Former Packers Kicker and Board Member Eddie Garcia Dies at 65
The Green Bay Packers announced Wednesday that former player and current member of their Board of Directors, Eddie Garcia, passed away earlier this month. He was 65.
Garcia, a standout kicker from SMU, was selected by the Packers in the 10th round of the 1982 NFL Draft. Initially tasked with kickoff duties, he later became the team’s primary kicker. One of his career highlights came in 1984, when he nailed a personal-best 51-yard field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That season, he appeared in nine games, making three field goals.
After his stint in Green Bay, Garcia spent the 1985 season with the Miami Dolphins before retiring from professional football.
Garcia passed away on June 5 at his home in Poygan, Wisconsin.
“Outside of his work, Eddie loved to travel the world, and then relax in Florida during the cold winters with his wife of 40 years and partner in adventure, Jill,” his obituary reads. “He also loved to watch endless soccer games, and was an expert at yelling ‘GOALLLL!’ just like the announcers do. In the last several years, Eddie spent lots of time with his family, which includes his loving daughters Susan (Jim) and Katherine (Paul), and his adoring grandson Oscar, who loved his Papi dearly. Eddie will be remembered by his close family as immensely kind, generous, and funny (sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally).”
Following his NFL career, Garcia built a successful career in sales and marketing, eventually becoming a senior director at Oshkosh Corporation.
In 2021, Garcia reconnected with the Packers organization, joining the team’s Board of Directors. He served on the board’s sales and marketing committee, continuing his legacy of leadership off the field.
The Packers and the wider NFL community remember Eddie Garcia not only for his contributions on the gridiron but also for his warmth, dedication, and service.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Garcia family during this difficult time.
