The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious sporting events on the calendar, as Churchill Downs is the site for what is dubbed the greatest two minutes in sports.
It's also a prime opportunity for an annual guys' weekend — and that's exactly what a group of former NFL teammates have turned it into.
A contingent of former Packers players is at the 2024 edition of the Derby, with the likes of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams and offensive tackle David Bahktiari among those in attendance to watch the race.
Aaron Rodgers answers rapid fire questions at the Kentucky Derby. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/s3jOPALnOb
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) May 4, 2024
This is not the first time the posse has come together for a weekend in Louisville. The coalition of ex-Green Bay members has reportedly made the event a tradition, giving them all an opportunity to get back together.
Here is more to know about why so many Packers are at the Kentucky Derby.
MORE: Horses, odds, expert picks & more for 2024 Kentucky Derby
Why are so many Packers at the Kentucky Derby?
The reason for all of the ex-Packers attending the Kentucky Derby is simple — who wouldn't want to make a guys' trip for a weekend where you can party, watch races and win some money?
Rodgers and his posse began the tradition in 2015, according to the Courier Journal. At the time, the group was all teammates on Green Bay, giving the crew an offseason event to look forward to together.
"I plan the weekend and send out an itinerary to everyone in the group," Rodgers said to the Courier Journal. "We like to get to the track early and spend the entire day at the Oaks and Derby."
Aaron Rodgers and his Derby crew on the red carpet. #LEX18AtTheDerby pic.twitter.com/BiJIsWFvVL
— LEX 18 News (@LEX18News) May 4, 2019
If you're going to have a guys' getaway for the Kentucky Derby, you might as well go all-out. And the group led by Rodgers does not fail to make the most of the weekend in Louisville.
Rodgers and Co. rent a private house near downtown Louisville to stay at. They attend the illustrious Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, which is hosted by Patricia Barnstable-Brown and has a plethora of high-profile celebrities in attendance.
That's not all. The bunch also have hired Louisville chef Bobby Benjamin, owner of Butchertown Grocery, to prepare meals for them while they are in the area.
The group has grown over the years, and while none of them are members of the Packers anymore, it's good to see former teammates still staying close.
Ex-Packers at the Kentucky Derby
Here is the confirmed list of ex-Packers who are attending the 2024 Kentucky Derby, according to the Louisville Courier Journal:
- Aaron Rodgers, Jets quarterback
- Randall Cobb, NFL wide receiver
- Davante Adams, Raiders wide receiver
- Jimmy Graham, NFL tight end
- A.J. Hawk, former NFL linebacker
- Matt Flynn, former NFL quarterback
- David Bakhtiari, NFL offensive tackle
- Bryan Bulaga, former NFL offensive tackle
- Allen Lazard, Jets wide receiver
- Corey Linsley, Chargers center
