Green Bay was hit with a wave of emotion today as the family of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur stepped forward with a heartfelt and unexpected message that’s left fans across the NFL stunned — and deeply moved.

In a press conference held just outside Lambeau Field, the LaFleur family revealed a deeply personal story involving a 45-year-old man who has played a quiet but monumental role in the coach’s life, career, and character — a man most fans have never heard of, but who helped shape the Green Bay Packers as much as anyone on the field.

That man is Richard “Rick” LaFleur, Matt’s uncle — a retired Michigan high school football coach who was recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

With visible emotion, Matt’s brother, Mike LaFleur, took the mic first:

“Rick isn’t just our uncle — he was our second father. He taught Matt how to lead, how to teach, and how to treat players with respect. Everything you see in Matt on Sundays? That’s Rick’s legacy, too.”

Matt LaFleur then addressed the media with a voice heavy with emotion:

“We didn’t plan to go public like this. But Rick’s condition is progressing faster than we expected. He’s the reason I fell in love with this game, and now it’s time I use this platform to fight for people like him.”

According to the family, Rick began showing signs of cognitive decline in late 2022, but doctors only recently confirmed the diagnosis. Since then, Matt and his family have been quietly supporting him behind the scenes — flying him to Green Bay for games, bringing him into the locker room, and making him part of the Packers family.

Today’s announcement wasn’t just about sharing Rick’s story. The LaFleurs also launched the “4Rick Foundation”, a new initiative aimed at funding research, providing caregiver support, and spreading awareness about Alzheimer’s disease in underserved communities — especially among former coaches and educators who may suffer in silence.

The moment was raw, honest, and heartbreaking — but also profoundly inspiring. NFL fans, media members, and even rival coaches quickly took to social media to express their support.

“Total respect to Coach LaFleur and his family. That kind of strength takes more courage than calling a 4th and goal play,” tweeted one NFC executive.

The Green Bay Packers organization released a statement shortly after, pledging to support the 4Rick Foundation and calling Rick “a true member of the Packers family.”

As the NFL community absorbs this emotional revelation, one thing is clear: this is about more than football. It’s about legacy, love, and the quiet heroes who shape greatness behind the scenes.

And for Matt LaFleur, the next win he’s chasing has nothing to do with a scoreboard.