The Lass Word: It's Not Easy Being Aaron Rodgers
Mr. Cool still feels the pressure of being "The Guy".
By KenLass
It must be awesome to be Aaron Rodgers, right? You make an annual average of $50 million per year for playing a game that you love. That's just your football income. You are the star of TV commercials. You date movie stars. You travel the world seeking entertainment and enlightenment. You are a headliner in celebrity golf tournaments. You even got to host your favorite legendary TV game show.
When you decide to end your football career, you will be immortalized in the Hall of Fame and, no doubt, will have your pick of numerous high visibility job offers from several professions. What a life! Any of us would trade places in a heartbeat, right?
Maybe. Maybe not. Rodgers always comes off as Mr. Cool, the guy in the room who has everything under control. He’s the one who told all of us to R-E-L-A-X. He’s in charge, and as long as that’s the case, everything will be all right.
Yet, every once in a while, you see indications that he is not impervious to the monstrous pressure that comes with his situation. Internally, it weighs heavily on his shoulders. So much so, that the decision to come back and play again this year was not a slam dunk, despite an offer that made him the highest paid player in league history. He told reporters on Tuesday he thought long and hard about whether it was worth it.
“It’s more about how I’m feeling mentally. The playing is easy. That’s the easy part. It’s the other part that’s a grind. You wear a lot of hats as a quarterback, and it’s more than just playing on Sundays. At some point the grind gets to all of us. Every year it seems like a slightly bigger commitment, to commit to being ‘the guy’ again for another season.”
Yes, he knows that if he comes back, he must be “the guy”. That’s what he gets paid for. The guy who instantly becomes the center of attention the second he steps on to the premises. The guy who must set the tone for the spirit and work ethic of the team. The face of the franchise. Oh, there are other leaders in the locker room, but none approaching the cache’ of the four time MVP. He’s the only one on whom the national media will hyper focus, probing and massaging every word out of his mouth to see if there is an issue to exploit.
Even the coaching staff depends on him to be an extension of themselves out on the field. Consider this from Matt LaFleur on Wednesday:
“Aaron does such a great job of, when he sees something, whether it’s right or wrong or whatever it may be, of having conversations with those guys, and telling them what he’s looking at and what he’s thinking. So I think the more time they’re around each other, those conversations will take place organically and we’ll get everybody on the same page.”
It’s hard to picture the coaches expecting that kind of authority from Jordan Love. Indeed, when it comes to developing chemistry with the new receivers on this year’s team, Rodgers takes much of the responsibility for getting them ready. “It’s on me”, he says “to make sure the message is very clear and concise to them when it’s delivered.”
As is the lot of all quarterbacks, Rodgers will receive the lion’s share of blame for all losses and failures to live up to expectations. However, in his case, the pressure is magnified because of his high profile. Last season’s playoff loss to the 49ers cemented his reputation as being a choker in the post season, despite the epic fail of special teams and the offensive line, and despite an overall winning record of 11-9 in playoff games, including a Super Bowl victory in which he was the MVP. His eleven wins ties him with signal callers like Troy Aikman.
To be sure, Rodgers has brought this enhanced scrutiny on himself. He raised the pressure level exponentially last summer, when he held out of the entire offseason, claiming he would never play for the Packers again because he wasn’t being given an adequate say in team decisions. When the franchise gave in to all his demands, there were no more excuses. Fans expect him to win, and will cut him no slack. He will receive little sympathy, and certainly is not asking for any. He tries to embrace the challenge and, by all indications, seems to enjoy leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. “They know what to expect from me, the type of leadership, and that’s what they’re going to get” he told beat writers.
Once mandatory camp is over, Rodgers will leave town, removing himself from the attention, the pressure, the responsibility, even if only for a few weeks. He has a plan to prepare for the psychological stress of being “the guy” for another season. The expectations begin the first day of training camp, and will only end with the hoisting of another Lombardi trophy. He says he’s all in, and he’ll be ready.
“It’s been a nice offseason this year to get to this point where I feel really focused, really clear mentally, and being able to come back here and lead the way I want to lead.”
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (57)
NickPerry
June 10, 2022 at 06:32 am
“It’s more about how I’m feeling mentally. The playing is easy. That’s the easy part. It’s the other part that’s a grind. You wear a lot of hats as a quarterback, and it’s more than just playing on Sundays."
Rodgers does wear a lot of "Hats" as the Packers QB, just like most QB's on any other team. BUT, my hope for Rodgers this season is he only wears a few of them. He can wear the QB hat, the leader hat, and a teachers hat. I'd say a recruiters hat since he wanted to be a recruiter, but he hasn't recruited anyone other than Randall Cobb so I'd say he sucks as a recruiter. I mean the stars of the NFL sure aren't lining up to play with him in GB...
Hmmm Aaron, MAYBE Green Bay IS a vacation destination for some.
He doesn't need to do everything, BE everything to this team. He just needs to play QB. Let Gute do his job, let MLF coach, and for God sakes use the other 52 players on this roster to get it done this year. Rodgers has a hellacious Defense, and GREAT RB duo, a good possibly great O-Line...LET them do their jobs and you just do yours.
WestCoastPackerBacker
June 10, 2022 at 12:41 pm
Where did he say he wanted to be a recruiter? And how do you know what conversations he has had with other players? GB is not looking for "stars of the NFL" to play with Rodgers. GB has a bunch of home-grown stars-in-waiting, several players in the top 3-5 of their positions. There's no room financially to recruit stars. So if you want to ding Rodgers for something at least make it something he might be guilty of.
mnbadger
June 10, 2022 at 12:48 pm
thanks for your comments nickperry. I agree with virtually everything you and the author said. With that, I'm leaving the blackhole of AR information and climbing back up to the world that matters. The trenches, the playmakers, the role players, etc. GPG!
stockholder
June 10, 2022 at 06:50 am
If you know what your doing. You don't have to listen to anyone else. His talent and leadership are obvious. He has no Faults. Give him time, and he'll accomplish anything, and everything. I have No worries with him as are QB.
The fact he has differences in his personal life, isn't why we pay him. People should stay out of it. Unfortunately his fame keeps everything viral.
But we need just to accept the fact. That Rodgers is entitled to figure things on his own. Nobody is perfect.
Johnblood27
June 10, 2022 at 06:57 am
Nick Perry had it right when he wrote - just do your job and let Gutey and MLF do theirs.
Nobody is without faults, nobody is perfect, AR included.
WestCoastPackerBacker
June 10, 2022 at 12:42 pm
My only addition to this is having his input, given this is his 18th season, might make Gutey and MLF better at their jobs. Nothing wrong with that.
Johnblood27
June 10, 2022 at 01:30 pm
it also might make them worse at their jobs.
too many cooks kinda thing...
also, just because someone has been around a process for a while does not make them adept at managing the operation that leads to their area of expertise.
I would not like to see what would happen if a corporal or sargent were forced (or asked to be in on) command decisions at the General level.
I would take these sort of comments more seriously if there were some transparency into AR's inputs and the accompanying accountability regarding his ownership stake in the Bucks. As of now, I see a very good player, not an executive or personnel expert on Football.
How many years did it take Bart Starr to become borderline competent as a GM-Coach? 8, Eight, thats right, and after all of that he still got fired. He was a HOF QB, a 2x SB MVP, league MVP, 4 x pro bowl QB and 5 time NFL league champion before he embarked on his GM-Coach career.
Players need to play and leave the other duties to the professionals whose job it is to perform them.
dobber
June 10, 2022 at 08:55 am
When you play at a high level and command the kind of salary he does, celebrity makes your personal life public...it comes with the territory, whether he wants it or not. "Figuring things out on his own"--with the help of a regular weekly spot with Pat McAfee--cuts the invasive media argument to shreds.
Johnblood27
June 10, 2022 at 06:55 am
Im not gonna go off and reiterate anything I have written in the past concerning AR. I think everyone on this board that reads the comments knows where I stand on AR.
Performance and Accountability.
OK, talk the talk, let's see you walk the walk. AR is "The Man" in "Titletown", live up to it, I will be watching and hoping that my favorite team can achieve that title yet again. The horses are in the stable, let's see them hitched up and pulling the wagon.
...and at least I will be looking for performance from AR towards the goal of a Title, and rest assured I will bring commentary related to Accountability for that same goal. MLF is on the watch list as well.
NickPerry
June 10, 2022 at 07:57 am
"...and at least I will be looking for performance from AR towards the goal of a Title, and rest assured I will bring commentary related to Accountability for that same goal. MLF is on the watch list as well."
Right or wrong I've tended to MLF more slack than some these first 3 years as HC. BUT, the slack has tightened, there's very little slack left in the rope. For example I feel MLF was totally, 100% at fault behind the ST issues last season. I mean WHY would you keep the assistant coach of the ST staff who sucked in 2020 to be the Coordinator of your 2021 unit?...UGH!!!!!
MLF has turned out to be a pretty good HC, and I don't give Aaron Rodgers most of the credit like the media seems to do. When the Packers hired him I thought he was a bit raw, a bit young and lacked experience. But after 3 years of experience, 3 years of learning on the fly, I think he's more than ready to lead them to the SB and a Title.
I think we see a stronger, tougher MLF this year, especially when it comes Rodgers. IMO LaFleur needs to make his QB understand the way they've did things the last 3 years isn't good enough. This year we'll still rely on the great AR12, but mostly it's going to get done with a great defense, a great O-Line, and great running game, and the other 52 guys. They'll still need Rodgers to do Rodgers like things like OWN the Bears, but MLF will get Rodgers to buy into more of a TEAM effort.
NickPerry
June 10, 2022 at 07:57 am
"...and at least I will be looking for performance from AR towards the goal of a Title, and rest assured I will bring commentary related to Accountability for that same goal. MLF is on the watch list as well."
Right or wrong I've tended to MLF more slack than some these first 3 years as HC. BUT, the slack has tightened, there's very little slack left in the rope. For example I feel MLF was totally, 100% at fault behind the ST issues last season. I mean WHY would you keep the assistant coach of the ST staff who sucked in 2020 to be the Coordinator of your 2021 unit?...UGH!!!!!
MLF has turned out to be a pretty good HC, and I don't give Aaron Rodgers most of the credit like the media seems to do. When the Packers hired him I thought he was a bit raw, a bit young and lacked experience. But after 3 years of experience, 3 years of learning on the fly, I think he's more than ready to lead them to the SB and a Title.
I think we see a stronger, tougher MLF this year, especially when it comes Rodgers. IMO LaFleur needs to make his QB understand the way they've did things the last 3 years isn't good enough. This year we'll still rely on the great AR12, but mostly it's going to get done with a great defense, a great O-Line, and great running game, and the other 52 guys. They'll still need Rodgers to do Rodgers like things like OWN the Bears, but MLF will get Rodgers to buy into more of a TEAM effort.
croatpackfan
June 10, 2022 at 11:32 am
Well, Nick, I'm not sure that I share your optimism regarding MLF. Everybody here are what we are. It is hard to reclaim leadership when you willingly pass it to other person.
Second, I do not think MLF hasd learned to perform selfscouting analyse. To see how he often, even if he prepared plan B & C & D, just stubborn to change plan A which is very often not working.
It looks like that is his personality.
croatpackfan
June 10, 2022 at 06:56 am
Poor guy. I feel sorry for him...
Johnblood27
June 10, 2022 at 06:58 am
Ha ha ha ha you are too funny Croat!
Good one!
pantz_bURp
June 10, 2022 at 07:06 am
Okay, (yawnnn)...Go Pack Go!
mrtundra
June 10, 2022 at 07:59 am
So, he's human, after all? Keep your eyes on the prize! GO PACK, GO!!!
Since'61
June 10, 2022 at 08:10 am
Rodgers will be fine. He is the last player on the roster that we need to be concerned about.
If we can ever get the other 52 players on the team to play their positions as well as Rodgers plays QB we would be undefeated SB champions.
Since the ‘80s the media has made the NFL all about the QBs. To the point where they are the only reason why a team wins or loses a game. It’s ridiculous.
It mitigates the efforts of the other players on the team. Yes, the QB is the most important player because he handles the ball on every snap. But once he hands off the ball on a running play he has no control over what happens next. The play is dependent on the OL and the RB. Even on a passing play the QB is dependent upon his OL for protection and on his receivers to run their routes and gain separation and ultimately make the catch.
It’s crazy in the NFL that if a perfectly thrown pass goes off a receiver’s hands and into the hands of a defender that the interception goes on into the QB’s record. Why? That particular play should be a receiver stat or a team stat. The league has every other conceivable stat.
QBs are also not responsible for the play of their defense or the play of their STs. Yet a QB gets the blame if his team loses a game because the defense or the STs fail. Makes no sense.
Sometimes the way to win a game is to protect the ball, stop the opponent and force them to make a mistake that the offense can capitalize upon. Other times ST needs to win the field position battle. It cannot and should not be about the offense needing to score a TD on every drive for the offense or the QB to be considered successful. That is the antithesis of the team sport concept.
The QB gets too much glory for the wins and too much criticism for losses whether they play well or not. Often a QBs play is the direct result of his OL and whether or not the defense or STs keep his team in the game.
As for Rodgers he’ll be fine. He shows up, he works hard and he plays hard. Up to this point in his career he still plays through injuries which he doesn’t need to do since he has nothing left to prove. If he retires tomorrow he is still a 4 time MVP, an SB winner and MVP and a first ballot HOFer.
It may not easy being Aaron Rodgers but he is correct about one thing, playing is easy for him, at least he has made it look that way up to this point in his career. Thanks, Since ‘61
Coach Cleve Steamer
June 10, 2022 at 04:44 pm
Excellent take.
Since'61
June 10, 2022 at 06:08 pm
I appreciate your feedback. Thanks, Since '61
pantz_bURp
June 10, 2022 at 09:12 am
Thanks for your wealth of knowledge and insight regarding the Packers Since'61, I enjoy reading your take and opinions.
"If we can ever get the other 52 players on the team to play their positions as well as Rodgers plays QB we would be undefeated SB champions"...we would never get below the salary cap or keep many of them if this were to happen.😁 The concern I have is the execution or play calling (audibles) run through him. He needs to buy into the TEAM concept in order for this to work. The WRs success is dependent on him giving them a chance to succeed. He has to elevate his play and decision making if the Pack gets into the playoffs (as well as LaF and the other players). I wouldn't be so harsh on him except he brings this upon himself for the most part. That is where I am less willing to go to bat for him compared to other less talented players. I love the Packers...just really getting tired of the distractions from the team either he gives off or the media waits to pounce on him with every word/action. So, we will agree to disagree...#12 isn't for me and that is okay...for me, he has become stale in his approach to the team (that I am privy to).
Go Pack Go!
WestCoastPackerBacker
June 10, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Why exactly do you think Rodgers audibles? Because he wants to be "the Man?" Because he wants better stats? Because he wants to have more power than the HC? To me those are all ridiculous. He audibles because he sees something the defense is presenting that he wants to exploit, or he realizes that the defense is ready to stop the called play. I think all the shuffling of the line last season, and the lost of two top linemen really messed with the offensive success. Hopefully that will be better. If you're tired of distractions from a two-time MVP, then just watch the games and don't want sports shows or read sports commentary. It's that simple. Just watch his play. That takes care of a major complaint for many fans. It's pretty much what I do, except for Cheesehead articles.
I think it is pretty funny that 13-3, 13-3 and 13-4 feel stale to you. I wonder how stale it is to follow other teams, like NYG, NO, IND, NE and anybody else that has lost a Super Bowl winning QB/MVP. I bet 4-13, 6-10 and 4-12 feel pretty stale for Giants fans, 9-8 wasn't awesome for Saints fans, 7-9 and 10-7 aren't as fun for Patriots fans. I lived through the 70s and 80s and things were plenty stale then until the Favre/Rodgers era. I'll take that as long as possible, even if it ends with a playoff exit that breaks my heart. That's better than no playoffs year after year.
pantz_bURp
June 10, 2022 at 08:40 pm
Thanks WestCoast for taking the time to share your insight/thoughts. I love your passion and will respectfully agree to disagree. I know either way, we will have an interesting/exciting season coming up. I watched the Packers in the late 70s and 80s...I still had fun!
Since'61
June 10, 2022 at 06:23 pm
Pantz your feedback is appreciated. It's all a matter of perspective. For me Rodgers calling the audibles is part of his job. I grew up in the era when all the QBs called their own plays so I have no problem with the QB calling the plays at the LOS based upon how reads the defense. It's about identifying the preferred matchups for each play then executing the play. Rodgers is not a 4 time MVP and HOF QB because he makes poor decisions. His won/loss record, TD/Int ratio and career QB rating prove the point.
I don't pay attention to his off field antics or his negotiations with the team. His antics are his business, as long as he does not commit a crime and his negotiations with the team are between him and the team. They always temporary and disappear once the season begins so they are irrelevant to me.
I watch the games without the sound so I can focus on the plays and the execution. If he calls out a receiver for not running their route properly or missing a block I'm OK with it. Why? Because he expects himself to lay and to be judged on playing at a high level. I have no problem with him expecting the same from his team mates on the offense. No one seems to mind when he is congratulating and celebrating with a player who has just scored a TD.
I prefer our players to show their emotion rather than walking around like they don't care at all. That would be much more of a concern for me.
Numerous fans see Rodgers actions as arrogance, where I come from we call that confidence and high expectations. Like I said, it's all a matter of perspective and your perspective is at least as legit as mine or anyone else.. Stay safe.
Thanks, Since '61
pantz_bURp
June 10, 2022 at 08:34 pm
Thanks Since'61...I appreciate you willing to explain your perspective without trying to rip mine to shreds (which I am sure you could if you choose to). Like you said, it's a matter of perspective...keep on keeping on 61 and enjoy those moments with your grandkids and upcoming Packer games! 👌🙏✌️
Swisch
June 10, 2022 at 09:24 am
Aaron Rodgers is so full of himself that it's oppressive for him and obnoxious for everyone else.
All he has to do is to be manageable and coachable and agreeable; he doesn't need to carry the burden of telling everyone on the team of what to do -- and he shouldn't, for their sake and his.
It's Rodgers who draws attention to himself, who complicates his own life, who alienates others, who acts like a self-centered know-it-all.
Let the GM manage, let the coaches coach, leave your teammates alone to develop without your disapproving glare, and just focus on playing quarterback. That's enough, that's plenty.
***
Be the Aaron Rodgers you were a dozen ago, you know, when you were successful in leading the team to a championship. Be humble.
Yes, we need Rodgers as a leader, but a key to getting other guys to follow him is for him to follow his GM and coaches instead of being a rebellious pain in the neck.
Oh, arrogant Rodgers, R-E-L-A-X. Focus on what you can do, and stop interfering with others. Stop being a guru and just be one of the guys.
We'll all be a lot happier if you do a lot less; just run the offense as envisioned by your head coach, and let him make the calls.
***
Dear Aaron, a million Packers fans want to embrace you again if you let us. You don't have to be perfect, and you don't even have to win a title.
Just lose the attitude, do things the right way, encourage your teammates, and compete all the way through the season. That would be a great ride for all.
pantz_bURp
June 10, 2022 at 09:25 am
Thank you Swisch, thank you...truly. 👍✌️👌
WestCoastPackerBacker
June 10, 2022 at 01:02 pm
He is a know-it-all because he does know it all; I mean he knows more about offensive football and defensive schemes than most people walking around on the planet. Why shouldn't he have input. You don't get to be a 4 time MVP without knowing a heck of a lot of football.
The thing that really chaps me is this. You don't think Brady had a say Tampa Bay, about schemes and players and the littlest details? But nobody rags on him for that. You think Peyton Manning wasn't involved in how the offensive scheme was run? I think Peyton called his own plays the last half of his career. When players have achieved the level of play/success/knowledge that these players have, they are all MUCH bigger than just a QB playing on Sunday. They don't need to be "humble;" they can be arrogant or whatever they need to be. They are shouldering one of the toughest loads in professional sports. Being humble is for rookies learning the game, not for 4 time MVPs.
croatpackfan
June 10, 2022 at 01:40 pm
So what was the problem in divisional round last season, in NFCCG 2 season before amd NFCCG 3 season ago? Why he played so bad if he knows everything (by the way, no one knows everything!). Why?
He knows everything... Hmmmm... Must be that he knew that he has no chances in the SB every of those seasons? But he knew it in 2010 season?
I like much how his apologists find excusesfor his blunders. Ah, maybe he believe that everybody need to be hold to accountability, but him?
PhantomII
June 10, 2022 at 09:18 pm
Croat....He's not a chain mover. That's all AR ever had to learn.....ML has not learned to use 3-4 RB's an ENTIRE SEASON so he doesn't need to change the game plan because as you say...Yea, he can't. Totally agree as you said the proof is in the playoff results.
Swisch
June 10, 2022 at 02:02 pm
Rodgers may be highly intelligent, but he isn't wise.
Wisdom requires humility.
It's the smart people who can do the most damage when they are so full of themselves that they look down on others, don't listen, and become domineering.
Intelligence can be used for good or for bad.
***
I'm all for Rodgers having a voice in personnel and playcalls, but only as an advisor who can make suggestions but must defer to his general manager and coaches.
It's ultimately not for Rodgers to decide if he plays in the preseason, or if he plays in the final game of the regular season against the Lions after the team has clinched the top seed.
It's not for Rodgers to consistently overrule plays on the field called by his head coach, and in general thwart his plans for the offense.
It's not for Rodgers to decide whether or not Randall Cobb makes the team when there may be another player left out who is much better.
I suspect Rodgers of doing these things intrusively to the dysfunction of the team.
If I was a GM or head coach, I'd be glad to listen to Rodgers speaking from his experience as a quarterback, but I wouldn't let him push me around with arrogant demands.
That's humiliating to them, bad for team chemistry, and an indignity to fans.
WestCoast, if there's a team out there that thinks the way you do, let's trade Rodgers to it right away for the sake of him and that team reveling in the arrangement.
***
By the way, if a quarterback has seven Super Bowl rings, I'd listen to him a lot more eagerly than a quarterback who has one -- and that one for Rodgers came before his egotism.
GreenBaySmacker
June 11, 2022 at 03:47 am
I disagree with you Swisch. I think we need him coaching up younger players and I think LaFleur wants that and appreciates that. I also think he, along with the rest of the Packers do have to win a title. $50 million per year that the Packers don't win a title, goes down the drain. All those incredible MVP season stats are basically irrelevant if the Packers don't win the big game.
Having said that, I'm making a bold prediction that Rodgers will eclipse the 500 mark for TD passes in his career this season. Yep, 51+ passing TDs without his top 2 WRs from last year earning MVP for the 3rd straight season.
I'm not bold enough to predict the Packers to win the Super Bowl, but I sure hope for his sake and all of us Packers fans, that the Lombardi trophy comes home. The last couple of season endings have been disappointing enough. Though us Packer fans are spoiled to have the luxury to complain about an MVP QB and a loss in the playoffs pretty much every single season right?
Swisch
June 10, 2022 at 08:04 pm
I do think Rodgers could be a big help to the younger players as far as coaching them up.
It depends on how he does it.
If he can complement the coaches rather than intruding on them, if for the most part he encourages players rather than being overly demanding, if he shows a good example by being coachable himself -- then Rodgers could be genuinely helpful in a big way.
I'm rooting for Rodgers to step up into a leadership role consistent with his position as quarterback. He could be a treasure to his teammates, and in return find his efforts to reach out truly rewarding.
***
If Rodgers refrains from interfering in coaching and management, and focuses on the considerable responsibilities of being a quarterback, then it seems it would be so much better for all concerned.
I hope and pray our QB has a great season not only statistically, but more so as a real leader who takes the Packers to the height of their potential as a team.
Wouldn't it be great if Rodgers stepped back from trying to do too much, enjoyed the ride more with his teammates, reached out more to the fans, and won a title or two with the Packers before riding off into the sunset!
Packers0808
June 10, 2022 at 10:35 am
Some is deserved some are not of his comments put on here about Rodgers. Seems in many cases the personal problems he has it seems he has created.
Spock
June 10, 2022 at 10:49 am
If it was easy we wouldn't' be paying him $50 million. I can't say I feel the need to feel bad for how tough it is for a multimillionaire. Decades ago I remember their was some uber-rich guy who was being interviewed on t.v. because he was having problems with depression (think: Simon and Garfunkel's song, "Richard Corey") and the interviewer asked him if would feel better if he wasn't rich. The guy looked at the interviewer and said something like, "Are you crazy? Of course not; I can hire all the people I need to help me and all the comforts I require. Why on Earth would I be happier living in a hovel?" Aaron Rodgers shine has been dulled for me for a number of years now and his 'smartest man in the room' shtick has gotten really old. I'll be rooting for him on the field, but off the field I could care less about his "problems"- I've got my own to deal with.
Johnblood27
June 10, 2022 at 11:21 am
\
|
*Fascinating* take...
mvprzy
June 10, 2022 at 04:40 pm
The cow - looking back at you over its shoulder - is wide open!
Johnblood27
June 10, 2022 at 06:14 pm
I use that image to represent being constantly on the horns of a dilemma...
Lphill
June 10, 2022 at 11:20 am
nobody I'd rather have at QB then Rodgers I don't pay attention to the off field drama , lets hope for a successful and healthy season for all and lets get it done this season.
WestCoastPackerBacker
June 10, 2022 at 01:05 pm
I'm with you. All the other stuff is manufactured by the media, or due to way too much access to the off the field lives of players. I just watch the games and enjoy it while I can because I know it might not last any longer. Towards the end of last season, I knew I might be seeing the final magical Rodgers to Adams plays and felt sad about that. Of course, I thought it would be Rodgers leaving and Adams staying. I'm so glad that it played out the way it did and that #12 wants to finish his career as a GB Packers. Glad for Adams to go play in his backyard with his best friend, too. But GB got the better end of that deal by far.
Leatherhead
June 10, 2022 at 11:23 am
It's not easy being a single mom trying to raise a decent kid in a crime-infested environment. It's not easy going through life with a physical handicap, like being blind, or deaf, or in a wheelchair.
Look, when you call out a 100 year old organization, that has had much success before you even showed up, and you pout and stamp your foot and say you want to take your ball and go home, and then the organization accommodates you, and you go out and have a HISTORICALLY BAD performance on offense, then any pressure you're feeling is pretty much of your own making.
My Belief: I think that if we protect Aaron Rodgers and give him time to do his job, he's certainly capable of putting enough points on the board to win. He's repeatedly demonstrated that and I don't think this season will be any different. There's lots of discussion of his "weaponry", a lot of it on what we DON"T have, and precious little appreciation of what we do, because quite a few teams in the league should wish their arsenal was as good as ours.
I also believe that this is Aaron Rodgers shot at redemption before he moves on with his life, and it sounds like he's preparing himself for that. We'll win the Super Bowl and his greatness will be validated for all time, or we won't, and that'll be part of his legacy. I don't see a scenario that has him starting in 2024, or even 2023 unless we win the Super Bowl this year.
WestCoastPackerBacker
June 10, 2022 at 01:08 pm
"Look, when you call out a 100 year old organization, that has had much success before you even showed up, and you pout and stamp your foot and say you want to take your ball and go home, and then the organization accommodates you, and you go out and have a HISTORICALLY BAD performance on offense, then any pressure you're feeling is pretty much of your own making."
When you are the GM and President of football ops and you dis the most talented player ever to wear green and gold and make him want to leave the team he wanted to retire with, that's a problem. How is this only Aaron Rodgers fault? All he even said he wanted was to be part of the discussion, not to make the decisions. That is imminently fair and what P. Manning and T. Brady wanted as well. Gutey screwed this up and luckily he fixed it.
Leatherhead
June 10, 2022 at 07:22 pm
How, exactly, did anybody "dis" anybody? I mean, Rodgers was one of the highest paid guys in the history of the league? Please tell me that we shouldn't have looked out for the interests of the team and taken Love in the draft. I love that argument. "Organizations shouldn't try to improve themselves at the risk of offending key personnel"
Everything works better when everybody stays in their lane. Owners own. Managers, manage. Coaches coach. Players play. Personnel people make personnel decisions. Scouts scout, officials officiate. When you have people swerving out of their lane, that causes problems.
Considering all the drama since this story broke in April of 2021, what has the NET EFFECT been? I mean, if the Packers had just traded him off to Denver and gone with Love, would we have won more or fewer playoff games last year? And would their position this year be better or worse than it is now?
Food for thought.
Swisch
June 10, 2022 at 08:25 pm
Rodgers has been careening recklessly all over the highway, and the team has been crashing in the playoffs.
If he just stayed in his lane, it seems all concerned with the Packers would be better off and much happier, including the fans, including him.
It would be a lot easier being Aaron Rodgers if he was more manageable and coachable and agreeable.
I'm hoping and praying he gets it sometime this summer, an epiphany of understanding his limitations, which could be called humility.
The paradox is that in acknowledging our limitations we can accomplish so much more -- while having a lot more fun along the way.
TarynsEyes
June 10, 2022 at 12:41 pm
The ultimate excuse article for Rodgers when again, not if, failure to reach the SB, not even win it, comes to reality again at this season's end.
WestCoastPackerBacker
June 10, 2022 at 01:58 pm
Yes, because the 17, 18 or 19 other games meant nothing, even if they were mostly wins. Most fans with give their eyeteeth to have Rodgers behind center regardless of a playoff exit. One largely due to ST and coaching failures as well.
TarynsEyes
June 10, 2022 at 02:50 pm
The expectation to have a winning record season is not the same as having the expectation of being the Champion. Having the often assumed best QB in history, the expectation is not a winning season, but championships, which is what makes Patriot and Brady fans different than those of the Packers. Failure is more accepted if achieving the goal comes with it in multiple seasons. The Packer Org with Rodgers has failed in the Championship part and therefore the winning season record is not enough to offset that failure. A winning record is achieved by many an average team and QB, and it holds no great merit to boast while having a Rodgers.
Johnblood27
June 12, 2022 at 08:33 am
That Marino guy was a real loser too, right?
Mostly I agree with your takes on the team and Rodgers, but not here.
There have been many more positives than negatives. I would really like to have seen the Lombardi in GB in 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021. It didn't happen. Rodgers gets some of the blame, but it isn't all his fault. My issues start when some people claim sainthood for AR giving him no blame while they heap it on other areas of the team shamelessly.
And AR becoming completely unlikable from a human standpoint doesn't help, just ask his family or any of his failed relationship partners. Now on to Blu Earth and the Super Bowl!!!
Irish_Cheesehead
June 10, 2022 at 01:04 pm
“What a life! Any of us would trade places in a heartbeat, right? Maybe. Maybe not.”
Seriously? I enjoy football and I love the Packers, but this guy’s job is literally to get a ball over a line. He has enough money he can walk away whenever he wants and he’s set for life. Not exactly a high stress position to be in.
jont
June 10, 2022 at 01:36 pm
It is a Truth of football that the QB gets too much credit when things go well and too much blame when things go bad. Clearly Rodgers understands this and is quickly reaching the point where he's had enough of it. I believe him when he says he really does not know if he'll play next year.
To be frank, though, I simply do not get the animosity people feel toward celebrities. A guy breaks up with another girl friend (and it's public!) and some people take it as an opportunity laugh at the poor guy....
I don't worship Rodgers-- I just appreciate his skills and his 17 year contribution to my favorite team-- but neither can I agree with any of the anonymous invective.
croatpackfan
June 11, 2022 at 10:06 am
Yeah, like statement from one "very" popular QB: "Players comes to this team because of me..."
So, he credited himself for "good", but never heard (or read) him to say - fore example - "I'm the main culprit, I have to self scout myself and change attitude..."
He just went silent and when he decided to speak, he blamed publicly everybody except himself.
Alberta_Packer
June 10, 2022 at 08:26 pm
Rodgers being "The Guy" is an exercise in perception vs. reality for me. Ostensibly and by salary - Rodgers is often seen as "The Guy". By performance - he often has not - especially in the playoffs. So we embark on another season more "hoping" than "trusting" that Rodgers will perform commensurate to his salary. Frankly, I have more trust in the team minus Rodgers - than with Rodgers. However, I do look forward to be proven wrong.
Bisonball
June 10, 2022 at 08:42 pm
Rodgers didn't lose last season's playoff game. Neither did the OL or ST. When it came down to it, with the game on the line, the defense folded and gave up 50 yards in 3 minutes. THAT is why Gutekunst has focused on D.
PhantomII
June 10, 2022 at 09:43 pm
B.S The Offense didn't do shit most all the game after the initial series.. The Defense basically shut down a pretty tough team. After the AR led offense had 3/4 of the game with a ton of 3 and outs a gassed defense allowed movement from SF because GB offense had no answers and AR didn't throw to anybody but DA....AR had to move the chains and in doing so pass to more than a double or tripled WR. ML had Dillon on ST and got hurt...ML did not use Taylor in his place. The Defense is the focus so AR and ML can't screw it up. The focus is on the defense to score instead of the offense with a pick six.
GreenBaySmacker
June 11, 2022 at 03:21 am
Rodgers also threw it to Aaron Jones lol. He would be wise to utilize him that way AMAP this season also.
I agree with you 100% though If I had to put that loss on the O, D, or ST, I say it's on the O. Everyone knew the ST was horrible so to expect better from them was foolish to say the least. The D held it down all game through poor O and ST play up until the final drive. Rodgers failed to hit open receivers, forcing the ball to Adams. Injuries to the O-line though was the biggest factor for the offenses woes IMO. Which adding depth there has also been a big focus this off season.
I think Gute has done just about all you could ask strengthening the teams weaknesses and adding quality players and coaches to all 3 phases. I'm hopeful this 2022 Packers team will turn out to be one of the most complete teams that I have personally ever witnessed. It will be tough to beat 1996 though.
Bisonball
June 11, 2022 at 04:42 pm
The bottom line is the defense, which was by the way one of the worst in run defense all year, gave up 6 yards per play, when it was on them to get a stop. When the game is tied with 3:20 left, what they did for the first 56:40 doesn't mean shit.
GreenBaySmacker
June 11, 2022 at 07:57 pm
What about what the offense did right before those last 3:20? If our MVP would have taken the offense down and scored while also milking the clock we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Vforrest
June 11, 2022 at 08:23 am
Close games always come down to a play or two that make the difference, someone does and someone doesn’t, someone wins, someone doesn’t.
At home in the snow, extra week to prepare, full stadium and the defense not allowing a TD. The ST puked it away sure but with the last possession they’d have and the game right there, it’s time to make that play.
Lazard comes open 25 yards over the middle as Devante clears two defenders with him. Time to be that guy to make the clutch play and deny the other team the win.
He doesn’t see the correct read or make the play. Now they talk about legacy, home field playoffs losses mounting in the twilight of his career, 11-9 in playoffs games, MVP’s don’t matter it’s all about titles in Title Town…they now say on the talking sports shows.
I’m so over all the words they write about leadership, pressure from being the man just like 31 other teams have…if there is a next chance…just make the play!