The future Hall of Fame quarterback of the Green Bay Packers says he expects the team to eventually replace him as the starter after trading up and drafting Jordan Love back in April.
“That’s probably what happens, based on the circumstances around everything,” Aaron Rodgers told Kyle Brandt on a Ringer/Spotify podcast Tuesday, the day Packers camp was set to begin for the 2020 season.
“Just look at the facts. They traded up. They drafted him. I would say they like him. They want to play him….I get it. I see it completely clearly and I’m not bitter about it. It kind of just is what it is.”
“Was I bummed out? Of course. Who wouldn’t be?” Aaron Rodgers got candid with @kylebrandt about the Packers’ decision to draft Jordan Love. Check out the clip from Kyle’s new @ringer/@spotify podcast. pic.twitter.com/UtOgx24ro6
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) July 28, 2020
Comparisons have often come up about the similarity to Rodgers’ situation when he came to the Packers. He was drafted in the first round in 2005 while Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre was still on the roster.
Favre retired in March 2008, then unretired, but the Packers had moved on from him in preparing Rodgers for the starting role which he has kept for 12 Hall of Fame-caliber seasons.
However, Rodgers sees differences in the situations – not only in the fact the Packers traded up to get Love, but that the era of quarterbacks learning from the bench has gone by the wayside in the NFL.
“Different scenario. I think quarterbacks are playing earlier. It gives some latitude for young coaches and GM’s to play their guys,” said Rodgers.
Rodgers’ experience with Favre also allows him to empathize with Love as the talented newcomer coming to the Packers’ quarterback depth chart while an all-time great remains in the starter’s role.
“I know what he is going through. The last thing you want is any negativity about realizing a childhood dream,” Rodgers explained. “I just told him, ‘Congrats, man. I understand what you’re going through. It’s super exciting. I’m excited to work with you,’ which I am.”
