Aaron Rodgers Quickly Shuts Down Speculation Regarding His Discontent With Packers
Relax, Packer fans. Aaron Rodgers isn't getting ready to leave you.
By TimBackes
Earlier today, a variety of websites published reports that Aaron Rodgers was reportedly "frustrated" and "emotional" over a perceived lack of communication from the Packers organization regarding various coaching and personnel moves this offseason, presumably those involving the decisions to not retain quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt and cut wide receiver Jordy Nelson.
It didn't take long for Rodgers to respond:
I feel like the title of this article needs more click bait. Come on GBP, make something up, or talk to some unnamed sources close to me or something to beef up the clicks. #dalailamaisapackersfan #bighitter #totalconsciousness #relax #fakenewstuesday #GBSnowday #meditation https://t.co/HnAvXBAsyl
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) April 17, 2018
So, Rodgers clearly feels as though the entire situation is ridiculous, or at least wishes to appear as though he is not upset by any actions the Packers have taken this offseason. These sorts of stories tend to pop up with Rodgers in the offseason; a quote will come out that sounds rather passive aggressive, we all overanalyze, and ultimately nothing comes of it. With Rodgers presumably in contract extension negotiations, we can expect this to continue to happen, or at least be picked apart more heavily during the news desert that is the football offseason.
Whether Rodgers is or is not upset with decisions that have been made this offseason is really of no concern to me; he has every right to be upset about these decisions, just as the team has every right to make them. What's more telling is that he showed up to offseason training activities voluntarily, in the middle of an April snowstorm no less.
When Rodgers was asked about the moves, he had this to say:
"I don't know if that's a question for myself, really. I think that's again, they're paying me to play quarterback to the best of my abilities, and their job descriptions are to handle those type of things. So I think you just act accordingly in those situations."
So while some Twitter blowhards were prepared to sound the alarm that Rodgers could perhaps be looking for a way out of town, the man's own actions and words today clearly indicate quite the opposite: that he's excited to get back to work. Here's what he had to say about the return of Joe Philbin:
#Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on Joe Philbin's return and finally reconnecting with his former offensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/bf7cM0iTyT
— Zachary Jacobson (@ZachAJacobson) April 17, 2018
This is just another situation where we'll never know what's actually going on inside Rodgers' head, but we really don't need to. His actions have indicated there is no reason at all for Packer fans to panic.
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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.
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Comments (50)
ZacharyJacobson
April 17, 2018 at 05:09 pm
We double-posted with different stories. *high-five*
TKWorldWide
April 17, 2018 at 05:11 pm
Well, alrighty then.
“Britches” remark withdrawn.
carlos
April 17, 2018 at 05:20 pm
I certainly wasn’t panicking. Not to mean I told you so, but just figured the Colin Herds ( who I actually like listening to) of the world we’re looking for a story to stir up something people find interesting. Things get so carried away. The world of social media, that can lead to fake news or should I say over blown stories, is part of the norm nowadays.
jeremyjjbrown
April 17, 2018 at 06:11 pm
"... into the dustbin of history!"
Since'61
April 17, 2018 at 06:41 pm
Like I posted earlier today, enough is enough. Thank you Aaron for putting an end to the media nonsense and hysteria. Meaningless drivel. Thanks, Since '61
Ryan Graham
April 17, 2018 at 06:42 pm
Sounds like a lot of Hooblah
John Ramble Kirk
April 17, 2018 at 07:02 pm
Boy, this saga really shows the dichotomy of belief and what type of fan you are. This is the key portion of the article for me: "or at least wishes to appear as though he is not upset by any actions the Packers have taken this offseason." B I N G O!
What does Aaron Rodgers do? Protects his image at all costs. Is it within the realm of possibility that this is damage control on his part? Those who wish this not to be true have their aha! moment but is it the truth? Of course, that side of the fence would never believe it anyway, even if it was true. Knowing he protects his image at all costs, you have to ask...Why would he say what he said about AVP? Perhaps, he was being emotional and letting his frustration overrule his desire to protect his image?
Now, to the other side who does believe the earlier piece is true and recognizes the damage control aspect to this story. Is Aaron Rodgers emotional and frustrated? Look at his words on Van Pelt and you tell me which is more likely? Emotional and frustrated OR nothing to see here? I think applying objectivity and rationalism to the available evidence points strongly to emotional and frustrated. He hasn't signed and he said what he said about AVP.
For me, the only part of all of this that I don't understand is how Aaron didn't know AVP was leaving if they were so close? That makes no sense. He sounded like he was blindsided by the revelation he wasn't informed his QB coach was hitting the road.
Based on what we know about Aaron's proclivity for sensitivity and again HIS OWN WORDS, I think the most plausible scenario is the tweets from him are the fake news and damage control. You think he likes himself being portrayed that way? Not a chance in the world.
We also know he was upset and not in agreement with Jordy's release. To say he's not frustrated by AVP and Jordy? Really? Right. He absolutely 100% was upset by both situations. Is he still and right now? I don't know that part, but I do know that he at least was for a time. Maybe, he's over it ...or, again just doing damage control to protect his image.
I believe the earlier reports and to think otherwise takes a whole lot of leaps in logic, imo.
LayingTheLawe
April 17, 2018 at 11:34 pm
I know the bulk of your comments are just due to your extreme hatred of Rodgers as a person and a desire to get others to rally to your point of view about him. So I am risking just giving you more chances to vent here about how awful a person you think this man is when I ask: what is your point? Do you believe Rodgers is going to become a cancer in the locker room? Do you believe he is going to tell the Packers to stick it when his contract is done and go somewhere else? Being a little pissed off in April is a long way from torpedoing the season and I think your hatred of Rodgers colors how important you think this kerfuffle is for the upcoming season.
Since'61
April 18, 2018 at 03:56 pm
Kerfuffle! Excellent choice of words within an excellent post. Great job! 5 likes for you if it were possible. Thanks, Since '61
John Ramble Kirk
April 18, 2018 at 06:45 pm
What? Hate him? That's pretty strong but mostly inaccurate. I have lost a lot of respect for him due to many of his actions over the years. I do believe his actions head further south with each passing season. I once was a fan of him, personally, and professionally. Now, it's waned on both sides based on what I've seen. Again, I don't let the fact that he is the best QB I've ever seen and the fact he plays for my team influence how I see him. It's only because I don't do that, that I say what I say about him because I would say that about ANYONE who has done the things he's done or acted the way he's acted or said the things he's said.
Do I think he's going to become a cancer in the locker room? Unlikely, I think he feels a responsibility to the other guys on the team when he's actually in the room with them.
Do I think he's going to stick it to the Packers "after the contract is done" and go elsewhere? I don't understand the question. If you mean not sign and try to go elsewhere? That's very different. If he signs, he's staying for the duration. Do I think he's going to sign? That's a great question. I'm not sure who might want it least at this point...the org, or him? Both say the right things publicly for PR purposes but I do wonder if either side really wants this too badly. I know I don't. I prefer him to play out his last two and then see where he is physically and mentally. I doubt it ever gets that far and he's either dealt now or next off-season, or signed at some point before that. The Kizer move is very curious to me. The org may wait to see what they think they have in DeShone before they decide to extend Aaron. If he looks much improved with them thinking the arrow is pointing way up the desire to extend 12 diminishes. If he's terrible, they may feel forced to extend even if they may not really be that keen on it.
The day Aaron leaves will not be a sad day for me. It won't be the celebration the day Brett was shipped out was, but I'm already ready for the next era. I'm tired of this one. Ted made it very very hard to be a fan for me. I honestly wish MM and AR went along with Ted and Dom. Oh, and I don't care about the possibility of the 80's returning. I think I'd enjoy watching a team build up rather than fall short.
WKUPackFan
April 18, 2018 at 07:13 pm
LayingTheLawe asked what your point was regarding AR. Examining the wordy gobbledygook of your response, the only decipherable point is that you feel it is vital for everyone to know that you were once an AR fan, but now you are not. You could have said it that simply without the excess gibberish.
John Ramble Kirk
April 18, 2018 at 07:57 pm
He asked two questions...one poorly worded, and I answered them both.
WKUPackFan
April 18, 2018 at 08:02 pm
He asked three questions, the overall question being the first one: "what is your point". The other two were examples of what may have been your point.
Since'61
April 18, 2018 at 09:05 pm
WKUPack - he's a Vikings troll, you'll never get a legitimate answer. Thanks, Since '61
John Ramble Kirk
April 18, 2018 at 10:58 pm
61...are you from Kentucky, too? Vikings troll? LOL. I used to work with Dave SInykin doing the Packers show on the weekends there at the Fan. I was a known Packers fan. Mike Morris put on a Packers helmet that I brought into work and said he always wanted to know what it felt like to play for a winner while he donned it.
Just one fun story for another detractor of mine... When Jeff Dubay was pre hosting and his unfortunate issues, he was the board op for the Breakfast Nook. He was going to get a chance to interview Toby Peterson who played for the Gophers. David didn't like hockey so he let Jeff do the interviews that were hockey related. Jeff queued up what he thought was the Gophers fight song... I'd replaced it with ON WISCONSIN so when he introed Peterson, On Wisconsin was playing. He was pissed... and said on the air...I'm going to kill "x"! Yup, you have me pegged as well as your Kentucky head hunter. Hate the Vikings...ask the guys I worked with there. I was the Packer fan in the office. Proud of it.
What was my point? A stupid, stupid, stupid question. It was pretty clear what my point was. I think Aaron's tweets are lies to deflect and rewrite the narrative kind of like what you do, WKU. Never took any shot at Charles Robinson only "GBP"...yeah, that denial ain't flimsy and false. Sounds legit to me but then again I don't have his Fat Head on my wall, either and can use normal rational thinking to assess the situation.
holmesmd
April 19, 2018 at 07:20 pm
Well many here may have also lost a lot of respect for you. Just something to consider?
carlos
April 18, 2018 at 04:03 pm
Emotions are like a roller coaster ride. They go up and down and sometimes get the best of you. Was Aaron upset at times? Probably was, but he’s a smart guy who probably “gets it” better than most. Time and getting a new season started probably settles things down a bit. He did the right thing, I think, by putting things in perspective and out in the open. Now all the tv analysts can pick away like a bunch of vultures. At least vultures get some benefits from their pickings. Let the season get going.
carlos
April 18, 2018 at 04:04 pm
Good things coming starting with the draft. It will be fun.
carlos
April 18, 2018 at 04:14 pm
No wonder some players refuse to talk to the media. Can you blame them? I’m sure there’s a lot of good reporting, but man, they have to on guard all the time. That would get old in a hurry.
Finwiz
April 17, 2018 at 07:12 pm
I listened to a well know reporter, one we've all heard of, get grilled by a radio host for 15-20 minutes about the validity of the Robinson story. Reporter basically said "no doubt the story was true" and "not once did Rodgers specifically deny the story". Non denial, denial's are tricky, but people savvy at media manipulation can do it well.
I'm relatively certain that original story was true, and it spiraled out of control, thus the statement this afternoon by AR, to redirect the spin.
I don't think much of this is terribly noteworthy though. These guys all have big ego's, particularly the great players in the game. They can't help but develop it, as people fall all over their every word day in, and day out. It only matters if it's going to impact him in the locker room, or change his opinion of the team. I'd say 95% he's still playing for the Packers in 2020, barring major, career ending injury.
John Ramble Kirk
April 17, 2018 at 08:43 pm
Interesting his angst was directed at "GBP" and not Charles Robinson. Why would that be? Upset his own team website reported the same as Robinson without consulting him? The GBP website always has his back. Something there in the fact GBP wrote whatever it wrote and no going after Charles Robinson.
He's emotional and frustrated and you can add dishonest to the list now.
EDIT: This is a ridiculous closing line from the article... +++His actions have indicated there is no reason at all for Packer fans to panic.+++
-What? It's his ACTIONS that have made this a story in the first place. A non specific denial is not a denial but not surprising it's being handled that way by the "fans" who just can't and or won't believe what the evidence suggests.
Finwiz
April 17, 2018 at 09:58 pm
Gullible fan boi's just suck up the non-denial, denials.
It's an art form.
John Ramble Kirk
April 18, 2018 at 11:20 pm
It always is smile worthy to see all the dislikes when a point is made that can't be rebutted. I've learned you're going to get one of three things here...
1) A down vote
2) Mocked
3) Some crazy, crazy bizarro world reply that has nothing to do with debate at hand and some crazy allegation in an attempt to undermine the point they can't refute.
Usually, you get all 3 from some of the guys here. I should post my twitter interaction with Ross that I screen shotted. It's a thing of beauty and exactly what we see here on a regular basis. Blindspots aren't just for cars.
holmesmd
April 19, 2018 at 07:29 pm
Perhaps you come across as condescending and no one wishes to engage your statements that you obviously always convey as fact by the tone of your posts? Just something to consider....
TKWorldWide
April 18, 2018 at 05:44 pm
Wilde-Homer, by any chance?
4thand1
April 17, 2018 at 08:02 pm
He forgot mention that he told the team to demote Ted and fire Dom or he's not coming back.
Oppy
April 18, 2018 at 07:07 am
Please tell me this is your take on sarcasm.
gbslapshot
April 18, 2018 at 03:33 pm
Because nobody else in the whole world realized those moves were the way to go. Just Aaron Rodgers...
4thand1
April 18, 2018 at 11:57 pm
Yes Oppy I was joking, WTF else is there to do in April?
Oppy
April 19, 2018 at 07:10 am
Lots of shoveling, apparently.
CJBauckham
April 17, 2018 at 08:19 pm
These stories aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.. he can be emotional and frustrated over a decision while still being a professional and doing his job. He can even be emotional and frustrated while saying he's not, to keep a mountain from being made out of a molehill.
John Ramble Kirk
April 17, 2018 at 08:36 pm
So, you think he's lying? Protecting a molehill from becoming a mountain is no justification for a lie. A lie is a lie.
Doing his job is expected and has NOTHING to do with whether he is frustrated, emotional and now lying. No need to defend a frustrated emotional liar. :)
Mojo
April 17, 2018 at 08:45 pm
I think you summed it up pretty well CJ.
Ferrari Driver
April 17, 2018 at 10:11 pm
Late last week I talked to my barber and bar tender and both told me to R-E-L-A-X and that Rodgers is out to win the Super Bowl this season.
I was really relieved to hear that.
Tundraboy
April 17, 2018 at 10:26 pm
Guy made it to Green Bay in a blizzard. Tells me all I really need to know. Now if everyone else followed his example.....
4thand10
April 18, 2018 at 12:11 am
Gatorade or propel zero....I used to drink Gatorade but made the jump to propel zero. I get the good stuff without the additional calories.
LambeauPlain
April 18, 2018 at 09:13 am
Philbin for Van Pelt, Graham for Jordy.
I think #12 is just fine.
Cartwright
April 18, 2018 at 02:42 pm
Captain Kirk, don't make it out to be Peyton Place, the soap opera, you don't know the man so how are you so sure over a few public comments. He will be the highest paid player in football at some point. He put the drivel to bed. So should you. Stick to analyzing how to make the Packers better, your good at that.
John Ramble Kirk
April 18, 2018 at 06:55 pm
He put the drivel to bed? In your opinion he did... To me, this is like Trevor Davis tweeting that he really didn't say what they said he said. The difference being fans aren't in love with Trevor Davis like they are Aaron so they'd rationally conclude one thing about Davis saying something like that and the exact opposite with Aaron. IT's because of how you FEEL about Aaron for what he gives you in thrills on the field that you willfully and wholeheartedly believe him this time while ignoring what is on the record with him, already. I understand the desire to hero worship and mentally shut your brain off that's why I'm all but certain Aaron is doing damage control. It worked on you. It did not on me. I'm not a fan boy for anyone or anything. I'm not comfortable selling my soul and sense to be a "fan". In continued irony, I will be reviled for stating this because I'm saying something counter to what you desire to believe as true.
WKUPackFan
April 18, 2018 at 07:48 pm
Incorrect use of irony. Claiming that you will be reviled is simply an attempt to convey victim status upon yourself. That self-serving claim has nothing to do with irony.
John Ramble Kirk
April 18, 2018 at 08:03 pm
I disagree. You are incredibly egocentric. You revile me do you not? That's simply stating the truth yet you have to spin it into me playing the victim? Everything I type is rewritten, by you, in Western Kentucky-ese. I wish I could speak the dialect and save you some time and trouble.
WKUPackFan
April 18, 2018 at 08:07 pm
I wish you could post a complete thought on your first try, instead of initially posting just "I disagree", then using the edit function to add additional verbiage.
John Ramble Kirk
April 18, 2018 at 08:20 pm
I wish a lot of things, too, but unlike you I adjust like a well adjusted adult should.
Do you foresee an end in sight to your reign of disdain toward me or should I buy an umbrella?
EDIT: Oh, and I can't win...too short...too long. There is no goldilocks zone.
holmesmd
April 19, 2018 at 07:22 pm
Keep digging man. Here is a shovel:(
al bundy
April 18, 2018 at 02:45 pm
Rodgers quit telling the fans to relax. They arent stupid. They can count to two, the number of times you failed to get rid of tha ball and got your shoulder busted. Maybe we will start screaming throw the dam football
Point-Packer
April 18, 2018 at 04:48 pm
"Rodgers quit telling the fans to relax. They arent stupid"
I'm not sure if I agree with that..
Point-Packer
April 18, 2018 at 04:38 pm
Here's to all those who made disparaging remarks about #12 after that "two word story" broke. Here's my favorite from the "Johnblood27":
"Brett Rodgers without the Good Ol Boy facade.
Not a good look.
Rodgers should know better, I guess the estrangement from family has eliminated any of that good sense being passed down. Relationships matter."
Turns out he does know better, ya bozo.
Royalty Free GM
April 19, 2018 at 01:39 am
Rodgers forgot to add hashtag #GetRidleyOr
sonomaca
April 19, 2018 at 10:46 am
No doubt Dorsey was on the phone. #1 and #4 for Rodgers, provided they can work out an extension. Would Cleveland be a SB contender (in a weak AFC) with Rodgers at the helm?
Could the get Joe Thomas to come back?
sonomaca
April 19, 2018 at 11:03 am
So, pick QB at #1, deal #4 to Buffalo for #12 and #22. Packers would thus have 4 first round picks.