Here’s the Most Disliked Figure in the NFL
Likely due to envy of his remarkable skillset — or his relatively recent commitment to offseason indecision — Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is considered the “most disliked figure in the NFL,” according to BetOnline.ag.
And the verdict from BetOnline was based on Twitter data, not a whimsical declaration.
Other disliked figures — for various reasons — include Antonio Brown (controversial teammate), Bill Belichick (just too damn good), Odell Beckham (this one is mysterious), Deshaun Watson (trade request, sexual misconduct allegations), and Jackson Mahomes (self-inflicted social media shenanigans).
But Rodgers tops the list. In April of 2021, Rodgers expressed disgruntlement with the Packers front office, dragging out a process of indecision about his future that lasted three months. Ultimately, Rodgers returned to the Packers for [what he called] “The Last Dance,” trying to emulate Michael Jordan’s Bulls from 1998. Unfortunately for Rodgers, his Last Dance was not Jordanesque at all, failing to win a single playoff game after a superb MVP season.
Now, Rodgers is back in the same boat of uncertainty. After the aforementioned playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the quarterback insisted his decision to return, retire, or ask for a trade would be swift this time. But it’s not. Free agency is less than two weeks away, and Rodgers’ future remains a total mystery.
This is the lastest, hitting the digital stratosphere on Friday night:
While that tweet from Rapoport is newsworthy, it settles nothing about Rodgers’ next steps.
Should Rodgers depart the NFC North via retirement or trade, a power vacuum would ensue. The quarterback lineup could showcase Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love. Conceivably, any team could win the division after Rodgers’ Packers put a stranglehold on the division for 14 years.
The “most disliked figure” tidbit is especially interesting as Rodgers is undyingly respected by the media for his football acumen, often fawned over by broadcasters and such. So, it’s not like the man is public enemy number one. However, his Favrian routine that emerged last year is evidently grating on nerves. Plus, he stirred the pot last season with his position on COVID vaccinations.
Rodgers technically has two years left on his current deal with the Packers.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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