After Brett Favre had made his decision to hang up the green and gold, Packers’ nation was filled with uncertainty. Going from a three-time MVP in Favre to a kid who had rode the bench for three years did not inspire hope in many. However, The Packers had invested a first-round pick on the kid. Sticking by him turned out to be one of the best decisions in the history of the franchise. In this edition of MVP Spotlight, we look at the two time MVP Aaron Rodgers.
A Man Caught in Crossfire
Everyone knows the drama that took place in Green Bay after Brett Favre retired. He wanted his job back, and, of course, the fans were behind him. However, when the front office stuck by the unproven first round pick, Aaron Rodgers, he was the one who became the villain. Rodgers missed the playoffs in his first season as a starter leading the Pack to a 6-10 record, but he never looked back.
2010
The image says it all. Three seasons after becoming the starter, Aaron Rodgers showed the world he is the real deal. Rodgers came back from injury and went on a six-game win streak, including three playoff games, and the Super Bowl on top of that. The Packers suffered a devastating playoff loss in 2009. Rodgers came back the following year and won it all. Rodgers was honored with the Super Bowl MVP, an award that would foreshadow things to come.
2011 MVP
The season after reaching the top of the mountain, Rodgers showed no signs of slowing down. The Packers were 15-1 behind Rodgers who would go on to earn his first MVP. Additionally, Rodgers was also named First Team All Pro. Rodgers threw for 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns through the air. He set the record for single-season passer rating at 122.5. Rodgers finished 12 straight games with a passer rating of over 100.0 to set a NFL record. He also tacked on three rushing touchdowns. Rodgers’ 2011 season is one of the best ever by a quarterback, and probably his best as a pro.
2014 MVP
In 2014 Rodgers set the league on fire. He was named First Team All Pro for the second time in his career. He threw for 4,381 yards and 38 touchdowns. The Packers had the best ranked offense in the NFL and secured a first round bye in the playoffs. Through all of this however, the most memorable part of this season was perhaps the statement Rodgers gave Packers faithful after a 2-2 start to the season:
Five letters here just for everybody out there in Packer-land: R-E-L-A-X
Aaron Rodgers
The Packers would go 10-2 the rest of the season before falling just one game short of playing against New England in the Super Bowl.
The Legend
The lone two MVP seasons by Rodgers do not even begin to do justice to his amazing career. Eight straight playoff appearances, a Super Bowl, a two time First Team All Pro, The “Run the Table” stretch, and many more great moments highlight his illustrious career. Additionally, Rodgers was named an All Decade QB earlier this week, and he is still playing at a high level. It’s only right to expect more awards from number 12.
For our other MVP Spotlights, check below!
As Always
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