Aaron Rodgers deepened his reaction when the Green Bay Packers selected Jordan Love in Round 1, and shed more light on his controversial team mentality.
Plus, it gave us an idea of Rodgers’ favorite drink when things get a little weird.
Typically, a Scottish man, Rodgers told NFL Media’s Kyle Brandt that he was watching the draft closely, he was encouraged when the Packers traded four picks to No. 26 overall … and then looked for his bottle of tequila when Love was the choice.
“I thought, ‘Oh, wow, that’s fine,'” Rodgers told Brandt for the first episode of a future Ringer / Spotify podcast. “I love Scotch whiskey, but lately I’ve also been drinking a little tequila. And once I got that message [that Love was the pick], I went to the pantry, I served about four fingers [of tequila] and I knew it was going to be one of those nights when people start calling. “
Rodgers said his response to callers was, “Yes, I’m fine.” He admitted that he was not “euphoric” with the selection, instead he expected a wide receiver. But with receivers off the board in three of the previous five elections that led to where Green Bay landed, that position ran out. No other wide receiver was in Round 1.
Rodgers discussed Love’s arrival with the Green Bay media this offseason, but has otherwise been kept out of the spotlight. What he said to Brandt about what he hopes will unfold in the years to come was fascinating.
Aaron Rodgers hopes the Packers will drift away from him eventually
Brandt asked Rodgers about the follow-up question to Love about how the two-time MVP expects the situation to unfold two years later. Brandt suggested they will have to either move out of Rodgers or simply not play their 2020 first-round pick.
Rodgers did not hesitate to suggest that Green Bay will eventually replace him as a starter with Love in the future.
“I think probably the first thing,” Rodgers said. “That is probably what happens, depending on the circumstances surrounding everything.
“Just look at the facts: they were negotiated. They recruited him. I would say they like it. They want to play with him. “
Aaron Rodgers said he hopes the Green Bay Packers will leave him before he is ready to stop playing. (Photo by Harry How / Getty Images)
Naturally, on draft day, it was easy for many to immediately parallel Rodgers’ draft experience, after the Packers made the playoffs with Brett Favre in QB.
Rodgers said this situation was a “different environment,” since a generation ago, rookies often sat for a year or two before being ready to take over. That’s rare these days, as first-round QBs tend to play earlier.
When asked by Brandt, a Chicago Bears fan how it might feel to one day wear a Bears uniform, Rodgers punched.
“Oh man,” said Rodgers, laughing, “that’s a difficult thought right there, man.”
Rodgers contacted Jordan Love the next day
After drinking his tequila and FaceTiming with callers on draft night, Rodgers said he approached Love the next day. He said he wanted Love to know that if there is anyone who understands the position he is in, it is Rodgers.
“I know what he’s going through,” said Rodgers. “The last thing you want is any negativity about realizing a childhood dream.
“I just said, ‘Congratulations, man. I understand what you’re going through. It is super exciting. I’m excited to work with you, ‘which I am. ”
While the Packers made Jordan Love, medium, their first pick in 2020, Aaron Rodgers was at home drinking tequila. (NFL photo via Getty Images)
Rodgers admitted that it was not the scene he envisioned for the draft weekend, falling one game from a Super Bowl after a 13-3 regular season. He also said that he wanted to make sure that the disappointment was not directed at Love himself.
“Was I discouraged? Of course. Who wouldn’t it be? Rodgers said. “I want to play my entire career at Green Bay. I love the city, I grew up there. Actually, I got there when I was 21, and now I’m 36. A lot of changes during that time.
“But I understand it. I see it completely clear, and I’m not bitter about it. Somehow it is what it is. “
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