Mark Murphy, the president and CEO of the Packers addressed the team’s decisions in the 2022 NFL Draft, and a fan inquiry that expressed curiosity as to why “out of the 11 players drafted by the Packers, none are white.”
Murphy addressed the fan, who is also a shareholder in the team, by name in his monthly Column, “Murphy Takes 5,” which is published on the team website.
“Marilyn, I can assure you that the NFL and particularly the Packers are not racist when it comes to drafting players,” Murphy wrote. “Our draft decisions are based solely on the players’ abilities and whether we think they can help our team.
“In case you haven’t noticed, approximately 80% of the players in the league are Black, and it has been that way for many years. There was a time, though, many years ago when teams were reluctant to draft Black players. Vince Lombardi, who was discriminated against because he was Italian, helped change things when he came to Green Bay and built the Packers into a dynasty by focusing on bringing in Black players. I am very proud of our players, both Black and white, when they speak out on social justice and equity issues. They are in a privileged position as NFL players and can help others who are not so fortunate.”
The fan, Marilyn’s question read in full: “Out of the 11 players drafted by the Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft none are white. I also looked at the first two rounds of 64 and found that only 11 players drafted by all the teams were white. When I Googled the question of how many white overall were drafted, Google wouldn’t answer it. I wonder why. I sure hope we aren’t going to have to hear all the whining about equity, justice and all the markings on hats and shoes and all else.
“I suggest the NFL is actually racist for always choosing and highlighting black players. I am sure that is why you chose [Jordan] Love for a QB when he never should have been chosen. I hope the Packers will play the National Anthem and fly the flag high with the planes going over as they always have. Anyone who doesn’t respect and honor our flag and our military heroes does not belong on the Packer roster. So for the 2022-2023 season, let’s just play football and leave all the politics and racism out of the stadium.”
In his column, Murphy wrote that the Packers’ performance in the 2022 NFL Draft was “successful.” Green Bay added 11 new players to the roster last month, including two first-round picks out of Georgia in linebacker Quay Walker (No. 22) and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (No. 28)
The Packers also picked up three offensive linemen, three wide receivers, an edge rusher, a hybrid linebacker/safety and a nose tackle.