Watch The Timeline

The Timeline is a documentary series on the NFL Network that examines pivotal moments in football history and how they influenced the game we know and love today. Each episode features interviews with players, coaches, and other figures who were involved in the events being explored.

One episode of The Timeline in particular, which aired in 2015, focused on the Green Bay Packers and their rise to prominence in the 1990s. The episode features interviews with Brett Favre, Ron Wolf, Bart Starr, and other key players and coaches from the era.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the Packers' ups and downs in the 1990s. The team had been struggling for years, and had not won a playoff game since the 1982 season. But in 1992, Ron Wolf was hired as the team's general manager, and he immediately set about making changes.

One of Wolf's first moves was to draft quarterback Brett Favre from the Atlanta Falcons. Favre was initially seen as a risky pick, as he had struggled with addiction and had only thrown four passes in his rookie season with the Falcons. But Wolf saw potential in Favre, and his faith in the young quarterback would pay off in a big way.

Over the course of the episode, viewers see how Favre and the Packers developed into a dominant force in the NFL. We see how Wolf built a strong supporting cast around Favre, including Pro Bowl players like Reggie White, LeRoy Butler, and Antonio Freeman. We see how head coach Mike Holmgren's offensive system brought out the best in Favre, who would go on to win three consecutive MVP awards from 1995 to 1997.

But the episode is not just a highlight reel of the Packers' success in the '90s. We also see how the team dealt with adversity along the way. There were losses, injuries, and even personal tragedies, like the sudden death of defensive end Reggie White's brother. The Packers' ability to overcome these obstacles and stay focused on their goals is a testament to their character and resilience.

The episode also explores the Packers' impact on the NFL as a whole. The team's success in the '90s helped to popularize the West Coast offense and the 4-3 defense, and paved the way for the spread offenses and zone blitzes we see today. The Packers' fan base, known as the "Cheeseheads," also became a cultural phenomenon, with their distinctive foam hats and infectious enthusiasm.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a variety of voices, including players, coaches, journalists, and fans. Brett Favre is a particularly engaging interview subject, as he relives some of his most memorable moments on the field and discusses how he learned to deal with the pressure that came with being a star quarterback in the NFL.

Ron Wolf and Bart Starr also provide valuable insights into the Packers' rise to prominence. Wolf, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest general managers in football history, talks about the challenges he faced in building a winning team in Green Bay. Starr, who won five NFL championships with the Packers in the 1960s, offers a perspective on how the team's culture has evolved over the years.

Overall, The Timeline is an engaging and informative series that offers fans a glimpse into some of the most important moments in NFL history. The episode on the Green Bay Packers is particularly compelling, as it tells the story of a team that went from perennial losers to Super Bowl champions in just a few short years. If you're a fan of football, this episode (and the series as a whole) is definitely worth checking out.