Packers news: Aaron Rodgers didn’t consider opting out of 2020 season

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers said he never considered opting out of the 2020 season.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a number of players have decided to opt out of the season. But the Green Bay Packers will have their two-time MVP on the field this year.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Aaron Rodgers said he hasn’t considered opting out of the season but respects the decision made by the players who have.

“I did not consider it. I was always going to play,” Rodgers said. “I respect any person who decides to opt out, there’s a lot of different circumstances around for each individual case.”

“It’s a different year. I respect all those guys who decided to make that decision.”

Packers wide receiver Devin Funchess is one of the players in the league to opt out of the season. Rodgers said he spoke to Funchess before the news was made public:

“We had a conversation before training camp started,” Rodgers said. “I told him I respect his decision, I have a lot of appreciation for how difficult that must be to weigh the love of playing football with the safety of your family. I have an appreciation for that and absolutely zero judgment.”

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, players have until Thursday to decide whether to opt out of the 2020 season.

The Packers have also placed kicker Mason Crosby, defensive tackle Treyvon Hester, tight end Jace Sternberger, and long snapper Hunter Bradley on the reserve/COVID-19 list, meaning they have either tested positive for COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who tested positive.

It’s uncertain whether the 2020 season will be completed or whether there will be more challenges due to the pandemic, but for now, the season is set to begin in just over a month. Training camps are getting underway around the league.