Ed Policy certainly isn’t the first to be named as the new president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers. He comes by his experience honestly, through his family’s deep roots in the game of professional football. The 54-year-old executive, who grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, succeeds Mark Murphy. Murphy hit the organization’s mandatory retirement age of 70. Policy has deep experience in business management and sports law. This impressive track record suits him perfectly to lead one of the NFL’s most historic franchises.
Growing up, Policy was heavily influenced by his father, Carmen Policy, a prominent figure in the NFL who served as president of the San Francisco 49ers. Carmen Policy’s career had started as attorney for the DeBartolo family, who owned the 49ers from 1977-2000. His firsthand experiences navigating the often unforgiving landscape of professional football helped teach his son some invaluable lessons.
“We talked about the NFL and the business of the NFL and pro football every night at the dinner table,” Ed Policy remarked. That unintended early exposure to the league’s inner workings would prove prescient as it laid the foundation for what would become his hallmark career.
Carmen Policy would turn out to be a decisive influence on Ed’s conception of what a football executive should be. As Ed looks back on his childhood, he’ll be the first to tell you that he continues to rely on lessons instilled by his dad. “As I got a little bit older and began to understand some of the business things he was dealing with, I mean, to this day I will tell you I rely on the lessons I’ve learned from him,” he stated.
Policy clan originally moved to the Bay Area. There, Ed discovered even greater opportunities to jump into the realm of professional sports. He studied at Stanford Law School before launching into work across a broad spectrum of roles in the sports workforce. He first spent time at law firms in Cleveland and San Francisco before making the jump into sports management.
Ed Policy’s career path took a major pivot point when he came on board at NFL office. He then spent nine remarkable years at the Arena Football League, capping his tenure as its commissioner. Combined with his collective experiences in the legal and sports worlds, Davidson has developed a unique perspective. Now, he takes that insight to the business side of football.
Carmen Policy’s influence extended beyond business acumen. It included memorable moments during Ed’s childhood. Our big elder Policy’s negotiations frequently happened in the back of Uber rides to school. “So car phones were a [new] thing and I remember my dad driving me to and from school. He was always negotiating contracts,” Ed recalled. He has a very clear memory of being in the front seat of the automobile. From there, he saw his father negotiate a then-record-setting contract for quarterback Steve Young.
Ed Policy’s career in the sport is a testament to his accomplishments. Next to the support of his family ties, he has known some deep struggles. Carmen Policy’s tenure with the 49ers included controversial decisions like trading away legendary quarterback Joe Montana and moving on from iconic coach Bill Walsh. These were big steps, but they weren’t purely about being bold. They were moves born of smart strategy, something Ed has inherited.
Jed York tooting Ed’s horn, “He is as good a fit there as anybody.” Our enthusiastic endorsement conveys the urgency of the moment that Ed enters into, as he assumes the role of Director.
As Ed Policy prepares to lead the Packers, he acknowledges that while there were enjoyable moments in his father’s career, such as winning Super Bowls, the real value lies in learning from struggles as well. “There was a lot of fun to it, winning Super Bowls and celebrating Super Bowls and drinking champagne were great memories, but the things I really rely on now, the lessons, are really watching him struggle through some of the tougher times,” he noted.
Ed Policy, whose background includes both law and sports policy. He looks forward to applying a new set of eyes, thought leadership and experience to the Green Bay Packers as the team continues to thrive in the ever-changing world of professional football. With his 13-time championship winning family legacy in the sport, it should give him a good shot at success. It is a reminder of the burdens that accompany leadership.
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