It’s Aaron Rodgers Day. Enjoy. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

12-12-12 – yes, it’s my brother Fran’s birthday – for real – but we also know that it is being celebrated across Wisconsin as Aaron Rodgers Day. Let’s celebrate the man of the day, but let’s also celebrate the person who made it happen, Jennifer Brilowski, and the events that will help raise funds for Aaron’s favorite charity, the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund (MACC Fund).

Not only does Let’s Make 12/12/12 “Aaron Rodgers Day” have its own Facebook page, there has been an effort to raise funds for the MACC Fund with a store that includes a whole bunch of products (that will make great Christmas gifts, btw, HINT, HINT).

Plans are being made across the state, indeed across the world, for special celebrations and fundraisers … just punch in a search for 12-12-12 or Aaron Rodgers Day and you are sure to find an event that may be close to where you live. There have been videos made to honor the day (see below), a rap song has been written (see below), and even the San Francisco Chronicle had a story Tuesday about the special day saying, “Rodgers’ predecessor wore No. 4. However, the state Legislature never named April 4, 2004 Brett Favre Day.

Touché.

But I digress.

Today is a day that goes beyond the man, Aaron Rodgers. It’s about humility, giving, and celebrating human kindness. That’s exhibited by the work of Brilowski and her friends who came up with the idea and started the Facebook page; it’s an extension of Rodgers’ efforts to connect with young people, especially those who are suffering from cancer.

And one thing is for sure … it’s not just about winning – though Aaron Rodgers has given us so much of that. It’s about honoring one another and celebrating humanity and having a little fun at the same time. But it’s also about what Aaron Rodgers has meant in the lives of so many others and how he has extended himself to others. When all the cheering has stopped for Mr. Rodgers, this might be a defining moment in his monumental career.

We congratulate all who have been involved in this, especially Jennifer Brilowski. You’ve engaged so many in a great thing and we appreciate it.

Happy Aaron Rodgers Day!

… and happy birthday, Fran!

Today’s, of course, is related to Aaron Rodgers.

Enjoy.

Courtesy of Joe Heller of the Green Bay Press Gazette

Aaron Rodgers will be recognized on Dec. 12, 2012. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

12-12-12

It’s the day that the Mayan calendar ends … some say it’s the end of the world.

But for Packers fans like Jennifer Brilowski of Stevens Point., this is not the day of reckoning, but rather a day of appreciation for one of the best players in the National Football League, if not the best.

On her Facebook account Brilowski started the movement to honor Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (#12) on Dec. 12, 2012. It was picked up by the Wisconsin State Legislature which officially passed the resolution to establish Aaron Rodgers Day in Wisconsin.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get perspective on how a career and a way of living your life can have an impact on the society you live in,” Rodgers said today in accepting the resolution.

And just what will Rodgers be doing on that day, a Wednesday, deep in the Packers season? Well, probably practicing - “Mike’s probably going to have a padded practice. I think we play the Bears that week. It will be an amped up practice,” Rodgers said.

And while there won’t be any special program or celebrations expected on that day across the state, employers will most likely encourage employees to break out their Rodgers jerseys and wear them to work.

Rodgers said he will have just one piece of equipment that will be required on that day:

“Put on the belt,” he said.

The following is a video of the Wisconsin State Legislature actually agreeing unanimously on a resolution – this one to recognize Dec. 12, 2012, as Aaron Rodgers Day in the state.

Donald Driver will be using his moves on Dancing with the Stars. Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

Here is a compilation of some Packers and NFL news that have drawn some interest lately.

It was announced today that Donald Driver of the Green Bay Packers will compete on Dancing with the Stars. It has become a tradition that each season includes an NFL player competing on the show. With all the uncertainty surrounding Driver and his future with the Pack, this will be a good way to take his mind off this lingering issue. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers tweeted shortly after finding out about Driver being on the Dancing with the Stars saying, “Quickie on DWTS?? Guaranteed to be in the finals.” It does seem that the Packers could elect to restructure Driver’s contract so he can stay with the team.

It is becoming more likely that the Packers will have to part ways with All-Pro center Scott Wells. This is because the Packers, as reported by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, have an interest in Houston Texans’ center Scott Myers. Though it is technically illegal for the Packers to have any sort of contact with potential free agents before the actual start of free agency, it is still done frequently between players and team management behind closed doors. This just seems to be reassuring the probability that Wells will be going somewhere else.

Aaron Rodgers is more popular in Wisconsin and among Packers fan than any celebrity in recent memory. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The state of Wisconsin is currently in the process of making 12/12/12 officially Aaron Rodgers Day. This just provides further evidence on how passionate and unique Packer country is.

Following up on a past article I did about the Pro Bowl, Commissioner Roger Goodell told ESPN’s Mike and Mike right before the Super Bowl, “After what I saw last Sunday, the NFL will consider eliminating the Pro Bowl.” I do not want the Pro Bowl to end but if the NFL just added some incentives to winning the game then maybe players would try harder. As of right now, the winning team receives $50,000 per player while the losing team receives $25,000. Obviously for players receiving millions of dollars per year, there really is no extra incentive to play harder.