It’s the Packers’ “A-Rod”–MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers–and “J.Lo,” his potential successor, Jordan Love.
That NFL version of A-Rod & J.Lo has been brewing since the 2020 Draft when Green Bay’s GM Brian Gutekunst drafted Love out of Utah State. And it’s not just what Gutekunst did: it was also very much about what he didn’t do–that is, bring in new weapons to help Rodgers. Rodgers, who had earlier said that he wants to play well into his 40s (he’s 37 currently), was understandably upset by a move that seemed to undermine his authority and possibly expedite his exit as the Packers’ starter.
Why did the Packers draft Love? Management felt that Love could be the team’s future, so they traded up to take him and avoid the possibility of facing a future without a suitable replacement.
That said, the team’s brain trust didn’t address the need to satisfy the ego of their star quarterback. While it makes perfect sense to have a backup plan when talking about cars or travel plans, things get messier when human emotions are involved. Besides, Rodgers had every right to expect management to hold true to their part of the bargain–to piece together a strong receiving corps so that he would have the tools necessary to do what he does best–win.
Aaron Rodgers (photo, UPI)
Rodgers, a bona fide NFL superstar, has earned the right to have high expectations and a say regarding how the Packers are constructed. That’s what Tom Brady has in Tampa Bay. Team execs took Brady’s advice and acquired TE Rob Gronkowski and WR Antonio Brown, two players who helped the team make a championship run, including being involved in three TDs in the Bucs’ Super Bowl win over the Chiefs.
In Green Bay, on the other hand, the Packers didn’t bother to involve Rogers or to explain why they felt the strong need to draft Love. They didn’t even put the move in context, that is, say to Rodgers that he is still in their long-term plan going forward and that the team will be fully investing in his success.
It’s almost as though GB management taunted Rodgers: “Let’s see if you can really do this on your own.”
Because GB didn’t do any of what it should have done, the Packers are now in crisis mode trying to deal with a problem they created. It helped that GB selected WR Amari Rodgers in the third round of the recent NFL Draft, but (as they say) it might have been too little, too late.
What’s the bottom line? It’s hard to have more than one diva in a relationship. MLB star A-Rod and singer J-Lo have had extremely successful and independent careers. They also have larger-than-life personalities that demand top attention. Their relationship? It didn’t last. Similarly, Green Bay’s A-Rod and J-Lo compete for attention. And while QB J.Lo isn’t clamoring for attention, the GB front office has his back.
As for QB A-Rod, he knows that any Packers GM wants to solidify his legacy by ensuring that a future star is ready when it’s time for a long-time starter to step aside. Rodgers lived through that experience when GM Ted Thompson drafted him in 2005 as heir to the venerable and beloved Brett Favre.
Is this time different? I think so.
Unless and until the Packers can figure out how to address a situation that could have been avoided, then–just like ‘ the other’ A-Rod and J.Lo situation–the relationship in Green Bay will be fractured beyond repair.
