So as much as fans of the Packers are aware, perhaps too aware, of the Lombardi legacy, younger fans are not. Lombardi died almost 43 years ago. His 100th birthday is on June 11.

Because of that birthday, and because ESPN is airing a countdown series, “Greatest Coaches in NFL History,” the network is to air a one-hour special, “Lombardi’s Legacy,” at 8 p.m. Thursday. It will re-air at 8 p.m. June 11 on ESPN2.

On June 11, Lombardi’s birthday, ESPN.com will disclose the coach who was voted the greatest in NFL history by ESPN’s panel of analysts and commentators. (Pssst. Don’t tell anyone, but a certain Block of Granite has a real fighting chance of finishing first in that vote).

Chris Berman is to host “Lombardi’s Legacy,” and it will feature former Chicago Bears player and coach, Mike Ditka, who works for ESPN, and former Packers guard Jerry Kramer. Both will be in studio.

Former Packers quarterback Bart Starr will be interviewed for the show, which is to be taped on June 5, then shown the next night. ESPN was aiming to interview Packers Mike McCarthy live on June 5, but a scheduling conflict prevents his participation.

Markman said ESPN’s show will emphasize Lombardi’s football legacy and only some of his cultural impact. A number of contemporary coaches will describe Lombardi’s impact on them and football, including former NFL coach Bill Parcells.