OK, watching the draft as a NFL football junky I was up to 12 Midnight waiting for the Packers #1 pick at 29th in the draft. Like many Packer Fans I was excited to see who would be our first choice! But, on the ticker tape that passes along the bottom of the screen:
Aaron Rodgers wants to be traded.................
Really? For 4 hours, this scrolled across the bottom of the screen. So, what ........
#1 - Aaron Rodgers GOT WHAT HE WANTED!
Last year we ALL know, we drafted a QB! (I really feel for Jordan Love!) Aaron was pissed. Aaron was hurt! Aaron was saddened! Aaron was ............
Fans were also surprised. Fans were also pissed. So, let me dive into the minds of the people involved.
Aaron Rodgers? A complicated, intelligent, talented man. A man that was talented, his journey from high school to junior college, to California U, to the Packers was not smooth, and a little bumpy! He was constantly proving himself! Sitting on draft night a LONG time to be selected at the end of round one! Sitting behind Packer Legend, Brett Favre for 3 years! (A viewing Brett's crazy Packer exit!) And, winning a Super Bowl early in his career, and shut out from the Super Bowl for the past 10 years!
A complicated man! A shaky family life! Not talking to parents! Not talking to his own brother! Dating Hollywood Stars, Race Car Drivers, finally quickly getting engaged to a Hollywood actress! Hosting Jeopardy for two weeks! Traveling the world to all the cool places!
Packer Management? General Managers, Head Coaches, Coaches, Team President?? You are working with a complicated human being! Very talented! Already have experienced a complicated ending to a talented QB, Brett Favre! A different ending, but a messy ending! You have NO real answer on the bench at this time last year! (At least, during the Favre meltdown, the Packers had Aaron Rodgers in the bench). So, you go out and get, who you think, is a possible replacement in round one last year) At age 37, is your quarterback really committed? Could he move to the Himalaya Mountains and become a monk? Marry a Hollywood star and become a stay at home Dad? Join the professional golf tour?
What does Aaron do? All year, he plans his counter attack! He was VERY MAD last year! So, the day of the draft, he floats the rumor sports reporters, general managers, "I WANT TRADED!" There you go Gutekunst, take that!!! And, now we can talk about Aaron all off season! He GOT want he wanted!
Now, back to the draft & the Packers first round pick - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia. More to come ...
Welcome to Green Bay Eric Stokes!
