(Heritage Auctions)
Before rings became the standard reward, teams gave out other symbols of victory to their players. This stunning example, which was sold at auction in 2006 for $9,560.00, is a Hamilton watch given to members of the Packers' first World Championship team following the 1929 season.
(Heritage Auctions)
Signed out of Beloit College by Curly Lambeau, Bernard "Boob" Darling was an integral member of not only this championship team but the Packers' first three.
The contributions of the the 6'3", 215-pound Darling (seen here wearing the Packers' 1927-28 jersey) anchored the Packer offensive line and helped propel the club to greatness. With Darling at center, the Packers won three championships in a row, a feat only once equaled (by Lombardi's last three Packer squads) but never surpassed. Darling's career was brief, ending after the 1931 season. He went out a champion.
Darling remained active in the Packers organization long after his retirement, first becoming a member of the team's Board of Directors and later being elevated to the Executive Committee. It was during his tenure on the Committee that the Packers hired Vince Lombardi, setting the stage for one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports. He was elected to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1970.
Mike Michalske's pocket watch from 1929 is on display at the Packers Hall of Fame at Lambeau Field.
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