File Under: Now I Like Rodgers Even More

Bill Simmons reveals a side of Aaron Rodgers that is rarely, if ever, seen by the public.

Aaron Rodgers gets a lot of credit, deservedly so, for the way he handled the entire Brett Favre soap opera two summers ago. I think most Packer fans would agree that Rodgers seemed almost inhuman in the way he seemed to be able to divorce himself from emotion while saying and doing all the right things, never showing even the slightest bit of animosity toward Favre.

So it's refreshing - yes, refreshing - to read this from Bill Simmons:

...my affection for Rodgers increased exponentially at ESPN's Sundance party during the conference championships, when Rodgers and his buddies unabashedly rooted against former nemesis Favre and the Vikings down the stretch and celebrated raucously when New Orleans pulled it out. Rodgers couldn't have been more delighted; he did everything but climb on the bar and start a "F--- YOU, FAVRE!" chant. I will always root for him after that. And yes, that story is 100 percent true.

I can't tell you how happy this makes me.

 

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Comments (65)

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hyperRevue's picture

September 03, 2010 at 10:54 am

I would pay so much money for video of this.

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Alex Tallitsch's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:05 am

Co-sign.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 03, 2010 at 08:40 pm

I also adjacent over hypotenuse.

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foundinidaho's picture

September 03, 2010 at 09:49 pm

Put me on that list. I'd pay real money for video of that. And it confirms what I always thought - Judas' attitude drives ARodg NUTS. Haha!

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Jayme Snowden's picture

September 03, 2010 at 10:54 am

Brilliant!

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lebowski's picture

September 03, 2010 at 10:57 am

That is awesome! Now, stick it to him on the field. God, I hate Favre.

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Asshalo's picture

September 03, 2010 at 10:58 am

lol, I'de pay to see this too, "he did everything but climb on the bar and start a “F— YOU, FAVRE!” chant."

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Franklin Hillside's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:01 am

I read that yesterday, and it floored me. I think I had a smile on my face for a couple of hours afterward.

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fish's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:04 am

Rodgers may not have said it out loud, But everybody else was climbing on the bar saying “F— YOU, FAVRE!” Ha! Ha!

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Anita's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:13 am

Love it!! For all the class Aaron showed throughout the cluster eff that Favre put him through, you KNOW he had to be suppressing some serious emotions. You have to get them out somehow!

Hey Aaron! I reacted the same way. I even did a Snoopy Happy Dance around my living room.

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SpartaChris's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:32 am

Well, I had enough of an F--You Favre! chant going on my own to more than make up for it.

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Jer's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:35 am

Another indication of how little Favre was liked by the players in the Packers lockerroom. And we hear the same rumblings from the Jets.

But yet for the Vikings, he couldn't be a better teammate.

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bleedsgreen's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:02 pm

This is indeed a great mystery to me too.

For years, it's all: "He just can't relate to players half his age" and then suddenly: "he's made quick friends with even the rookies." There is a bizarre story underneath this all.... and it points to the idea that deep down he came to really hate Green Bay, the Packers, Wisconsin.... all of it. That's why I can't abide all the locals here in Wisconsin who still worship him. I can't help but just say, "Yeah, well, he pretty much hates you and the team you supposedly love." With all his suddenly friendly behavior and oaths to "owe so much to the VIkings" there seems to be no other interpretation.

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CSS's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:30 pm

On a side note, I have October 11th circled on my calendar. The Vikings travel to the Jets.

You think Woody Johnson (owner) will advocate Rex Ryan throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Favre during that game? Sure, the Vikings might win, but there will be an epic beatdown throughout this game, penalties be damned.....

And he thought there was soreness after the Saints game.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 04, 2010 at 04:51 am

"You think Woody Johnson (owner) will advocate Rex Ryan throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Favre during that game?"

Sure hope so Chris. Sure hope so.

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Andrew In Atlanta's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:41 am

I absolutely LOVE this story

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Max (ukpackersfan)'s picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:48 am

Great story and boy do they hate each other. Makes our rivalry soooo much better though.

I've always wondered what little banter those two had after the game at Lambeau.

Favre: Screw you ya little runt!
Rodgers: Up yours old man!
(Shake hands and walk away)

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 04, 2010 at 04:58 am

Nah, A-Rod's way too classy for that. He gave Burt an acknowledging nod to say "your team was better today". Burt will receive no such nod this or any season from here on out. Book that!

#12 For Bliggity-Bang-Liggity-Boom!

On an unrelated topic...

P-H-I-L-L-Y
S-U-X
D-O-N-K-E-Y
S-C-H-L-O-N-G

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hoogus's picture

September 03, 2010 at 12:43 pm

We'll see how Rodgers behaves at the end of his career when management wants to move him out of the way, when fans have grown tired of him and yearn for someone new.

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CSS's picture

September 03, 2010 at 12:53 pm

If Rodgers waffles over retirement for 6-8 years, I will boo him....

If Rodgers avoids training camp and any level of rapport with his teamates in and out of season, year after year, I will boo him...

If Rodgers spends the better part of two decades single handedly pissing away football games when the most is at stake, I will boo him....

If Rodgers ever requires a disciplined game-manager/glorified baby-sitter to actually play disciplined football within the confines of the offensive philopsophy to actually be productive like Favre did (Holmgren), I will boo him....

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j4a1's picture

September 03, 2010 at 01:15 pm

Amen Brother...Amen.

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Ron LC's picture

September 03, 2010 at 01:46 pm

Me too, CSS! To quote my favorite 5th Quarter song, "You've said it all."

God, the UNLV - Badger game doesn't start until 10pm. I'm too old for that crap. Remember the last UNLV game when the stadium lost power with 9 minutes left and that caneled all the Badger to win bets made. Tony Soprano abviously had something to do with that.

Go Packers -- Go Badgers

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Bogmon's picture

September 03, 2010 at 04:08 pm

You forgot about the years of dressing for games separate from your teammates

"I'm ready for my close-up Mr.De Mille"

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packsmack25's picture

September 03, 2010 at 01:01 pm

LOL, hoogus, you clearly have a poor grasp of reality...

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Packnic's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:09 pm

What has Rodgers ever done in his life that makes you think he would act anything like Favre at the end of his career? Things can change sure, but in my opinion Rodgers is more Starr than Favre.

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PackersRS's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:46 pm

Favre was a lost cause the first couple years in the league. He was far from the "having fun out there, aw chucks" kind of guy.

But, me personally, I never suspected he could be such a devious, vingative, self-centered guy...

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fish's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:34 pm

Favre let his Ego get in the way of his play and waffled for most of his career. I don't see Rodgers doing a Favre and pushing for the most games played, or longest NFL career. But I do see that Rodgers is serious about giving his all, and his career will mean more Superbowls in half the time Favre played.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

September 04, 2010 at 05:07 am

Do us all a favor and go rub one out to your burt farf poster that's conveniently placed directly over your bed in your Grandma's basement... Yep, I went to the Grandma's basement...

12>4

3 times greater actually. If anyone's keeping track of that sort of thing. I think that might actually come to light when it's all said and done. #12 could very feasibly bring us 3 Lombardi's (bare minimum), Burt brought us one... 12>4, do your 5th grade reduction, 12>4 = 3>1. I could see that. Though it would help to get the 1st one out of the way, I must admit.

GBP 4 LIFE

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j4a1's picture

September 03, 2010 at 12:45 pm

I think Rodgers has become the mouthpiece not only for his team, but for most of Packer Nation...(with the possible exception of the 2 young punks that I saw at Family Night wearing purple #4 jerseys, sacrilege!)...what a great guy, great football player, and great leader he has become.

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WayneF's picture

September 03, 2010 at 01:07 pm

I've been a Packers fan for going on 40 years. This is true - I didn't watch either Packers/Vikings games last year. I had a feeling they'd lose both. It was just a feeling.

This year I WILL be planted in front of the tube with a cooler of beer next to me. The Packers WILL smoke the Queens in both games. Call Vegas. It's just a feeling but I tend to be right more often than not.

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Cpitt's picture

September 03, 2010 at 01:18 pm

THat Bill SImmons article was F-ing HILARIOUS. THe best part was the bills fan who steals the jets fan's jersey and runs it over with a snow plow. Love it.

Rodgers is the man!

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JenniHc's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:00 pm

I can't stop laughing after reading this. I LOVE it!! What a great way to start the weekend :)

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thepretzelhead's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:23 pm

"Oh wait a minute...there's confusion on the Viking sideline....penalty flag, what's this...too many men in the huddle five yard penalty ....results in a play and legacy change."

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CSS's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:33 pm

Yes, a penalty that Rodgers and other NFL QB's skillfully avoided all year by knowing you step out of the huddle when sub-packages are coming in to avoid 12-men.

Favre is just as much on the hook for that as Childress.

And no, that didn't change his legacy, just added to the dark side of his legacy that so few Favre worshippers are unwilling to discuss. His decade of failure continues.....

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thepretzelhead's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:42 pm

Right. Solidification of Legacy would have been better.

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CharlesMartinGraduates's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:25 pm

Is it just me or did anyone else notice the irony of Rodgers being #4?

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PackersRS's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:28 pm

Can you imagine what Rodgers will do when he wins the SB this year?

- Rodgers, the begginner: mouth shut, taking crap from everybody.
- Rodgers, the soon-to-be elite, respected QB: talking crap esporadically, with a clear aim towards naysayers.
- Rodgers, SB champ: taking a trip to every doubters' house, putting the SB ring in his middle finger, and jamming up their face. Sending a picture with nothing but the ring to Brett Favre. Crocs optional.

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CSS's picture

September 03, 2010 at 02:57 pm

I would refrain from sending pictures to Favre. Nothing to do with sportsmanship, I'd be concerned about what kind of photo he sends back....

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hoogus's picture

September 03, 2010 at 03:46 pm

@packsmack

Reality? I think you object to my comment because i am not toeing the party line, which is obsessive and reflexive Favre bashing. I'm sorry, but what i see here is sour grapes. Rodgers should have been playing and Favre sitting. Make Favre cheer against you in the NFC championship. Cheering against Favre is for losers.

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CSS's picture

September 03, 2010 at 04:00 pm

Do tell, what (which) criticisms levied against Brett are 'unfair' thus making his detractors 'losers'?

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PackerAaron's picture

September 03, 2010 at 04:02 pm

Please. I love Favre - and I have never rooted harder than I did for the Saints in the NFC Championship. Packer fans have every right to cheer against Favre. He wanted out as far back as the failed trade for Moss and probably longer. Why on EARTH would Packer fans cheer for a guy who wanted to jump ship on them years ago?

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CSS's picture

September 03, 2010 at 04:06 pm

You know the response, Aaron, or at least you would if you were a 'TRUE' fan.

It's like the Johnny Cochran 'Wookie defense', only better.

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PackerBelle's picture

September 03, 2010 at 08:29 pm

And more to the point, why on Earth would Packer fans root for the Vikings in general? I didn't root for or against Favre when he was on the Jets. But I root against the Vikings and if he's the QB for MN then I root against him.

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foundinidaho's picture

September 03, 2010 at 10:35 pm

Do you really still love him Aaron? I just can't. And don't. Don't know if it will ever recover. Not saying you're wrong, just that you're more forgiving than I.

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PackerAaron's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:34 pm

I love him like a brother. And right now, I want to kick his ass. But he'll always be my brother and I'll always love him. Does that make sense?

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foundinidaho's picture

September 04, 2010 at 03:59 pm

I hate him like an ex-husband. I'm not sure I can ever get to brother status. Maybe my adoration was closer to boyfriend status, thus the current attitude. But how you feel makes perfect sense.

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packsmack25's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:37 pm

My comment was in reference to your assumption that management wanted to "move him out of the way." That's an uninformed statement. They just wanted him to let them know if he was going to be their QB 100% or not. He refused to commit. To say anything otherwise is just being a Favre nut-hugger.

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xxstatic's picture

September 03, 2010 at 04:13 pm

I think it's perfectly normal for a Packer fan to cheer against a Viking, any of them including his Favreness, he put on that purple, he get's to draw the wrath.......

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WoodyG's picture

September 03, 2010 at 04:25 pm

Everyday there are examples that exist on why I can so easily take AR over BF ...... Where I live allows me to have viewed both games (4th preseason game) for both the Pack & the Vikes ..... I went back & forth between games ..... On the sidelines, BF was totally uninvolved with the Vikes game while AR couldn't have been more involved with the Packs last meaningless game..... You can't use the word 'team' & Favre in the same sentence ....... You can with AR.

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fish's picture

September 03, 2010 at 06:00 pm

I'm sure Favre was wondering "Why is anyone watching this game since I'm not playing?" "Hey Chilly, I'm soo much better than T.Jackson right?" "Yes, he looks good, but I'm Brett Favre"...

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Mel's picture

September 03, 2010 at 06:04 pm

I never liked BF cause when I was little my friend went to training camp and waited hours by his truck for an autograph. No one else was in the parking lot but two kids like 10 and he wouldn't sign a freaking card!!! Pure BS!!!! We the fans make sports players who they are!!! Not the other way around!!!!

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Shootz's picture

September 03, 2010 at 06:48 pm

So.. hang on, let me keep up here... we are adding 'roots against Brett Favre' to the list? OK. So the list now goes...

- 'Roots against Brett Favre'
- http://bit.ly/9USuBR
- http://bit.ly/bjwgND
- http://bit.ly/7u406d
- http://bit.ly/bngAgF
- http://bit.ly/16aKmb
- http://bit.ly/ahpYze

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cow42's picture

September 03, 2010 at 08:10 pm

burnt fart is a shlong.

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Irish Cheesehead's picture

September 03, 2010 at 09:16 pm

“F— YOU, FAVRE!” chant. LOL Now THAT would have been funny.

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fish's picture

September 03, 2010 at 11:06 pm

OT - I wonder if there's a Web script you can write for Cheeseheadtv where visitors can check a box of the State/Country where they live and have the results shown visually on an atlas map? Seems to be a lot of world interest with the Packers.

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Jack's picture

September 04, 2010 at 01:38 am

Gotta love Rodgers. My only question is, how did it take Bill Simmons so long to write about this? Professional courtesy to Rodgers?

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David's picture

September 04, 2010 at 04:55 am

I'm over Favre. He's gone. The majority of Packers nation reminds me of the bitter ex bf/gf that just can't let go. I didn't celebrate when the Saints beat the Packers. I'm not a Saints fan.
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As for the Vikings, they beat us twice, won the division, and advanced further than we did. So they currently have the bragging rights.
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Flip the script: Say we sweep the Vikings this year, win the division, and then lose in the NFC Champ game. Afterward, all you hear from Vikings fans is, "Haha you choked. Go home and lick your wounds!"
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My reaction to that would be, uh, we beat your ass twice, and advanced further than you; so shut your mouth. I've always been a practice what you preach type guy, so thats why I feel this way.

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John's picture

September 04, 2010 at 09:49 am

Packsmack... Favre nut-hugger.....Now that is funny!

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Dick Lyneis's picture

September 04, 2010 at 09:53 am

I believe the ultimate comedown for some Packer so-cslled "fans" we know will occur in the year 2016 when Favre enters the Hall of Fame wearing a Vikings jersey. I don't doubt that its part of Favre's personality and it will be his way of handing Green Bay fans his final farewell---with his middle finger extended.

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Andrew's picture

September 04, 2010 at 10:47 am

Nice story Simmons. Way to break that in a timely manner. Jackass.

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David's picture

September 04, 2010 at 04:57 pm

I wonder if Favre would be criticized if he did something like this?

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foundinidaho's picture

September 04, 2010 at 07:01 pm

What would he have against Rodgers? He put Rodgers in a bad spot, not the other way around. That said, if Favre cheered against the Packers, I would expect it. He plays for the Vikings, after all.

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PackersRS's picture

September 05, 2010 at 11:10 am

I wonder if Rodgers would be criticized if he acted like a primadonna and tried, sucesfully, to leave the Packers and go to MN...

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foundinidaho's picture

September 06, 2010 at 08:50 pm

Hell yes he would! And should!

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Connie Gomper's picture

September 04, 2010 at 10:09 pm

Aaron Rodgers for Governor!

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