Green Bay, WI – From the 1800s to today, American Football has shaped generations of Americans. This fall, learners will have a unique opportunity to explore that history with Mark Murphy, former President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, through a three-part UW-Green Bay webinar series examining the evolution of one of America’s most influential sports.
The live webinar series, “The Evolution of American Football” will trace the game’s development from its roots in the 1800s to the modern NFL, exploring rule changes, player development, league structure, media influence and the broader social impact of football. Participants will gain insights from Murphy’s decades of experience as an NFL player and professional sports executive.
Through its Continuing Education and Workforce Training programs, UW-Green Bay connects learners with accomplished leaders whose experiences bring history, leadership and innovation to life. The series reflects the University’s commitment to lifelong learning and meaningful connections between campus and community.
The three-part live webinar series is $119 and will be held from 12 – 1 p.m. on the following dates:
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Murphy brings a unique perspective to the series, having led one of professional sports’ most iconic franchises while also serving in leadership roles across collegiate athletics. Named UW-Green Bay’s inaugural Executive in Residence in 2025, he supports Phoenix Athletics through regional partnerships, coach mentorship and strategic initiatives. Before leading the Packers from 2007 through 2025, Murphy served as Athletics Director at Colgate University and Northwestern University and enjoyed an eight-year NFL playing career with Washington, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 1983. He remains the only individual to win a Super Bowl as both a player and an NFL team’s chief executive.
“At UW-Green Bay, we believe learning happens far beyond traditional classrooms,” said Jess Lambrecht, UW-Green Bay executive director of Continuing Education and Workforce Training. “This series gives participants direct access to the experiences and perspectives of a leader who helped shape professional football. Learners will leave with a deeper understanding of the sport’s history, its impact on American culture and the leadership lessons that continue to influence organizations today.”
The webinar series offers participants a front-row seat to the history of American football while exploring broader themes of leadership, community impact and organizational change. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with Murphy’s perspectives on the people, decisions and defining moments that helped shape the modern game.
Session 1: Where the Game Began (September 8)
Murphy explores the origins of American football, tracing the sport’s evolution from its roots in rugby and soccer to the formation of the NFL and the founding of the Green Bay Packers.
Session 2: Rise of the NFL and Lombardi Era (October 13)
This session examines the growth of the NFL into a national phenomenon, highlighting the Packers’ championship success under Vince Lombardi and the transformative years that helped define professional football.
Session 3: Return to Titletown (November 3)
Participants will explore the Packers’ modern resurgence, key moments in the franchise’s return to championship contention and the organization’s lasting impact on the Green Bay community and the NFL.
Registration for this unique learning opportunity can be done through the “The Evolution of American Football” website. For additional questions, please contact Kayla Ziesmer at ProfessionalEd@uwgb.edu or 920-465-5223.
About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,519 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,000 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. Featuring the region’s only Division-1 athletics, The Weidner performing arts center, campus locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc and Sheboygan, and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
