IThe third round curse sure has been real for the Green Bay Packers lately. Not only is Sean Rhyan suspended for taking banned substances, but the Packers have also released 2021 third round pick Amari Rodgers. Since being waived by the Packers, Rodgers signed with the Houston Texans. Last week, he had four receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. In that single game, he had more yards and touchdowns than he had in his one-and-a-half seasons in Green Bay. Now, we can go back and forth on what went wrong, or if the Packers should have made that pick. That is not the point here. The point is that since leaving, Rodgers made some very interesting comments about his relationship with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Amari Rodgers Did Not Feel Comfortable Talking to Aaron Rodgers
In an interview with Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic, Rodgers stated that he did not feel comfortable approaching the veteran quarterback. In the article, Amari Rodgers said,
“[Aaron Rodgers] does not really have many conversations outside of football with many people. So that kind of maybe played a role, just not being able to feel personable towards him, not at all connected, so you didn’t really feel comfortable to say things or communicate the way that you want. That played a part more than anything.”
It should be noted that this is just Amari Rodgers’ opinion. It is his view of his time in Green Bay. In the article, former Packers running back Kylin Hill added, “The majority of young players will be more shy and scared to speak to him because we all just watched him throughout growing up.”
Hill, of course, was cut for reasons that Matt LaFleur hinted as being, well, let’s just say Hill wasn’t being a supportive teammate himself.
What About Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson?
The problem with the narrative that Aaron Rodgers cannot get along with rookie wide receivers is the fact that both Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson have praised him for his work with them. Additionally, way back in August, Rodgers went on The Pat McAfee Show and showered his rookie wide receivers with praise even before the season began.
Look, I’m not saying that Amari Rodgers did not feel the way he felt. I am sure it was very frustrating for him, and I am glad he can get a fresh start somewhere. However, the narrative that all rookies will have bad experiences with Aaron Rodgers needs to die. It simply is not true.
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3 Comments
As a leader the responsibility was on Aaron to help Amari to get the most out of him.
Also thought it was wrong to hear from Aaron that Amari was just a returner. This should have come from MLF or position coach.
Next you’ll write Devante Adams just loved Aaron Rodgers, but how Devante simply left cause he wanted to be closer to his grandmother. Or you’ll suggest that Pat McAfee isnt clearly annoyed with Rodgers too…
Id suggest you just go and watch the Friday McAfee episode without Aaron about 2 or 3 weeks ago with Ian Rapport or watch the episode with Aaron where Rodgers starts the McAfee interview with “just don’t put words in my mouth & we’ll be fine…”
And that Rodgers snarky comment is quite ironic as it is regarding a question McAfee asked Rodgers the week before & when Pat was specifically asking Rodgers for clarity. So that is opposite of putting words in his mouth.
Now, they may say they were both only kidding, but again, Id suggest you watch what McAfee had to say about Rodgers to Rappaport the Friday before.
And btw, I’ve mostly been a Rodgers defender, but i can’t see going overboard & acting like Aaron Rodgers was anything but a dink to Amari who yes, clearly sucked as a punt returner, but so bad coaching decisions. And its not that unusual to be a good WRs but not a good returner (e.g. look at KC rookie Skyy Moore).
So keeping him back there likely cost us games, but again that’s on the coaches & GM too, who should have given Amari more of a chance at WR, but per that famous locker room comment from Aaron several weeks ago, it appeared that Aaron clearly wanted Amari gone. And I wonder how Jordan Love feela about it, but cant likely say.
Amari Rodgers has many chances to prove himself. Muffed punts and dropped passes, you ain’t going to be my number one to talk to either. It’s a business.