Here’s everything Aaron Rodgers said at his first press conference since return to Packers
By Josh Hill
Here’s everything you may have missed from the Aaron Rodgers press conference at Packers camp on Wednesday.
Aaron Rodgers officially returned to the Green Bay Packers this week. He never technically left, as he’s under contract for three more seasons, but the cloud of doubt hung over the offseason until it parted with his arrival to training camp on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Rodgers suited up for the Packers and participated in his first day of training camp drills. But it wasn’t anything he did on the field that grabbed attention, which has been a theme the last few months, rather it was his press conference that grabbed everyone’s attention.
Rodgers spoke candidly and at great length, about the tumultuous offseason he just had, his relationship with the Packers, and what the future holds.
It was an absolute doozy and a total delight for drama.
Everything that was said in the Aaron Rodgers press conference today
Aaron Rodgers was, as they say, on one today during his press conference with the Packers. Here’s everything he said about his future, his offseason feud with the team, and everything in between.
What did Aaron Rodgers say about the Packers front office?
When asked about his feelings toward the franchise, Rodgers pointed out that he loves his teammates and the fans, but seemed to purposefully stop himself from saying he loved the organization.
“I love this team, I love the or—you know, the fans.”
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 28, 2021
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
Did Aaron Rodgers mention Brian Guetekunst?
He did, and it was brilliantly petty.
How would Aaron Rodgers characterize his relationship with GM Brian Gutekunst? “I would say it’s professional at this point."
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) July 28, 2021
Aaron Rodgers on having a say in the Packers offseason
He also threw a heater at Green Bay as a destination, saying that the city isn’t why players want to sign with the Packers.
“Green Bay isn’t a huge vacation destination. People are coming here to play with me, and to play with the team knowing they can win a championship” Rodgers said, in an all-time flex on Wisconsin. “The fact that I haven’t been used in those discussions is something I wanted to change moving forward.”
Aaron Rodgers on requesting a trade before the NFL Draft
Rodgers didn’t deny asking for a trade, rather he clarified his read on the situation and his future.
“If you can’t commit to me past 2021 and I’m not a part of the recruiting process in free agency,” Rodgers said. “If I’m not a part of the future, then instead of letting me be a lame-duck quarterback if you want to make a change and move forward then go ahead and do it.”
Aaron Rodgers on how early he started thinking about leaving
He made sure to note that his decision wasn’t driven by the draft, rather the feeling of purposelessness he felt over the years.
“This wasn’t a draft day thing. It started with a conversation in February. I just expressed my desire to be involved in conversations directly affecting my job.”
Aaron Rodgers on rumors he was thinking about retirement
Rodgers confirmed that he had indeed considered retirement during his Cold War with the Packers.
“Yeah it was definitely something I thought about,” he said.
Is Aaron Rodgers vaccinated?
Rodgers didn’t comment on that during his press conference, but it wasn’t something he was asked. As training camp continues, and the COVID vaccine becomes a larger talking point, he’ll likely have a comment one way or the other.