The Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers record-setting play at quarterback, have been riding high all season, but have been rocked back to earth the last few days by the loss of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin’s 21-year-old son.
“It’s been a rough couple days around the facility,” Rodgers said on Tuesday. “A lot of us have been really upset.”
The team has thrived all year on the strength of its offense, and Philbin is the mastermind behind that offense. He has been the offensive coordinator since 2007, the year before Rodgers took the starting job at quarterback, and you can sense the closeness in the way Rodgers spoke today.
“What do you say to someone who has lost their son in a tragic way like this?” Rodgers said. “At 28, there are no words I can say to comfort him. I wanted him to know how much I care about him and [his wife] Diane and the family and I’m praying for him.”
Rodgers said that a lot of the team has visited with the Philbin family to express their condolensces and he said that he spoke with them as well.
Playoff football in particular is about execution and emotion, and what the Packers have gone through this week puts things in a different perspective. It could go one of two ways – it could be a distraction to the team, or could provide a rallying point. We won’t know how they will ultimately respond until kickoff.
“We’re all professionals,” Rodgers said. “We have to be able to separate the on-the-field from the off-the-field stuff. And make sure when you’re at work, you remain focused. But we’re human as well, and the human element is that it’s on your mind. You’re thinking about it. You’re thinking about Joe.”
“But I think once we get in here on Wednesday, it’s going to be about beating the Giants and making sure we’re doing everything we can do play our best game.”
Philbin released a statement today saying: “We love Michael so much and will miss him dearly. He loved his family, friends and life. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. We are appreciative of the prayers and the support of our family, friends and the Packers family. We ask for continued respect and privacy for our family as we deal with our loss.”
“Our family also wants to thank the Oshkosh Police Department, Winnebago County Dive/Rescue/Recovery Team and the Winnebago County Coroner’s office for their efforts and compassion during this difficult ordeal.”
Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said: “The Packers family was saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Philbin, son of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe, his wife, Diane, and the Philbin family as they cope with their loss. This is an emotional and difficult time for them, and we ask that everyone respect their privacy. All of us in the Packers family share in their grief.”
