For most fantasy football leagues, surviving a few seasons is an accomplishment. In the case of the Morgan-Mellberg Memorial League, maintaining a fantasy league for 50 years has become a way of life — especially on Wednesdays, when the league meets, regardless of the part of the NFL season or the offseason they are in.
Built on competition, weekly banter, and deep friendships, the league has evolved into something far bigger than fantasy football. It's a living time capsule filled with stories, traditions, and memories passed down through generations.
We asked several league members to reflect on their time in the Morgan-Mellberg Memorial League and on what makes it so special.
The League Veterans
Some members have spent decades competing in the league, while others are newer additions trying to carve out their own legacy.
Bob Seering (3-Time Champion)
Few members encompass the league's history quite like Bob Seering, who has been part of the Morgan-Mellberg Memorial League for all 50 years. His draft-day ritual carries emotional weight. "I say a prayer to my 'Coach', my dad, who was one of the original league members who passed away in 2013." Computers are secondary to the Morgan-Mellberg members. When asked what makes their league so unique, Seering said, "We meet in person for the draft, which is done on paper every year and in person every week for roster changes during the fantasy football season."
Tom Vandersteen (3-Time Champion)
Like all the other members, Vandersteen is a committed Green Bay Packers fan. Vandersteen has been involved in the league for an incredible 48 years. The format has remained simple throughout the years: redraft and scoring only. Still, the memories have lasted a lifetime. When asked about his favorite league memory, Tom gave the type of answer only a true fantasy football veteran could appreciate: "Anytime I can beat Dave Zellner." We will get to Dave in a bit.
Greg Vandersteen (3-Time Champion)
Greg Vandersteen has spent 35 years competing in the league. Like many league members, he appreciates the league's classic redraft format with no keepers. When asked about his favorite memory, Vandersteen recalled a fantasy football nightmare. "I remember one year my first, second, and third round picks all got season-ending injuries after Week 1." Greg also reflected on joining the league at just 16. "Even though I started out as one of the youngest members, they treated me like an equal even though they were quite a bit older." That sense of respect and inclusion has clearly helped sustain the league over generations.
Michael Seering (2-Time Champion)
Michael Seering has spent 35 years in the league and still appreciates the traditions that make it unique. Michael described founding members Harry Morgan and Don Mellberg as "visionaries" and noted that the league's history extends beyond just those two names. For him, the true heart of the league lies in the relationships and his own family connection within it. "There is a lot of smack-talking with my brothers on draft day, which includes my brother Bob. It is mostly good banter, though. I always say, if I'm going to bet and lose, I'd rather lose to guys I love."
Newer Voices, Same Passion
Not every member has been around for decades, but even newer participants quickly realized this league is different.
Troy Hewitt (2-Time Champion)
Troy Hewitt has been in the league for 20 years and owns one of the more impressive accomplishments in league history. "I am the only back-to-back winner. Almost made it a three-peat in 2025!" Troy's draft-day preparation is equally serious. "I just use my custom cheat sheet from Footballguys." A man of absolute culture. Troy also fondly remembered the personality and humor of founding member Harry Morgan. "Harry was always good for a one-liner or two. Always loved him some Packers on his team as well."
David Zellner (3-Time Champion)
David Zellner's reputation preceded him in this article, but he's also spent 16 years in the league and won the same number of championships as a member twice as seasoned. His secret may be his draft-night ritual. "I drink an apple martini on draft night." David also recalls some great commissioner moments, such as dressing up as Santa Claus and purchasing a gavel to conduct league meetings. But he has an emotional connection to the league's legacy. "After Harry Morgan died, my son ended up purchasing Harry's house. It was my son's first home." Aspects like this bring a new meaning to "home league" for the Zellners.
Eric Flick (2025 League Champion)
Eric Flick has spent 11 years in the league and recently captured his first championship. Eric says the weekly meetings are what make the experience unforgettable. "The camaraderie of the weekly meetings. From jabbing at guys who picked up someone who had a bad game to cracking jokes about the weekly loser." And like any seasoned fantasy manager, Eric has his own draft-day tradition: "I always leave work at 2 p.m. for the 5:30 p.m. draft." Priorities matter. Let us know if you need a doctor's note next year, Eric.
TJ Seering (The Rookie)
TJ Seering may only have one year in the league so far, but the experience has already left a major impression. "It's a great time, and what I've been missing in fantasy for 30 years." Sometimes, it doesn't take decades to recognize something special.
More Than Fantasy Football
The Morgan-Mellberg Memorial isn't just about winning championships. Sure, championships, rivalries, and trophies matter. After 50 years, it is the sense of community and family built by its members that carries on its enduring legacy. Members remember the jokes, cherish the weekly meetings, and honor those who have sadly passed. In an era where fantasy football leagues are often temporary group chats that disappear after a few seasons, the Morgan-Mellberg Memorial stands as proof that fantasy football can become something much bigger:
A tradition and a legacy that doesn't just continue every fall, but stands firm all year long.
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