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Packers Rookie Gives Up 53-Man Roster Opportunity to Care for Ill Parents

Green Bay, WI – Just days before final cuts, Green Bay Packers rookie running back Amar Johnson has decided to step away from the 53-man roster battle to return home and care for his seriously ill parents.

Johnson, 22, joined Green Bay as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft. In the preseason, he made his mark with 67 yards on 7 carries and a 39-yard touchdown run against the New York Jets—capped by his first Lambeau Leap—showing depth potential behind Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks.

Head coach Matt LaFleur praised him after the game: “Amar has speed and toughness. He’s the type of player we want to build with.” 

Within hours, Johnson issued a statement mirroring the heartfelt message fans have seen in other “family-first” moments around the league:

“Thank you Green Bay Packers for the incredible opportunity to chase my NFL dream. But right now, my parents—who sacrificed everything for me—are fighting illness. My father has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and my mother is recovering from breast cancer surgery. I need to be with them. The NFL is a dream, but family is my foundation. Thank you, Cheesehead Nation, and I hope to be back soon. #GoPackGo”

General manager Brian Gutekunst offered support : “Amar is a young talent with a big heart. We respect his decision to put family first, and the door is always open for his return.”

Johnson’s choice doesn’t significantly disrupt the Packers’ RB depth—anchored by Jacobs and Wilson while awaiting Lloyd’s full return—but it underscores that football is more than touchdowns and tackles; it’s about human values.

On social media, fans began rallying around the hashtag #AmarStrong. If his family situation stabilizes, Johnson could pursue another NFL shot in 2026—perhaps even rejoining Green Bay’s practice squad—with his preseason tape giving him a real chance.

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Packers Jordan Love Becomes Part-Owner of Milwaukee Brewers
The Green Bay Packers’ young franchise quarterback is making a bold statement off the football field. Jordan Love, the rising star who has taken over the reins in Titletown, has officially become a part-owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers, established in 1970, have long been Wisconsin’s pride in Major League Baseball. With legends like Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, and more recently Christian Yelich, the team has carried Milwaukee through highs and lows, always backed by one of the most loyal fan bases in baseball. Jordan Love has now etched his name into that story. Since replacing Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, Love has quickly developed into one of the NFL’s most promising quarterbacks. His presence in Wisconsin sports has already transformed the Packers’ outlook — and now his investment with the Brewers shows he is here to stay. “This is where I want my legacy to grow,” Love said. “Green Bay and Milwaukee have given me support, love, and belief. Joining the Brewers ownership is about giving back, about building Wisconsin sports into something even bigger for the entire nation.”   The move mirrors the new wave of athlete-owners across American sports. Patrick Mahomes owns a stake in the Kansas City Royals, while Jalen Hurts recently joined the Phillies’ ownership group. Now, Love adds his name to the list, showing that NFL quarterbacks can leave an impact far beyond football. For the Brewers, this is a timely moment. With playoff hopes alive in 2025 and a roster full of homegrown talent, having Jordan Love tied to the organization adds cultural weight. His popularity with Packers Nation will likely carry into Miller Park, bridging Wisconsin’s two most beloved teams. Fans have already taken to social media to celebrate the partnership. Packers fans see it as Love doubling down on his commitment to Wisconsin. Brewers fans see it as validation that their franchise remains attractive to rising stars who want to plant their roots in the state. Ultimately, Jordan Love’s decision isn’t just financial. It’s personal. It’s about building legacy in Wisconsin, ensuring that when people think about sports in the Midwest, they think Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers standing side by side. For Love, this is about more than winning games — it’s about building history.