, and strengthening the offensive and defensive lines with key signings, including former 49ers lineman Aaron Banks and ex-Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs.
“I am serious about Super Bowl possibilities,” Murphy expressed in response to criticism regarding offseason actions. “We have a young team (the youngest for two consecutive years in the league with two playoff appearances) that is well-coached and should make significant progress this year.”
