For the second time in 15 years, two-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers has to deal with the situation of a young first-round draft pick at quarterback joining a team with a legend at the position.
In 2005, he was the draft pick with legendary incumbent Brett Favre, who left three years later after the Packers traded him. In 2020, he’s the legend with Jordan Love coming in after the Packers traded up to draft him in the first round.
In his first public comments through the Packers since the pick, Rodgers shared his own mindset about having Love come in with this situation.
“I’m excited to work with him. He seems like a really good kid with a good head on his shoulders,” said Rodgers, who said he has had good conversations with love.
“It’s the same that I’ve done with all my backup quarterbacks. I feel great about those relationships…many of them are still really close friends. (I) expect that same type of relationship with Jordan.”
Rodgers can empathize with Love’s situation, as he had no control over which team drafted him when he fell to the Packers in 2005.
“He didn’t get asked to be drafted by the Packers. He’s not to blame at all. He’s coming in excited about the opportunity.”
Rodgers admits his own reaction was one of surprise and not the greatest of happiness, as he watched the pick with former teammate A.J. Hawk and former player Pat McAfee.
“I’m not going to say I was thrilled by the pick, necessarily, but I understand. The organization isn’t just thinking about the present, but about the future. I respect that. I understand their focus and mindset,” said Rodgers.
“It’s what those guys are paid to do, to put together a roster for now and for the future as well.”
“I think what it does is reinforce the adage that you can only control what you can control. It’s always been a mantra for myself…for any great athlete…there are things that are just out of our control,” he said.
He says it’s still important for him to try to end his career in Green Bay on his own terms, but that may not become his choice anymore.
“It’s telling at this point that it’s something that’s out of my control,” said Rodgers.
“If there comes a time where I still can play at a high level and my body feels great, other guys have gone on and played elsewhere.”