Inching ever closer to that elusive second Super Bowl, Rodgers is doing more this year to help his team reach the pinnacle of professional sports.
Even in the twilight of Aaron Rodgers’ illustrious football career, he still dominates on the gridiron. The two-time reigning MVP of the national football league has consistently been near the top of the league in statistics such as quarterback rating, passing yards, and passing touchdowns, while also averaging the least interceptions of any quarterback in the NFL, a rare combination.
This season, Rodgers has had to take on a slightly different role than he has in the past with several of his favorite targets moving on to different teams, and young inexperienced rookies taking their place. Rodgers has chosen to don the hat of teacher to help his new weapons acclimate to the NFL both on the field and off it.
Around Professor Rodgers, young guns such as second round pick Christian Watson and fourth round pick Romeo Doubs must be ready at any time to soak in the wisdom of the 17 year NFL veteran even during lunch at the Packers cafeteria. Said Rodgers, “At lunch, I kind of like to pick a table with a guy that I might not have connected with yet and have lunch with him…. It’s about getting those guys to feel comfortable here, because as much as we are gonna hold those guys accountable this still is a tight-knit group. I want everybody to feel great about their role here and to feel great about their spot on the team.”
The hype surrounding the two rookies is huge and even Rodgers agrees that they will be held to a higher standard than rookies in previous years. That being said, Rodgers also understands that the rookies will take some time to come along, as nearly all young players do. “I think we have to acknowledge the expectations for these guys, but we also have to hold them to the standard that they are capable of at this time based on those expectations that are realistic.” Rodgers said, “The whole key is consistency with what’s being taught. Consistency with seeing improvement each day.”
“I think we have to acknowledge the expectations for these guys, but we also have to hold them to the standard that they are capable of at this time…”
The Packers have high hopes this season and as Rodgers is turning 39 in December, time seems to be running out for the star quarterback to reach and win his second Super Bowl. The Green Bay offense will heavily feature proven veterans such as Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Sammy Watkins, but the rookies will be needed if the Packers are to have much success.
As the preseason flies to a close and the regular season gets underway, the Packers young receivers will have many trials, but their quarterback has got their backs.
