Chris Gizzi (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

After taking one visit to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Green Bay Packers strength and conditioning coordinator, Chris Gizzi, knew he had found his calling. "The people…really enticed me. I knew these are the types of people I want to be around…the guys I want to play football with, the men and women I want to go to school with and want to serve with," Chris said. Chris began his Packers career as a player from 2000 until 2001, playing 23 games as linebacker. In the first Monday Night Football game after 9/11, Chris served as special teams captain and led his teammates out of the tunnel with an American flag to provide a display of patriotism and strength for the teams, fans and viewers around the country. He rejoined the team in 2013 as a strength and conditioning intern, and in 2014, he was hired as a strength and conditioning assistant. Now in his current role, he does everything he can to give back to the U.S. military and honor those who have served. He speaks with young people who are interested in serving and share his own experience. In addition to mentoring students, Chris finds countless ways to give back to veterans. He works with local military nonprofit groups to spend time with other veterans and thank them for their service and speak at their events. In 2019, Chris hosted the Packers Huddle for Heroes in Green Bay, which partnered current Packers players with local veterans groups to show appreciation for the veterans' service, listen to their stories and write letters to active-duty military members. Chris believes it is so important to take the time to listen to those who have served. He knows exactly how a simple gesture saying, "Thank you for your service," can mean the world to those who have made that sacrifice for our country. We believe that Chris' service and commitment to all who are considering serving, currently serving, or have served in the military are what make him a perfect candidate to receive the Salute to Service Award.