Aaron Rodgers Wants Out of Green Bay Packers: Full Drama Breakdown and NFL World Reactions
Aaron Rodgers, who was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers, has reportedly turned down a two-year extension contract this offseason from the Packers.
Even though the deal would have secured Rodgers five more seasons with the Packers, making him the highest-paid quarterback and player in football, he seems to have made up his mind to move away from the team.
The reigning MVP first hinted at his intentions during his appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter earlier in May 2021.
He told Kenny Mayne that he grew affection towards the coaching staff, his teammates, and the fan base in Green Bay through his “incredible 16 years.”
It's just kind of about a philosophy and maybe forgetting that it is about the people that make the thing go. It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way.
But what changed for Rodgers causing him to end his stint with the Packers?
His Issues with Management Is a Big Factor
Months after the news of Rodgers's exit was rumored, on July 20, ESPN reported that he was not returning to the team and the main reason for that is the quarterback’s issues with the management.
Because of all that, he even failed to show up to voluntary OTAs for the first time in his entire career. During his previous conversation with Mayne, Rodgers shared one of his issues with the team was Brian Gutekunst.
He revealed that the team’s general manager didn’t consider giving him advance notice that the team would trade up to draft quarterback Jordan Love in 2020.
"With my situation, look, it's never been about the draft pick, picking Jordan," he said. "I love Jordan; he's a great kid. [It's been] a lot of fun to work together."
Mike Florio, a sportswriter and television commentator, also noted that Rodgers no longer wants to be with the Packers because the team doesn't provide him with extra security.
Florio explained the three-time MVP award winner wouldn't want to play with a constant fear of being replaced by the team's new quarterback, Love.
Twitter Reacts
Since the big news made headlines, many sports experts and Rodgers’ fans have taken to different social media platforms, including Twitter, to express their views on the matter.
One of the prominent names to react on the situation was the player’s recently engaged partner Shailene Woodley. Although she only retweeted a Twitter video uploaded by sports personality and host of ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith, it said many things.
I really don’t get what all these folks out here continue to act like they don’t get what @AaronRodgers12 is trying to say. It’s simple. pic.twitter.com/IPEn02bV0b — Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 20, 2021
Retweeting the video, she silently agreed with Smith, who defended Rodgers’ choice. He said it was not about football or money but how the Packers treated their star player in recent times.
They have disregarded him, they have dismissed him, they have minimized him, they’ve disrespected him. And he said, ‘Bump y’all, enough is enough.
“How bad is Jordan love in practice for the Packers to offer Aaron Rodgers for 5 more years after drafting up to take his replacement,” a fan tweeted.
All that being said, Rodgers and the Packers still haven't made the decision official, making room for the star player's return to the camp.