Aaron Rodgers drank tequila when he learned of Jordan Love pick
Joe Johnson
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At 36 years old, and statistically no longer the quarterback he was during his peak seasons from 2009 to 2015, the writing would be on the wall for most any quarterback. But this is Aaron “Most Talented QB the League has Ever Seen pre-Mahomes” Rodgers, and despite the fact that he doesn’t feel 36 (because he spent his first few seasons behind Brett “Most ‘Just Having Fun Out There like a Child’ QB that John Madden had ever seen” Favre), and because we are also used to dominant quarterbacks playing at a very high level into their 40’s these days.
But clearly the writing is on the wall in Green Bay for Rodgers, who saw his heir apparent drafted this year in former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love.
One of the big questions since Packers management drafted Love was how Rodgers felt about the move, as there have been reports and speculation that Love was taken as a sign that the new executives and coaches in town were tired of Rodgers’ rude dude attitude.
Well, we at least now have heard how Rodgers reacted to the news as well as how he found out about the pick straight from the horses mouth.
Sure, he had said the following on a conference call with reporters this off-season after stating that he was “surprised” by the pick:
“Not gonna say that I was thrilled by the pick, necessarily. But I understand the organization is not thinking just about the present but the future, and I respect that.”
Rodgers was on Kyle Brandt’s podcast this week and discussed the moment he found out about the pick. Which is worth noting because you’d think a player of Rodgers’ standing would be in on his teams’ draft plans as opposed to watching it on TV and hoping his team would draft some help at wide receiver.
That alone is a big sign that things in Green Bay aren’t all sunshine, lollipops and whatever the opposite of tequila is (self esteem?).
Rodgers said of his reaction to the Love news:
“I was like, ‘Oh, wow, OK,’ I love scotch, but I’ve been drinking some sipping tequila lately as well. And once I got that text [that Love was the pick], I went to the pantry, I poured myself about four fingers [of tequila] and I knew it was going to be one of those nights where people start calling.”
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After stating he wasn’t elated with the pick, Rodgers was asked about his future with the Packers and whether he thought he’d end up on another team or finish his career with the Packers.
“I think probably the former, that’s probably what happens, based on the circumstances around everything. Just look at the facts: They traded up. They drafted him. I would say they like him. They want to play him.”
People have speculated as to how Rodgers would feel about and treat Love now that he is in the same position his former reluctant mentor Brett Favre was in when the Packers drafted Rodgers in the early-ish ‘00’s.
Rodgers discussed his (initial) interactions with Love, saying:
“I know what he is going through, The last thing you want is any negativity about realizing a childhood dream. I just told him, ‘Congrats, man. I understand what you’re going through. It’s super exciting. I’m excited to work with you,’ which I am.”
Rodgers continued by saying:
“Was I bummed out? Of course. Who wouldn’t be?” I want to play my entire career in Green Bay. I love the city, I grew up there. Really, I got there when I was 21, and I’m 36 now. A lot changes during that time. But I get it. I see it completely clearly, and I’m not bitter about it. It kind of is what it is.”
He was then asked if he thought he could end up playing for the Packers’ other rival in the Chicago Bears and stated that that was a tough question. The better question would’ve been whether or not he thought he could see himself playing for the Vikings a la Brett Favre.
Or, rather, whether or not Vikings fans would prefer him at 38/39 over Kirk Cousins. Considering Rodgers’ downward spiral, and where he may be by 2023… That could really only be worth the amazing jersey/Green Bay fan angst opportunity.
Which may just be worth it.