The Atlanta Falcons have partnered with Truist for a weekly series designed to help fans get to know the limited partners of the franchise.
Over the next 11 weeks, AtlantaFalcons.com will publish a Q&A with one of the 11 limited partners of the Atlanta Falcons. In these discussions, the limited partners share advice for navigating the world of business, their favorite Atlanta Falcons memories and so much more.
This week, Will Packer shares his answers.
Will Packer
Packer, one of Hollywood's most influential and record-breaking filmmakers, has produced or executive produced a wide range of movies grossing more than $1 billion worldwide at the box office. Ten of his films have opened at number one. Packer's films "Girls Trip" and "Night School" were the highest grossing comedies at the box office for 2017 and 2018. Packer has received multiple Emmy nominations including one for his work leading the first all-Black producing team to produce the Academy Awards.
In addition to movies, Packer's television, digital, and branded content company, Will Packer Media, produces episodic scripted and unscripted series across television, podcasts and digital platforms, as well as compelling content for brand clients and short-form digital content for millennial audiences.
Packer serves on the board of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and is a longtime supporter of HBCU initiatives. He has received an honorary doctoral degree from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) supporting his work as a leading industry and community leader. Packer is a magna cum laude graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Packer received the Meritorious Achievement Award from Florida A&M, the highest honor the university bestows. In a 2021 ceremony, FAMU dedicated and officially opened the Will Packer Student Performing Arts Amphitheater.
Why did you want to become a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons organization?
The decision was as much about my community as it was for myself and my family. I believe that oftentimes youth aspire to be what they can see. They aspire to what feels real and tangible to them. I hope to be an inspiration to future NFL majority owners and limited partners who aspire to achieve something so significant because they saw someone like me attain it.
What is your favorite Atlanta Falcons related memory?
This one is easy: Beating the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game on the way to the 1999 Super Bowl. I had recently moved to Atlanta and was dating a Falcons cheerleader at the time. I was fully immersed in the Falcons fandom. We were so excited to be in that game, but the Vikings were heavily favored, an offensive juggernaut and Gary Anderson had literally never missed a kick that season. When the Birds did the improbable and pulled out the win in overtime you could feel the entire city rejoice.
When you look back at your career, what is something that makes you the most proud?
Honestly, it's not my own personal achievements, but the accomplishments of others that I have served as a mentor to. Folks that have interned for me have gone on to win Oscars and Emmys. That legacy of helping others achieve their dreams is what I'm most proud of.
Can you briefly describe any philanthropic passions you have?
My wife and I have the Packer Family Foundation that focuses on HBCU initiatives and serving underprivileged youth. It's easily some of the most important work we do.
What's the best business advice you've ever received?
Always defy expectations. I was told as a young filmmaker to always surpass whatever outlook someone else has on me and my ability to accomplish things. Who better than me to define my own potential?
Who is your favorite player (Falcons or otherwise) of all time?
Doug Williams. Seeing him win Super Bowl XXII was truly inspirational and an inflection point in my life. It was one of the first times I saw someone who looked like me accomplish something so momentous at the highest levels.
