ss After his desire to return to the Packers was not fulfilled, instead of reacting with anger or resentment, the former player chose to retire and join the Green Bay Fire Department to “wear Green Bay colors once again.”

For years, he was one of the most explosive and beloved running backs to ever wear a Green Bay Packers uniform — a powerful, downhill runner whose blend of strength, balance, and sudden burst made him a fan favorite at Lambeau Field.

That player is Eddie Lacy.

Lacy’s NFL journey with the Green Bay Packers began with immediate impact. Drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, he quickly became the engine of Green Bay’s offense, punishing defenses with his physical running style and surprising agility. As a rookie, Lacy rushed for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection — a season that firmly cemented him in Packers lore.

Across four seasons in Green Bay (2013–2016), Lacy totaled 3,614 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, serving as a cornerstone during a transitional period for the franchise. At his peak, he was viewed as one of the league’s most dangerous power backs — a runner capable of controlling games in cold-weather football, perfectly suited for Lambeau Field in December.

But injuries slowly changed the trajectory of his career.

Persistent ankle issues, concussions, and repeated setbacks disrupted Lacy’s momentum, and his physical wear eventually limited his availability and effectiveness. After a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, his playing days quietly came to an end. Still just 27 years old at the time, Lacy stepped away from the NFL well before the 2025–2026 era, his career effectively over years earlier due to health concerns.

Yet while football ended, Green Bay never stopped feeling like home.

This week, Lacy officially began a new chapter of service, joining the Green Bay Fire Department — choosing community, teamwork, and public service over a life away from the city that once roared his name.

Explaining his decision, Lacy shared:
“Football gave me an opportunity, but Green Bay gave me purpose. This city stood by me through the highest highs and the hardest moments. The fire department represents the same values I learned in football — sacrifice, trust, and putting others first. I’m proud to serve Green Bay in a new way.”

Those close to Lacy say the transition feels fitting. Throughout his playing career, he was known as a quiet, team-first presence — never flashy with words, but always respected for the physical and mental toll he was willing to carry for his teammates. Those same qualities now define his approach to public service.

Now trading shoulder pads for turnout gear, Lacy is expected to assist with emergency response and community safety initiatives throughout the Green Bay area — remaining present in the same city where he once powered through defenses on snowy Sundays.

For Packers fans, Eddie Lacy will always be remembered for his bruising runs, his rookie-year brilliance, and the promise of dominance he once delivered. And now, Green Bay will see him again — not breaking tackles, but standing ready to protect the community that embraced him.

In every way that matters, Eddie Lacy never really left Green Bay.