Morgan Hansmann jokes with the Packer alumni, during a visit to her hospital room. Hub City Times staff photo

By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – The annual Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour rolled into central Wisconsin April 9, with several stops in Marshfield, including a surprise visit at Marshfield Children’s Hospital.

The stop was a somewhat emotional one for former Packer offensive lineman Earl Dotson.

Former Packer linebacker Nick Barnett said the hospital visit meant more to him now that he’s a parent.

Among others, the Packer alumni visited the hospital room of 14-year-old Morgan Hansmann of Tomahawk.

Pediatric hospitalist Dr. Sushma Thappetta said visits like the one from the Packers on Tuesday go a long way for the patients and their overall health.

Following the hospital visit, the Packers were off to a tailgate-style event at the Marshfield Country Club, where Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy joined the rest of the group.

Murphy and the Packer alumni answered questions from fans and signing autographs. The stop served as a fundraiser for the Marshfield-based PDC Orenda Center, which helps victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in Wood and Clark Counties.

Other Packers alum featured on this year’s tour are Aaron Kampman, Ryan Grant, Bernardo Harris, and Scott Wells. Due to the earlier start of this year’s off-season program, current players are unable to attend the tour.

Aaron Kampman signs a football at Marshfield Children’s Hospital, as Ryan Grant looks on. Hub City Times staff photo