Philbin rejoins Packers after death of son
New York Giants defensive back Derrick Martin (22) talks with Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, right. (Jan. 15, 2012) Credit: AP
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin rejoined the Green Bay Packers Sunday for their NFC divisional playoff game against the Giants, two days after the funeral of his 21-year-old son.
The body of Michael Philbin was pulled from an icy river in Oshkosh, Wis., on Monday afternoon, almost 24 hours after he was reported missing. A preliminary autopsy listed the cause of death as drowning.
Philbin was on the sideline during warm-ups, and several Giants approached him to offer their condolences. He worked the game from the coach's booth in the press box, as he usually does. Philbin is not the one who calls the plays that are transmitted into Aaron Rodgers' helmet, but the team relies heavily on him to make adjustments and respond to the defense during the course of the game.
The funeral for Philbin's son was held Friday. A number of Packers, including Rodgers and coach Mike McCarthy, attended the funeral and visitation.
McCarthy had left the decision whether to attend the game to Philbin, and the Packers' coaching staff had put together two different game plans for the game -- one with Philbin and one without him.
A number of players said they were going to dedicate the game to the Philbin family. "This team is like a family," Donald Driver said. "We're all thinking of him and want to support him any way we can."
