GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – When you think of Green Bay Packers fans, you might picture the Frozen Tundra Man, but don’t overlook the Green Bay Grinch, who’s quickly becoming a local icon.
From appearances on ‘Good Morning America’ to a meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, John Akspulewicz—known to fans as the Green Bay Grinch—says it all started by accident.
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“It happened on November 23rd, my birthday,” Akspulewicz recalled. “It was just a one-off thought thinking maybe I’ll wear this mask and hopefully no one sees me on TV. What happens? My best friend calls me up and asks, ‘Is that you in the Grinch costume?’ I was like, no. How can you tell? ‘Oh, you’re wearing a number 92 jersey and the way you’re standing.’ Then I said yeah, that’s me.”
Since then, the full Grinch get-up—mask and all—has become part of his game-day identity. His favorite moment as the Green Bay Grinch came this past season in Seattle. While recording tight end Tucker Kraft running back into the tunnel, Akspulewicz dropped his phone. Kraft, without hesitation, picked it up, said “hi mom!” into the camera, and handed it back.
Akspulewicz is just one of many Green Bay staples making appearances during the 2025 NFL Draft. Rounds two and three begin at 6 p.m. Friday.
