Aaron Rodgers spoke publicly for the first time since the NFL Draft, an event in which the Packers selected quarterback Jordan Love in the first round. Since that night, speculation has run wild through social media. Is Aaron angry? Will he be traded? What does this mean for the organization? Here are five takeaways from Rodgers’ interview:
His Thoughts About The Jordan Love Pick
One of the first questions asked to Rodgers was in regard to his initial reaction to the Jordan Love pick. Rodgers admitted to being surprised by the pick. However, he also stated that he understood that football is a business. The organization has reasons for the decisions that it makes. When asked about what potential relationship he would have with Love, Rodgers referred back to his past relationships with his other backups. He stated that he had positive relationships with many of the guys who played behind him. Rodgers sees no reason why it will not be the same with Love.
He May Or May Not Retire As A Packer
Rodgers was asked about his desire to finish his career as a Packer. Rodgers handled this questions very well. He stated that he knows his body best and believes he can compete on a high level for a long time. Rodgers said that if he feels he needs to retire at the same time the organization wants to move on from him, then it would be the ideal scenario. If not, as Rodgers said, “There have been guys who have gone to play elsewhere.”
Rodgers Believes In The Receivers That He Has
When asked about his receiving core going into this season, Rodgers said that he has a ton of faith in the players they have on their roster. He revealed that he has spoken with newly acquired Devin Funchess on several occasions. During these talks, Rodgers stated that he is impressed with his football IQ and is excited to get to work with him. He also stated that if the organization did not draft any receivers, they must obviously have a lot of faith in the ones they have. He particularly named Jake Kumerow, St. Brown, and Allen Lazard as players he is looking forward to playing with again.
Rodgers Will Be Watching The Conditioning Of Others When Play Resumes
The question was raised to Rodgers regarding whether or not he (and others) have been able to do the workouts they need to be doing to stay in shape. Rodgers referenced coming back after the lockout following 2011. He stated that it was obvious which players were self-motivated. In addition, it was clear which ones needed more structure. Rodgers is hopeful that this current roster is putting in the work necessary.
The Packers Have Something Special
Rodgers was confronted with the commonly-spread notion that the Packers were a “bad 13-3 team,” Rodgers rejected the idea. He touched on the fact that they went 13-3 with a new head coach and in a new offense. Even with the extended time off, he believes that the Zoom meetings with players and coaches have certainly been enough to keep the players mentally sharp. The question is whether or not everyone has stayed in good shape. If that happens, the Packers could certainly make some noise in the NFC again.
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