Packers didn't quit during historic first season under Matt LaFleur

[Cheesehead]

It was an emotionally charged post-game locker room for a team that had won six consecutive games dating back to its Week 12 loss against San Francisco. Linebacker Blake Martinez, one of several pending free agents this offseason, got choked up reflecting on his four years in Green Bay.


A fourth-round pick in 2016, Martinez said he never had been around a team that had such a burning desire to win and improve. He credits LaFleur for helping instill that belief.


"He's a special coach. It was crazy to see how he changed things so quickly," Martinez said. "Everyone bought in. He's a likable guy. He was able to adapt to every single one of us and he never blinked, just like us. It started from the top-down."


Kicker Mason Crosby, a veteran of five NFC title games, acknowledged how difficult it can be for a team to chart a path to the Super Bowl. However, the bitter ending took nothing away from a special and unique season for the 13-year pro.


"You could tell guys really liked each other and really cared about each other, and were excited to come to work," Crosby said. "Not just go through the grind of the day but have real relationships and get to know each other. I think Coach LaFleur did a good job of promoting some of that, as well. Really encouraging some extracurricular stuff outside of the building."


Coming off a 6-9-1 season in 2018, General Manager Brian Gutekunst signed four high-profile free agents to spark the Packers' turnaround. Gutekunst's activity netted Green Bay not only a new pass rusher in Za'Darius Smith, but also a leader in the locker room and defensive captain.


After the game, Smith conducted his postgame media session with fellow offseason acquisition Preston Smith by their lockers as the duo did all season. While there undoubtedly will be some changes made going into 2020, Smith feels the foundation is in place for the Packers to remain in contention.