Fate has an interesting way of working sometimes. Wisconsin-native J.J. Lippe went undrafted, dashing his hopes of becoming the ones he see on TV growing up – the Green Bay Packers.
But the three-day April event was not the end for anyone, especially for Lippe who got the best plot twist in his career so far.
The Northern Illinois Huskies standout got the best surprise of his life when the Packers called him to join their rookie camp. He showed out there and now, he has a contract.
He found the offer unbelievable at first.
“It’s definitely a dream come true,” he said during a sit down with Packers On SI.
“Growing up as a Packer fan and everything and watching Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, it’s something that’s a lifelong dream of mine, so I’m very happy to be here.”
J.J. Lippe got a Green Bay Packers household
It’s like everything is a movie for the 6’5 guard. He did not play for any Wisconsin team in college even if some of them, like the Badgers, have a tradition of getting players from the home state.
He was able to build good career though as he played 52 games with 47 starts for Northern Illinois in four seasons.
It did not work out for him in the draft but fate has other plans and it is the best one he can get.
His family were just as surprised and ecstatic about this development in his career.
“Oh, man, they’re so excited,” he said. “My whole family, they’re all Packer fans. So, they’re like, ‘Man, he’s a Packer now.’ So, my phone’s been blowing up. My fiancée, she’s from California, so she’s not even a Packer fan, but I’ve taken her to a couple of games already. So, she’s already loving it and everything. She’s just proud of me for being here, and so are my parents.”
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