Will Packers’ Gutekunst Channel His Mentor, Wolf?

In 1998, when I worked in public relations for the Packers, the general manager was Ron Wolf. He wasn’t afraid to tell you what he thought—like the time he sent a sternly-worded memo to all staff telling them the buffet lunch was for players, coaches, and trainers only. (True story.)

No soup for office staff.

In fairness, Wolf was equally hard on himself, cutting a WR/KR draft pick after a few practices of fumbling kicks and telling reporters and PR staff during practice, “well, I f—ed that one up, didn’t I?” He didn’t mince words, and he didn’t hold on to his mistakes.

In contrast, Ted Thompson would say things like “I like our guys” and, with a few exceptions, gave them a really long rope.…