In what can only be described as an unforgettable press conference, quarterback Aaron Rodgers opened up about his many problems with the Green Bay Packers organization during a 30-minute question-and-answer session on Wednesday.
“There was a lot of things that transpired. This wasn’t a draft day thing,” Rodgers said.
Here was his rundown:
– Started with a conversation in February. Wanted to be more involved in conversations “directly affecting my job.” Also wanted to help the team learn about mistakes made regarding treatment of outgoing veterans.
– Among the veterans named off by Rodgers: Charles Woodson, Jordy Nelson, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, Randall Cobb, James Jones, John Kuhn, Brett Goode, T.J. Lang, Bryan Bulaga, Casey Hayward, Micah Hyde.
– Progressed into discussion over a commitment to 2021 season and beyond. “Wasn’t given at any time.” Said he didn’t want to be a lame-duck quarterback after an MVP season.
– In February, he told the team he wanted to be a part of conversations about free agents, which has never happened in his career. Said his input and value as a recruiter hasn’t been used. “It should be a natural part of the conversation.”
– “Nothing really changed on that front.” Then the conversation changed. “If you can’t commit to me past 2021, and I’m not a part of the recruiting process in free agency, 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, go ahead and do it. That obviously didn’t happen.”
– After the draft, the Packers tried to remedy the situation with money. But it wasn’t about money for Rodgers. “It was about being a resource for the organization that I care about and love so much.” He skipped the offseason workout program.
– He said he thought there would be a conversation about an extension after his MVP season. There was no conversation until May.
– Nothing really changed during the summer. Some developments in the last few weeks obviously. Worked on mental state during the offseason.
– Admitted he contemplated retirement but the “fire still burns.” Said there is a competitive “hole” he needed to fill. He feels he give 100 percent to the team.
Other things from Rodgers:
– Said there is a “sadness” about how so many key veterans were treated on the way out of Green Bay, especially after talking to many this offseason.
– “I really don’t know,” he said when asked about playing for the Packers next year. Said nothing has really changed on that front. Mentioned expiring contracts for a number of teammates. “I’m just going to enjoy this year and revisit that conversation after the year.”
– “I’m not a victim here.” Said it’s a tough business.
– Rodgers said his time and accomplishments in Green Bay should give him “more input” with the organization. “Just the opportunity to be in the conversation.”
– Referenced the release of Jake Kumerow, who he called the second-best receiver during training camp last summer. “Maybe run it by me. I might be able to change your mind.”
– “I want to be a little more involved.” Wants to be a resource, an asset in recruiting players to Green Bay. He said he’s “not sure” if he’ll get any more input on anything.
– Rodgers said “there wasn’t a commitment past 2021” in terms of a contract. He felt he wasn’t in the team’s future plans. Said there were ways to commit to him past 2021 but it wasn’t accomplished.
– He confirmed he wants to be in Green Bay, “I do, I do. I love my teammates. I love the city. I love my coaches.” Excited to play for a talented team.
– A very important detail: Rodgers said he does NOT have the right to decide where he wants to play in 2022.
– Didn’t want to get into a “pissing match” with the team publicly. Wanted it all behind closed doors. The story leaked out. He said his side was not part of the leaks.
– Said he has a “unique perspective” on what goes down within the Packers organization especially on veteran players.
– He wants to “inspire” change in the organization. “Just help foster change.” Mentioned a desire to be a pseudo-consultant for the team.
– Asked if he said he can see a path to finish his career, he said it was a “tough question.” Optimistic the team can change.
– “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t 100 percent all-in.”
– Not worried about being a distraction on personnel moves. “I don’t expect to be a part of those discussions.”
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