GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers turned Lambeau Field into the center of the football world Friday night as tens of thousands of fans packed the stadium for the franchise’s 25th annual Family Night.
The marquee training camp event gave Packers fans their first opportunity of the summer to watch the team practice inside Lambeau Field, while providing several young players with their first taste of performing under the stadium lights.
With Green Bay’s preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers less than a week away, Family Night offered another important evaluation opportunity for head coach Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff.
Among the biggest storylines was the continued development of rookie kicker Trey Smack, who delivered his most encouraging performance of training camp. After struggling during earlier practices at Ray Nitschke Field, Smack connected on 6 of 7 field-goal attempts Friday night.
The rookie appeared much more comfortable inside Lambeau, including a successful 45-yard attempt that split the uprights.
Smack’s performance comes at an important time as the Packers evaluate whether he can handle the kicking responsibilities entering the regular season.
Golden Provides an Offensive Spark
Wide receiver Matthew Golden also continued to make his case for a larger role in Green Bay’s offense.
Golden made one of the night’s most impressive catches when he got behind veteran defensive back Keisean Nixon during a one-on-one period. After creating separation on a shallow route, Golden later raced downfield and hauled in a Jordan Love pass over his shoulder.
With Romeo Doubs no longer in the picture, expectations are high for Golden to become a bigger part of the passing attack.
The former first-round pick endured an inconsistent rookie season but showed flashes of his potential, including his first NFL touchdown during Green Bay’s wild-card playoff game against Chicago.
Love and Kraft Provide a Lighthearted Moment
Tight end Tucker Kraft did not participate in the practice as he continues to carefully manage his return from injury, but he was still very much part of the Family Night atmosphere.
Kraft recently came off the PUP list and is being gradually worked back into football activities. During the evening, quarterback Jordan Love gave his teammate a piggyback ride following a drill, providing one of the more entertaining moments of the night.
Love also shared a special moment with his family by carrying his young daughter onto the field. It marked the quarterback’s first Family Night as a father.
All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, who remains on the PUP list, also attended the event with his children and helped lead the Packers onto the field.
Cisse Continues to Turn Heads
Rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse once again demonstrated why he has become one of the most talked-about young defenders in Green Bay’s training camp.
Cisse matched up with Christian Watson on several occasions, displaying the speed and physicality necessary to compete against one of the Packers’ most talented receivers.
During a goal-line one-on-one drill, Cisse stayed with Watson through an inside move and positioned himself to break up a potential touchdown. Watson won the next matchup by getting outside, but Cisse maintained enough coverage to prevent a completion.
Later, Cisse tracked Watson across the field on a crossing route and broke up a Jordan Love pass.
The rookie’s performance has continued to strengthen his case as the Packers evaluate their options at cornerback.
Campbell Making His Presence Felt
Defensive tackle Anthony Campbell added another disruptive performance to his growing collection of strong practices.
Campbell recorded another batted pass, bringing his training camp total to five, after chasing quarterback Kyle McCord toward the perimeter and getting his hands on the football.
The 25-year-old defensive lineman has emerged as one of the surprises of camp and continues to generate momentum heading toward the preseason.
Brooks Dominates Early Defensive Series
Karl Brooks also made his presence felt during a move-the-ball period against Green Bay’s first-team offense.
Brooks burst through the line on the opening play, beating guard Donovan Jennings and appearing to have a clear path to Jordan Love.
On the following snap, the defensive tackle drew a double team but still managed to generate pressure alongside Warren Brinson.
Entering his fourth season, Brooks appears poised to play an important role in the Packers’ defensive front.
Savion Williams Makes Big Play
Wide receiver Savion Williams added another highlight when he adjusted to a pass from Tyrod Taylor and hauled in a 16-yard touchdown over Kitan Oladapo.
Williams made the catch on a fade route and celebrated by performing the traditional Lambeau Leap.
The second-year receiver caught 10 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown as a rookie while also contributing as a kickoff returner.
Defensive Scheme Shows Flexibility
New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon continued to show the versatility he plans to bring to Green Bay’s defense.
During one look, the Packers lined up three defensive linemen across the line of scrimmage while using Lukas Van Ness as the lone outside linebacker.
The alignment gives Gannon the flexibility to bring another defensive back onto the field while moving linebacker Edgerrin Cooper toward the line as an additional run defender.
The approach allows Green Bay to maintain a nickel package while still presenting five potential defenders near the line of scrimmage.
Gannon took over the defensive coordinator position from Jeff Hafley, who left Green Bay after two seasons to become the Miami Dolphins’ head coach.
Pass Rush Continues to Impress
The Packers also received several strong performances during one-on-one pass-rushing drills.
Brenton Cox Jr. was particularly effective, using his power and quickness to beat Darian Kinnard twice before later getting around Travis Glover with an explosive move.
Jonathan Ford produced another memorable rep, overpowering rookie guard Dylan Barrett and driving him backward on his way toward the quarterback.
Edgerrin Cooper also recorded a strong rush, while Barryn Sorrell continued to show improvement.
Offensive tackle Anthony Belton had mixed results, winning one matchup against rookie Dani-Dennis-Sutton before struggling against Sorrell. Glover also had difficulties against Cox and Cooper.
Rookie guard Dillon Wade provided an encouraging showing, using his balance and technique to absorb power rushes from Anthony Campbell and Jaden Crumedy.
Family Night Provides Important Evaluation
While Family Night is designed as a celebration for Packers fans, the practice also represented an important checkpoint for the coaching staff with the preseason opener approaching.
Several position battles remain unresolved, and performances like those from Smack, Cisse, Campbell, Golden and the defensive front could influence roster decisions in the coming weeks.
Veterans Devonte Wyatt, Josh Jacobs and Tucker Kraft did not participate in the practice, as the Packers continue managing workloads during camp.
Green Bay will return to Ray Nitschke Field Monday following the weekend break for two more practices before facing Pittsburgh on Aug. 13.
For the players competing for roster spots and larger roles, the evaluation process is about to become even more important as training camp gives way to preseason football.
And for Packers fans, Friday night’s combination of football, family and fireworks provided another reminder that the 2026 season is rapidly approaching.
