Blue Wahoos Partner Josh Sitton Gets Special Honor From Packers

The sentimental aspect struck Josh Sitton and his wife, Kristen, as their car traveled last through familiar roads and came within view of Lambeau Field.
So many memories. So much success during his eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers, highlighted by a Super Bowl championship in 2011.
So much impact in their lives.
"And we just looked at each other and said, 'This is crazy to look at Lambeau and look at all the stuff that has changed.' Just seeing Lambeau in the distance was kind of emotional," said Sitton, who went from Pensacola Catholic to the University of Central Florida, then on to NFL fame as a well-respected offensive lineman for 11 NFL seasons.
"Pulling into the parking lot was even more so (emotional)," said Sitton, now a business owner in Pensacola and helping make a difference in his hometown.  
Sitton and fellow offensive guard teammate, best friend T.J. Lang, were honorary captains Dec. 8 for the Packers'  20-15 win against the Washington Redskins. It coincided with Sitton's official retirement as a Packers player and a special place in the franchise's decorated history.
"Josh is certainly one of the premier linemen of his generation," said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. "One of the better offensive guards to ever lace 'em up here at Lambeau Field."
Sitton and Lang chugged a Spotted Cow, a Wisconsin beer specialty, before entering the field last Sunday for the coin toss, bringing a thunderous roar from Packers fans during the pregame introduction.
During the National Anthem, Sitton said both men fought back emotions.
"We both got choked up pretty good," Sitton said. "He put his sunglasses on real quick after the National Anthem trying to cover up his tears. It was a very exciting moment. We were very much in the moment. It was a lot of fun.
"I felt like we were the best guard duo in football for quite awhile. We were roommates at the hotel together. We shared a lot of great memories together. So to get to have that moment with him was very special."
Sitton was joined by his family and several friends from Pensacola last weekend who traveled to Green Bay to share in his honor. He and Kristen are parents of two young children.
Pensacola Blue Wahoos co-owners and business leaders Quint and Rishy Studer, herself a huge Packers fan, attended the game with the Sittons.
Since announcing his retirement in March, Sitton has made a quick, smooth transition into the business world. He and company partner Chris Jaubert, a former teammate at Catholic, have stayed busy growing Bear General Contractors, a construction and development company they founded in 2014.
They recently moved into their new office headquarters on North Palafox Street. They have been involved in a variety of projects including several with the Studer Family of Companies.
"I get to have wins there," said Sitton, when asked during a press conference the Packers held last Friday on his transition to business. "I had wins on development. No matter what you are doing in life, you are trying to be the best and trying to win."
During the press conference, Sitton nodded at Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who he helped protect for those eight seasons. They won Super XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I think we had a helluva run," Sitton said. "And a lot of great memories with those guys. And my guy Aaron Rodgers, thank you for always making us better than we really are. We won a lot of games and lot of those memories are due to you and your abilities.
"Life is about memories and we made a lot of good memories together. And obviously the best was winning the Super Bowl."
He pointed out how he was 21-years-old, a fourth round pick in 2008 out of UCF when he got to Green Bay. His wife, Kristen, was 19.
"We started our lives here in Green Bay," he said, as he battled emotions on the podium. "I couldn't be the man I am without my wife. I appreciate everything. I love you. Thank you.
"A lot of my best memories of my adult life are here in Green Bay and Lambeau Field. I went from a kid to an adult (with Packers). I couldn't think of better place to come back and officially retire."
During his tenure with the Packers, Sitton started the most games (110) by a Packers lineman from 2009-15. He had 125 starts. He went to the Pro Bowl four times. He was named All-Pro three times.
"His durability and consistency was rare combination," Gutekunst said during the press conference. "I get a little emotional about this, because he was one of the best offensive linemen I have ever scouted.
He was really one of the players who put me on the map. I really fought for Josh in the draft room. I think about the third (practice) rep of his Packer career we knew we had a good one. And he was going to be a good one for a long time."
The Packers released Sitton in 2016, a decision that created anger among Green Bay fans. Sitton said he moved on from that decision and didn't hold any bad feelings.
"I haven't been back on the field at Lambeau as a 'friend' since 2016 when they cut me," said Sitton, who played against Green Bay in his two seasons with the Chicago Bears. "It was a great feeling to be brought back as a friend."
Sitton said he watches NFL games and football in general as much as he can. But he does not miss playing.
"It wasn't strange this year. It feels right," he said. "I feel like it was time to retire. It feels good to just be a fan. And it feels good to be a Packers fan again. My career is done. We were happy to be there as a Packer fan."
His mission now, he says, is simple.
"I try to be the best father, the best husband I can be every single day."