Packers: Aaron Rodgers ‘excited to work with’ Jordan Love
Aaron Rodgers said he’s “excited to work with” Jordan Love.
Aaron Rodgers has been in Jordan Love’s shoes. He understands it better than anybody.
Rodgers, who was drafted 24th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft and sat for three years behind Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre, knows what it’s like to be the quarterback chosen to succeed a legend. That’s the role Love finds himself in after being selected 26th overall in last month’s draft.
Speaking to the media via a conference call on Friday, Rodgers admitted that while he wasn’t “thrilled” about the pick, he respects the Packers‘ decision to look after the present and also the future.
When asked about Rodgers’ relationship with Love, the two-time MVP made it clear he’s looking forward to working with him:
“He didn’t ask to be drafted by the Packers. He’s not to blame at all,” Rodgers said about Love. “He’s just coming in excited about his opportunity. We had a great conversation the day after the draft, and I’m excited to work with him.”
Rodgers gave an honest answer to each question that came his way. He didn’t hide away or give a non-answer to the questions about Love. He was open in that he didn’t love the choice to draft his potential successor, but he also understands the business and had absolutely nothing bad to say about the Packers’ first-round pick. Again, he understands the situation he’s entering.
Rodgers went into more depth about his feelings about the pick. It’s not to do with Love or even the Packers’ decision to keep an eye on the future, but rather because he intends to play for many more years, and the timeline for Love to come in and start might not line up with his timeline for the end of his career.
“It was more the surprise of the pick based on my own feelings of wanting to play into my 40s, and the realization that it does change the controllables a little bit because as much as I feel confident in my abilities and what I can accomplish and what we can accomplish, there are some new factors that are out of my control.”
Rodgers was honest. He may not have been a huge fan of the pick because it could mean he’ll finish his career elsewhere, but he understands the decision and has enjoyed his conversations with Love, who he said he’s excited to work with.