Aaron Rodgers playing for the Minnesota Vikings should never happen. It's not right.
He is a Green Bay Packers legend, and it should stay that way. Reports of Rodgers considering following in Brett Favre's footsteps and selling his soul to the enemy didn't sit well with Packers fans. We've seen this story play out before.
Various reports indicated Rodgers preferred to sign with Minnesota, where he could push for a Super Bowl while helping mentor J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings seemingly had no interest, leaving Rodgers' future up in the air.
The four-time MVP finally broke his silence with an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, and he sent a clear message about his possible Vikings interest. He also addressed Packers fans.
"There's been a lot of narratives that have not been anywhere near accurate," said Rodgers. "Starting with me pitching something to the Vikings … that's not accurate either."
"I'm sure there's a lot of sentiment from Packer fans, maybe Viking fans," he added. "I've known Kevin O'Connell forever … I've known him for 17, 18 years. We talk outside of just this offseason. We've had good communication."
Aaron Rodgers plays down rumors that he was waiting for Vikings opportunity
Rodgers attempted to shut down the rumors that he was waiting on the Vikings. Earlier this month, ESPN's Adam Schefter said he believed Rodgers was "waiting in the back of his mind for Minnesota."
From a football, Super Bowl-winning perspective, it makes sense. Minnesota would give Rodgers his best chance at a second ring, especially in a Kevin O'Connell offense that elevated Sam Darnold into a Pro Bowl player. Throwing to Justin Jefferson doesn't hurt, either.
But it's not that simple. We can't ignore the Packers-Vikings rivalry, and Rodgers knows that better than anyone.
He experienced it firsthand when Vikings fans (and some media outlets) took pleasure in his broken collarbone suffered at the hands of Anthony Barr. Rodgers also saw the messy split between Favre and Packers fans after he signed with the Vikings.
Rodgers wanted to set the record straight.
He had a lot to say during his McAfee cameo, including going scorched earth on the New York Jets. He provided no real update on his future, noting that retirement remains an option. The Pittsburgh Steelers' wait continues.
Maybe Rodgers will find a new team. Maybe he walks off into the sunset, or, well, darkness retreat. Perhaps the Vikings move will still happen at some point.
We come away more confused than before, but it's hard not to feel like Rodgers wanted to make a statement to Packers fans that he wasn't planning to follow the Favre arc.