Aaron Rodgers may follow path of other QB greats
Aaron Rodgers may prove to be the next quarterback in a long line of men who changed uniforms late in their football lives.
On Tuesday, Rodgers went on “10 questions with Kyle Brandt” and talked about how he views his future with the Green Bay Packers. He acknowledged his vision of likely ending up elsewhere to finish everything out, especially after the team traded up in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft to select quarterback Jordan Love.
Of course, Rodgers came into the NFL in a similar situation as Love, backing up future Hall of Famer Brett Favre. However, the 36-year-old doesn’t believe the situations are the same despite some parallels. Per NFL.com:
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“It’s a different environment. In 2005, my first year we were 4-12, second year, we were 8-8. There wasn’t a clamoring to play me because it was normal for young guys to sit. In the third year, ’07, we go 13-3. We’re one play, we’re overtime in the NFC Championship playing at home against the Giants from going to the Super Bowl. Different scenario. Now, I think quarterbacks are playing earlier. It gives some latitude for young coaches and GMs to play their guys. And I get it. I really do.”
While it would be jarring to see Rodgers sporting another jersey, he’d be far from the first legendary quarterback to do so.
Men such as Dan Marino and John Elway were lucky enough to stay in one place, they’re the exception. Joe Montana finished up with the Kansas City Chiefs after starring with the San Francisco 49ers. Johnny Unitas played one forgettable season with the San Diego Chargers in 1973 after being a fixture with the Baltimore Colts. In 1977, Joe Namath played with the Los Angeles Rams after more than a decade with the New York Jets.
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Hell, Tom Brady is about to suit up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 20 incredible years with the New England Patriots.
Rodgers leaving Green Bay was always a possibility. It’s just now with Love in the picture, it feels almost guaranteed. And Rodgers, who watched how everything played out with Favre, likely understands the reality better than most.
For now, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are focused on winning another title before all the sand reaches the bottom of the hourglass.
