Davante Adams: Aaron Rodgers Has 'LeBron Effect'; Packers QB Has 'Spoiled Everyone'
Jan 3, 2022
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers acknowledges the crowd after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 37-10. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Aaron Rodgers has become so consistently dominant that excellence has become the baseline expectation on a weekly basis. To hear his star wide receiver tell it, the Green Bay Packers signal-caller has "spoiled everyone" with his play as a result.
"At this point, he kind of got the LeBron effect with everybody," Davante Adams told reporters after Sunday's 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings. "He's got to play at an MVP level every week, because he's spoiled everyone."
Adams also said, "what kills me about the way he plays is how easy it is" when discussing his team's quarterback.
The LeBron James comparison is apt because both have been playing so long at such a high level that it is easy to take their excellence for granted as sports fans. That Rodgers is 38 years old and James is 37 only makes what they are doing all the more impressive.
Rodgers appears well on his way to a fourth MVP trophy and added to his case Sunday by completing 29 of his 38 passes for 288 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.
He was in full control and consistently fit passes through tight windows while giving Green Bay an insurmountable lead in the first half. Minnesota was playing without Kirk Cousins, who was on the COVID-19/reserve list, so any chance of a comeback was simply unrealistic when the Packers jumped out to a 20-0 advantage.
The chemistry between Rodgers and Adams was also on full display.
Adams finished with 11 catches for 136 yards and a score and has looked like the best wide receiver in the league for much of the 2021 campaign.
While the Packers are rolling, one notable difference between Rodgers and James is the number of championships. LeBron has won four titles in his career, which has helped him establish a case to be considered one of the best basketball players in the sport's history. Rodgers, though, has only won one Super Bowl.
That is a far cry from Tom Brady's seven, and Green Bay has fallen short on the big stage of late with losses in four of the last seven NFC Championship Games.
At least this year's conference title game will be at home if the Packers make it that far. They clinched the No. 1 seed and the NFC's only first-round bye with Sunday's win. Parlaying that into a second Lombardi Trophy will only have Rodgers spoiling Green Bay fans even more.
Top Seeded Packers Are NFC's Best Team and Could Get Even Scarier
Jan 3, 2022
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers pitches to Aaron Jones during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Green Bay Packers are already the NFL's best team after extending their record to 13-3 with Sunday's dominant 37-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Packers have yet to reach their peak.
They should get better once the postseason gets rolling because a handful of key contributors could be back in the fold, and the offense thrives with quarterback Aaron Rodgers taking full advantage of all of the weapons at his disposal.
Rodgers has been exceptional, of course. He's once again one of the top names in the MVP conversation and could very well be considered the favorite depending on how a person feels about Joe Burrow's recent run with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Either way, Rodgers has been his normal, exceptional self, as his 288-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Vikings can attest. In fact, the 38-year-old quarterback has thrown one interception since Week 5.
Tonight was his sixth straight game with two or more touchdowns and no picks, which tied for the second-longest streak in NFL history, per ESPN Stats & Info.
To better understand just how amazing Rodgers' precision is, he could finish this season with four or fewer interceptions despite 500 or more passing attempts for the third time in his career. No one else has ever accomplished the same feat.
The new year should bring plenty of treats, too, after claiming the NFC's No. 1 seed and thus the first-round bye to start the postseason.
"I don't want to say a sense of relaxation because that's not what it is at all. But it's comforting to know we have that to lean on because we're pretty banged up," wide receiver Davante Adams told reporters.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after a touchdown during the 3rd quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on January 02, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo b
As good as Rodgers is—and he's a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game—he benefits from his supporting cast, which has been amorphous this season thanks to numerous injuries. But the lineup could solidify once the postseason begins.
Obviously, the offense flows through Adams. The wide receiver set the Packers' single-season record for the second-straight year with 117 receptions.
The Rodgers-Adams connection is one of the best in NFL history, yet they'll need help for Green Bay to finally make the Super Bowl under Matt LaFleur's supervision. In order to reach the right balance, an all-time great quote from college coach Mike Leach applies.
"There's nothing balanced about 50 percent run, 50 percent pass, because that's 50 percent stupid," Leach told reporters when he still served as the Washington State Cougars' head coach.
Sunday's effort also showed a better run-to-pass ratio, with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion combining for 139 yards on 22 carries. The two backs averaged 6.3 yards per carry.
Arguments will be made in favor of featuring Jones and Dillion to take full advantage of the frozen tundra at Lambeau Field. However, the duo should get the ball based on them being quality offensive threats, not just as running backs to churn out yards because it's supposedly too cold to pass the pigskin.
Jones is both a slashing runner and a viable receiving threat out of the backfield. The duality of his difference-making ability keeps defenses on their heels because he can burn opponents in either manner.
Dillon is different. At 247 pounds, the second-year ball-carrier can punish opponents, particularly in short-yardage or red-zone situations. This doesn't mean Dillion is incapable of busting big plays or even catching the ball—he simply brings a different dynamic to the offense.
Dillon doesn't need to be a workhorse, but he can certainly be the closer, as he was against the Vikings.
Adams is going to get the ball. Frankly, no one can stop the game's premier wide receiver. He managed six or more receptions in 13 of 15 games. It's everyone else around Rodgers who can make the offense better.
The running backs and their usage have already been mentioned, but the wide receiver corps beyond Adams should receive a significant boost. Marquez Valdes-Scantling already returned to the lineup after being on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He only caught one pass for three yards against the Vikings. Still, his involvement should grow as he gets his legs back under him.
Randall Cobb is expected back as well, despite going on injured reserve after requiring core muscle surgery.
"He said, 'Don't worry, I'll be back,'" Packers receivers coach Jason Vrable told reporters about Cobb's response to the injury. "And for some people, it could have maybe been season-ending. But for him, he told me that, and he's that type of guy where I knew if anybody's going to come back, it's going to be him. He doesn't want to miss this playoff opportunity, and he's just excited about it."
Cobb practiced last week. He'll likely get another weekend to heal before he's reinserted into the lineup.
A full complement of wide receivers is only part of the potential impactful returns. David Bakhtiari's return has long been rumored and could have been saved for this specific point in the season. The Packers have taken their time with his recovery after Bakhtiari tore his ACL in December 2020.
When healthy, Bakhtiari is an elite left tackle with no one counted as a better pure pass-blocker.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 25: David Bakhtiari #69 of the Green Bay Packers walks out duri player introductions prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field on December 25, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Brow
"Obviously, Dave is a great player, a Pro Bowl player, he's one of the premier players in this league at that position. He's doing everything he can," LaFleur said two weeks ago. "Our athletic training staff is doing everything they can to get him back out there, and when the time's right, he'll be back out there."
The Packers' front five has done well for itself even without its two best players in Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins, who is on injured reserve with a torn ACL. Right tackle Billy Turner required a knee procedure this season as well.
Nonetheless, the group continues to persevere. The added push of Bakhtiari taking over the blindside could solidify and improve the entire unit if the three-time Pro Bowl selection is capable of returning this season.
Similar expectations can be found on the defensive side of the ball. Za'Darius Smith is an NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate when healthy. Unfortunately, he continues to deal with a back surgery he required in September. His possible return remains up in the air as well.
The Packers are fine at outside linebacker with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, but a handful of quality reps from Za'Darius Smith each game would make the Packers' front even more potent.
On the back end, Jaire Alexander's recovery from an in-season shoulder surgery still has him on the shelf. The team activated the 24-year-old defensive back from the injured reserve on Wednesday.
Alexander is arguably the game's best pure cover corner when he's operating at full tilt. He may not be the same player during the playoffs, but he can definitely lengthen the bench and provide a much deeper secondary during the most crucial point of the season.
With Sunday's victory, the Packers became the first team in NFL history to win 13 games in three straight seasons, per ESPN Stats & Info. Historically, the squad has been very good during LaFleur's tenure, but the previous two seasons ended with a loss in the NFC Championship Game.
For that to change, proper distribution between Rodgers and all of his weapons, as well as some fortuitous medical evaluations, could easily push the Packers past everyone else in the conference.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Rout Vikings With Kirk Cousins Out; GB Clinches NFC's Top Seed
Jan 3, 2022
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on January 02, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The road to the Super Bowl runs through Green Bay.
The Green Bay Packers clinched the NFC's No. 1 seed and only first-round bye with a 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Sunday's NFC North showdown at Lambeau Field. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams led the way for the victors, who improved to 13-3 with their fifth consecutive win and will now have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Minnesota was without quarterback Kirk Cousins and was eliminated from playoff contention as it fell to 7-9.
AJ Dillon, RB, GB: 14 carries for 63 yards, 2 TDs; 2 catches for 20 yards
Aaron Jones, RB, GB: 8 carries for 76 yards; 5 catches for 30 yards
Allen Lazard, WR, GB: 6 catches for 72 yards, 1 TD
Sean Mannion, QB, MIN: 22-of-36 passing for 189 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Rodgers, Offense Look Unstoppable as Packers Clinch Bye
This year is championship-or-bust for the Packers, meaning Sunday's game took on even more importance because clinching the first-round bye would both eliminate a necessary playoff game and give them an opportunity to rest their stars in Week 18 to further preserve their health for the postseason.
It took them some time to seize that opportunity, though, as three of their first four possessions stalled in the red zone for two field goals and a turnover on downs.
However, it was just a matter of time before Rodgers broke through, and he did just that with a perfectly placed ball to Allen Lazard for the game's first touchdown in the second quarter. He was far from done and extended the lead to a seemingly insurmountable 20-0 before halftime with another touchdown pass to Adams.
Green Bay's offense started operating with surgical precision after the initial slow start, as Adams went over the century mark for yardage in the first half and Aaron Jones exploded through holes at the line of scrimmage while also getting involved in the aerial attack.
It wasn't difficult to envision the Packers lifting the Lombardi Trophy as the onslaught continued into the second half. Rodgers, Adams and Jones generate most of the headlines, and deservedly so, but AJ Dillon got into the fun by churning out tough yardage between the tackles before finding the end zone multiple times.
Everything was clicking for Green Bay as it enacted some revenge against its rivals and clinched that No. 1 seed with an entire week remaining.
That means Rodgers and the red-hot offense won't play a meaningful game in three weeks, but they also proved Sunday they can quickly bounce back from something of a slow start with plenty of playmakers. Perhaps there will be some rust to overcome, but No. 12 is operating an offense that looks ready to win the Super Bowl.
Shorthanded Vikings Had No Chance
Minnesota may have beaten the Packers the first time they faced each other this season, but doing so again Sunday figured to be quite the daunting task with Cousins on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
That was apparent right out of the gates.
The Vikings' first five possessions ended with a turnover on downs and four punts as Sean Mannion struggled to find anything downfield and was far too reliant on safety valves and short throws. Green Bay's defense made a point of containing Dalvin Cook, and the fact the visitors fell behind 20-3 by halftime largely neutralized the threat of the consistent run game.
Playing from behind against Rodgers and Co. is a recipe for a loss for basically any quarterback in the league, and that certainly applied to Mannion.
After all, he hadn't appeared in a game since 2019 and entered play with zero touchdown passes and three interceptions. A dramatic comeback against arguably the NFL's best team wasn't in the cards, especially with the ability to rely on the dynamic Cook largely out of the picture because of the rough start.
Green Bay's defense deserves plenty of credit as well.
Not only did it swarm to Cook's running lanes, it kept Justin Jefferson in relative check while the game was still hanging in the balance and pressured Mannion enough to make him even more uncomfortable on the road. Combine that with the dominant Packers offense, and the Vikings didn't have much of a chance Sunday.
What's Next?
Both teams finish their regular seasons against division foes in Week 18 when the Packers travel to face the Detroit Lions and the Vikings host the Chicago Bears.
Packers Rumors: Davante Adams Expected to Get Franchise Tag amid Aaron Rodgers Buzz
Jan 2, 2022
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) reacts after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Saturday, Dec 25. 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly expected to use their franchise tag on wide receiver Davante Adams this offseason.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the tag is viewed as an "eventuality" before the Packers try re-engaging Adams in long-term contract talks.
The franchise tag would cost roughly $20 million, a more than reasonable number for a player of Adams' caliber but tough to swallow under Green Bay's current cap situation. The Packers are slated to be $37.6 million over the 2022 cap without accounting for Adams' contract.
Interestingly, trading Aaron Rodgers may give Green Bay the best chance at keeping Adams. The Packers would save $19.3 million on their 2022 cap by trading or releasing Rodgers after this season, which is by far their biggest potential source of savings. Green Bay could also greatly lower Rodgers' cap hit by signing him to an extension with several voidable years.
The Packers will also look hard at restructuring the contract of linebacker Za'Darius Smith, who has a $28.1 million cap hit, along with safety Adrian Amos ($12 million). Wide receiver Randall Cobb seems like a mortal lock to be released given his $7.9 million base salary and lack of production.
Adams said Rodgers' status will help determine whether he wants to remain in Green Bay.
"I mean, I'm sure. ... Naturally. Why wouldn't it? I'm playing with the best quarterback to play the game," Adams told reporters Wednesday. "There's nothing other than having a connection that I built up with my guy, and playing a certain way, so there's that expectation, there's that friendship built up in it.
"There's a lot that goes into it, so obviously to a certain extent it won't be the end-all, be-all, but it'll definitely be something I'm monitoring and paying attention to, to see where his head is at after all of this."
Adams and Rodgers both hinted the 2021 season could be their last during the offseason when they posted The Last Dance images on social media.
It's fantasy football championship week for a lucky few managers, and what a season it's been. Not to say anything about your rostering and lineup skills, but if you made it ...
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, Packers' Aaron Rodgers Headline NFL's Players of the Month
Dec 30, 2021
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers meets with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (L) of the Kansas City Chiefs after the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
A pair of NFL MVP award winners in Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers were selected as the NFL Offensive Players of the Month for December in their respective conferences.
Players of the Month
AFC Offense: QB Patrick Mahomes, KC Defense: LB Jerome Baker, MIA ST: K Evan McPherson, CIN
NFC Offense: QB Aaron Rodgers, GB Offense: DL Aaron Donald, LAR ST: P Thomas Morstead, ATL
Rookies: Off: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET Def: LB Micah Parsons, DAL
With Mahomes at the helm, the Kansas City Chiefs went a perfect 4-0 in December and catapulted themselves into first place in the AFC. In those four games, Mahomes completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 1,110 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions, and he also rushed for a score.
Rodgers started and won all three games he played in during the month of December, completing 74.5 percent of his passing attempts for 811 yards with 10 touchdowns and no picks. His performance also helped Green Bay move into the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC.
Of course, this is nothing new for Mahomes and Rodgers, two of the NFL's best and most accomplished quarterbacks.
In three seasons as a starter entering 2021, Mahomes won an MVP award and reached two Super Bowls, winning one. Meanwhile, Rodgers is a one-time Super Bowl winner and three-time MVP, most recently winning the award last season.
With no clear and obvious choice for MVP this season, Mahomes and Rodgers are both undoubtedly in the mix along with Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
The NFL also named the Defensive Players of the Month for December, with Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald taking NFC honors and Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker winning the award in the AFC.
Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, dominated during a 4-0 run by the Rams, registering 21 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks and two forced fumbles.
Winning awards is old hat for Donald, but Baker is a first-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Month after racking up 12 tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in three games, all of which were Miami victories.
Two of the NFL's most outstanding rookies were recognized as well, with Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons getting named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown winning the offensive award.
Parsons, a virtual lock to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year, had 12 tackles, four sacks, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble in December.
Meanwhile, St. Brown shook off a slow start to his rookie campaign, as the fourth-round pick piled up 35 receptions for 340 yards and three touchdowns during a month in which the Lions won their first two games of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie kicker Evan McPherson was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month, and Atlanta Falcons veteran punter Thomas Morstead took home NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors.
Davante Adams 'Monitoring' Aaron Rodgers' Situation with Packers Ahead of Free Agency
Dec 30, 2021
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 20: Aaron Rodgers #12 and Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers walk off the field together after a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on September 20, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 35-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
As speculation continues about Aaron Rodgers' future with the Green Bay Packers, Davante Adams is keeping an eye on how things play out between the star quarterback and the organization.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, Adams said he is "monitoring" what's going on with Rodgers.
"Naturally," Adams explained. "Why wouldn't it? I'm playing with the best quarterback to play the game. There's a lot that goes into it, so it won't be the end-all, be-all, but it'll definitely be something I'm monitoring and paying attention to, to see where his head is at."
After spending last offseason trying to get traded by the Packers, Rodgers agreed to terms on a revised contract in July that will void his deal before the start of the 2023 league year.
Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported in August the Packers have agreed they will trade Rodgers after this season if he still wants to leave the organization.
Rodgers told reporters Wednesday he won't take long after the season to make a decision about his future.
"It won't be something where I'll drag it out for months and months," Rodgers said.
Amid all of the offseason drama, Rodgers and Adams posted matching images on Instagram Live of Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan that were used as promotional material for The Last Dance documentary that traced the final season of the Chicago Bulls' dynasty:
Appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd in May, Adams said that Rodgers' status with the Packers could "potentially" impact his future:
"We've established a lot together. It would change a lot. It doesn't mean I'd be gone, but I'd definitely have to do some extra thinking if my guy wasn't here."
Adams can become an unrestricted free agent after this season, but the Packers do have the ability to place the franchise tag on the five-time Pro Bowler if the two sides don't agree to a long-term deal.
Per CBS Sports' Joel Corry, the franchise tender for wide receivers in 2022 is estimated to be $18.42 million based on a $208.2 million salary cap.
Adams, a second-round pick out of Fresno State in 2014, has spent his entire career in Green Bay.
Since the start of 2016, he has averaged 94 receptions, 1,167 yards and 11 touchdowns per season. The 29-year-old ranks second in the NFL in receptions (106), third in receiving yards (1,362) and is tied for third in touchdown catches (10) this season.
Green Bay has already clinched its third straight NFC North title. The Packers can clinch the No. 1 overall seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs Sunday with a win over the Vikings and a loss by the Dallas Cowboys.
Packers' Aaron Rodgers: I Appreciate How Relationship with Brian Gutekunst Has Grown
Dec 30, 2021
Aaron Rodgers, de los Packers de Green Bay, festeja la victoria sobre los Browns de Cleveland, el sábado 25 de diciembre de 2021 (AP Foto/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters that he appreciates how his relationship with general manager Brian Gutekunst has grown this year.
"I've enjoyed being a part of conversations that directly affect my job, which I talked about in the offseason, and Brian's taken the lead in that. And I do appreciate the way our relationship has grown," Rodgers said, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Rodgers engaged in a months-long standoff this offseason with the Packers, although that ended in late July in time for the quarterback to take part in training camp.
He made it clear upon his return, however, that he wanted to be involved more in conversations surrounding the team's personnel.
"I think it was a lot of things that transpired. This wasn't a draft-day thing," Rodgers said in a press conference on July 28 when speaking about reports regarding his unhappiness.
"Started the conversation in February after the season ended and I just expressed my desire to be more involved in conversations that directly affected my job."
Rodgers gave a thorough and detailed answer that day regarding why he was unhappy and what he felt the organization could do better, and he said this in part:
Also, I wanted to help the organization maybe learn from some of the mistakes in the past, in my opinion, about the way some of the outgoing veterans were treated and just the fact that we didn't retain a number of players that I feel like were core players to our foundation, our locker room.
One of those core players Rodgers mentioned was wideout Randall Cobb, whom the Packers brought back into the fold this year after the quarterback returned.
Cobb is currently out with a core muscle injury, but he's contributed a pair of two-touchdown games as well as a clutch four-catch, 95-yard, one-touchdown effort on Nov. 28 against the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams.
At any rate, winning can certainly help any issues between Rodgers and the Packers as the team currently sports a 12-3 record that's good enough for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Rodgers is the likely front-runner to win this year's NFL MVP award, which would be his second straight and fourth overall.
As for what's next, Rodgers has one year left on his deal. Staying with the Packers, embracing a trade to another team or retiring are all on the table.
Rodgers noted that the eventual decision "won't be something where I'll drag it out for months and months," per The Athletic.
For now, the Packers will look to move to 13-3 when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday evening at Lambeau Field.
Aaron Rodgers Won't Rule Out Retirement After Season, Says He Wants to 'Not Be a Bum'
Dec 29, 2021
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers walks off the field after beating the Cleveland Browns 24-22 at Lambeau Field on December 25, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Whether Aaron Rodgers would suit up for the Green Bay Packers for the 2021 season or have his trade wish granted was a major storyline last offseason. Whether he plays at all in 2022 is shaping up to be a major storyline this offseason.
Rodgers told reporters Wednesday he hasn't decided on his playing status beyond this season, noting that he wants to go out playing at a high level:
Aaron Rodgers is not ruling out retiring after this season: "I'm just enjoying this season for this season, and playing next year will definitely be in the thought process." He says it's important for him to "not be a bum" on his way out, but play at high level. He's doing that.
Whatever he decides after this season, Aaron Rodgers says it will be a "quick decision" instead of a long, drawn-out process. He'll speak with people close to him, including key members of #Packers, after the season ends and determine how he'll move forward.
That was never a guarantee given the tumultuous offseason for Rodgers and the Packers.
But the entire saga regarding his future in Green Bay has felt like ancient history during the season, with the Packers (12-3) sitting atop the NFC and Rodgers (3,689 yards, 33 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 68.0 completion percentage) playing like an MVP candidate yet again.
Well, at least it felt like ancient history before Wednesday.
Granted, Rodgers has hinted at retirement before. When he ended his time away from the Packers in late July, he acknowledged that calling it quits had crossed his mind, though he ultimately decided he still had the desire to play.
"Yeah, it was definitely something I thought about," he told reporters. "I talked about how important being a full-timer was for a long time. This is a first time to spend the offseason away without a COVID year or a lockout year, and I enjoyed it. I really did. I took time working on myself and trying to better myself in a number of areas where I feel like I can improve based on my own patterns and conditioning and it was a lot of growth. In that process, I continued to find joy and happiness in things off the field."
He mentioned something similar in November during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show:
"This offseason I faced down what life would be like without football & it felt pretty good.. being away from the squad again with Covid I really missed the guys & there's so many great things I cherish about being in the locker room" ~@AaronRodgers12#PatMcAfeeShowLIVEpic.twitter.com/6viPCU5dUm
Perhaps none of this should come as a surprise. Rodgers is 38, well past the age the large majority of NFL players ever reach in their careers. It's easy to forget that, given his incredible level of play.
He also spent time guest-hosting Jeopardy, and it's pretty clear he'll have interests to pursue after football. But if he does retire after this season, he'll be leaving at a time when he's still playing elite football. That would make it a tough pill to swallow for Packers fans.
Perhaps Green Bay will win the Super Bowl this year and give him the opportunity for the type of fairytale send-off only John Elway and Peyton Manning have achieved as quarterbacks.
Packers' Aaron Rodgers Says Decision on NFL Future Is 'Constantly' on His Mind
Dec 28, 2021
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 25: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field on December 25, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Browns 24-22. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers' future with the Green Bay Packers has been a hot topic as of late. And while making his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the reigning MVP said he is regularly thinking about his next steps.
"It's constantly in and around the mind," Rodgers said Tuesday. "... It's 'What does happiness look like in the future?' I think that's the thought process. It's not a specific place or destination. It's what's going to make me happiest moving forward."
"It's constantly in & around the mind.. what does happiness look like in the future is the thought process.. I love playing because that is my happy place & I love being part of a team"@AaronRodgers on what his future looks like after this season #PatMcAfeeShowLIVEpic.twitter.com/x6XybtsRQK
Rodgers' comments come about two weeks after he told McAfee that he hadn't thought much about his NFL future, saying that's "weeks and weeks and weeks away."
But as the regular season begins to wind down and the Packers head into the playoffs after clinching the NFC North, Rodgers will only continue to receive questions about his future in Green Bay. He was already asked if a Dec. 12 matchup against the Bears could be his final game against Chicago as the Packers quarterback.
“I’m not really thinking about that right now,” Rodgers told reporters at the time. “I’m devoting all my energy and focus to this season."
Rodgers' future in Green Bay has been in question since before his holdout during the team's offseason workouts. He was reportedly upset with the Packers' decision to select Jordan Love as his presumed replacement in the first round in 2020. The team did not address the wide receiver position in that draft.
In addition, Rodgers reportedly wanted general manager Brian Gutekunst fired and made fun of him in group text messages with his Packers teammates, according to Bob McGinn of The Athletic.
However, Rodgers later told McAfee that he's had good conversations with Gutekunst since the offseason, adding that he had been involved in a lot of the franchise's decisions to make the team better.
The three-time first-team All-Pro eventually arrived to training camp after renegotiating his contract and has been all-in for the 2021 season. However, when asked by McAfee on Dec. 14 if he enjoyed being a Packer, his response wasn't very convincing.
Regardless, Rodgers and the Packers could make a deep postseason run. The California native is once again in the MVP conversation having completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,689 yards and 33 touchdowns against four interceptions through 14 games.
The Packers host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Lambeau Field before ending the regular season with a road game against the Detroit Lions on Jan. 9.
