Drafting a Legacy: How “Forgotten Architect” Jack Vainisi Transformed Football

Join Heritage Hill for this panel discussion on a man who is not widely known but drafted 13 people now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Speakers include:

• Dr. Samuel Vainisi – Jack’s Brother
• Warren Gerds – an award winning local reporter
• A video from Michael Lombardi – author of Football Done Right: Setting the Record Straight on the Coaches, Players, and History of the NFL
• Valerie – Jack’s daughter, who will also present a video by Bob Houle on how Jack’s method of scouting and recruitment changed football.
• Royce Boyles – author of several books on Vince Lombardi including The Lombardi Impact
• Dave Robinson – former linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Fame member
• Moderated by radio and tv personality, John Maino.

Having served as a scout and later business manager for the Green Bay Packers in the 50s, Jack was instrumental in recruiting players who would prove pivotal to the team’s success during this era, and even is credited with bringing one Vince Lombardi to Green Bay. His life was tragically cut short in 1960s at age 33 by a complication due to rheumatic fever, but during his short time with the Packers he drafted greats such as Forrest Gregg, Paul Hornung, Ray Nitschke, Jim Ringo, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, Jerry Kramer and Bobble Dillon. He signed Willie Wood as a free agent and traded for Henry Jordan and Willie Davis. He also had Herb Adderley as his number one pick before he died and Lombardi honored this pick. Those named above are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, through Jack’s picks the Packers would win five NFL championships.

Jack’s contributions to the world of professional football extend significantly beyond his involvement with the Packers. He revolutionized scouting and player recruitment, influencing how future games would be played and teams formed. His methods have since been adopted by many NFL franchises, marking his legacy on the sport.

Despite his groundbreaking contributions and his role in changing the face of football, not just in Green Bay, but on a national scale, Jack’s achievements remain unrecognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jack’s story is not just Green Bay’s; it’s a part of the rich and diverse history of American football. His legacy is very much alive in the spirit of the game and in the hearts of fans worldwide.

This is a free event as part of a campaign to induct Jack Vainisi into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (However, donations are appreciated to support Heritage Hill’s mission and educational programming.)

You can sign the petition at the event,  by visiting the Jack Vainisi monument on the corner of Lombardi & Ridge Rd, or by selecting the green ticket icon above.