However, a 35-year “cold case” involving a turkey and the Packers has now been resolved.
Rather than delving into the debate over who is the greatest quarterback to wear green and gold, ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” this week will explore one of the most important questions in Packers history.
The program will identify the person responsible for the 1988 Packers game turkey release onto Lambeau Field.
Here is a brief historical overview of the Lambeau Field turkey game in case you don’t recall it or weren’t present.
While the Green Bay Packers’ Thanksgiving Day victory over the Detroit Lions brought joy to many, one glaring omission left fans scratching their heads: the absence of a customary turkey leg for quarterback Jordan Love. This incident sparked a flurry of social media reactions, with some wondering if it was an oversight or a deliberate snub
However, the mystery surrounding the missing turkey leg pales in comparison to a 35-year-old enigma that has haunted Lambeau Field: the infamous “Turkey Game” of 1988. This incident, which involved a rogue turkey released onto the field during a Packers game, has remained unsolved for decades.
But fear not, fellow football enthusiasts! ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” is coming to the rescue, promising to unravel the mystery of the missing turkey leg and finally reveal the identity of the perpetrator behind the 1988 turkey incident.
The Missing Turkey Leg:
Love’s post-game interview with Fox Sports’ Erin Andrews saw him sans the traditional turkey leg, prompting a wave of online reactions. Some fans expressed outrage, while others joked about the incident, comparing it to the time the Kansas City Chiefs relegated Love’s mother and girlfriend to the last row of Arrowhead Stadium for his first NFL start.
While neither Love nor Fox Sports have commented on the missing turkey leg, the incident has undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue to the Thanksgiving Day game.
The 1988 Turkey Game:
During a 1988 Packers game against the Indianapolis Colts, a turkey made its way onto the field, causing a stir among players and fans alike. The incident, which occurred during a third-and-2 play for the Colts, saw the turkey evade Packers players and run across the field, bringing the game to a temporary halt.
The identity of the person responsible for releasing the turkey remained a mystery for years, with speculation swirling about disgruntled fans and elaborate pranks. NFL Films even produced a segment on the incident, featuring former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson appealing to the perpetrator to come forward.
The Revelation:
After years of speculation, ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” is set to unveil the identity of the person behind the 1988 turkey incident. Gary Suski, a former Lambeau Field usher for over 20 years, has stepped forward, confessing to his role in the memorable event.
Suski, who was not a disgruntled fan as initially suspected, claims he was motivated by a desire to create a memorable moment. He obtained a live turkey from a farmer and, with the help of an accomplice, smuggled it into Lambeau Field, where he released it onto the field during the game.
The turkey, affectionately named Henrietta, became an instant sensation, garnering national attention and even receiving a pardon from then-Governor Thompson.
The mystery of the missing turkey leg and the 1988 Turkey Game serve as reminders of the unexpected and often humorous moments that can occur within the realm of sports. While the missing turkey leg remains a source of amusement and speculation, the revelation of the 1988 turkey incident brings closure to a long-standing mystery, adding another layer of intrigue to the rich history of Lambeau Field.
Packers turkey game vs. Indianapolis Colts that ESPN’s ‘Sunday NFL Countdown’ will feature
It was Week 11 when the Packers were playing the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 13, 1988. The Colts were facing a third-and-2 in the first half and close to scoring when a turkey made its way onto the field.
“Theres a turkey on the field,” the announcer said laughing. “Packer fans trying to gobble up a win have sent a turkey onto the field. “.
The Packers, who were 2-8, had just lost two straight shutout games in which they were outscored 48-0 overall. Was this turkey sending them a message?.
For NBC Sports, a young Bob Costas dissected the action as if he had learned it in broadcast school.
Costas calmly remarked, “There was a little incident in Green Bay where a fan wanted to express his disapproval of the Packers by bringing a turkey to Lambeau Field.” “The gobbler gets loose and now hes gobbling up yardage, across midfield makes a move to the sideline. He darts out of bounds to halt the clock because he is too fast for Packers linebacker Ron Hallstrom.
“An amazing moment in Green Bay,” Costas added from the studio at halftime of the game.
The Packers ultimately dropped to 2-9 on their route to a 4-12 season and last place in the NFC Central Division after losing to the Colts, 20-13, on a chilly day. Even the Colts Twitter account brought up the 2016 turkey incident when an additional animal ran onto the field during a Packers-Colts game at Lambeau Field.
However, it’s unlikely that the 53,000 spectators at Lambeau Field on that day in 1988 recall much of the play that took place there. Rather, the turkey might have been the most they cheered all season.
Hallstrom, an offensive lineman for the Packers that season, stated, “I’m sure that was a disgruntled fan,” in an NFL Films story about the incident on the 30-year anniversary. “Maybe this is a message, you’re just a bunch of turkeys. “.
NFL Films featured Packers turkey story on 30-year anniversary with former Wisconsin Go Tommy Thompson
When writing their narrative, NFL Films went above and beyond to persuade the culprit to come forward. They even had former Gov. Tommy Thompson on, telling the fan that they no longer could be arrested.
“That person should now come forward and relieve his conscience,” Thompson said in the NFL Films video. “Bare his soul out there to the public. The statute of limitations have run. He cannot go to jail. He should come forward and confess. If only one person came forward and admitted guilt and released the turkey, it would be appreciated by the police, the Packers, and the fans. “.
A Packers & Lions Fan Reaction to Thanksgiving
How did the Packers beat the Lions on Thanksgiving?
DETROIT – The Packers shocked the country on Thanksgiving in Detroit, downing the NFC North-leading Lions, 29-22. Green Bay started fast with two TDs on its first two offensive possessions, and then a defensive scoop and score by S Jonathan Owens made it 20-6 in the first quarter.
How did the Packers & Lions compare?
The Packers moved to 5-6, while the Lions slid to 8-3. The Packers started pouring it on early in this one, and it started with Jordan Love launching a 53-yard pass down the middle of the field to wide receiver Christian Watson. Four plays later, Jayden Reed found the end zone from 10 yards out to take a quick lead.
Will the Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions be in NFC North?
The Green Bay Packers, winners of two of their last three games, will face the first-place Detroit Lions in an NFC North clash at Ford Field. Follow along all day for updates. DETROIT – The injury-plagued Green Bay Packers (4-6) will battle the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (8-2) on Thursday at Ford Field. Follow along all day for updates.
Who threw for 3 touchdowns in Packers vs Detroit?
Love threw for three touchdowns as the Packers took advantage of many Lions’ miscues and dominated the Lions on Thanksgiving Day, beating Detroit 29-22 and staying alive in the NFC playoff race. Love finished with 268 yards and 39 yards rushing to lead a Packers offense that put up 377 yards in the win.