The Green Bay Packers have long been one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, known for their resilience, leadership, and ability to adapt in changing circumstances. Similarly, HBO’s The Last of Us, based on the popular video game, tells a story of survival, leadership, and unexpected alliances in a post-apocalyptic world. If we were to imagine the Packers as The Last of Us characters, which players and figures within the organization would best fit the key roles?
Let’s dive into this fun comparison and see how the Packers align with the world of The Last of Us.
Jordan Love as Joel Miller
The heart and soul of The Last of Us, Joel Miller is a man shaped by loss but driven by purpose. He is tasked with leading and protecting Ellie through a dangerous world, much like Jordan Love is now tasked with leading the Packers into a new era after the departure of Aaron Rodgers.
Joel isn’t flashy, but he’s gritty, resourceful, and tough—qualities Love has displayed since stepping into the Packers’ starting quarterback role. After spending years in the shadows learning from a legend (akin to Joel’s survival skills honed over time), Love has finally taken center stage. The way he handled adversity in his early seasons, from trade rumors to skepticism about his abilities, mirrors the struggles Joel faces while keeping Ellie safe.
Love might not be the loudest or most outspoken leader, but his actions speak volumes, just as Joel’s do. He’s calm under pressure, makes smart decisions, and has the potential to be the kind of leader that players rally around in crucial moments.
Christian Watson as Ellie Williams
Ellie, the determined and fearless young protagonist of The Last of Us, embodies resilience, adaptability, and the ability to step up when the moment calls for it. Christian Watson, the Packers’ rising star at wide receiver, plays a similar role within the team.
Just like Ellie had to prove herself time and time again despite people doubting her, Watson has had to do the same after early struggles with injuries and drops. However, his raw athleticism, explosive playmaking, and ability to turn the tide of a game reflect Ellie’s own transformation from a protected figure to a force in her own right.
Watson’s potential to be a game-changer for the Packers’ offense mirrors Ellie’s journey—both are young, talented, and ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Matt LaFleur as Tommy Miller
Joel’s younger brother, Tommy, represents hope, leadership, and a belief in rebuilding a better world. That’s exactly what Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is trying to do with this new version of the team.
Like Tommy, LaFleur is a natural leader who believes in his system but also understands the importance of adapting to new circumstances. Tommy found a way to build a functioning society in The Last of Us Part II, much like LaFleur has maintained a winning culture in Green Bay despite major roster changes. His ability to guide a young team through adversity and uncertainty makes him the ideal Tommy of this group.
Jaire Alexander as Tess Servopoulos
Tess is tough, fearless, and never backs down from a challenge—just like Jaire Alexander, the Packers’ star cornerback.
Tess plays a crucial role in guiding Joel early in the story, using her wits and tenacity to survive in a dangerous world. Alexander brings that same energy to the Packers’ defense, playing with an edge and confidence that makes him one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks. Whether he’s locking down top receivers or bringing an aggressive attitude to the secondary, Alexander embodies Tess’s never-say-die mentality.
Aaron Jones as Bill
Bill is one of the most self-sufficient and resourceful characters in The Last of Us, always prepared for whatever comes his way. In many ways, Aaron Jones, the Packers’ veteran running back, fits the bill (pun intended).
Jones has been a constant force in Green Bay’s offense, providing reliability and leadership while helping younger players find their footing. Like Bill, he has had to adapt to different situations and keep things moving, whether by carrying the load himself or supporting the team in a complementary role.
Bill also has a soft spot for those he cares about, and Jones has consistently been one of the most respected and beloved players in the Packers’ locker room. His leadership, wisdom, and ability to make big plays in key moments solidify his comparison to Bill.
Kenny Clark as David
Now, this might seem like an odd comparison at first. David, the antagonist from The Last of Us, is manipulative and deceptive—but we’re not focusing on his sinister traits here. Instead, we’re looking at his ability to command a group and establish dominance in his domain.
Kenny Clark is the Packers’ dominant force on the defensive line. While he doesn’t share David’s darker qualities, he does share an imposing presence and the ability to control the game. Opposing offenses fear Clark’s ability to disrupt plays, much like people in The Last of Us feared David’s strategic mind. Clark is the kind of player who sets the tone for the defense, ensuring that no one underestimates the Packers’ front seven.
David Bakhtiari as Henry
Henry, from The Last of Us, is a protector—someone who always looks out for the people he cares about. That description fits David Bakhtiari, the Packers’ longtime offensive lineman, perfectly.
For years, Bakhtiari has been responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side, ensuring that whoever is under center has the time to make plays. Henry’s loyalty and willingness to sacrifice for those he loves align with Bakhtiari’s role in Green Bay, as he’s spent years keeping his teammates safe while battling injuries of his own.
Rashan Gary as Abby Anderson
Abby, one of the most controversial yet powerful characters in The Last of Us Part II, is defined by her physicality, determination, and relentless drive to prove herself. Rashan Gary, the Packers’ dominant pass rusher, brings the same level of intensity and hunger to the field.
Abby’s journey is one of redemption and proving doubters wrong, much like Gary’s path in the NFL. Once seen as a raw prospect, Gary has developed into one of the league’s premier edge rushers. His work ethic, strength, and ability to take over games mirror Abby’s transformation into a force to be reckoned with.
Brian Gutekunst as Marlene
Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies, is a strategist trying to shape the future of the world, much like Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is shaping the future of Green Bay.
Gutekunst has made bold decisions in recent years, from drafting Love while Rodgers was still in his prime to letting go of veteran stars in favor of younger talent. Like Marlene, his choices aren’t always popular, but he’s focused on the bigger picture—building a team that can compete for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Imagining the Green Bay Packers as The Last of Us characters is a fun way to highlight the personalities, roles, and traits that define this team. From Jordan Love stepping into his leadership role as Joel to Jaire Alexander’s fearless mentality as Tess, each Packer has a counterpart that reflects their strengths and challenges.
As the Packers continue their journey in the post-Rodgers era, much like the survivors in The Last of Us, they’ll need resilience, adaptability, and a belief in their mission to succeed. And just like in the game and TV series, the unexpected twists and turns will make their story even more compelling.
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