The Green Bay Packers held off the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, 34-24, in yet another memorable game between the two NFL franchises. Author Mark Beech delves into the Packers-Cowboys rivalry, and many other NFL doings, in his new book The People's Team: An Illustrated History of the Green Bay Packers.
But the book isn't just about football. Beech, former Sports Illustrated writer, also takes up other topics, including the issue of race. He says Vince Lombardi, who coached the team from 1959-1967, tried to make sure his African American players were well-treated in Green Bay.
Beech notes that Lombardi, "Had a meeting with the local restaurateurs and local bar owners, where he said, 'If you deny service to any of my black players, you're not going to get business from any of my players.' "
The book goes back 100 years in the Packers' history to founders like Curly Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun, to recent executives like Bob Harlan, Ron Wolf and Mark Murphy. And of course, the book discusses players — both the well-behaved, and the not-so well behaved.
Beech will discuss the book in southeastern Wisconsin this week at the following times and locations:
Oct. 9, 4 p.m.
Tribeca Gallery Cafe & Books
401 E. Main Street
Watertown, WI 53094
Oct. 9, 7 p.m.
Books & Company
1039 Summit Ave.
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Oct. 10, 7 p.m.
Boswell Book Company
2559 N Downer Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
