A Community Rebuilt Through Football
On July 27 an EF‑3 tornado ripped through Menasha, Wisconsin, flattening parts of the town and leaving the local high school football program without a field or gear.
Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey, alerted by alumnus Dom Hillesheim about the storm’s impact, reached out to Bluejays head coach Jeramie Korth to assess needs and offer concrete help.
Green Bay Packers outreach manager Ryan Fencl quickly arranged for the team to attend a practice session at Lambeau Field, tour the stadium and share a meal, turning a day of recovery into a celebration of resilience.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the Bluejays on the field, urging them to focus on attitude and effort as they rebuild, while also highlighting the importance of community support.
Both franchises contributed two pallets of football equipment, including cleats and pads, ensuring the players could return to practice with proper gear despite the loss of their own supplies.
The visit culminated in a unique experience for senior quarterback Paul Schmolinske and defensive back Shamir Senyange, who spent time with NFL stars Jordan Love and Xavier McKinney, gaining insights and inspiration from the league’s elite.
Beyond the tangible donations, the collaboration underscored the NFL’s broader commitment to disaster recovery, showing how league members can unite to restore hope and opportunity in the wake of natural disaster.