Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been the story of the offseason. Since the end of the Packers’ NFC Championship loss to the Buccaneers, Rodgers has made it clear that he was unhappy with the direction that the Packers were heading in, even though he didn’t say much himself.
His silence has been broken – and he had a ton to say at his first press conference of the season as the Packers open their training camp.
Rodgers’ frustration seems to boil down to the fact that he hasn’t been given enough sway or input on moves that the Packers make, which seemed to be the theme of his press conference.
Aaron Rodgers says he tried to give his input involving free agents but was ignored by the front office pic.twitter.com/KCD1UQMuDl
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) July 28, 2021
For the time being, it seems like the Packers have let him have a small amount of power regarding roster transactions. It’s been reported that one of the stipulations for Rodgers returning to the Packers was trading for Texans wide receiver Randall Cobb, who tweeted that he’s heading back to Green Bay.
I’M COMING HOME! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/qxSwkQo89f
— Randall Cobb (@rcobb18) July 28, 2021
Jake Kumerow was another former Packers receiver that Rodgers mentioned that he would have liked to have around after he had a strong training camp prior to the 2020 season.
On one hand, it was nice to see that Rodgers was finally able to get some of the power that he wanted. Giving himself an out from Green Bay after the upcoming season and getting back a trusted receiver should keep things quiet for a bit.
Rodgers also made it clear that the fans are a big reason he’s back during his press conference. He also made a point to say that he’s happy to be back with his teammates and coaches, but stopped short of giving any praise to the Packers front office during his longwinded answers.
“I love this team, I love the or—you know, the fans.”
Perhaps it was just a slip, but this felt like one of the more telling moments during Aaron Rodgers’ press conference. pic.twitter.com/MSHH6qRQYI
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 28, 2021
Rodgers briefly claimed that the “media” enjoyed creating stories that weren’t there, but his lengthy press conference kind of dissuaded the idea that aspects of his discomfort with the Packers were untrue.
According to the man himself, he was so unhappy that retirement is something he seriously considered, just months after winning MVP during one of the most dominant seasons of his career.
Aaron Rodgers says he thought about retirement. Enjoyed offseason away. But as he got back into workouts he realized: "I know I can still play, and I want to still play."
At the same age, Brett Favre said goodbye with the words: "I know I can play, but I don't think I want to."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2021
For now, Rodgers seems ready to take on what he believes will be his final season with the Packers. Hopefully, for his sake, next offseason isn’t a repeat of this one.
