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Time for Schein: Davante Adams expected the Packers to field a receiver, but that ‘was not the case’
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Aaron Rodgers is at this stage of his career ready to open up more than he was earlier in his career. Rodgers, who is entering his 16th NFL season, has been anything but upset when he was recently asked about his future at Green Bay after the team traded to select quarterback Jordan Love during this year’s draft. Rodgers recently opened up about previous criticism he has received from ex-teammates Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley. Jennings, a receiver for the Packers from 2006-12, and Finley, who played tight end for the Packers from 2008-13, were publicly critical of Rodgers in the years following her time at Green Bay.
Jennings was overjoyed, among other things, at a joke Rodgers made all about the 49ers who signed him during Jennings’ last season at Green Bay. Finley’s criticism of Rodgers revolved mostly around the quarterback’s lead.
“I have no problem with either person,” Rodgers said during a performance on “The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.” “I do not. I enjoyed playing with both boys. Greg was a fantastic player, and so was J-Mike. The physical talent of both boys was phenomenal, and we had some incredible moments together. Greg scored two touchdowns in the Super Bowl, and J-Mike was on his way to a lot of Pro Bowl, All-Pro-type career in my opinion before his terrible neck injury. “
Rogers is right, because it relates to the ability of both players. Jennings, after first having success with Brett Favre in Favre’s last two years at Green Bay, reached even greater heights with Rodgers as his quarterback. A Pro Bowler in 2010 and 2011, Jennings is top-10 in franchise history in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receiving. His two touchdown catches in Super Bowl XLV – along with a major catch of the third down after the game – helped the Packers to a 31-25 victory over the Steelers.
Finley, who arrived at Green Bay the same season when Rodgers started his career as Green Bay’s starting quarterback, was a very productive player when he was healthy. In 2011, Finley set career highs with 55 receptions for 767 yards and eight touchdowns, while the Packers helped become the sixth NFL team to win at least 15 regular-season games.
Despite their success with him, Jennings and Finley have clearly unresolved issues with Rodgers, who believes he knows the origins of their criticism.
“I think I see it clearly. There was something painful, for sure,” Rodgers said. “I have no problem with her. I just do not like it when other people influence the story about me that I do not think it is necessary.”
Although he is unfamiliar with his former teammates, Rodgers challenges how some of her quotes have been used by the media, and therefore created a story about him that is not an accurate picture of who he is.
“I think we’re talking too much about this right now,” Rodgers said. “I have no problem with either of these two guys … I think it should be more about honest reporting than who should be first.
“I think opinions have become facts instead of the actual facts of the subject we are talking about. I think this is a place in our society where we have gone, where it is more important to express your opinion. then investigate and find out what the facts and situation are. ”
One thing that cannot be denied is Rodgers’ willingness to be more open at this late stage of his career.
“I just think I said ‘F it,'” Rodgers said when asked why he decided to open more. I was never a cliché … It was fun to find opportunities to share more about my personality. I think there were some misnomer about me shared by people who did not really know me that well. It has been nice to rewrite some of those narratives. ”
