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Best Packers Offensive Linemen of All Time

Green Bay owes much of its success over the years to the best Packers offensive linesmen. These linesmen have protected some of the best quarterbacks of all time such as Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre, and have defended Green Bay’s legacy as one of the most successful NFL teams.

Here’s a list of the best ten best offensive linesmen in Packers history.

10. David Bakhtiari (2013-)

Three-time Pro Bowler David Bakhtiari was the NFL’s best left tackle in 2020 and earned himself a four-year, $92 million contract extension. Bakhtiari was responsible for protecting Aaron Rodgers in his rookie season on his blind side and the pair formed a formidable partnership through ten seasons.

9. Larry McCarren (1973-1984)

Larry McCarren lined up under center or at guard throughout the 1970s and 80s. Across a 12-year career he played 162 consecutive games and earned two Pro Bowl appearances. McCarren protected quarterbacks including John Hadl, Jerry Tagge and Lynn Dickey.

8. Mike Michalske (1929-1937)

Mike Michalske helped guide the Packers to their first NFL championship in 1929 which began a run of three consecutive titles. The seven-time First-team All Pro was the best guard during his era and protects quarterbacks including Red Dunn and Arnie Herber.

7. Ken Ruettgers (1985-1996)

Protecting quarterbacks Randy Wright, Don Majkowski and a young Brett Favre, left tackle Ken Ruettgers was a key part of the Packers resurgence during the 1990s. Injuries took a toll on Reuttgers.

In his final season the Packers were crowned Super Bowl XXXI champions, although he would only start a single game and wouldn’t make an appearance in the playoffs. 

6. Fuzzy Thurston (1959-1967)

Offensive guard Fuzzy Thurston was a key member of the Packers’ offensive line during the Vince Lombardi era. Known for his toughness and excellent blocking skills, Thurston formed a formidable partnership with quarterback Bart Starr. He was a six-time NFL champion, with two of those being Super Bowl titles.

5. Gale Gillingham (1966-1974, 1976)

Halfway through our list of the best Packers offensive linesmen in history, in fifth place is Gale Gillingham. Offensive team captain for six of his ten seasons in the NFL and the last active member of the Lombardi-era Packers, Gillingham was renowned for his strength. He earned five Pro Bowl appearances and was a two-time Super Bowl champion.

4. Cal Hubbard (1929-1933, 1935)

Cal Hubbard was a key part of the dominant Packers defense of the early 1930s winning three NFL championships with Green Bay. Hubbard was physically dominant against the rest of the league and often carried 70 more pounds than the average player at the time. Post his football playing career, Hubbard forged a Hall of Fame career as an MLB official. 

3. Jim Ringo (1953-1963)

During his 11-year career in Green Bay, Jim Ringo forged a Hall of Fame career as a star center and is one of the best Packers offensive linemen in history. A 10-time Pro Bowler and seven-time First-Team All-Pro during the early part of the Lombardi era, Ringo was known for his exceptional ability to snap the ball accurately, and his strong pass protection skills of Tobin Rote and Bart Starr. 

2. Jerry Kramer (1958-1968) 

Jerry Kramer played guard for the Packers during their legendary Vince Lombardi era and played a major part in five Green Bay NFL championships, and the first two Super Bowl victories ever.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Kramer’s famous block in the “Ice Bowl” is one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. He was also the team’s placekicker across three seasons, successfully hitting 29 field goals and 90 extra point attempts. 

1. Forrest Gregg (1956-1970)

Forrest Gregg was involved during the entirety of the Lombardi era and is the best Packers offensive lineman in NFL history. A nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion, Gregg’s exceptional athleticism and toughness made him a dominant force in the NFL.

Known for his longevity he played 187 consecutive games for Green Bay he’s one of the Packers greatest ever players, and he set the benchmark for an elite offensive lineman.  

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