The Green Bay Packers are in the next phase of their offseason workouts. In these organized team activities, players start to work on and learn the playbook (especially the rookies and free agent signings) and compete for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Unlike previous offseasons, Green Bay has nearly 100% attendance at these voluntary workouts. Last season, for example, star cornerback Jaire Alexander skipped many of the voluntary workouts to do his own preparation of the season. This year, however, he has been at every single team activity, drawing enormous praise from his coaches.
Another player that has been present for all (except one) practice is quarterback Jordan Love.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love Has Been the Main Quarterback at OTA’s for a Few Years
Love did not get the full offseason experience as a rookie due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, starting in 2021, he was the Packers’ main quarterback in offseason activities. This is because his predecessor, Aaron Rodgers, skipped the voluntary events after Green Bay made the decision to draft Love.
While it was frustrating the team’s starting quarterback, a future Hall of Famer with high standards for his pass catchers, was not present to develop chemistry with his new teammates, the reps that Love got as the primary quarterback were invaluable to his development.
When speaking to Rodgers’ former teammates, there are some that criticize the way he treated them and others while still in Green Bay. The vast majority, though, have praised him for being a good teammate. For his part, Love has had nothing but good things to say about Rodgers and how he was treated by someone who can be considered one of his mentors.
However, there is no substitute for being present, as head coach Matt LaFleur pointed out in his recent press conference.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Praises Jordan Love
During his press conference after practice on Tuesday, LaFleur was asked about Love’s presence at OTA’s and the effect is has on the rest of the team. He responded,
LaFleur said offseason attendance is higher this year than in any of his prior five years. Been almost 100% all offseason. That includes Jordan Love, who is awaiting a new contract.
LaFleur said Love’s attendance sets tone.
“To have him here, you can’t put a value on that.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 21, 2024
As Schneidman notes, Love is present even though contract extension talks are ongoing between his representatives and the Packers. Many players hold out during these talks in an effort to put more pressure on the team to meet their demands.
Love is not doing that. Rodgers did, though.
In the past, Rodgers has been honest about his relationship with Brett Favre and with Love. While he would not throw Favre under the bus, he did say (without naming names) that he wanted Love to feel more welcomed and accepted in Green Bay than he did when he first arrived.
And to his credit, Rodgers did that. As mentioned, Love has repeatedly stated that he had, and still has, a great relationship with Rodgers.
When Rodgers held out of team activities, he talked to Love beforehand to make sure he knew it was not personal. His issues were with the front office, not Love.
But Rodgers’ absence also caused issues. In 2023, with three rookie wide receivers, Rodgers skipped offseason activities in training camp and failed to establish rapport with his new pass catchers. That lack of chemistry was displayed on the field as the team went 8-9 and Rodgers had the worst season of his career.
Love, like Rodgers, watched and learned, both what to do and what not to do.
Based on his actions this year, he learned that skipping these practices is something a quarterback should not do.
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