Aaron Rodgers is back in Green Bay. He’ll line up as the Packers’ QB1 for the 2021 season. After that? Well, it seems as if all bets are off.
And if his first press conference since returning is any indication, Rodgers has some airing out to do before we cross that bridge into 2022 and beyond:
Rodgers says another frustration was he wasn't used in free-agent recruiting. Feels it's needed in Green Bay, which isn't a "vacation destination." #Packers "tried to throw some money at me." Says it was about more than that, though he didn't want to be a "lame duck" QB.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 28, 2021
Going back to something Rodgers said earlier, he wasn't consulted on the hiring of Matt LaFleur (which is absolutely nuts, btw). "I love Matt, we've had a blast and I'm glad he's here," but it was clear at that point the #Packers' organization viewed his job as "just play."
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 28, 2021
Aaron Rodgers: "There’s going to be a lot of tough decisions at the end of this year. I’m just going to focus on enjoying this year.”
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) July 28, 2021
Let’s be very clear: There has been no part of this press conference where Aaron has said, “but we worked through these issues and it’s all good.” It’s very clear the current fix is a bandaid on an open-heart surgery.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) July 28, 2021
Aaron Rodgers: "Green Bay isn't a huge vacation destination, people are coming here to play with me…" pic.twitter.com/8QNdX5DVVb
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) July 28, 2021
Reporter challenged Aaron Rodgers: Why do you want to be involved? Many of the players you wanted back ended up not having great years once they left. If the Packers didn't decide to move on from Favre, you wouldn't be here.
Rodgers' full response: pic.twitter.com/Y9y8g7Tsix
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 28, 2021
And that concludes the Aaron Rodgers Fireside Chat. Please see yourselves to the exits. Beware of the smoldering ash on the floors as you leave. We hope you enjoyed the show.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) July 28, 2021
This man used the mic as a flame-thrower and took aim at the front office for decisions that were (and weren’t) made. And for good measure, he side-swiped Green Bay as a destination. All this, just days after the team essentially got on its knees to beg for his return. That’s so wild!
Here I am wondering if all that public posturing was all to just get one year lopped off his contract and to bring back his friend Randall Cobb. Now I’m thinking Rodgers really wanted the freedom to say and do what he wants. Maybe that’s something he learned from master troll fellow quarterback Tom Brady during their golf exploits. After all, public sentiment has begun to swung toward Brady with his candid comments on being snubbed in free agency (among other topics).
In any case, things in Green Bay continue to be weirdly entertaining. Thanks?