Hungry Five

The Hungry Five is the collective name given to five Green Bay, Wisconsin area businessmen who were instrumental in keeping the Green Bay Packers franchise in operation during its early years. Together, they raised funds, incorporated the team as a non-profit corporation, sold stock, established the Green Bay Packers Board of Directors and otherwise promoted the franchise.

The Hungry Five consisted of Curly Lambeau, Andrew B. Turnbull, attorney Gerald Francis Clifford, Dr. W. Webber Kelly and Leland H. Joannes. Turnbull was the Packers' first president and publisher of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Joannes was the president for 17 years, helping guide the Packers through the Great Depression, near bankruptcy and a second stock sale. Kelly served one year as president, and also as team physician and as a board member. Clifford handled the team's legal affairs for 28 years. All have been inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

Despite their years of service, only coach/player Curly Lambeau was ever paid a salary. They were christened "The Hungry Five" by Milwaukee Journal sportswriter Oliver E. Kuechle because they always seemed to have their hands out for money, since the franchise was often in financial trouble.

Resources

 * Names, Larry D (1987). The History of the Green Bay Packers: The Lambeau years, part one, Wautoma, Wisconsin: Angel Press.
 * Ward, Arch (1946). The Green Bay Packers; A story of professional football, New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.