David Bakhtiari goes on emotional rant when asked about future with Packers

Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari didn't hold back when discussing his injury status and future.

Ongoing knee issues have forced Bakhtiari to miss time in recent years, but many questioned whether his Week 2 absence was due to the Packers playing on turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Bakhtiari dismissed that immediately.

"If I wasn't going to play on turf, I'd probably make more of a ruckus," said Bakhtiari. "No, that was not the reason at all."

Matt LaFleur shut down questions about Bakhtiari's status earlier this week, noting that the All-Pro left tackle missed the game against the Atlanta Falcons due to an injury and had nothing to do with the turf.

With that out of the way, Bakhtiari was also asked about his future in the NFL due to his long-term knee issues. He gave an honest answer.

David Bakhtiari cements Packers legend status with emotional rant when asked about retiring

Bakhtiari was asked whether he has considered retiring due to the knee injury. Here's what he said, according to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

"Maybe in, like, a quiet talk to myself. But realistically I think - God I hate, it's such a blowhard thing to say, and I hate blowhards when it comes to football - I think it's going to be more like a doctor having to be like, 'What are you doing?' And I'll be like, 'All right, fair.' But, like, I just, I'm going to get fined for this one, but I just enjoy it too much, and I'm too f---ing good at it."

"At least if I was bad, I would maybe entertain it a little bit more, but that's the part that's tough when I know I'm still good, and I know I'm still at a disadvantage. It's funny when I hear guys sh-t talking on the field. I think to myself, 'I'm beating you with one leg tied behind my back. You have no idea.'"

- David Bakhtiari

No lies detected. Bakhtiari is spot on. It's hard to believe how well he plays, regardless of how much time he has missed.

Take Week 1 against the Chicago Bears as an example. Bakhtiari hadn't practiced all week, stepped into the game, and dominated. How many players can suffer a significant injury like Bakhtiari did, return, rarely practice, consistently miss games, yet still play at an All-Pro every time? It's Hall-of-Fame level play from Bakhtiari.

To play at this level despite not being at 100 percent is remarkable.

The situation is unfortunate. Bakhtiari suffered a non-contact injury during practice in the 2020 season. It ended his year and limited him to only one quarter of football in 2021. He has been in and out of the lineup since.

But when he does play, it's like he never left. The Packers have to accept that Bakhtiari won't play every game. He may even have to miss a game on short notice. But it's worth it for the games he does play. When he's out there, Jordan Love has no concerns on the left side of the offensive line.

It was great to hear Bakhtiari take the time to give such an honest and open answer. It shows his passion and that he cares.

And it's why Packers fans love him.

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