Can you believe it? While the temperature in Green Bay is “freezing” at 8 degrees F, head coach Matt LaFleur still insisted on holding an outdoor practice for the Packers players – and the result was a horrifying incident! A player suddenly fainted midway through the session, causing the entire team to panic. What happened? Is the Packers risking too much for the big showdown with the Chicago Bears coming up? Keep reading to find out the chilling details!
It all started with head coach Matt LaFleur’s “tough” decision. On December 4, 2025, despite the frigid weather with temperatures at just 8 degrees F and bone-chilling winds cutting through like knives, LaFleur declared that the team would continue practicing outdoors at Lambeau Field. The reason? He wants the players to gradually get used to the harsh conditions, preparing for the important game against the Bears on December 7, when temperatures are expected to be in the teens and possibly lower due to strong winds, with the game starting at 3:25 p.m. LaFleur emphasized based on personal experience: “Practicing in the cold helps prepare better, because everything feels completely different – from the ball’s flight to body movement.” He also compared it to former coach Mike Holmgren, who preferred indoor practices to focus on tasks, but most subsequent Packers coaches support outdoor cold practices as an advantage, especially when opponents aren’t accustomed. However, with the Bears in a similar cold environment, this factor might not create a big edge this week.
But then, disaster nearly struck! Midway through the practice, rookie Jordon Riley – the defensive lineman standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 338 pounds, who was just signed from the Giants’ practice squad on December 3 – suddenly fainted due to not being able to withstand the bone-piercing cold. According to team sources, Riley, with 21 games of prior experience, was trying to adapt quickly under the guidance of the defensive coaches. He had met with LaFleur the day before and was praised for his good energy and quick learning ability. However, as the temperature dropped low accompanied by cold winds, Riley started feeling dizzy, shivering, and then collapsed right on the frozen turf. Teammates and medical staff immediately rushed to assist, providing warm water, heat blankets, and checking his health on the spot. Fortunately, Riley quickly regained consciousness and suffered no serious injuries – it was just a temporary reaction to the extreme weather. The team doctor confirmed he was stable and could return to light practice, but the incident forced the entire team to pause the session for a few minutes to check everyone’s health. LaFleur later admitted: “We never take the weather lightly, but this is a lesson for us to be more careful. Luckily, Riley is fine, and he’ll be ready if needed.”
This incident further highlights the “warrior” spirit of the Packers, but it also raises questions about the risks. LaFleur also recalled the painful loss to the Bears last season with a score of 24-22 in 16 degrees F with a wind chill of 2 degrees, where Carlos Santos’ last-minute decisive kick sealed the fate. He acknowledged that the team didn’t perform at their best in critical moments: “You can never take it for granted, that’s for sure. And you’ve got to in the most critical moments – you’ve got to be at your best. And unfortunately, a year ago, myself, we weren’t at our best.”
In the pre-practice press conference, LaFleur also updated on other players. Regarding Sean Rhyan, who switched from guard to center after Elgton Jenkins’ season-ending injury, he has started 3 games and was praised for his increasing comfort and good command ability, though not perfect yet – predicting continued strong development. Especially about Jordan Love, nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year, LaFleur praised him as “a tremendous human being, raised the right way with a strong family support system.” He shared: “First of all, I think he’s a tremendous human being. He was definitely raised the right way, and he’s got a great support system with his family. But I also think just to watch his development, from a young guy coming in here to the man he is today, it’s just really cool to be a part of that journey. And to watch him grow, and for him to embrace what it means to be the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, and what he does for the community, and how he helps a lot of kids and just people in the community in general. It’s been really cool to watch.”
With this incident, the Packers are proving they’re ready to “fight” the weather, but could the cold become their biggest “enemy”? What do you think about LaFleur’s decision? Share your thoughts below and follow for updates on the Packers vs. Bears game!
