A PERSONAL MEMOIR OF EVENTS, ANTICS, AND DEVOTION TO THE GREEN AND YELLOW
TUNDRA TALES
Following, rooting, dedicating oneself to the Packers is unlike any other endeavor, either within sports or in life. They are a team that has never had an owner and operates in a tiny market competing against teams from the biggest markets in the world. For those of us born at a time when our formative years saw the end of a dynasty and ushered in over two decades of agonizing mediocrity, we are among the most devoted of all Packer fans. It’s easy to root for a sports team that is always going deep into the playoffs, winning divisions, and demonstrating savvy decisions during draft time. It is quite another when that team is best known for finding ways to lose and invariably making poor decisions off the field. This reality, starting before 1970 and extending beyond 1990, becomes excruciating for someone living fifteen hundred miles away from Green Bay.
This is exactly what Tundra Tales seeks to capture. It is a collection of stories about one individual but can find empathy from the legions of the Green and Yellow Nation around the country. It canvasses trying to root for the visiting team when the hosts are less than accommodating. It highlights the world of an NFL fan before the days of cable television, internet access, websites, or social media. It draws from a time of local blackouts, hoping for a twenty-second clip at halftime during Monday Night Football, and when Ray Nitschke and his Packer Report was the equivalent of an HBO miniseries about the team. Tundra Tales reminds us that there is so much more to the game than just the final score.
“Whether you are a cheesehead or lactose intolerant, Tundra Tales is for you! A great read about one ultimate fan and their journey from New Jersey to follow their beloved Green Bay Packers at every stage of their life. Funny, touching and inspirational this book is the perfect read for any fans of football, family or life. Enjoy!”
— Todd Whitaker, Author of What Great Teachers Do Differently
“WOW!!! ‘Tundra Tales’ is an extraordinary book! It’s extraordinary in its warmth and its stories. But, most of all, it’s extraordinary because of its passion. I grew up in Boston and I love my Patriots — but nothing like Mike Rossi loves his Packers! ‘Tundra Tales’ is much more than a sports book — IT IS A LOVE STORY! I I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Get it! I guarantee you’ll love it too! Thank you, Dr. Rossi!!!”
— Dr. Rob Gilbert, Montclair State University. Presenter of SUCCESS HOTLINE“Tundra Tales is an enlightening and engaging story of a family's half century journey with one of Football's most historic franchises. A must read for any Green Bay Packer Fan!”
— Don Smoyln, 7 Time State Champion. 3rd All-Time Winning Coach in New Jersey
“Even as a NY Football Giants fan, I loved Tundra Tales. This book is a must-read for every Packers fan, football fan, or for someone on their own journey with their family like Dr. Michael Rossi. Grab your cheese hat, green and gold jersey, and come on this fun, entertaining, and passion-filled trip with Michael Rossi entitled Tundra Tales. He sprinkles in history and legendary stories of his beloved Packers as well as his hilarious personal experiences with his family and the Green Bay Packers. You feel like you are there with him! Fantastic book! Thanks Dr. Rossi for inviting me on such an amazing trip!”
— Andrew Marotta. Author, leader, speaker.
about the author
Dr. Michael A. Rossi, Jr., graduated from Moravian College, earned a master’s degree from Tufts University, a master’s degree from Montclair University, and a doctorate from Seton Hall University. He has spent over three decades as an educator, holding teaching, coaching, advising, and administrative positions in public school and higher education. During his professional career, he has been a school superintendent for over fifteen years. He has written many articles, a dissertation, and countless communications on a local, state, and national scale.
Dr. Rossi is a lifelong, dedicated, passionate, and often fanatical Green Bay Packers fan. He currently lives in New Jersey with his wife, Deb; their three children, Kaitlyn, Michael III, Lily; and their three dogs, Jerry, Charlie, and Dakota.
