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At 497 games and counting, Packers fan gets featured on national TV

How big of a Packers fan is John Bonnell? He's delayed surgery and skipped a wedding so as not to miss a Packers game at Lambeau Field.

By Kendra Meinert · Packernet

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 7:28 PM

Key Things to Know

NBC's 'Today' show featured Green Bay Packers fan John Bonnell at Lambeau Field during his 497th game.
Bonnell has sat in Section 107 for 63 years after his mother wrote to coach Vince Lombardi.
Former Packers receiver Antonio Freeman presented Bonnell with an autographed football on the field.

The Story in 60 Seconds

NBC's "Today" show visited Lambeau Field to feature longtime Green Bay Packers fan John Bonnell during the team's Sunday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys on October 18. Reporter Kaylee Hartung highlighted Bonnell as he attended his 497th Packers game, having held season tickets in Section 107 for 63 years.

Bonnell's family originally secured tickets after his mother wrote a letter to coach Vince Lombardi, who responded two weeks later. Before the game, Hartung brought Bonnell onto the field to meet former Packers player Antonio Freeman, who presented him with an autographed football.

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At 497 games and counting, Packers fan gets featured on national TV

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