Green Bay Packers Legend Steve Wright Dies at 82

Steve Wright, a former offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers and other NFL teams, passed away at the age of 82 in a care facility in Augusta, Georgia. Wright was a key member of the Packers during the Vince Lombardi era, contributing to three NFL championships and victories in the first two Super Bowls. Notably, he was the model for the Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy, representing the award's focus on community service, although the trophy was later renamed after Walter Payton. Wright played collegiate football at Alabama under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, winning a national championship in 1961, and later played for five NFL teams including the Giants, Redskins, Bears, and Cardinals. Despite his success on the field, Wright was known for his independent spirit and openly criticized the coaching styles of Bryant and Lombardi in his memoir. His legacy endures both through his championship contributions and his symbolic role in honoring NFL players' off-field community efforts.