Longwell would go on to become the Packers’ all-time leading scorer, posting 1,054 points – a record since surpassed by Mason Crosby – before joining the rival Vikings in 2006.
Longwell went on to kick six seasons in Minnesota, plus one more in Seattle, before retiring after the 2012 campaign.
Along with that first field goal in ’97 against the Bears, Longwell ranks the 2004 Christmas Eve game-winner against, ironically, the Vikings at the Metrodome as the biggest of his Green Bay career.
He had beaten Minnesota a month earlier with a late field goal for an identical 34-31 final score, two wins that gave the Packers the NFC North title that season.
Leaving to play for a division rival two years later was an unexpected adjustment, but much like Favre would admit as well, the change formed a more complete picture of the first nine years of his career.
“I would not have the perspective I have on the whole Packers machine – meaning the team, the sellouts, the fans, Lambeau, the whole package, the whole state of Wisconsin – had I stayed there my whole career,” he said. “It gives you an appreciation when you go elsewhere.
“I just don’t think you get that unless you see it from the other side of the tracks.”
http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-player-feature/article-1/First-miss-set-up-Ryan-Longwells-great-career/11e4762d-3025-4fb5-bfe1-7bef060662e3#ixzz515eplIww
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