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Bill Port, a Sales Engineer hailing from the Milwaukee area, didn’t let his lack of qualifications deter him from applying for the defensive coordinator position with the Green Bay Packers.
Sending in just a resume and a two-sentence cover letter to Packers CEO Mark Murphy, Port humorously expressed his interest in the role with a note that read: “I heard your organization has a job opening, so I figured I could do this Defensive Coordinator thing. Please note, I prefer weekends off.”
Port’s expectations were modest; he didn’t anticipate a response from Murphy. However, to his surprise, he received a handwritten note back from Murphy, graciously declining his application while humorously suggesting the Chicago Bears might be a better fit for him.
Thrilled by Murphy’s response, Port, a lifelong Packers fan with family ties to Lambeau Field dating back to its opening, was pleasantly taken aback.
“It was really surprising,” Port said. “My original hope was maybe a secretary opens it up, gets a chuckle, shows it to him, he has a laugh, and that’s that.”
Port’s inclination for such lighthearted antics isn’t new. As a child, he used to send letters to athletes, occasionally receiving responses and memorabilia in return. In one instance, he even offered to be the mascot for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, landing himself an interview before revealing his true age.
Reflecting his playful personality, Port’s resume for the football executive role was filled with jokes, though he did include his high school varsity football experience and his fantasy football achievements.
Though he didn’t land the job — ultimately filled by Boston College coach Jeff Hafley — Port found satisfaction in receiving a cherished memento from his interaction with Murphy. And as for Murphy’s jest about applying to the Bears? Port jokingly passed, content with his current pursuits.
“I’d probably have to pass,” Port laughs. “I got a pretty good gig where I am now.”