NFL

Aaron Rodgers Appears to Be One Happy Camper in Green Bay

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Aaron Rodgers Jordan Love

The offseason talk surrounding the Green Bay Packers has been focused on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two-time MVP guided the Packers to a berth in the NFC title game last year but was hardly rewarded. The Packers traded up in this year’s draft to select his replacement, quarterback Jordan Love, in the first round. Many believed Rodgers would be bitter and unhappy when training camp rolled around, but that hasn’t been the case.

Rodgers reacts to the Jordan Love pick

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The Green Bay Packers shocked many on draft night when they traded up in the first round to select quarterback Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. The team that had just advanced to the NFC Championship used its first pick to draft a backup quarterback? It was viewed by many as a strange move. One of the many was Aaron Rodgers.

“When they traded up, I definitely perked up a little bit,” Rodgers said, according to The New York Post.“And then I got a text – because everything is so delayed. I got a text from my agent, my marketing agent who I love and he just texted ‘quarterback.’ I was like, ‘Oh, wow. OK.’”

Back in 2005, Rodgers was on the other side. He was drafted in the first round by the Packers, who still had a very effective Brett Favre running the show. “Like I said, I wasn’t elated by the pick especially being one game away from the Super Bowl and feeling like we’re a couple players away, but at the same time I understand it’s a business,” Rodgers said. “I know that the reality.”

Rodgers reached out to Love

Aaron Rodgers admits he wasn’t thrilled with the Green Bay Packers pick in 2020, but he made it known it wasn’t anything personal. He understands what it’s like to be in Jordan Love’s shoes. After the dust settled, Rodgers reached out to Love.

“The next day I called Jordan because I just wanted to make sure he knew that, you know — I know what he was thinking,” Rodgers said, according to The New York Post. “I know what he was going through. The last thing you want is to deal with any negativity around realizing a childhood dream. I just told him, ‘Congrats, man. I understand what you’re going through man, it’s super exciting. I’m excited to work with you.’ Which I am.

“I understand it’s a business, I understand the nature of the business. I’m not here advocating my spot by any means, that’s not going to happen. But I understand how the business works.”

There doesn’t appear to be any QB problems in Green Bay

It’s very early in traning camp, but all appears well with the Green Bay Packers’ quarterback situation. Aaron Rodgers isn’t holding a grudge. He isn’t bitter about anything. In fact, Rodgers appears very happy and is joking his way through camp.

According to The Athletic’s Green Bay Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman, Rodgers is having fun. Schneidman quoted backup quarterback Tim Boyle as saying he’s never seen Rodgers happier at camp.

“He’s spunky, he’s throwing jokes around. I think a part of it is the comfort level of the offense,” Boyle said. “He’s in a great mood. We joke around 24/7 … He’s been awesome to me and Jordan.”

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Mike Thomas
Sports Editor

Mike Thomas spent 23 years on staff and 16 years as the sports editor at The Herald News in Fall River, Mass., before joining Sportscasting in 2020. Mike has a deep knowledge of and passion for the NFL and NBA, and he excels at interviewing sports celebrities to find out their Super Bowl picks. A New England Newspaper and Press Association award-winning columnist and an avid sports memorabilia collector, Mike enjoys keeping up with all the sports news and the works of former Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly. You can find more of Mike's work on Muck Rack.

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Author photo
Mike Thomas Sports Editor

Mike Thomas spent 23 years on staff and 16 years as the sports editor at The Herald News in Fall River, Mass., before joining Sportscasting in 2020. Mike has a deep knowledge of and passion for the NFL and NBA, and he excels at interviewing sports celebrities to find out their Super Bowl picks. A New England Newspaper and Press Association award-winning columnist and an avid sports memorabilia collector, Mike enjoys keeping up with all the sports news and the works of former Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly. You can find more of Mike's work on Muck Rack.

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