NFL’S final four: Area connections abound
Matt Lafleur’s rise to prominence has been something to behold.
It’s one of those ‘local kid does good’ stories that everyone and anyone can relate to and feel good about, especially if you’re from where said ‘local kid’ hails.
But, with Lafleur, there’s more to it in terms of its overall breadth because he’s done better than good.
In his first two seasons as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers Lafleur has led this muchlauded, almost mythical franchise, to back-to-back divisional titles and into back-to-back NFC Championship games. That’s tough to do for a veteran coach
who has been around for decades, yet here’s a young up-and-coming coach who seems to have it figured out.
Moreover, no coach in Green Bay history has won as much as Lafleur has in their first two years.
Curly Lambeau? Nope.
Vince Lombardi? Nope. Through his first 32 games Lafleur has put together a 26-6 record and won 81-percent of his games. His 26 wins is the new franchise record for wins through two seasons, five better than the previous standard of 21 shared by
Mike Mccarthy and Mike Sherman.
Lafleur can add another win to his ledger this weekend when the Packers (13-3) host Tampa Bay (11-5) in the NFC Championship game. If the Packers win they would advance to the Super Bowl.
Can you imagine, local kid coaching the Packers into the Super Bowl?
This is the kind of stuff they plan parades around and erect statues honoring, living-legend stuff.
From the outside looking in Lafleur’s ascension has been almost Phoenix-like. After spending a decade-plus working on his craft as a college and NFL assistant coach one Matt Lafleur is currently atop the NFL coaching mountain. Through 32 games
he’s put together one of the best records by any coach in NFL history.
Where it goes from here awaits to be seen, but you can be sure of one thing. Come Sunday the state of Michigan will be rooting for the Packers because Matt Lafleur is coaching the Packers.
All he has to do is find a way to beat the best player in NFL history in Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady, which is fitting because if you’re going to be the best you gotta beat the best and Brady is the best.
Period.
In keeping with the mid-michigan connectiontheme it’s also worth point out numerous former Central Michigan University football players will be playing this weekend.
Former Central Michigan standouts Antonio Brown (WR) and Sean Murphybunting (DB) will play key roles for Tampa Bay this weekend.
Former No. 1 draft pick Eric Fisher (offensive line) will suit up for Kansas City in the AFC Championship.
In short mid-michigan is well-represented in this weekend’s NFL championship games and if that isn’t enough to hold your rapt attention what is?