The (sometimes) Wacky Pack

VINCE LOMBARDI WAS A STICKLER FOR CURFEW, handing out fines to violators. During training camp in 1962 end Max McGee snuck out after hours and was stopped for speeding by the Wisconsin police. When Lombardi caught wind of the ticket, he called a team meeting. "Max," he screamed, "that'll cost you $500! And if you go again, it'll cost you $1,000!" The room was silent, but then the coach cracked a smile. "If you can find anything that's worth $1,000 to sneak out for," Lombardi said, "hell, call me, and I'll go with you."

JOB DEDICATION

WHEN BOB LONG REPORTED TO GREEN BAY IN 1964, Lombardi's directive to the receiver was simple: "This Max McGee is one of the greatest ends of all time, and I just want you to watch him and do everything he does." Three seasons later, when asked what it was like to back up the legendary Packer, Long replied, "I tried to do everything he did. It wasn't so bad on the field, but those nights killed me."

HARDHEADED

ONLOOKERS AT A BLUSTERY practice in 1960 got a scare when a half-ton photographer's tower blew over and fell on top of linebacker Ray Nitschke. Smushed into the grass like a cartoon character, the future Hall of Famer wiggled his fingers and toes as the iron structure was lifted off him. Then he raised his head, picked out the bolt that had punctured his plastic helmet, hitched up his pants and returned to practice.

EXECUTIVE ORDER

PAUL HORNUNG'S ARMY CAPTAIN REFUSED TO GIVE him leave to play in the 1961 title game against the Giants. The halfback notified Lombardi, who said he'd handle it. Twenty minutes later the captain received a phone call. "Paul Hornung isn't going to win the war on Sunday," John F. Kennedy argued, "but the football fans of this country deserve the two best teams on the field that day." Private Hornung went on to score a title-game record 19 points in the 37--0 Packers win.