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The Early Years
Vincent Thomas Lombardi was born on June 11, 1913, in Brooklyn, New York. Though he would later become one of the most influential football coaches in America, he had a humble beginning ("Vince Lombardi - Biography"). To this day, Lombardi is not only remeberd for his victories, championships, and his coaching style, but as a unique leader whose philosophy influenced American society. -
Lombardi Hired as Packers Coach
The Green Bay Packers signed Vince Lombardi to a five-year contract as the team's coach and general manager ("The Official Website of the Packers"). This marked his first head coaching position in the NFL. However, Lombardi had both playing and coaching experience. He played football at Fordham University. He coached at St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, New Jersey and from there moved on to positions at Fordham and West Point before joining the New York Giants as an assistant coach (Havel). -
Packers Win Championship Game Against New York Giants
The Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game, 37-0. The victory was the first of five NFL titles won in a seven-year span by the Packers and Lombardi. The coach used a strategy of fundamentally sound football , which was common in all the Packers championship games ("The Official Website of the Packer"). -
Giants-Packers Title Game : 1962
The Green Bay Packers beat the Giants at Yankee Stadium, 16-7, for the second straight league crown. This second straight world championship was a tremendous tribute to Vince Lombardi and his coaching staff. Under Lombardi, the Packers probably were the most intensely coached clubs in history ("The Official Website of the Packers"). -
Packers Face Chiefs in First Super Bowl
The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10, in the first-ever World Championship Game, later known as the Super Bowl ("The Official Website of the Packers"). Lombardi's genius was displayed by his ability to reduce each play down to its basic elements. His players admired his knowledge and the way he taught. The players had confidence in Lombardi and they were diciplined to work hard hard. Losing was not an option. Football was Lombardi's passion and his team was well coached. -
Second Straight Super Bowl Win
The Packers won the Super Bowl title for the second straight year, defeating the Oakland Raiders, 33-14 ("The Official Website of the Packers").This was Lombardi's last game as the Packers coach, ending nine years at Green Bay. He won six Western Conference championships, five NFL championships, and two Super Bowls. In this speech, Lombardi laid out his guiding principles about winning and success (Kutar). -
Lombardi Dies
Lombardi died September 3, 1970. He was remembered for his victories, and for the lessons he left, the greater values, strength of character, the unwavering will, his intense dedication to excellence, mental toughness, and love of man. Men followed him because they respected him as he exuded leadership and confidence. In this clip, three former players discuss why Lombardi was one of the greatest coaches ("No 1-Vince Lombardi").
