GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – The Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens met for a joint practice at Lambeau Field on Thursday.
However, it wasn’t just the action on the field that excited fans, but also the continuation of a beloved tradition that saw Ravens players ride to practice on the bikes of their young fans.
Children lined up early to offer their bikes to the Ravens players and brought colorful signs, footballs and jerseys to sign. For many, it was a dream come true.
“It was kind of cool to see the people I see all the time on TV in real life,” said Lane Woepse, a young fan from Oostburg.
“I let No. 61 ride my bike and he didn’t want to ride my bike at first because he didn’t want to break the bike. Then he came back and said, ‘Can I ride your bike?’ and then he took my bike and his helmet was very heavy,” said Olivia Pasterski, another young fan of De Pere.
The parents present were also thrilled when they saw their children beaming with excitement.
“Basically, it’s like they’re meeting their heroes,” said Lane’s father, Brandon Woepse. “The players here are really good, they’re really good with the kids and they do a really good job. It’s great to see them meet their heroes.”
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur delivered the message about the tradition he reminded players of on Thursday.
“This is a great experience for the children,” said LaFleur. “And they will never forget it. This is not something to be taken for granted.”
The Packers will be back on the field this Saturday for their preseason game against the Ravens, but for the kids, Thursday will be a memory they’ll never forget.
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