Packers Official Refutes Rumors of President Mark Murphy's Departure

By now, you've probably heard rumblings about Green Bay Packers President Mark Murphy and the rumors that he is being linked to the open athletic director position at Stanford University. At first, I was legitimately concerned. Stanford is a highly prestigious university, has excellent athletic programs and a great deal of money available to spend, and could indeed prove to be an attractive opportunity for Murphy, who has already helped guide the Packers to a Super Bowl title.

Fellow Packers fans, let's all take a deep breath. A source within the Packers organization has refuted any impending move by Murphy. Director of Public Relations Aaron Popkey emailed with Jason Wilde today, who reported Popkey's response earlier today:

Mark’s at an NFL meeting and not available today. With regard to the speculation, it’s simply just that. There’s no basis to it.

Yes, Stanford's job would be a step up from the athletic director position at Northwestern University, which was Murphy's job before taking his current position in Green Bay in 2007. Yes, Murphy reportedly applied for the Stanford job in 2006. However, he's currently in charge of one of the most prestigious professional teams in all of sports and has an astronomical approval rating among Packers fans - you know, the people who actually own the team. Even if the Cardinal exert all their resources in an effort to lure Murphy, it appears that he will remain the big cheese in Northeastern Wisconsin.