Packers must win the Super Bowl to set Aaron Rodgers free

The Packers must win a Super Bowl before Aaron Rodgers can feel at peace with retirement.

Aaron Rodgers has been in the headlines again following open and frank comments about his post-football career.

Speaking after his victory in ‘The Match’, Rodgers admitted he thinks about retirement “all the time”. This led pundits to speculate on whether the upcoming NFL season could be the back-to-back reigning MVP’s last, despite signing a multi-year contract extension earlier in the offseason.

During his session with the local Green Bay media at minicamp, Rodgers offered up a telling quote on his NFL future.

Asked by Mike Spofford of Packers.com whether a decision on retirement could only be made once a season is over, or whether Rodgers could see himself announcing his retirement in advance, he said:

“I don’t think it’s fair to the mental state at the end of a season. If you say: ‘I’m for sure playing two or three more years’ and then you have a magical season ending with a championship and think that might be the best way to ride off, I don’t want to commit to something.

“You say: ‘I’m only playing one more year’ and then you have a bitter taste in your mouth and have still got the drive and the passion to play one or two more years, I don’t want to get pigeonholed.”

It doesn’t take much reading between the lines to see a clear idea of what the plan is. It appears Rodgers wants to win one more Super Bowl and go out on top.

The ideal scenario would be to achieve that goal this season, as Rodgers is not getting any younger and as each season passes, the chance for a regression in his skills increases.

Very few quarterbacks get to truly choose how they leave the game, and even fewer retire on the back of a Super Bowl run, but it has been done before as recently as 2016, when Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos.

Denver’s defense carried ‘The Sheriff’ to the title that year, as his abilities severely waned. While Rodgers on the other hand is still playing at an elite level, Green Bay may be opting for a similar strategy after building up a potentially fearsome defense to support their star QB.

This situation is like a movie where a ghost is stuck on earth because they still have unfinished business. Only when that business has been taken care of can they truly find peace.

Rodgers stated to the media earlier this week: “There’ll be decisions after this year, for sure”. Whether the Packers are the last team standing at the end of the 2022 season certainly seems to be the major deciding factor in that decision-making process.

 

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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres

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Comments (39)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
splitpea1's picture

June 12, 2022 at 02:52 pm

Do I like the title of this article....Not only would it set AR free, but Jordan Love, MLF, and all of Packer fandom for that matter.

Sure, it's always the ideal scenario to win the Super Bowl in the upcoming season with an aging QB and a playoff-caliber defense in place, but let's not forget that we have some questions on the OL and receiver-wise that need to be answered affirmatively before we can even start thinking playoffs. There's good reason to be optimistic about our chances of contending this season, but we'll really have to be blossoming at the right time (including MLF)--like we did in 2010.

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TarynsEyes's picture

June 12, 2022 at 12:57 pm

"The Packers must win a Super Bowl before Aaron Rodgers can feel at peace with retirement."

Couldn't care less if Rodgers is at peace with his retirement. What about the peace the fans will not have if they don't win the SB? We aren't walking away with a couple hundred million dollars made with nothing to show for it, less of course those vaunted Division Titles that were handed to the Packers like free candy at the factory.

If the Packers don't win an SB since Rodgers started getting paid to do so after 2010, he shouldn't have any peace in his retirement but endure the same anguish that the fans have and likely continue after he is gone, as the three in a row succession of HOF QBs appears ended as is the free Division Title pass so often bestowed and used as solace for the overall failure of the last 12 years and counting.

The SB drought is in no way all Rodgers's fault, but since he is the highest-paid leader designated to bring the Trophy home, the burden of failure rests upon him as will the unhappiness upon the fans. He does not deserve to retire unscathed for the failure to have at least won the Lombardi one more time before departing the team and the fans.

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MainePackFan's picture

June 12, 2022 at 01:28 pm

"What about the peace the fans will not have if they don't win the SB? We aren't walking away with a couple hundred million dollars made with nothing to show for it"

WE will never have peace, because it's all about winning the next Super Bowl. WE do not, and will not, have a legacy. WE have done none of the hard work it takes to walk away with a couple hundred million. I don't think even the biggest Aaron Rodgers hater questions his work ethic.

"the burden of failure rests upon him as will the unhappiness upon the fans"

I think that's the point of the article TarynsEyes. Let's hope AR get's to feel some peace :)

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UdderApocowlipse's picture

June 12, 2022 at 02:11 pm

"What about the peace the fans will not have if they don't win the SB?"

It sounds like a hypothetical fan is excessively emotionally invested, just a tad, in a game for which he or she has no agency to determine the outcome.

Whether or not Rodgers is at peace with his retirement is totally up to him, and it won't be determined by the outcome of a game. We all probably agree the NFL is an entertainment for us and the players are performers, performing for our entertainment. Surely Aaron Rodgers will have accumulated enough memories and knowledge to continue his career, however he wants, or not at all, in the field of entertainment.

This argument reminds me of the Broken Heart Scene with D. Bigelow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_eCrIO0ECw

Misery is wasted on the miserable.

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TarynsEyes's picture

June 12, 2022 at 02:40 pm

"It sounds like a hypothetical fan is excessively emotionally invested, just a tad, in a game for which he or she has no agency to determine the outcome."

Yes, the fans are limited in their agency to determine the outcome, but their part is legit and is legitimized when the players flap their arms for the fans to create havoc noise to disrupt an opponent's offense, which has been known to aid in the outcome of games. Yes, the fans do not do the game's physical feats, but they are as invested in the success as the players are expected to be. If you believe the fans have no bearing on the legacy of a player then you may be the one yelling for all to sit down and be muted. My fandom costs me as much as a player's regime to compete, the difference is the fan gets no money and prestige, but a simple nod at times from an announcer about how great we are.

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Oppy's picture

June 12, 2022 at 04:18 pm

"My fandom costs me as much as a player's regime to compete"

Ummm.. No.

Get over yourself.

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TarynsEyes's picture

June 12, 2022 at 04:54 pm

I believe the value of what I put into an endeavor is equal to anyone else's regardless. Perhaps the result of one is more productive or pronounced in prestige etc, but nonetheless, my time and effort put forth are equally valuable to me. The value you place on time and effort is yours and I have no problem with you thinking of yourself as having no value.

You suggest the parents are of no value when it is they who make it possible for the child to play soccer, to make the time for practice, feed, clothe them, deal with the failings with unrequited support, etc. The fan is as much a parent of the team as that child in school soccer.

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Oppy's picture

June 12, 2022 at 05:07 pm

So now you think cheering for an NFL team makes you as invested as the parent who supports, feeds, and enables their child athlete to compete?

You are one entitled snowflake. Oh, the irony.

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GreenBaySmacker's picture

June 13, 2022 at 02:17 am

TarynsEyes you make a valid point because there is no NFL without the fans. There is no Green Bay Packers. There is no CHTV. And I agree with you on the importance of having someone there who supports your cause. The value of that you can not put a price on.

I think any wise player/coach/owner will agree with you on the value of the fans and how much it means to them to have that support.

As another example. Most smart and successful business owners will tell you how important the customers are to the success of their business. Without fans or customers, there is no profit and no glory. From that perspective, fans may be the most important part.

I know I personally believe when it comes to business, customers are the most important part. They make you feel good about the hard work you do for them. They motivate you to want to do more, and do better. Not to mention, they are the ones funding your improvements and your ability to continue to offer your products or service.

We as fans are not parents, but we are customers, and we are important. We are similar to parents in respect to how we support and root for our favorite team and are always there through the good times and the bad. We celebrate their accomplishments with them and feel the disappointment of their failures. Damn that sure sounds alot like a parent. Well, at least a good parent anyhow.

Feel how you want to about your fanaticism. Don't worry about what other fans say. After all, maybe they just aren't as good of a parent as you.

Go Pack Go!

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Oppy's picture

June 12, 2022 at 04:33 pm

..Let me double down on this: a 7th grade student athlete playing soccer for their middle school JV team has more skin in the game than any fan sitting in the stands who doesn't train for competitive sports.

Let me repeat- Get. Over. Yourself.

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Since'61's picture

June 12, 2022 at 07:25 pm

Taryn, fans are invested I agree. However fans are not putting their health at risk on every snap. We also don't lose our jobs/careers if the Packers lose a game or have an early exit from the playoffs. Coaches do. Some players lose their livelihood and their lifetime dream of playing professional football.

Speaking for myself I turn off the TV or switch the channel and move on. The NFL has fallen off my list of meaning full activities for me, except for Packer games. Even that is assuming I'm not spending time with my grandchildren.

As for fans we are not on the radar of either the teams or the players. We're a revenue stream and a commodity to the league. One of us walks away and we're replaced by 10 more at least especially in this era of legalized gambling and fantasy football. The league's working on their second generation of fans who are in it for the FF teams rather than actual teams. The product declines but the exposure increases. why be overly invested in a game that invests zero or less in their fans. Enjoy the game and move on. Thanks, Since '61

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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

June 13, 2022 at 12:36 pm

If you think the fans are "as invested" as the players, I think something might be a little out of whack in the reasoning. Does your fandom cost you 12 hour days, 6-7 day weeks, countless hours of meeting, watching film, working out, working with trainers, meeting with agents, and the many other commitments that go with being on an NFL roster? Nope, we can sit back an watch on Sundays and be happy or sad and that's all it costs. If we choose to read countless articles, spend money on tickets, or on-line viewing options, that all by choice. Yes, fans can make noise and cheer and may affect the play on the field once in awhile in half of the games played. But that's a bucket of commitment compared to an ocean of work on the part of the coaches and players.

The outcome is determined by the quality of talent, the quality of coaching, the quality of play and lot of luck, injuries being a main aspect of that.

If a fan doesn't have peace because Aaron Rodgers only won one Super Bowl, that's on the fan, not on Rodgers or anybody else in the organization. He's being paid the market value for his services regardless of the outcome of any individual game. That's a fair economic exchange, whether the fans are happy or sad (or angry as many resentful GB fans seem to be). Fans seem to think they are "owed" a Super Bowl Title. I don't look at it that way. Nothing is guaranteed ever in sports. I enjoy the amazing play, the ups and downs of the season, the individual personalities of players and coaches and cheering them on. To ask them to give me peace is asking too much.

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Rarescope's picture

June 12, 2022 at 04:51 pm

Oh boo hoo dude. You have got to be the most entitled fan in Packer fandom. Please just go crawl under a rock somewhere and we'll let you know when they win the Super Bowl so you can come out to watch them holding the Lombardi trophy after the game is over so you can bask in the glory of your team (or should I say Aaron Rodgers since people like you seem to think that he is single-handedly responsible for everything) winning the only game that seems to matter to you.

Meanwhile, the rest of us who actually enjoy watching the game of football will kick back and enjoy an entire season's worth of exciting plays without having to deal with your constant negativity.

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croatpackfan's picture

June 12, 2022 at 01:22 pm

Well, if he said it so, I do not expect nothing less than that.

Now, if he will not be able to jump over the fence, how long he plan to play? Until his 70s, 80s? It is very interesting statement. And I fear that he did not include Father Time in his calculation. Also, I'm not sure that Packers D will be this season as dominant as Broncos were in the beginning 2016. Also I would like to know what % of Broncos SC went to Mr. "Sheriff" Peyton Manning that season. Was he the best paid QB in the league? Or he was playing for cookies, so Broncos was able to put together really impressive D.

I hope Packers will win SB this season, not because of AR, but because of Packers Nation who are waiting this title from the beginning of 2011 convincing themselves and bounding themselves to mantra "next season SB is ours!" That mantra is very, very bad. It brakes hearts and steal souls of the fans. Aaron Rodgers became soul stealer. Many of us did not noticed that because of the mantra...

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Rarescope's picture

June 12, 2022 at 04:53 pm

Soul stealer? Seriously? Please go join TarynsEyes under the aforementioned rock.

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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

June 13, 2022 at 12:44 pm

Where are you coming from? This is game, and there are 31 other teams fighting for the same outcome. It takes a combination of many factors to get to hoist the trophy and it is VERY VERY difficult to do it once in a player's career, much less twice. Green Bay fans seem to have forgotten how to enjoy the seasons, and the amazing play over the last three years of 13-3, 13-3. 13-4. That's an incredible amount of success in the NFL, which is built to create parity. The league is literally built to make winners into losers and losers into winers. That's why there is a salary cap and that's how the draft order works. For GB to continue to have the success they have had is sheer brilliance and I have no patience for spoiled fans who want to blame the most talented QB Green Bay has ever seen for an outcome they can't handle emotionally. I will enjoy watching #12 develop chemistry with the new WRs, watching the defense's new talent gel into place and seeing how the changes in the coaching staff affect the play on the field.

It is beyond brilliant they were able to keep Douglas and Campbell and to keep this squad competitive year after year. Once Rodgers retires, we'll probably be watching our favorite players, but I seriously doubt we'll be hoping to hoist a trophy again any time soon.

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Rarescope's picture

June 12, 2022 at 04:58 pm

More fun dead season conjecture. I've been thinking about retirement all the time since my late twenties. I've also noticed that projecting how I'm going to feel about something at some point in the future is not very accurate. Looking forward to tomorrow's article on which new receiver is going to have a breakout year :D

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MainePackFan's picture

June 12, 2022 at 05:55 pm

Ah Yes, retirement. Something we all look forward to. There is a big difference between my retirement and AR's. I do not have millions in the bank, Nor am I in my late 30's.

I show up to work because it pays the bills, My legacy will be..."What was that dudes name?"

I can assure everyone, with complete confidence, that if I had several million in the bank, my retirement decision would not not take long. That's a fact Jack :)

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Rarescope's picture

June 12, 2022 at 11:09 pm

Right and that just goes to show what a different world the modern sports superstar lives in. It’s kinda ridiculous to compare what we would do with what they would/should do.

I’m sure the money is a nice motivator but I gotta say it’s not enough for the average Joe such as myself. I’ve gotten two new jobs over the past year or so, both times with massive salary increases. It motivates me for like the first two weeks then I’m back to my old lazy self, reading articles on cheeseheadtv and riling up the “we hate Aaron Rodgers fan club” while I should be working :p

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Johnblood27's picture

June 13, 2022 at 08:24 am

Dude, you are me before I hung it up. Kudos for knowing your role... LOL!

Take the money and run!

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Rarescope's picture

June 13, 2022 at 09:58 am

That's the plan - I'm 41 and could feasibly "retire" in 5-10 years depending on what the economy does and how well the wife and I can resist spending our new found "riches." I still plan on working in some form or fashion but the goal will be more to stay engaged with something as opposed to saving for retirement. Maybe spend a year or two teaching English abroad and/or get a blog going.

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GreenBaySmacker's picture

June 13, 2022 at 02:27 am

Nice one Rarescope👍

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ricky's picture

June 12, 2022 at 06:35 pm

Let's put this into perspective. After having to go on the road in the playoffs for years, Rodgers said that having home field advantage would be the final piece to get the team another SB. Well, he's had that advantage two years in a row, and losses to Tampa and SF to show for it. Were there other factors at play? Yes. But scoring only ten points after averaging 26.5 during the regular season is a huge disappointment. The defense did their job. ST's were horrible. But, if the offense had gotten another two TD's, the team would have advanced. Maybe, with the departure of Adams, Rodgers will actually look to someone else when it comes to crucial situations, rather than constantly forcing it into impossible coverage while other players are running open down the field. But that remains to be seen. As of now, Rodgers is a great technical QB; an accuracy level that is incredible, but also has the stigma of not being able to win games in the playoffs. Will another SB erase that memory? We'll see.

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Rarescope's picture

June 12, 2022 at 11:15 pm

That’s the thing though Ricky - I don’t need any playoff loss memories erased because I enjoy the ups and downs all season long. Sure I was heartbroken with the last playoff loss just like I’m sure you were. But once the season is over I’m excited about the draft, then training camp (sorta), preseason games (kinda not really) and then I can’t wait for the season opener and the rest of the season from there on out.

You gotta enjoy the ride man. Last seasons losses can stay in last season, it’s the coaches job to learn from and adjust to those losses. It’s our job as fans to have fun watching the game we enjoy.

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Johnblood27's picture

June 13, 2022 at 08:29 am

You got it right Rarescope!

The day my angst and suggestions for improvement are heeded by Packer Management is the day I will start to really care, until then it is simply entertainment. Entertainment I enjoy greatly for sure, but just that.

I do like to use boards like this one to hear what others have to say about the team, I like to throw suggestions out there as well. I know that nothing I say or post here will influence the GBP one little bit. It's just all entertainment.

...but sometimes it is fun to twist some posters tails a bit...

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Stroh's picture

June 12, 2022 at 07:01 pm

I would say it's the other way around, if anything. Rodgers needs to win a SB, so the Packers are free to move on with Jordan Love!

Right now Rodgers is doing little more than holding the Packers hostage!!

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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

June 13, 2022 at 12:48 pm

Yeah 13-3, 13-3 and 13-4 is some kind of hostage situation. I'll eat my words if Jordan Love gets anywhere near that level of success. I expect GB will be more like NYG without Eli, NO without Drew, NE without Tommy or IND without Peyton.

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Stroh's picture

June 13, 2022 at 10:56 pm

No one said Love is that QB! Whether he is or not is immaterial! The fact remains Roders is doing little more than holding the Packers hostage, and for what he's being paid he's been less than stellar when it matters most! He needs a SB to cement his legacy among the Greatest QBs ever! He needs another SB a lot more than the Packers do. Certainly we all need all want another one.

Since he's started the offseason garbage he's done nothing when it matters. Winning 12 or 13 regular season games is all well and good, but doesn't get him what he needs!!!

So all he's doing is holding the Packers hostage for huge paydays and not providing the outcome he needs and we all want!

1 points
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Nate-1980's picture

June 15, 2022 at 07:10 pm

If Rodgers wins a super bowl there’s no way in hell the front office would move on from him, especially if that option is Jordan ( unproven) Love, you guys on here are ridiculous.. If a sb victory were to occur this year the fo would be begging for Rodgers to come back, and the only reason it wouldn’t happen would be Rodgers decision..If you think this fo wants to find out how good they really are without Rodgers you’re nuts.. He’s been their job security for their careers.. They don’t want that exposure, and really only butt hurt fans want love “trying” to lead this team.. No fanboy of Rodgers, but he’s our best player at the most important position, it’s not even a debate.. Can he win another title? I lost some faith in him after last year, but he’s our best chance hands down..

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PhantomII's picture

June 12, 2022 at 08:53 pm

Well AR and TB12 golfed together against a couple young fellas. Hopefully the conversation came up how Brady has won all those rings. TB12....I JUST MOVE THE CHAINS.....GET 1st DOWNS.....AND GET CLOSER TO SCORING ON EVERY PLAY....RELAX....PATIENCE.....METHODICAL....CONSISTENT...... HEART CRUSHING DRIVES.....ANY WAY YOU CAN....SPREAD THE BALL AROUND....WE CAN ONLY "HOPE".

4 points
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Since'61's picture

June 13, 2022 at 03:03 pm

You're giving Brady better communication skills than he is capable of. Thanks, Since '61

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GPG_Since_66's picture

June 12, 2022 at 09:31 pm

I really HATE this kind of article. This is just pumped up BS speculation. Aaron Rodgers consistently answers questions in a forthright, honest, and logical manner. His reward is that over and over again every response he gives is blown up by the media to promote speculation on sensational topics (when will he retire, how greedy is he, does he hate the Packers, what is his mental state, will he show up for minicamp, etc.) Come on folks, really! I suppose Aaron realizes it comes with the territory and he knows he is expected to humor the piranhas of the press but good grief do we not have anything better to do than wonder what A-Rod is thinking at this very minute and oh my what are the implications? Any of you who want to play that yellow journalism game go ahead. I am sick of it at this point. Downvotes more than welcome.

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Stroh's picture

June 12, 2022 at 09:38 pm

Rodgers is very calculated in everything he says. Nothing forthright about it! It's calculated to put the spin on it the way HE wants it spun!

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egbertsouse's picture

June 13, 2022 at 08:32 am

A more correct title would be “Brady must win a Super Bowl to set Aaron Rodgers free.” If Brady wins and retires, Rodgers is free to retire the next year. He will never retire the same year as Brady. He will want to be the undisputed star of his HOF class.

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Johnblood27's picture

June 13, 2022 at 08:34 am

sites like pft-florio, espn and fansided are supremely guilty of sensationalizing and spinning every GB story negatively.

I simply refuse to ever give those hacks another click.

just say NO!

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Turophile's picture

June 13, 2022 at 09:50 am

Packers must win a SB for Rodgers eh ?

How about winning one for Bakhtiari, Clark, Alexander or even Mercedes Lewis, or LaFleur, or Gutekunst ?

The problem with the QBs (especially very good ones) is that they suck all the oxygen out of the media room like they are the only one playing, not one of the many that are a part of the team, in some way.

When did you last hear someone say the Packers must win a SB for Bakhtiari ? The more you focus on one player (exceptional as Rodgers is), the more you take away from what other people contribute on the team.

This is a team game. A great QB seldom looks good against a four-man rush that gets home quickly. You need a good O line to protect him, or you'll probably end up with a career like Andrew Luck had. Equally, if you have a very good pass rush you can make it hard for even good opposing QBs to play well.

Team game, that's my point - you don't call 'must win' for one player, it should always be 'win it for the entire team', which means players, coaches, General Managers, scouts, front office, to name just some. They all helped.

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Since'61's picture

June 13, 2022 at 03:27 pm

The media created the myth of the NFL as a QB driven league back in the '80s. It started with ESPN and has grown exponentially since. The media doesn't get ratings or clicks by interviewing OLs or DLs. Their get their ratings and soundbites by interviewing the QBs. The better the QB the more the media is focused upon him. It's all about the money. Thanks, Since '61

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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

June 13, 2022 at 09:48 am

Just sounds to me that, thankfully, Rodgers learned from Favre’s mistake and knows better than to make a decision or an announcement immediately following a season. Packers fans everywhere say thank you!!

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GreenBaySmacker's picture

June 13, 2022 at 02:18 pm

Or drag his decision on too long. I'd say he definitely learned from Favre's mistake. Although I believe the media influenced Favre's circus act by constantly questioning him and worrying about how much longer the Packers could count on his services. That's what Rodgers learned. How to handle those type of questions so the media doesn't keep asking him. Hopefully. They'll probably still keep bugging him though. Let the man play some football. He'll let us know when he's done. That so hard?

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