Green Bay Packers Face Tragedy with Death of Joe Philbin's Son

The Green Bay Packers are not worried about the New York Giants or a berth to the Super Bowl right now. They are keyed in on what matters most, and that's helping a good friend deal with the loss of his son. 

Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin had reported that his son was missing after a night out with friends. ESPN reported Michael T. Philbin was last heard from around 2 a.m. Sunday. Bad news has now turned to worse news as Michael Philbin's body has been found. 

Albert Breer of the NFL Network tweeted news to the masses on Monday evening. 

This follows a report from the Oshkosh Northwestern that the, "body of a 20- to 25-year old man was recovered in about 15 feet of water, 30 yards from shore, at about 3 p.m. Monday."

That body has now been identified as that of Joe Philbin's son. The report states that foul play is not suspected but the matter is still very much under investigation. 

The ESPN report cites head coach Mike McCarthy, who issued the Packers have contingency plans in place in case Philbin cannot be there on Sunday when the Packers play the Giants. 

It seems like a foregone conclusion now that Philbin will not be on the sidelines as he and his family will be dealing with a horrible personal tragedy. 

The Packers players and staff no doubt share in that grief as they see one of their own dealing with with such a horrible nightmare. 

Now comes the reality for the Packers, who have to look forward as their friend suffers. The Giants remain in their sights and have to be the focus at the moment. 

This is a veteran squad that can manage to be the consummate professionals they need to be at the moment. 

The playoff game against the Giants may not be the most glorious encounters in Packers history, but it will be one of the hardest as the Packers take the field, knowing full well that Philbin is suffering a tremendous loss.

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