Former Teammate Defends Aaron Rodgers

Former Packers running back Don Jackson defends Aaron Rodgers. 

Matt Lombardo of FanSided caught everyone’s attention last week with his article about Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

A former NFL general manager told Lombardo that Rodgers is “selfish,” stating his attitude isn’t well-received by teammates. However, the former GM didn’t stop there.

“Coaches don’t like him. It’s all about Aaron.”

“They all deal with him because he’s a superstar. He helps guys make money and put food on the table for their kids, and people respect him for that.”

This would come as a surprise to head coach Matt LaFleur who publicly adores Rodgers. The two have grown very close during their two years working together. One could even argue that continuing that relationship is enough to persuade Rodgers to return to Green Bay. This GM’s comments about Rodgers and his relationship with coaches appear to be pretentious at best.

However, this isn’t the first time we’ve gone down the wormhole of Rodgers relationships within the locker room. Every offseason, it seems as though Greg Jennings or another attention-seeking teammate has a subtle jab they throw toward Rodgers. Now it is a former NFL GM, who, for all we know, is out of the league due to his inability to manage relationships.

What isn’t going to make any headlines is the former teammate who commented on Lombardo’s story, coming to Rodgers’ defense. Probably a name you won’t remember, either.

“12 made me feel very welcome when I was playing in Green Bay,” tweeted Don Jackson. “He never sat on a high horse & always reached his hand out to help or show love. We all loved his energy, his kindness and competitiveness. Just stop with the BS. Aaron is a great leader, great teammate even better human.”

Jackson’s time with the Packers was brief but memorable. He signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2016 NFL Draft and then was released by the team in July. In September, he was signed to the practice squad and later got promoted to the active roster.

He appeared in three games during his one season in Green Bay, finishing with 10 rushing attempts for 32 yards. Jackson is now a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.

Jackson had no incentive to speak on Lombardo’s story. However, it says something about Rodgers’ character and leadership that he felt the need to come forward. Jackson probably isn’t the only former teammate who is tired of seeing Rodgers’ name dragged through the mud, but he is one of the few to speak up.

The franchise quarterback could have easily bypassed Jackson as a camp body with no future in the NFL. However, that isn’t what happened, as Rodgers did what all great leaders do. Jackson even spoke on behalf of other teammates saying how much everyone thrived off Rodgers’ energy.

Unfortunately, Jackson’s comments won’t make many headlines, but maybe they should.

 

 

 

 

Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.

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8 points
 

Comments (20)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
mnbadger's picture

June 23, 2021 at 12:13 pm

Thank you for that information. I've been blocking out most of the AR stories because they all seem to be negative and based on hearsay and speculation. This is a perfect gut check for the haters. Personally, I wish AR would address the situation to "the people" and own his strong feelings. I'm guessing quite a few of us would support him. Hearing nothing, I think it's time for him to move on. Get as many really good, proven players for 2021 and as many draft picks for the future as possible. GPG!

11 points
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Stroh's picture

June 23, 2021 at 07:19 pm

The won't be trading him until next offseason at the earliest. Beyond that it depends on his play and Loves development.

Nothing in the media ir really worth listening to, except Hawk, Kuhn and James Jones.

My guess is he shows up with 2 weeks to prepare for the regular season.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

June 23, 2021 at 12:18 pm

We all know that not all players have liked Rodgers over his career. We all know that many have. Hardly a surprise in a group as large as that. No news is, well, no news.

11 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

June 23, 2021 at 12:24 pm

I have never been of the opinion Rodgers has been a locker room problem. His tenure with the Packers has seemed to be one of a hard worker, perfectionist minded, and a great field general and leader by example in practice.

He may be arrogant and selfish, but that does not detract from the above leadership skills.

8 points
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Michael Nault's picture

June 23, 2021 at 12:44 pm

I don't care if he comes back or not. But if he is asking for more money, and his current contract has handcuffed the team, then iI wish his butt luck and say good bye. If he wants to win a super bowl, he needs to win a NFC Championship game first. Don't think he can do that going to DA all the time and not opening his eyes to other receivers. BYE BYE Aaron

5 points
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Packers0808's picture

June 23, 2021 at 01:16 pm

Rodgers is, sure not humble by any means, But remember that not that good, he has failed 8 of nine times in BIG TIME GAMES! You may not like Brady, but he isn't a loser in most of the big time games in his career!

-4 points
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Razer's picture

June 23, 2021 at 02:17 pm

Brandon - you forgot to lead with "Breaking News". The dog days of summer are upon us.

4 points
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Lare's picture

June 23, 2021 at 02:44 pm

Click Bait

3 points
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marpag1's picture

June 23, 2021 at 03:39 pm

October 30, 2016, 9 minutes and 6 seconds remaining in the first quarter against Atlanta, with the Falcons leading 3 to 0, Don Jackson hammered his way forward behind a block from right guard TJ Lang. By the time the dust had settled, Jackson had picked up 7 yards and a much needed Green Bay first down on their own 28 yard line. Jackson finished the game with a career high 4 carries, and a total of 10 yards.

That was undoubtedly my favorite of Don Jackson's 29 career snaps.

8 points
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CoachDino's picture

June 23, 2021 at 03:39 pm

To me what stands out is that of the 100's of guys that AE has played with where is the clamoring of support. I'm sure there are supporters that have spoken out and I'm not surprised when people say he was a nice guy but really Don Jackson? lol...

4 points
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packer132's picture

June 23, 2021 at 08:37 pm

I had to google Don Jackson, as I never heard of him. After drafting 3 running backs in 2017, he was cut. (Jones, Williams, Mays). You would think players would be coming out on social media saying what a great teammate Aaron Rodger was/is. I'm sure players are split. I hope he shows up in August after training camp is over, as he gives the Packers the best chance to win. I was a big fan of his before this year. I will always cheer on the Packers, win or lose.

0 points
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Rebecca's picture

June 23, 2021 at 04:49 pm

Opinions about vapor are formless and changing. Seems Don Jackson didn’t stick around long enough to get the famous Rodgers eye roll with an additional stank-eye. LoL

7 points
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Reghamster's picture

June 23, 2021 at 10:20 pm

Quite true Rebecca ! It may have saved his life as the stank eye has been close to lethal . Of course if Don is vaporizing it may not matter alas !!

0 points
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BrettGB's picture

June 23, 2021 at 07:10 pm

This stuff about Rodgers being a bad team mate was old 10 years ago. Remember when Rodgers got upset with James Jones in a Thursday night game vs. the Bears and the media was like "Rodgers is a bad team mate, or a bad leader". James Jones. We're talking about James "Has 12's back until the end of time" Jones. I've learned to ignore that garbage.

I've heard countless stories from various players over the years that sound a lot like Don Jackson's, and only a handful of negative comments. I chalk those up to you can't have a good relationship with everyone. It happens.

2 points
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scoonie_penn's picture

June 24, 2021 at 06:11 am

It's about time!!! I was really on the fence about this whole ARod situation until I heard from eyes and ears of the Packers organization, legendary RB Don Jackson. I can't wait to attend his Packers HOF ceremony next year. Oh the memories! I'm waiting with baited breath for Paul Ott Carruth and Samkon Gado to chime in.

2 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

June 24, 2021 at 07:04 am

So just like the fans, there are some players who adore Rodgers and some who view him as a selfish jerk.

2 points
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Roadrunner23's picture

June 24, 2021 at 07:13 am

The truth is somewhere in the middle I’m sure.
I am trying to reserve any final opinions on this whole mess until they figure it out.
Love the Packers
Love AR
I hope they can work it out
Go Pack!

7 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

June 24, 2021 at 10:19 am

Wait a second there Nostradanus. Aren't you going to tell us how this whole mess will play out? That is like, your JOB. Do your 1/11th here bro.

2 points
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BrettGB's picture

June 24, 2021 at 11:21 pm

Ahahaha

0 points
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SwedeBayPacker's picture

June 24, 2021 at 07:42 am

"NO! SON OF A BITCH!! FUCK!!!!"

- Aaron Rodgers screaming to Matt LaFleur when the latter called a time-out on what would've been a first down or TD (I forget which one).

AR is a perfectionist. They're never easy to deal with. Everything is fine until someone screws up. That's when you get the dreaded eye-roll of doom.

3 points
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