Has Aaron Rodgers appeared in his last NFL contest?
The seasoned quarterback did something following Sunday’s concluding loss to the Lions that has sparked questions about his playing future.
After the game, rookie Lions receiver Jameson Williams was seen on NBC asking Aaron Rodgers for his jersey, to which the QB responded, “I’m going to hold on to this one.”
Williams appeared astonished and said, “You told me,” before Rodgers walked on and had a brief interaction with Jamaal Williams of the Lions, a former Packer.
The obvious inference is that Rodgers intended to save the jersey in case the Packers’ loss was his last NFL contest at age 39.
The Packers lost 20-16 despite having the lead for the most of the game. A win would have qualified them for the playoffs. With 3:37 remaining in the game, Kerby Joseph of the Lions intercepted Rodgers’ deep throw down the right sideline. From there, Detroit was able to finish the game with three first downs.
In his post-game press conference, Rodgers addressed his playing status, stating that he needs some time to think things through when the excitement has subsided.
Regarding what it will ultimately come down to this summer, Rodgers said, “It’s a feeling,” adding that he won’t keep the team hostage with a protracted decision. Do I believe that I still have anything to prove to myself? Do I want to return and get ready for another slog? Or is the hour? Is it time to leave now? Is it time for someone else to take the helm of this group?
In addition, after he and the Packers reached a three-year, $150.8M agreement this past March, Rodgers claimed he has no difficulty leaving money behind. After Rodgers considered retiring, the two parties ultimately reached an arrangement to keep him in Green Bay.
In the 2021 offseason, Rodgers’ dissatisfaction with the Packers and the way the club had developed around him reached a breaking point, and he demanded a trade. The organization’s choice to exclude the reigning two-time MVP from personnel decisions infuriated him.
The Packers selected quarterback Jordan Love, who is expected to succeed Aaron Rodgers, in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Rodgers added, “I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished in this league and wouldn’t have any regrets leaving. But I need to see how it feels after I leave this.
“I feel like I need some time alone to think about such things. To me, those are actual. I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished in this league, but I’m also realistic and aware of where our squad is right now. We’re a youthful team; some of the older players may change, and it might be time to retire. But I could wait a while before declaring that I must return to the field and go for another run. But I’ll have to wait and see how it feels when I’m not around it.
For Rodgers to join the Packers again, “it’s gotta be mutual on all sides,” he added.
Does he have any interest in joining another team?
I’m not sure, he said. “I don’t want to say never, but I have to see how I feel first, once the emotion is out of it, and have the correct dialogues and see what the best approach is,” the speaker said.
When asked if he thinks he still has it, Rodgers replied “absolutely.”
Rodgers has thrown for 58,691 yards and 473 touchdowns in 18 seasons for the Packers. The quarterback, who has made the Pro Bowl eight times, has earned four MVPs, a Super Bowl MVP, and one title.
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