Rodgers reportedly disgruntled, does not want to return to the Packers

[GleefulGary]

Here’s the thing. Gutekunst doesn’t need to tell us fans if there are problems with a player. Even if somebody asks, he doesn’t, and shouldn’t, be an open book. Especially because 9/10 times, the player is gonna me pissed about it.

I just don’t get it. What does Gute gain by saying that there are issues out there BEFORE it’s a story? And give me a break with the “he lied!” ****, nobody tells the full truth in sports. Remember when Josh Rosen was the guy? And SF traded up not knowing who they were going to draft? Grow up and be an adult.

 

[OldSchool101]

This is just my opinion, but I think the FO was planning on moving on from Rodgers after the 2021 (maybe-2022 season) That would’ve given them 1-2 seasons to develop Love and the organization would get 1-2 full seasons of Love at just over $3mil. Solves lots of financial concerns (even eating Aaron’s sunk $ wouldn’t be a factor).

They did not expect #12 to perform at this MVP level. At 26TD and 5 INT etc... Rodgers was leaning expendable and no way do they pay him anything near what his contract allowed going forward. Then comes arguably his best season and any doubts that his physical ceiling had collapsed was completely eradicated. Now they are stuck with a dilemma, plan A of waiting for another big wave... or plan B of riding the wave they are already on. That Rodgers wave is still big enough to score lots of style points and it doesn’t appear to be losing steam. But they just didn’t know this until they were well on top of its crest.

In reality. The way Rodgers handled this was all-or-nothing. He gave them a scare, saying he would retire if they didn’t extend him. After the whole Jeopardy thing it was really ideal timing to bluff and boy o boy, bluff he did. GB would lose multiple day 1 selections (don’t think they didn’t already calculate his future trade value). That is a GM’s worst nightmare and he also risks alienating his fan base at the same time if he’s not successful. How do you outperform MVP?
In addition we’d be forced to play Love 1-2 years prematurely or go shopping for a veteran replacement option.

I initially was upset how Aaron handled this. But part of me is seeing this was a calculated way of assuring him staying in GB. I don’t think he wants to leave and I believe he loves this franchise and I don’t think he thought through how much us fans would get upset. I don’t think Aaron Rodgers faked the post NFC game interview. He was absolutely hurt to the core and he was 90% sure GB would trade him soon if he didn’t put up a fight.

This is a bold hypothesis.
But If that’s how he saw it? I forgive him for the ugly way he handled it. He’s fighting for the only family he knows. I hope we don’t disown him. I feel like crap for not having his back that’s just not who I am. The holy spirit reminded me of the parable of the reed and the oak tree from Jewish folklore. “Who were you expecting John the Baptist to be? A reed? Swaying in the Brees?” (Or the oak planted by the Stream). Both are susceptible to the fall. But standing your ground in the face of popular public scrutiny (the storm) is the Oak. Strong as an Ox and not compromising!

I understand how upset some of you are and im here to tell you you are not wrong. I was there.. I don’t blame any of you and you deserve to be pissed. just 2 weeks ago I was really really upset. . But something hit me when I crossed that NFC post game by chance. I didn’t make sense and it hit me like a lightning rod. That man Aaron Rodgers absolutely positively LOVES the GBP and he’s fighting like hell for us. We need to step up and support him like family. If we don’t? Who will?

I’m asking y’all to join me. Give the man the benefit of the doubt. I know I certainly need it at times.

ps. If he doesn’t re-sign a contract with us, I will not for one minute think he loves this franchise and city of Green Bay any less. It’s part of him now either way and in a strange way that makes him part of us.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I understand how upset some of you are and im here to tell you you are not wrong. I was there.. I don’t blame any of you and you deserve to be pissed. just 2 weeks ago I was really really upset. . But something hit me when I crossed that NFC post game by chance. I didn’t make sense and it hit me like a lightning rod. That man Aaron Rodgers absolutely positively LOVES the GBP and he’s fighting like hell for us. We need to step up and support him like family. If we don’t? Who will?

The thing is, there is a very happy median and win win for all. Aaron accepts the fact that he is wanted by the team, until his cost is greater than his benefit. He also needs to accept that since nobody knows when that is, the Packers are and will continue to make contingency plans for when that unknown day comes.

Meanwhile, the Packers have to accept that they didn't quite pull Aaron into the fold like he wanted to be. Keep him better informed, let him be involved in some conversations, but be clear that he isn't making the decisions. Layout when and how he will be involved.

The difficult part, the contract. Rodgers wants guarantees and I would be surprised if the Packers want to guarantee more than 2-3 years. As much as people say that it isn't about the money for Rodgers, I have a feeling its all about being compensated and treated like the best player in the NFL and he isn't fooling anyone, that means a lot more money that he is currently contracted for.

My problem is this. The longer it drags out, I think the more irreversible it is, at least without a lot of baggage. I love Aaron, but if the Packers think this is going to stick in his craw and fester, then its time to take everything they can get for him NOW, while they can. Better to start the inevitable rebuild project with some extra draft capital and more money in the war chest, then to wait for him just to retire or walk in 3 years. If this is all being blown out of proportion and very little is true (which I doubt), then lets iron it out and keep him in Green Bay until its time to think about moving on.

 

[longtimefan]

Steinberg never represented Rodgers. Aaron Fired his fist agent, Mike Sullivan, in 2008 and then hired his current agent David Dunn. Leigh Steinberg was dealing with his own issues including alcoholism, bankruptcy, and a ban from representing NFL players about the time Rodgers switched agents.

https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/334/rodgers-confirms-he-has-hired-dunn

Sure

Ill just tell Jason Wilde he is wrong

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Sure

Ill just tell Jason Wilde he is wrong

I think in this case Wilde might be mistaken

I'm pretty sure Steinberg was never Rodgers agent too. Appears that Sullivan was his agent coming out of college and Aaron fired him and switched to Dunn in 2008, who still represents him.

 

[longtimefan]

I think in this case Wilde might be mistaken

I'm pretty sure Steinberg was never Rodgers agent too. Appears that Sullivan was his agent coming out of college and Aaron fired him and switched to Dunn in 2008, who still represents him.

Not liegh..but mark steinberg

And wasnt wilde...some other guy on wilde part of the show

17 mins in

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2pm-mark-murphy-great-guy/id1550404807?i=1000521216671

 

[AmishMafia]

Personally, I think Rodgers put the rumors out there on purpose, to test the public reaction. Rodgers makes almost $10M per year on endorsements. That will go on after retirement and is probably more money than his next few years playing football. This is why he hasn't spoken as he can always walk it back. "I was unhappy, but I never wanted a trade. I didn't want to air grievances in public. Packers have been so good to me and I respect the fans ..." kind of thing should he return.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Not liegh..but mark steinberg

And wasnt wilde...some other guy on wilde part of the show

17 mins in

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2pm-mark-murphy-great-guy/id1550404807?i=1000521216671

Interesting, but as you listen on, this guy sounds confused and not that sure on his facts. I have read in a couple of places that Rodgers went from Sullivan to Dunn and is still with Dunn. Maybe Steinberg represented him in Marketing stuff? Or Aaron dropped Dunn, switched to Steinberg and then went back to Dunn?

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Personally, I think Rodgers put the rumors out there on purpose, to test the public reaction. Rodgers makes almost $10M per year on endorsements. That will go on after retirement and is probably more money than his next few years playing football. This is why he hasn't spoken as he can always walk it back. "I was unhappy, but I never wanted a trade. I didn't want to air grievances in public. Packers have been so good to me and I respect the fans ..." kind of thing should he return.

Agreed. We all know how smart Rodgers is, as well as how he measures his words and messages pretty carefully. I get the impression that he is standing at the line of scrimmage shouting "Green Bay Bozo, Green Bay Bozo" and just waiting for the organization to flinch.

 

[longtimefan]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...ackers-quarterback-aaron-rodgers-signs-adidas

He left his longtime marketing agent and friend Andrew Jeter for Excel Sports Management after he was wooed by Tiger Woods' agent Mark Steinberg.


-----

Interesting, but as you listen on, this guy sounds confused and not that sure on his facts. I have read in a couple of places that Rodgers went from Sullivan to Dunn and is still with Dunn. Maybe Steinberg represented him in Marketing stuff? Or Aaron dropped Dunn, switched to Steinberg and then went back to Dunn?

yes was marketing as they talk about cash cow and woods

But my point is and was..he had an agent that dropped him and didnt feast off his money

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

But my point is and was..he had an agent that dropped him and didnt feast off his money

True and if Feinstein is correct, Aaron was dropped due to being difficult to deal with.

 

[longtimefan]

True and if Feinstein is correct, Aaron was dropped due to being difficult to deal with.

So we have

An agent dropped him
Issues with family
2 failed gf relationships
Issues with a head coach
Issues with a Gm (rumor??)

Again, they all could have very good reasons why those have happened.

But is it a pattern?
Is it even a thing to be worried about?

 

[G0P4ckG0]

So we have

An agent dropped him
Issues with family
2 failed gf relationships
Issues with a head coach
Issues with a Gm (rumor??)

Again, they all could have very good reasons why those have happened.

But is it a pattern?
Is it even a thing to be worried about?

It is clearly a pattern and I'm sure 100 times more things have occurred behind the scenes much like all of us, but his personal life should remain personal. With just his NFL career it seems like he loves creating drama and that has never sat well with me

 

[ARPackFan]

Not liegh..but mark steinberg

And wasnt wilde...some other guy on wilde part of the show

17 mins in

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2pm-mark-murphy-great-guy/id1550404807?i=1000521216671

Thanks for the link. Mark Steinberg (Excel Sports Management) was in fact his off-field marketing agent. My biggest problem with stuff like this is that it is hard to corroborate. It may very well be true but it may also be someone with an axe to grind.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

So we have

An agent dropped him
Issues with family
2 failed gf relationships
Issues with a head coach
Issues with a Gm (rumor??)

Again, they all could have very good reasons why those have happened.

But is it a pattern?
Is it even a thing to be worried about?

I would remove the GF aspect. That isn't that unusual for a guy his age or in his position. Really, isn't that unusual for anyone.

His family....meh.....I won't go into details, but I know families like his and well.....I would have distanced myself too.

I guess one could say he got along with MM, but also had his differences, I don't see that as a real issue, especially since there are coaches he seems to have a great relationship with.

I mean really the bottom line for me and how I feel about Rodgers, is the fact that he is a pretty damn smart guy and yes he seems a bit full of himself and maybe hard to manipulate like some, but I will give him credit for being his own guy. After the dust of this settles, as much as I think he could have swallowed a bit of his pride, I can see why he is the way he is and because of that, why he might be doing what he is rumored to be doing.....sticking to his guns.

 

[OldSchool101]

The thing is, there is a very happy median and win win for all. Aaron accepts the fact that he is wanted by the team, until his cost is greater than his benefit. He also needs to accept that since nobody knows when that is, the Packers are and will continue to make contingency plans for when that unknown day comes.

Meanwhile, the Packers have to accept that they didn't quite pull Aaron into the fold like he wanted to be. Keep him better informed, let him be involved in some conversations, but be clear that he isn't making the decisions. Layout when and how he will be involved.

The difficult part, the contract. Rodgers wants guarantees and I would be surprised if the Packers want to guarantee more than 2-3 years. As much as people say that it isn't about the money for Rodgers, I have a feeling its all about being compensated and treated like the best player in the NFL and he isn't fooling anyone, that means a lot more money that he is currently contracted for.

My problem is this. The longer it drags out, I think the more irreversible it is, at least without a lot of baggage. I love Aaron, but if the Packers think this is going to stick in his craw and fester, then its time to take everything they can get for him NOW, while they can. Better to start the inevitable rebuild project with some extra draft capital and more money in the war chest, then to wait for him just to retire or walk in 3 years. If this is all being blown out of proportion and very little is true (which I doubt), then lets iron it out and keep him in Green Bay until its time to think about moving on.

If we get him close to what he’d get elsewhere. 4X35 per and a few incentives. A possible contract out in year 4 on a complete restructuring.

I’m not afraid to lose Aaron. But I don’t think we have a better QB to get us over the immediate hump. We can take our lumps and wait 2-3 years. But I think we can do both. I don’t blame him for wanting $. I think most of us would want fair compensation within reason. I know you didn’t say that I’m just reiterating others’ concerns.

PS. There will be other QB’s in a couple years to draft. I’d communicate that to Rodgers upfront. I think he understands but it sounds like poor communication by our FO thus far. They’re kinda like Porcupines.. sneaking around the bubble and either way it’s going to pop.

 

[longtimefan]

I would remove the GF aspect. That isn't that unusual for a guy his age or in his position. Really, isn't that unusual for anyone.

His family....meh.....I won't go into details, but I know families like his and well.....I would have distanced myself too.

I guess one could say he got along with MM, but also had his differences, I don't see that as a real issue, especially since there are coaches he seems to have a great relationship with.

I mean really the bottom line for me and how I feel about Rodgers, is the fact that he is a pretty damn smart guy and yes he seems a bit full of himself and maybe hard to manipulate like some, but I will give him credit for being his own guy. After the dust of this settles, as much as I think he could have swallowed a bit of his pride, I can see why he is the way he is and because of that, why he might be doing what he is rumored to be doing.....sticking to his guns.

Maybe need to think about danica..they did buy a 28 mill house toghter and then seemed like boom..broke up

That isnt to normal..buying even a normal house with gf then break up right away

 

[G0P4ckG0]

Maybe need to think about danica..they did buy a 28 mill house toghter and then seemed like boom..broke up

That isnt to normal..buying even a normal house with gf then break up right away

She left Ricky Stenhouse Jr (NASCAR driver) because he wouldn't commit to marriage. I'm guessing Aaron wasn't ready to settle down at the time especially considering she doesn't seem like the type who knows what she wants to do in life. It seems like she has a new business venture every couple months and that isn't a stable environment for a bachelor like Rodgers...or anyone, really.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Maybe need to think about danica..they did buy a 28 mill house toghter and then seemed like boom..broke up

That isnt to normal..buying even a normal house with gf then break up right away

I guess with how much those 2 are worth, I would liken that to a "normal" couple going halvsies on a cheap used car. I doubt they made any money on the deal, but I doubt either one of them even noticed a dent in their bank account and maybe just hired people to move whatever they wanted out of the house before selling it. Can imagine someone probably overpaid so they could say "this was Aaron's and Danica's house."

Now if he starts getting married, having kids, affairs and divorces, then I would say you are on to something. I think most of us have been in some type of serious relationship, that you think is "it" and for various reasons, it just falls apart. Rodgers and his 3 most recent before the current, just him .....playing the field.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Maybe need to think about danica..they did buy a 28 mill house toghter and then seemed like boom..broke up

That isnt to normal..buying even a normal house with gf then break up right away

Keep in mind that Rodgers buying a house, even a $28m house, isn't the same as an average person buying a house. Most people can't pay the entire cost of the home in cash off of less than one year's earnings (pretty sure Rodgers and Danica combine for over $28m a year). Probably should compare Rodgers and Danica buying that home to a regular couple buying a mid-range BMW.

 

[PackerfaninCarolina]

It is clearly a pattern and I'm sure 100 times more things have occurred behind the scenes much like all of us, but his personal life should remain personal. With just his NFL career it seems like he loves creating drama and that has never sat well with me

I would say his family from what I read are the ones who love creating drama. Rodgers was once asked about his family stories on a radio show, but he at least had the dignity to say he was keeping dirty laundry out of it. The same can't be said about his family though who have had no issues letting cats out of their bags in front of cameras.

 

[longtimefan]

I would say his family from what I read are the ones who love creating drama. Rodgers was once asked about his family stories on a radio show, but he at least had the dignity to say he was keeping dirty laundry out of it. The same can't be said about his family though who have had no issues letting cats out of their bags in front of cameras.

Other than saying call your mom during the fire, or brother on Bachelor saying they dont talk.

What dirty laundry?

And know one here knows what the issue is.

I suspect they didnt like his choices on religion issues. And thats how it started.

Wonder why no family comes out and says Whats wrong..that would be a money maker...maybe it would make them look.horrible?

 

[AmishMafia]

Other than saying call your mom during the fire, or brother on Bachelor saying they dont talk.

What dirty laundry?

And know one here knows what the issue is.

I suspect they didnt like his choices on religion issues. And thats how it started.

Wonder why no family comes out and says Whats wrong..that would be a money maker...maybe it would make them look.horrible?

Doesn't matter, we don't need evidence. We can make up stuff or state that anyone that disagrees with Rodgers is a liar. Because Rodgers is a great QB and we are fans so we have to completely condone all of his personal issues and actions.

Tribalism is a bizarre thing in human nature and is so prevalent in our society.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Doesn't matter, we don't need evidence. We can make up stuff or state that anyone that disagrees with Rodgers is a liar. Because Rodgers is a great QB and we are fans so we have to completely condone all of his personal issues and actions.

Tribalism is a bizarre thing in human nature and is so prevalent in our society.

Completely agree. So long as you also agree that fandom of your team is the definition of tribalism. So, not just Rodgers defenders fit your commentary. I prefer the, "we don't know everything and any conclusions are gonna have to wait."

 

[GleefulGary]

Personally, I think Rodgers put the rumors out there on purpose, to test the public reaction. Rodgers makes almost $10M per year on endorsements. That will go on after retirement and is probably more money than his next few years playing football. This is why he hasn't spoken as he can always walk it back. "I was unhappy, but I never wanted a trade. I didn't want to air grievances in public. Packers have been so good to me and I respect the fans ..." kind of thing should he return.

Pretty much.

He didn’t leak it (his people did), so he has deniability. He can walk it back like you said, and like he’s done before. If anybody is a pro’s pro at being petty and passive aggressive, it’s Rodgers. I don’t much like it, but as long as he plays well I’ll live with it.