Green Bay, Wis. (WBAY) – With 246 days left until Green Bay hosts the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s another ticking clock for a rare piece of Packers history.
An original membership certificate from the Packers’ early days is now up for auction. A replica of this historic document will be available for public viewing in April during the draft.
In this week’s Countdown 2 The Draft, we delve into the significance of this unique item.
“Until 2017, nobody even knew this existed,” explained Tony Giese, consignment director at Heritage Auctions. “This certificate was crucial in reinstating the Packers into the NFL and securing their status as a community-owned team.”
The Green Bay Packers hold the distinction of being the only professional sports team owned by its fans, a status confirmed by this 1923 certificate.
“The Packers had been expelled from the league for using college players, and this document, signed by Commissioner Joe Carr, was key in their reinstatement,” Giese added.
Such finds are uncommon, especially since the team lost many artifacts in fires over the years.
“This certificate was part of Joe Carr’s personal collection after he passed away in 1939. It was eventually sold in 2017,” Giese noted.
A smaller reproduction of the certificate is on display at the Packers Hall of Fame.
“That’s a truly unique item, definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Owning something like that would be a significant addition to any collection,” said Derek Smith of Germantown.
“It’s amazing to have an official document enabling a team to play football,” added Andrew Einhorn of Alaska.
With bidding closing Friday, the big question is its final price.
“Packers fans are known for their dedication and some have deep pockets,” Einhorn speculated. “It could go for around $100,000.”
“Six figures seems reasonable; I hope someone is willing to pay that much,” Smith agreed.
Heritage Auctions values the document at around $50,000, though Green Bay Packers historian Cliff Christl considers it priceless.
“Honestly, it would be ideal if this were displayed at Lambeau Field, where it truly belongs,” Giese said.
As of Wednesday evening, the highest bid for the certificate stands at $57,500.
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