Jack Vainisi (Courtesy Green Bay Packers)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Efforts are being increased to get the architect of the Packers’ glory years into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While everyone knows the names Lombardi, Starr, and Nistchke, the name of the man who brought them all to Green Bay isn’t as well known. The newly formed Team Vainisi is hoping to change that.
“When conversations are held about the greatest personnel people in the history of the National Football League, Jack Vainisi will be squarely in the middle of that conversation,” said Royce Boyles, author of ‘The Lombardi Legacy.’
Vainisi joined the Packers front office in 1950 at the age of 23. He helped draft eight future Hall of Famers, acquired four others, and is credited with convincing Vince Lombardi to become the team’s coach.
He died in 1933 due to a heart attack.
With Vainisi’s passing in 1960, he wasn’t around to see the success he laid the foundation for. The Packers won five NFL championships that decade, including the first two Super Bowls.
“I can’t imagine what would have happened had he had a career longer than that,” said Valerie Huser, Vainisi’s daughter.
Huser and her uncle helped kick off the effort to get Vainisi in the Pro Football Hall of Fame by collecting petition signatures this spring at the NFL Draft.
“We got about 4,400 right now,” said Huser. “We’re hoping to get more than that by next year.”
Community leaders are joining in to piece together a ramped-up campaign.
Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich has proclaimed November 27th, Jack Vainisi Day to honor the 65th anniversary of his death.
State Senator Andre Jacque is guiding a resolution through the legislature calling for Vainisi’s enshrinement.
The Legacy Hotel will also be holding year-round events – including a new Legends of the Legacy awards ceremony that will include an award in Vainisi’s honor.
“You don’t do these in one big giant bite,” said John Maino, a Green Bay radio host. “It’s all those tiny little piece and that’s what they’ve been diligently doing behind the scenes sometimes quietly, but now trying to get it out there a bit more.”
“I am really, absolutely blown away by all this support,” said Huser. “I’m totally honored. I know my dad would be just amazed that people are still recognizing him after 65 years.”
Vainisi was included on a list of 21 nominees to enter the hall’s next class as a contributor, but he didn’t advance to the final nine candidates.
He will be eligible to be nominated again as a candidate for the 2027 class.
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