Local artist David Hahn has painting accepted to the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame

Older football fans will remember the great Lionel “Train” Aldridge, the all-pro defensive end that played nine seasons for the Green Bay Packers and the last two with the San Diego Chargers. After his retirement Aldridge suffered from mental illness and was homeless for a time. After receiving help, he became an advocate for the homeless and those who suffered from mental illness. He passed away in 1998 and longtime fan David Hahn got to paint Lionel’s picture for the Packer Hall of Fame.

David Hahn, well-loved Cook County artist, has a new honor. One of his pieces has been accepted at the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame! “Grandpa Dave,” who each year completes portraits of Cook County High School athletic teams and the individual players, has had a life career in illustration and artistry, especially in sports-artistry. (Including as sole illustrator for the 2017 “coffee table book”, The St. Louis Browns–the Story of a Beloved Team.)

A few years ago, David was commissioned for a memorial portrait of the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame player Lionel (the Train) Aldrich. Aldrich played for the Packers from 1963 – 1971, including in the famous “Ice Bowl,” and the first two Super Bowls. He was one of very few players that Coach Vince Lombardi allowed to start in their rookie year–and that year Aldrich was an All-Pro Defensive End!). “The Train’s” personal story actually beats his football history–after football he developed severe schizophrenia, becoming homeless for several years. With help of renewed faith in God, friends and football buddies, he received medical help, regained stability, and became an advocate for those with Mental Illness, working to better others’ lives.

Cook County artist David Hahn is all decked out in his Green Bay Packer’s gear as he stands in the Green Bay Packer’s Hall of Fame entry. While David’s art graces many walls, this piece of Packer great Lionel Aldridge is one that will be seen by many people over the decades as it gets rotated into the hall of fame collection of great Green Bay Packer pictures and stories.

A friend of David, Mike Garey, had commissioned the Aldrich piece a few years ago, and recently connected with the Packer Hall of Fame. They were very pleased to accept the portrait–truly an honor for David Hahn as the Packer Hall of Fame, with more than 15,000 pieces for their rotating exhibits, is very particular about new additions. Hearing the news, David said, “Wow! What an honor! My portrait of a legendary athlete in a legendary place!”