Inbox: In dark times, Lynn Dickey provided a spark of hope

3. Who is the most underrated Packers player of all-time?

Al from Green Bay, WI

I’m going back toward the end of the last century. He was only in a Packers jersey for three years (94-96), but Sean Jones was a rock on the defensive line opposite Reggie White. Sean didn’t have Reggie’s notoriety, Brett Favre’s swagger, or Gilbert Brown’s “Grave Digger” move, but he was credited for 24½ sacks as a Packer and was a key contributor to their Super Bowl win in SB XXXI.

My vote would be for Ed “The Tool Box” West. Ed joined the Packers as an undrafted TE from Auburn in 1984 and played 11 seasons for the team. Ed played in 167 games over those 11 seasons, with 104 starts. Ed played for Forrest Gregg, Lindy Infante and Mike Holmgren.

My most underrated Packers player of all time is Bob Skoronski. He was one of only nine players to play on all nine of Lombardi’s teams. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1956 draft and started all 12 games as a rookie. He played the next five seasons as LT. In 1964 he was named offensive captain by Lombardi. He started every game from 1965-67. He started the first two Super Bowls, and three NFL Championship games. He was named to the Packers Hall of Fame in 1976.

James Starks. His contribution to the 2010 Super Bowl run was huge. Without Starks, the run game would continue to receive zero respect, and Aaron Rodgers would’ve had a much heavier load to carry.

Both running backs, Samkon Gado and Eddie Lacy! I still wear my “27” jersey for EVERY big game! Jeff Query’s mullet is up there!

The most underrated Packer was Herb Adderley. Although he was a Hall of Famer, Adderley never seemed to get the recognition he deserved during his playing days. Lombardi also used him as a running back at first, before fully committing to defense. His 39 interceptions (including seven pick-sixes) often won games. Most memorable to me was the interception on Oct. 7, 1962, with time running out against the Lions, setting up Paul Hornung’s FG for a 9-7 win. Without that win, they don’t get to the NFL title game.

Zeke Bratkowski was the backup QB during the Packers’ three years as NFL champions from 1965 through 1967. They were 8-1 in games, including postseason, where Zeke either started in place of Bart Starr or replaced him with the score tied or the Packers trailing by no more than seven points. His career ended with an official NFL playoff record of 5-0, the best playoff record by a quarterback (minimum five playoff games played) in NFL history.

Chuck Mercein. Only played for the Packers for two seasons but may have been the most valuable player in the Ice Bowl (aside from Bart Starr) to send the Packers to SB II. He accounted for 34 of the 68 yards on the final drive before Starr’s sneak. He also showed the grace of a true professional when benched in Super Bowl II for Ben Wilson.

William Henderson. In addition to being the starting fullback blocking for a number of successful halfbacks, Henderson played on three of the four special teams units throughout his NFL career. He did so during a lengthy career and without any fanfare. He just provided solid, dependable play throughout his years in Green Bay.

Most underrated player is the backup QB. From Bratkowski to Matt Flynn to Malik Willis, the Packers don’t make the playoffs without their leadership. More times than not, they led this team to much-needed victories when needed most!

How does Daniel Whelan not get more credit? He’s one of the best at his position. Old school, Ed “Toolbox” West was a quintessential Packer in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

I believe Lynn Dickey is the most underrated Packer of all time. Although passing for 4,000 yards in one season is no big deal now, he was the first NFC quarterback to do so. He had a great arm comparable to the best quarterbacks of today. If Dickey had mobility and was able to play with the rules today that protect quarterbacks, he would probably be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And if his teammates played any defense, his W-L record would have been much better. (Editor’s note: I hear passing for 4,000 yards remains a big deal in the Chicago/Hammond area).

For me, the most underrated Packers player of all time is Lynn Dickey. At the end of a dark era of Packer football, he provided a spark of hope. That man could sling a football with the best of them. If he had good knees, Dickey would have been more widely recognized. There was always a sense of excitement for me when our offense was on the field. The 48-47 win over Washington on Monday Night Football was an all-time classic! He remains one of my favorite all-time Packers.

Ken Bowman and Zeke Bratkowski were both underrated and unappreciated. Ken was perfect on “the Sneak” and Jerry Kramer got the credit, saying Ken would get his turn for glory. He didn’t. Zeke filled in admirably when a cheap shot took Bart out, and led them into the playoff game after Bart got knocked out early in the game and the controversial field goal led to taller uprights. Another reason for laser uprights.

I believe A.J. Hawk was the most unappreciated Packer. He was almost always available and in proper position and made plays. Also, wears a Super Bowl ring.

Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden hosted a youth football camp at Titletown on Saturday, June 27, 2026.