Passing the baton: Mason and Molly Crosby now co-chairs of Lombardi Golf Classic

GREEN BAY (WITI) -- The life of an NFL kicker can be a lonely one -- especially when things aren't going well. Just ask the Packers' Mason Crosby.

Before last season, his job may have been on shaky ground -- but Crosby stood firm and learned something that went "Beyond the Game."

Mason Crosby had known the best of times as the Packers kicker. He set an NFL record for the most points scored by a player in his first six seasons.

But after a 2012 season that saw him finish dead last in percentage of field goals made, the likable Crosby was booed at Family Night last August after hitting on just two of six field goal attempts during a kicking duel with Giorgio Tavecchio.

The worst of times?

Not according to 29-year-old Crosby from Texas!

"The year before is, in my mind, probably the greatest blessing that I've ever had in my career. It helped me seek out relationships with my family, with my wife, my kids -- making sure that I saw what was important," Crosby said.

Of course, so was his work.

Crosby took on the critics and the in-house competition and had a banner season in 2013. While he grew as a person, Crosby earned the admiration of the best teammate he'll ever have.

"It was actually a time where I think God revealed to me how much of a man I had married. I mean, to make it through the season with his head held high -- to see how he reached out and found inspiration from his father, different people and just never gave up -- just kept working at it -- completely applied to my life and just deepened my respect," Molly Crosby said.

The Crosbys have a deep respect for the cause of this weekend's Lombardi Golf Classic at the North Hills Country Club in Menomonee Falls.

The event has raised money for cancer research and education in memory of the legendary Packers coach since 1970.

Bart and Cherry Starr have stepped down from their role as co-chairs -- a position they held from Day One.

The Starrs handed the baton to Mason and Molly Crosby.

"Just the class that they bring with them. We talk about it all the time and just hope that someday we can kind of have that presence -- kind of have that ability to just be seen the way that they are. You know, they left this thing in such a great place. You know, the Lombardi Golf Classic is going to continue on because of the legacy that Bart and Cherry had left," Mason Crosby said.

"I will never have had the honor or privilege of knowing Coach Lombardi, but I know Bart and Cherry Starr -- and by knowing them, I feel like I get to be a part of the man who defines the NFL in so many ways," Molly Crosby said.

Crosby says he thinks the Packers are primed to make a deep playoff run this season, and for years to come.

Now that he has a strong foothold on the kicking position again, Crosby figures to be along for the ride.

"This is my home. I feel so fortunate every year just to be able to have a home -- to have the relationships with people in the organization -- across this whole state. This is a special place, and it was from the very beginning, kinda the perfect fit for me," Crosby said.

Crosby recruited a host of Packers players to take part in this weekend's Lombardi Golf Classic.

The event is sold out, but there's plenty of room for spectators at North Hills Country Club.