Rob Demovsky
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Every time Aaron Rodgers is completed taking part in, and he has stated he is “fairly certain” this season with the Pittsburgh Steelers shall be his final, he desires it to finish ceremoniously with the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
Prematurely of Sunday's sport in opposition to his outdated group, Rodgers made it clear what his retirement will seem like.
“I used to be there for 18 years,” Rodgers stated of his time in Inexperienced Bay. “No matter after I dangle it up, that is the majority of my profession. I am going to retire a Packer and see what occurs after that. I've obtained loads of love for the group [and] my time there. They requested this week is it a revenge sport or no matter. What do I obtained to be avenging right here? They made me a ton of cash. I grew up there, spent a few of the greatest years of my life there. I've obtained nothing however love for the group.”
The Packers virtually definitely will welcome Rodgers again simply as they did for Brett Favre. Favre was inducted into the Packers Corridor of Fame in 2015, one 12 months earlier than he was inducted into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame, and his No. 4 was retired.
Rodgers final performed for the Packers in 2022. He was traded to the New York Jets in 2023. After two seasons in New York, he signed with the Steelers this previous offseason. Sundays' sport is the primary for Rodgers in opposition to his former group.
Throughout a Zoom name Thursday with reporters who cowl the Packers, Rodgers spoke fondly concerning the Packers and with out point out of any bitterness towards not ending his taking part in profession with the group that drafted him in 2005 to ultimately substitute Favre.
“It was such a tight-knit group for thus lengthy there,” Rodgers stated. “I outlasted most of them, but it surely's enjoyable, that is why I really feel so good about my time there as a result of rattling close to all the things nice in my life is due to my soccer profession, and my soccer profession begins and can finish at some point with Inexperienced Bay. I've obtained loads of love for these reminiscences and loads of nice associates that I nonetheless carry with me to this present day.”
Whereas Rodgers stated it was “cool” to have the ability to play his outdated groups — each the Jets and Packers — this season, “This one would imply much more if it was in Lambeau, simply due to the love I've for that place and that hallowed floor of Lambeau Area and all of the superb reminiscences that I've there through the years.”
