When it comes to NFL players who are not shy about expressing themselves publicly, you won’t find an individual with as much to say as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
In many ways, it’s part of his character and what defines him as an NFL star, and to be fair, he’s earned the right to say what he feels. The veteran is coming off back-to-back NFL MVP award-winning seasons, and even if off-field issues seem to mount up, they don’t appear to affect his on-field displays.
It’s unlikely Rodgers will make it a three-peat in terms of those MVP awards (and it’s worth noting that the 38-year-old has four of those overall), and if you are interested in backing a bet on who might win the prestigious award for 2022, then check out Sidelines sports website and look at their odds comparison service when it comes to NFL futures.
The Packers were looking good at 3-1 before they took part in the NFL London clash against the New York Giants, which they lost narrowly, and they then followed that loss with two more against the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders and that led to Rodgers voicing his concerns about the lack of commitment and ability on behalf of his team-mates.
Among other comments, Rodgers stated about underperforming players:
“(Those) who are making too many mistakes shouldn’t be playing. Gotta start cutting some reps. And maybe guys who aren’t playing, give them a chance.”
He doubled down on those comments and made it clear that he has no problem telling players face-to-face;
“If one of those guys has a problem with it, I’m right here, and I’d love to have a conversation,”
“I enjoy those conversations. I enjoy any type of conflict like that because I know the resolution on the other side is going to make us a better unit, a better friendship, and a better cohesion on the field. But nobody’s come to me and said, ‘I’ve got a problem with what you said.’ I think everybody knows, Matt included, that everything’s got to take a little uptick, get a little better.”
It appears that some of his teammates have no issue with Rodgers mouthing off. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins has admitted as such;
“If you’re not performing or executing or doing the things that you’re supposed to be doing, then I’m with Aaron,”
“If I’m not playing well and I’m freaking up and busting plays, get me out of the game because that’s not helping the team. I think that’s a wake-up call to everybody, wake-up call to myself. I try to limit myself to having one M.A. a game, and that’s my goal. The goal is to have none, but things happen in the fire. I’m with Aaron, man.”
Rodgers is committed to the cause, so his protestations will generally be well received by those around him. The fact that he’s achieved so much in the game means that he’s earned the right to call it as it is; therefore, such a response should, in the long run, help to get the most out of those who take the field alongside the Packers legend.