Camp Notes: Day 1

Some quick observations from the first practice of Packers training camp. 

Good to be back at Ray Nitschke Field. Just some quick observations from the first practice of training camp. 

  • It was great to see fans back in the stands, especially as they burst into applause and cheers as Aaron Rodgers emerged from the Hutson Center. 
  • Rodgers looks noticeably slimmer. 
  • Gutekunst indicated this morning that none of the guys on the Non Football Injury list have long term issues. Should see guys like Za'Darius Smith and Kevin King out there sooner rather than later. 
  • Barnes and Campbell got a lot of run with the starters on defense. Going to be interesting to see if Martin can eventually unseat one of them. 
  • T.J. Slaton is a large human being. 
  • Rashan Gary seemingly picked up where he left off this offseason. The guy was unblockable for much of the day, at one point drawing an egregious hold from Billy Turner at left tackle. Gary let up before hitting the quarterback but he was a constant presence in the offensive backfield. Hard not to get excited about it, but they're still in shorts. Hope it continues when the pads come on. 
  • Aaron Rodgers and Josh Meyers put the ball on the ground in their very first center-to-quarterback exchange in team drills. 
  • Rodgers in general looked like a guy who missed the entirety of the team's offseason work. 
  • That said, he threw a perfect fade in red zone work to the front corner of the end zone. Equanimeous St. Brown made a great diving catch for the touchdown. 
  • Jordan Love probably had the throw of the day when he looked backside to Amari Rodgers up the left sideline. Chandon Sullivan was in perfect position in coverage, but an absolutely perfect throw from Love and great late hands from Rodgers resulted in a touchdown. Just a beautiful play. 
  • Aaron Jones made a fantastic leaping catch in team on a high throw from Rodgers. Jones gathered it in and barely broke stride after hitting the ground and turn up field. 
  • I think Jack Heflin has a legit chance to make this roster. He just looks the part and has a surprisingly quick first step. Doesn't mean much until the pads come on, but he bears watching. 
  • If you haven't checked out Aaron Rodgers' post-practice press conference, I highly encourage you to do so. 
  • Back at it tomorrow morning . 
  • Go Pack. 

 

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__________________________

14 points
 

Comments (133)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 28, 2021 at 01:56 pm

Wish I was there!

Fun times finally!

No doubt Cobb can help but hopefully they integrate Amari and do not slow his progress.

12 points
13
1
Irish_Cheesehead's picture

July 28, 2021 at 01:56 pm

Nice to finally hear an explanation from Rodgers. Too bad he didn't say these things months ago. Perhaps so many people wouldn't view him as such a prick. I'm not sure I heard him say anything he couldn't have expressed earlier. His choice, but it certainly damaged his legacy.

11 points
15
4
jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 28, 2021 at 02:28 pm

"I'm not sure I heard him say anything he couldn't have expressed earlier."

This is why I don't believe it's the whole story. Also, how is voiding a year of his deal a solution to those problems? I'm fine just moving on because it doesn't matter anymore but Rodgers wasn't doing this for everyone else.

9 points
12
3
Cubbygold's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:37 pm

"there's wisdom in silence"

I think he believes if he says that often enough, people will just stop asking these questions.

4 points
6
2
jurp's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:43 pm

"Even fools are though wise if they keep silent and discerning if they hold their tongues." Proverbs, 17:28.

-2 points
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Coldworld's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:04 am

Yesterday showed why there is wisdom in that with powerful clarity.

-1 points
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4thandinches's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:53 pm

If a tweeted picture of last dance is sent from CA, does it make a sound?

3 points
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0
murf7777's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:10 pm

If Rodgers wanted to keep all those players he should’ve suggested taking less salary. Hmmmm…I thought so. Quit complaining and play ball.

4 points
5
1
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 01:57 pm

Excited to hear about the catch by Amari. Good start if he’s making those regardless of who throws them.

12 points
12
0
Bearmeat's picture

July 28, 2021 at 02:41 pm

I saw the presser. Watched it in full. I could see the anger and frustration. And I get it. Getting older and watching change is hard.

But, Aaron, you're out of line.

"I wasn't going to get in a pissing match with the org." OK. But here's the thing: You are a player. You are not dispassionate about the people you play with, and rightfully so. You can't expect to be rational about them. That is PERSONNEL's job. They are paid to be ruthless. You are a great player. But still. A player. And there's no way in HELL you should have just said nothing all offseason. Track down those leaks and dispel them if they're not accurate. But you didn't do that. And further, you insinuated that the FO was behind the draft day leak? GTHO. That makes not an ounce of sense.

DHole moves.

You mention several mistakes the GMs of the past made - Woodson, Jordy, Cobb, Kumerow, Hyde, Hayward. OK... fair. Wood, Hyde, and Hayward were mistakes. But the rest weren't. .500 ball there Aaron. That's not good enough. And the team Gute has built is undeniably excellent outside of QB. You admitted as much! So.. TRUST THE MAN WITH THE JOB TO PROCURE TALENT!

You're mad that your friends and leaders in the clubhouse aren't around anymore? Welcome to being the oldest player. Football is a young man's sport. Tom Silverstein nailed you: "Most of those players you wanted to keep didn't work out, why do you want to be in personnel?" Your response was... not good.

This is why players should not be involved in personnel.

26 points
34
8
jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 28, 2021 at 02:29 pm

No way he told the whole story just now. Why would he?

6 points
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1
Bearmeat's picture

July 28, 2021 at 02:42 pm

He's self absorbed and deluded. Ego is a helluva drug.

11 points
17
6
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:09 pm

Sadly this confirmed exactly what I had feared. I’m not sure it helps the prospects of a good trade in future.

3 points
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4
Leatherhead's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:42 pm

This is who is leading the team.

3 points
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5
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:03 pm

I actually agree Bearmeat.. He is self absorbed, entitled and aloof...He is much more clever about it than Favre was as he aimes to be a "resource" and he is doing this "for all the other guys" WFT?
I am blown away by people thinking
He came off as genuine....

11 points
14
3
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:50 pm

People tend to hear what they want to. There has been a lot of that about recently. That press conference makes me more sympathetic to the FO than I was before, and more certain he was indeed dripping comments intentionally.

6 points
8
2
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:09 pm

Without a doubt, particularly when he mentions his team leaked nothing....

3 points
3
0
WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:21 pm

Rodgers has been around at a high level for a very long time with much greater success than Gutekunst or Murphy in their respective jobs. I think he's earned the right to be involved in the conversations. He's not asking to make personnel decisions; he's just asking to be listened to.

-8 points
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15
jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:26 pm

I agree with communicating with Aaron Rodgers. But does that result voiding a year from his deal? That's not all he was asking for.

2 points
4
2
Brian's picture

July 28, 2021 at 04:29 pm

If he is involved in conversations, does that mean he stops being passive-aggressive and "not leaking" things to the press? Knowledge is power and he is very divisive.

4 points
7
3
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:48 pm

The question surely is what does involvement mean? Taking his input into account doesn’t mean running with it. Is he going to become disgruntled if his involvement is does not lead to actions he seeks? If not, I strongly suspect he’s always had input at least via MM and then LaFleur. After today, I can see more clearly why it may not have been adopted often.

2 points
4
2
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:31 pm

He has already FORCED personnel decisions after 1 day....There is a zero percent chance the Packers trade for Randall Cobb if Rodgers does not force it......Aaron Rodgers runs the Green Bay Packers.

I am sure he will push for nothing else though.....he is just doing this for the good guys that have been let go.....

After all, its all about the people

I just vomited AND laughed simultaneously

2 points
8
6
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:51 pm

I’ve always disliked Brady, but Rodgers is starting to show why Brady has been so much more successful. He may be unpalatable but he’s astute on and off the field. Today at least Rodgers looks like the last person one would want building a roster.

6 points
8
2
Oppy's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:36 pm

Bullshit. He wants action based upon his desires.

Everyone says they just want to be listened to, right up until the boss doesn't take their advice.

4 points
5
1
murf7777's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:08 pm

He says he hasn’t been listened to, Gutey says communication has been there, albeit not before the Love pick Maybe, Rodgers didn’t like what he heard? Now he is complaining because his opinion isn’t being implemented. He wants to keep everyone without ever mentioning the FO has to manage the SC. The team would be in SC hell if Rodgers ran the team as his press conference suggested.

8 points
8
0
Cubbygold's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:36 pm

I enjoyed the part where he talked about deserving more money and a longer contract after a MVP season, and then complained about all the expensive vets that GB let walk because they couldn't afford to keep them.

I'm sure those two things have nothing to do with one another...

18 points
21
3
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 04:52 pm

It sounds like he’s got a coterie around him that have been kissing his behind. He seems to have his feet well off the ground and to be contradicting himself.

2 points
6
4
LambeauPlain's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:05 pm

I just wish a reporter would ask "ok, Aaron...what is your salary cap hit? Do you know it and how it constrains signing other players, like Davante to an extension?"

5 points
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1
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:23 pm

He is the GM, he should have a plan

2 points
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0
LambeauPlain's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:07 pm

I just wish a reporter would ask "ok, Aaron...what is your salary cap hit? Do you know it and how it constrains signing other players, like Davante to an extension?"

3 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:08 pm

Duplicate post.

0 points
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Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:28 pm

I was busy watching him levitate

0 points
1
1
jurp's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:47 pm

Cognitive dissonance. Like so many in this country.

2 points
3
1
jannes bjornson's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:11 pm

Not to even offer a contract extension to Peppers was absolute incompetence. Straight out of the tire-kicking institute from Low-Ball, LLC.

4 points
4
0
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:54 pm

Peppers could have done another year it’s true. The worst was Woodson, but he was during the TT era. Those are the only two too early in retrospect in my view.

4 points
4
0
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:18 pm

Micah Hyde maybe too

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:00 pm

Hyde got a huge contract we couldn’t afford at the time to play a different position. Why we never tried playing him at safety would be a coaching matter, but someone was smarter than we were. Slightly different issue perhaps?

3 points
3
0
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:55 pm

Duplicate

1 points
1
0
Todd's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:36 pm

Good take, Bearmeat. Rodgers' presser will fuel the drama that will surround the team all season, and while I hope I'm wrong, will result in the team not winning the SB. Teams with drama and distractions rarely win.

3 points
3
0
Crankbait's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:33 pm

There will be no distractions amongst the players or the coaches... the distractions will be generated from the media and the China Flu nazis.

-5 points
0
5
porupack's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:40 pm

Well stated, Bearmeat.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:05 am

The more I watch it, the more perturbing I find it and the more perceptive this take appears Bearmeat.

-1 points
0
1
Packers0808's picture

July 28, 2021 at 02:31 pm

Is Rodgers as important as he thinks he is? I would tend to think so, but I hope his head isn't bigger than his helmet!

1 points
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5
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:29 pm

No. He isn't.

1 points
3
2
Minniman's picture

July 28, 2021 at 02:54 pm

Well Aaron, at least now your camp notes won’t have to start with:

“Hello Muddah.
Hello Farddah,

Here I am at, camp Granada….”

0 points
2
2
davidhoff@mchsi.com's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:11 pm

Clean him up and put him on Jeopardy with LaMar.
No one is doubting his ability as a player, but no amount
of peanut butter will make his ego tasty.

2 points
7
5
Tundraboy's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:14 pm

Checked into Kohler Lodge and the concierge who greeted me looked like Nagler’s twin

2 points
2
0
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:55 pm

Moonlighting Nagler?

2 points
2
0
Oppy's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:38 pm

That's a hell of a commute.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:18 am

Making some money while sneaking into practices? Shrewd.

0 points
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0
Cubbygold's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:33 pm

Did 12 really spend 15 minutes today talking about how he's the exception to the rule in allowing players to have a say in personnel decisions, and then immediately follow that up with another comment about how Kumerow should have been kept?

Just want to make sure I'm not imagining something that dumb.

21 points
23
2
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:31 pm

Don't question the process, Aaron has been around the game. He is the GM and yes he did

4 points
4
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 29, 2021 at 03:27 am

If Kumerow was so good in Rodgers opinion why wasn't he throwing the ball to him?

4 points
4
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 29, 2021 at 05:53 am

And is Kumerow even still in the league?

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:16 am

Back with the Bills on a reserve/futures contract after the Saints released him in January after being waived by the Bills late in the season.

0 points
0
0
blacke00's picture

July 28, 2021 at 03:45 pm

I'm as PO'd at Rodgers much like everyone else and deservedly so. But!...There's always a BUT. The FO of the Packers deserves a lot of blame here. Their communication skills are atrocious. The FO has to know Rodgers has a big ego...you want your QB that way. You want him to think he is the best. Yes, Rodgers and most QBs are narcissists. But really man, what does it take to learn how to schoomz a person/players? You give a little to get a lot. The whole Packer organization just doesn't get it.

Look at how the organization treats the stockholders. The Pack loves their money....but what do they give the stockholders? Nothing! You don't have to give them a lot just something that show that they mean something and care. You do the same thing to Rodgers (and your veteran players) and a lot of this wouldn't have happened. Always give a just a little more than expected and people will love.

1 points
11
10
porupack's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:44 pm

99 percent of bosses don't let their employees pick who they want to work with....but pampered athletes get special treatment, because, oh, they now deserve to take over someone else's job if they get MVP. Ok. I got ya.

3 points
5
2
Crankbait's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:36 pm

Well stated.

1 points
1
0
RCPackerFan's picture

July 28, 2021 at 04:00 pm

Packers get Cobb, and now signed Veteran OT Dennis Kelly. Good move I think. A good versatile OT who brings veteran experience and should be good to have incase Bakhtiari isn't ready to go. They won't have to rely on rookies right away.

Until pads come on its hard to get overly excited over things. There are definitely things you can take away from without pads though. One of the things I saw was that the starting OL was Jenkins, Runyan, Meyers, Patrick, Turner. That seems like to me will be the opening day starting lineup. Runyan is a guy to really watch in camp I think. I think he takes a big leap this year.

Stokes getting first team reps is a good sign as well. They know they need him, so why not throw him into the fire right away!

I watched the Rodgers presser. It was good. I get what he is saying on most of it. I'm not going into much more then that right now. Happy to have him back though. Looking forward to getting Cobb back. Looking forward to seeing what this team looks like for this year!

9 points
11
2
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:09 pm

Dennis Kelly is a great signing! Much better off using it on that kind of player than on Cobb. Love to see them use it on a real ILB, CB, or DL, but looks like we're getting Cobb instead. I don't mean that Cobb will be useless (he probably makes GB better for 2021 than they would be otherwise), but he makes GB only marginally better. I don't know if Jurell Casey has any gas left in the tank, but picking up a veteran DL (if Casey is done, someone else, or even a September cap casualty) would have been a better use of resources.

10 points
11
1
marpag1's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:29 pm

According to Pelissero: "The #Packers are trading a 2022 sixth-round pick to the #Texans for WR Randall Cobb, source said. Houston is also expected to pay $3 million of Cobb’s salary to facilitate the deal. Aaron Rodgers gets his man."

Agree about the Kelly signing.

2 points
2
0
jannes bjornson's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:28 pm

Maybe Kelly goes outside and Jenkins stays at home inside for an ALL-PRO season. I would trade for a five tech.

1 points
1
0
murf7777's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:24 pm

At 3m cap or so it seems like a decent move. I think he will make some key plays this year. At 8-10m, No.

-1 points
0
1
RCPackerFan's picture

July 29, 2021 at 07:44 am

I agree about Kelly. I will be honest, I didn't know much about him, but after learning more about him, this is a great move. I would not be surprised if he would be our starting OT all year. Perhaps starting the season at LT, then going to RT, and moving Turner into RG.

The one thing I do now question though is how long Bakhtiari will be out. If they bring in Kelly now is it because they didn't like what they saw when they checked him out?
Either way, this allows the rookies to come along at their own pace and don't have to be rushed into starting roles they aren't ready for.

Depending on if Rodgers resigns a new deal, or if other players do, I could see them going after a DL.

1 points
1
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:33 am

The Kelly signing is a good one even if Bakh were healthy right now. Some suggested it would be for the vet. min., but I doubt that. Kelly can start so I'd be thinking several million, really three or four million would have been my guess.

Still want to know what pissed off Mr. Herman.

1 points
1
0
Swisch's picture

July 28, 2021 at 04:12 pm

Hooray for football on the field!

10 points
10
0
Crankbait's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:38 pm

Cautiously optimistic.... dreading that BLM and the China virus will force another shit sandwich down the fans throats.

1 points
3
2
stockholder's picture

July 28, 2021 at 04:16 pm

I believed every word he said. Welcome Back! And now it's Devante's turn. How much is every catch worth? Did he talk to Jennings, or will he talk to Cobb now. I say as long as Rodgers comes back. The Franchise tag fits him to a tee.

1 points
10
9
Rebecca's picture

July 28, 2021 at 04:35 pm

Lol.

1 points
2
1
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:02 pm

I hear our new GM plays QB really well too

7 points
9
2
Norm's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:11 pm

"Jordan Love probably had the throw of the day when he looked backside to Amari Rodgers up the left sideline."

So you're saying there's a QB controversy aren't you Nagler? I believe those were your exact words, just different.

6 points
6
0
Swisch's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:23 pm

:-)

0 points
0
0
porupack's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:46 pm

haha

0 points
0
0
Alberta_Packer's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:18 pm

My brain health is challenged every time I hear Rodgers speak these days. I am not buying that he is somehow the champion of the poor, downtrodden and indentured NFL player. It seems that he mostly references players who have had full and wealthy NFL careers - with good and comfortable lives after their playing days. The next time Rodgers ever speaks for the player that has bounced from practice squad to practice squad - from year-to-year - trying to scratch-out a career in the NFL - will be the first. With Rodgers, I think he has a problem differentiating respect from worship. I am pleased that this is, most likely, his last season with the GBP.

So please, just camp notes and updates from this point on.

5 points
12
7
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:25 pm

Aaron Rodgers is very clever and also deliberate. He has been rehearsing this moment for MONTHS.....

11 points
11
0
Alberta_Packer's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:37 pm

I think you are correct. However, even the most clever and successful playwrights have flops.

3 points
5
2
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:00 pm

Yes, he has rehearsed this interview for months. No doubt Shailene has rehearsed with him. I saw him repeatedly looking at notes. Hmmm!

2 points
4
2
Coldworld's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:05 pm

He may be clever, but after today I do not believe he’s wise.

3 points
4
1
jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 29, 2021 at 03:30 am

Coached by acting experts.

0 points
0
0
GregC's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:43 pm

To be fair, Rodgers DID mention Jake Kumerow, who is not a wealthy star. But except for that one, you are right.

5 points
5
0
Alberta_Packer's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:57 pm

Certainly Kumerow hasn't prospered like Rodgers other pals. Still he's had a 6yr. NFL career with earnings of approximately 2 million dollars. Should he make the Bills this year - it will be closer to $3m. Not too shabby for an under 30 - who should still be relatively healthy and set-up to enjoy a second career.

4 points
4
0
Oppy's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:42 pm

6 year career means $300,000 comes right off the top for union dues.

take 40% off for taxation

Yeah, he's cleared a million minus living expenses. Not too shabby

0 points
1
1
Alberta_Packer's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:35 pm

And that's essentially from practicing football - not playing it.

1 points
1
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

July 29, 2021 at 10:00 am

Yeah, I never had the confidence in that number to mention it, Oppy. Can you break it down and indicate exactly who has to join? Obviously a lot of players don't make $15K or $50K even though they make a roster or PS for a few weeks.

I have $15K for the dues themselves, $28K for Professional Services (what the hell are those?), $4,500 for equipment, and $1,200 for a stadium fee. All of the places that list these things don't say what in the world they are and if every player has to pay them. Is it just players that make the 53? Because Wiki notes 1953 current players are in the union, which sounds like 53 times 32 plus some guys on IR, PUP, or who possibly were in the league for part of the year. It does not sound like guys on the PS are in the union.

Clearly, I don't know how this works so please expand on your comment if you know.

1 points
1
0
Oppy's picture

July 29, 2021 at 06:25 pm

I do not know, TGR.

I have always heard (yes, just heard, not researched) that NFL players must pay ~$50,000 in NFLPA dues each year.

I gotta assume it's active roster guys. Maybe the extra members are ex-players who still like to support the union? Makes you wonder.

0 points
0
0
Irish_Cheesehead's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:23 pm

Those poor, downtrodden and indentured NFL players aren't his buds.

1 points
1
0
Swisch's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:21 pm

I'm hopeful about Aaron Rodgers leading the Packers this season, but cautious.
From what I'm reading, he hasn't brought forth any devastating revelations about evils in the front office.
It seems that, after all, Rodgers is not a folk hero standing up for the common laborer against the oppression of ruthless and unresponsive management.
Apparently, the last few months of melodrama is Rodgers being delusional about his role in the Packers organization at the expense of teammates and fans.
Whatever validity there is to his complaints, they don't seem to come anywhere close to what he made of them in holding out with such theatrical intrigue and indignation.
***
All of this is forgivable. I get carried away with myself all too often for small accomplishments that are objectively miniscule in comparison to the stellar achievements of Rodgers.
The sad thing is if Rodgers is not aware at all of his grand excesses of self-absorption. If we don't learn from our mistakes, we keep repeating them to our frustration and even perhaps our downfall. We keep hurting ourselves and others.
I'm not saying Rodgers has to bare his soul to the public, but it would be nice if he expressed some self-awareness and sorrow at putting us through the wringer.
I guess the main thing is if Rodgers going forward is a little more humble, a little more coachable, a little more patient, and a little more kind. We all do well to engage in this kind of endeavors. Even if Rodgers doesn't say anything contrite, he can show it by his manner day in and day out.
***
If I wasn't invested in Aaron Rodgers as a person as well as a player, I would be just as glad if he didn't come back.
In the sense that being a fan is a kind of friendship with someone I'll probably never meet, I'm rooting for Rodgers to do well for himself as well as for the team.
I'm hoping for a glorious finale for this season, or at least one that is highly satisfying.
If Rodgers sticks mainly to being the quarterback instead of treading overmuch into areas of management and coaching, I'm hopeful that his return could be a very good thing.
***
I do think it is good when valued employees of longstanding contribution to an organization are consulted about relevant matters -- but my hunch is that Rodgers has been wanting to take this way too far.
I'm okay with restructuring his contract. I'm probably okay with trading for Randall Cobb at the request of Rodgers, especially if the restructuring of Rodger's contract freed up the money. I'm okay with moderate concessions in general.
However, it's not as though Rodgers is standing up for transcendent principles like the safety of players, or overall working conditions, or the fairness of pay throughout the roster.
This was apparently almost all about Rodgers.
(By the way, I don't see that Tom Brady got all that much from the Bucs. He brought over his friend Gronk, which is a unique situation. Maybe he got management to sign Leonard Fournette. As for Antonio Bryant, I sure hope the Packers would say no to Rodgers if he wanted to bring in any player with that kind of personal history of team disruption. What else did Brady get?)
So I'm okay with Rodgers being consulted somewhat, as long as he doesn't expect to get his way most of the time, if at all. The ultimate decisions about personnel and coaching are not a part of his role with the team -- and in any disagreement, he has to let it go.
***
So, to say it again for emphasis, this could be really good having Rodgers back -- but maybe not.
It's scary how much we are putting on the line with this guy physically and mentally and emotionally. He makes or breaks the Packers this season when there is so much going for the team.
If it's pretty much the same unrepentant Rodgers who seems to sulk and skulk in ways detrimental to the team, it could get ugly -- especially if there is major adversity during this season unlike the previous two of surprisingly smooth success.
What I'm sincerely praying for is a Rodgers of some personal growth who is wanting to show the best of himself, and is enthusiastic for a great last ride with the Packers on behalf of all concerned.
***
Please excuse my length. If you made it this far, though, I'm genuinely interested in what my fellow fans have to say about my take on this matter.

2 points
6
4
Alberta_Packer's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:34 pm

As much as I have enjoyed our banter about this entire Rodgers melodrama - it is time for the feature presentation, "The 2021 Green Bay Packers." I have made my final comments about A. Rodgers (above). It seems that you have also.

6 points
6
0
Swisch's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:23 pm

I have been glad for the banter, Alberta, and I agree that the upcoming season for the Green Bay Packers is the feature presentation.
Rather than getting too wrapped up in every word and gesture of Aaron Rodgers, we would do well do focus on the fun of football and the dramas on the field.
Generally speaking, it's not really possible to evaluate any players until the last play of the last game, allowing time for the dust to settle.
Until then, it's a long and grueling and tumultuous campaign, and for the most part it's best to let things play out to the end.
Even if we do comment on happenings in between, we would do well to use restraint and seek for positive outcomes.
It'll be much more enjoyable to emphasize the great sport of football, and all of the good story lines regarding our guys on the Packers.
There are dozens of reasons to be excited about the 2021 season, and that is good cause for gratitude.
Whether it's delight or woe, not too high and not too low.

1 points
1
0
4thandinches's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:03 pm

I'm with you lock and step. Helluva post!

2 points
2
0
The_Justicar's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:33 pm

Interesting thoughts. I agree with a lot. I a, not a fan of any players to the extent I follow them off the field or have any desire to meet them or hero worship - that ended when I was about 12 years old. Same for any celebrity type- athlete, actor, musician, whatever. What they say and do outside of their profession- I have no interest. I can relate to being a highly productive and valued employee whose employer didn’t always listen to my desires (I was senior management so my Inuit was always listened to but even I had a boss). ….and I admit to being hypocritical in that I bash Rodgers for some of his antics when I myself was often perturbed at my boss. So much so that I eventually resigned so who am I to talk about Rodgers actions.

Anyways good post

2 points
2
0
Swisch's picture

July 28, 2021 at 11:28 pm

What is possibly compelling in what Rodgers said in his press conference is regarding how the Packers treat their players as far as appreciation and loyalty.
Rodgers seems to portray the front office as uncommunicative with and uncaring about veterans who have given a lot to the team. It supposedly won't even negotiate with players who are willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Packers.
I'm not convinced that this is accurate.
For one thing, how much of this happened before the days of the current front office, which seems to have gone out of its way to keep Bakh and Aaron Jones?
Secondly, it seems as though players are always saying that football is a business when they want to move on for their personal reasons (often to the heartache of fans); so I'm not sure what they should expect when the front office wants to move on from them for the good of the team and the fans.
I hope our front office is good to its players, and is always open to doing better by them.
However, I'm not so sure Rodgers is the person we should go by as far as our perception of the front office.
***
This strained situation seems to be almost all about Rodgers looking out for Rodgers.
He is smart enough to know how the contract he signed was structured to give the Packers an out if he declined as a quarterback. He's made a ton of money along the way.
At this point, it's wise for the front office to evaluate Rodgers from year to year to see if he is really still worth the enormous salary that significantly limits the amount other players can make under the salary cap. There's no indication Rodgers himself has been willing to take less as he enters his late thirties.
Rodgers seems to be an enigma upon whom it is hard to rely.
He had a down season in 2018 but didn't seem to think he should adjust his salary to a lower amount of income.
It appears he didn't exactly stand up for Mike McCarthy in his time of need, after they had been through so much together as player and coach.
I'm not all that confident he has been all that coachable under Matt LaFleur -- as he may force the ball downfield for big plays rather to cooperating fully in taking shorter and surer opportunities.
He doesn't get that Jordan Love was drafted for much the same reason he was once drafted.
He seems sly and slippery and subtly subversive.
***
Maybe I'm way wrong.
However, it is Rodgers who has created this uncomfortable scenario in which he is the good guy while the front office is mostly a heartless villain.
He jeopardized the season for his teammates and fans by holding out, without any apparent remorse now that he is back.
He still doesn't sound all that convincing as to being all in for the team this season.
If I was in the front office of the Packers, I wouldn't go all in with this guy, either.
He may be of such high maintenance that he's more trouble than what he's worth -- especially if the key standard is victories in the Super Bowl.

0 points
1
1
LambeauPlain's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:23 pm

I am pleased Rodgers came back. He had few choices as the Packers said they would not trade him after he demanded to be traded. No leverage.

Sure, he could retire. Lots of gold returned. Sure, he could have sat out a year. Lots of gold returned.

He blinked and to the Packers credit they threw him some face saving bones. Void year 2023 gone? Done. I want my buddy back. Done. I want input into my future teams you trade me to. We will consider it.

No more cap starving money, guarantees, or VP of Personnel role. Cobb is a great guy but he is a throw away. Amari will be impossible to keep off the field. Matt will put the best 11 on the field and Amari is going to be in the mix....a lot!

13 points
14
1
Alberta_Packer's picture

July 28, 2021 at 05:44 pm

Yes, I think that the FO deserves a lot of credit for ensuring the best possible season(s) for the GBP.

7 points
8
1
Rebecca's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:15 pm

So, looking at the sports news today concerning the reigning Champions of the North Division of the NFC, the first day of camp was 1% football, 99% Aaron Rodgers. And 99% of the comments here are really just lectures by blue collar, lunch pail totin’ regular old Packer People totally butt-hurt about the Reigning MVP of the NFL, my hero, Aaron “Man Bun” Rodgers mostly getting his way.

-6 points
4
10
LambeauPlain's picture

July 28, 2021 at 06:23 pm

Clueless. Rodgers is exactly where he was on draft day. LOL!

3 points
4
1
Alberta_Packer's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:02 pm

You should know that the "blue collar, lunch pail totin' regular old Packer People" comprise the majority of GBP shareholders, season ticket holders and fan base. The GBP do not exist without these "People." Many of the subscribers have unconditionally followed and supported the team for decades. And you?

2 points
2
0
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:12 pm

It's about the people

3 points
3
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 29, 2021 at 03:33 am

And the culture.

And doing your job Aarons way.

0 points
0
0
Crankbait's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:44 pm

.......and they tend to take things way too personally and emotionally.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:11 am

He got nothing but a sop and yesterday he very clearly laid out why.

0 points
0
0
Nate-1980's picture

July 29, 2021 at 08:38 pm

Hahaha Rebecca you nailed it, hilarious..:)

0 points
0
0
Irish_Cheesehead's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:26 pm

Rodgers or not, I'm still looking forward to seeing Love on the field this preseason! GO PACK!

6 points
6
0
Todd's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:33 pm

"I wasn't going to get in a pissing match with the org." Well, actually Aaron, most people would say that's essentially what you did for the past several months.

9 points
10
1
Oppy's picture

July 28, 2021 at 07:44 pm

I hate Aaron Rodgers, the entitled person.

-5 points
4
9
Bure9620's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:24 pm

I will only refer to him from now on as "player/GM"

2 points
3
1
FAN24583's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:03 pm

Then don’t cheer for him when he throws TDs or wins games this year

0 points
1
1
Oppy's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:14 am

I cheer for the Green Bay Packers.
Aaron Rodgers, while extremely talented, is just the current QB for the GBP.
He won't be here forever, and the idea of potentially weakening the team long-term to pacify a player who is only going to be here short-term is gut wrenching to me.

What if I asked you to never cheer for the Packers once Rodgers is gone?

0 points
1
1
Savage57's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:20 pm

I kept hearing this whisper, a barely discernable undertone, 'these are the reasons the Packers are 1-4 in the NFCCG during my time at the helm'.

The reference to how many MVP's you have as legitimizing all this, and not how many Lombardi's you've won was telling as well.

If you're a leader, and you're going to lead, remember this Aaron. Power can never be taken, only given. You're probably the smartest guy I've ever seen play the game. Don't let your ego, or reading your own press get in the way.

Now go win a damn Super Bowl.

6 points
7
1
DanW's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:54 pm

What a joke! He clearly outplayed Tom Brady, the so-called "GOAT", in the NFCCG but fans still blame him for not working even more miracles on the field than he already does. Consider this, for example: every single year --EXCEPT ONE-- since 2008 when Rodgers became a starter in Green Bay, Brady played on the team with the better defense. Guess what happened in the one exception year. That's right, Packers won the Super Bowl. So maybe this year, to satisfy you, Rodgers could go out and play corner back for Kevin King, or for that matter, maybe last season he could have taken over DC responsibilities for Mike Pettine or ST duties for Shawn Mennenga to make sure the Packers made it to the Super Bowl.

-7 points
1
8
Savage57's picture

July 29, 2021 at 07:26 am

If you're going to say it's all about you, then it's all about you.

It's an adjunct of the live by the sword and die by it school of thought.

2 points
2
0
DanW's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:42 pm

Wow! I can't believe all the negative comments on here from what I assume are mostly Packers fans. Aaron Rodgers, whose play on the field over more than a decade would be a dream for most NFL franchises, dares to enter into the business aspect of football and demand concessions, instead of just keeping his head down like a good little, obedient worker, and the Cheesehead TV fan base goes berserk.

-3 points
6
9
FAN24583's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:08 pm

Sadly most of these fans posting are just happy with the status quo. AR isn’t. He wants another Lombardi. You can’t tell me that Love made the pack better last year.

-5 points
2
7
packer132's picture

July 28, 2021 at 10:05 pm

Love was drafted for the future. Rodgers sat for 3 years before he started, and did not help the team his first few years. Do you want to be in the same boat as New Orleans or others who don't plan for a quarterback transition?

4 points
5
1
Bure9620's picture

July 29, 2021 at 08:07 am

No, I don't

0 points
0
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

July 29, 2021 at 10:21 am

Thumbs up from me. It is the only upvote so far. Oh well.

1 points
1
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

July 29, 2021 at 10:22 am

Duplicate.

0 points
0
0
porupack's picture

July 28, 2021 at 08:57 pm

Its hard to see the money and balls thrown to Cobb, at the cost of Amari Rodgers. While it is prudent to mentoring up players as Packers seem to do well, there are players and times to insert rookie, pat on back and expect them to do the job. I see both sides and I'm a fan of Cobb, but....can't see this a healthy move sucking up more cap space needed for 2022. Maybe LambeauPlain is right, that Amari Rodgers will quickly move up and displace Cobb. At least there is more competition, I guess.

6 points
7
1
Tundraboy's picture

July 29, 2021 at 02:22 am

I just hope Cobb being back means he won’t just force things to Davante.

1 points
1
0
pacman's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:18 pm

I listened to AR's video and thought he came off pretty good. IMO, someone of AR's caliber and intelligence deserves to be in the conversation about almost any offense issue. This does not mean he gets to call the shots. Why wouldn't management want to hear from the team leader about how certain decisions will affect the players or get some feedback about what the players are feeling. Recall last year when the D leaders went to Petine to ask him to simplify things. That made headlines. Why? That should be a 'normal' conversation between the top players and the coach.

We have heard from a number of players over the years about how the Packers didn't even talk to the players that they were letting go. That was always strange to me. How could you not have a conversation something like "you've been a great asset to this team and thank you so much for your work but we simply can't afford you any more and we know you'll get more money elsewhere, etc" That isn't just something nice to do, it should be mandatory - and with the player, not his agent. Simple gratitude.

IMO, Cobb was a show of good faith to AR. At a minimum, he mentors the new guy. (main question to me is who he bumps from the roster).

My guess is that if Love does not play very well during pre season, management keeps AR happy. If Love does play very well, they will go back to being themselves and trade him after the season - unless, of course, we win the SB. In which case, they are going to have to reluctantly extend AR's contract and will end up drafting another QB!

There is an old football movie (North Dallas Forty - Nick Nolte, Mac Davis). There's a line at the end when a coach tells a player after the season that "it's only a game". The player blows up at him and says something like "when we are on the field you tell us it is more than a game, when it comes to the contract then you tell us it's only a game". Players put their bodies on the line every week to win. Management sits in the lounge and drinks beer. If you can't show some respect to the players, then you shouldn't be in management. JMHO.

3 points
4
1
dobber's picture

July 28, 2021 at 09:22 pm

"IMO, Cobb was a show of good faith to AR. "

It's very possible they've looked at their WR room and don't see any real future there beyond AmRod. Cobb gives them 2 WRs under contract for 2022, with no dead money if/when they let him go.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:26 am

Possibly, but I think that is a stretch. Cobb is the sop to Rodgers. If they knew what Rodgers would say yesterday, giving him a platform was a surprisingly shrewd move.

0 points
0
0
Archie's picture

July 29, 2021 at 11:20 am

Great post pacman!

0 points
0
0
Roadrunner23's picture

July 28, 2021 at 10:22 pm

Nags:
Thanks for doing this (yes pun intended) but really dude Nags thanks for doing this

1 points
1
0
Packers0808's picture

July 28, 2021 at 10:22 pm

What if A Rodgers is a flop for whatever reason. Seems like a lot of high expectations for someone nobody has yet seen on a professional level! Maybe just maybe Cobb will be needed more than many here seem to think. Let the season progress before will emulate a guy and/or throw one away!

1 points
1
0
saltandpeppers's picture

July 28, 2021 at 10:37 pm

Not sure why Rodgers keeps focusing on the personnel input issue; I mean, I guess it must really bother him, but it doesn't play well.

The more relatable stuff was his analogy about having a good year and the boss turning you down for a raise. And really, isn't this what it's all about? If the Packers had given Rodgers a new contract guaranteeing more years as the starter, we wouldn't have had all the offseason drama.

1 points
1
0
jeremyjjbrown's picture

July 29, 2021 at 03:34 am

They offered him a new deal.

1 points
1
0
saltandpeppers's picture

July 29, 2021 at 08:37 am

New deal doesn't mean guaranteed years necessarily. Plus by the time they offered they had already pissed him off. Crazy that this is what the whole thing is about any hardly anyone understands it.

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:37 am

I think expecting to get more money for being an MVP at 38 is very different to the proposition we’re he 28. Coming off down seasons he could just as well be seen as dragging his pay back into line with expectations on his original deal. Moreover, if he really wants to win, he surely knows that this is a cap crunch and that money detracts from other areas of the roster.

There are contradictions in his supposed self-justification that suggest it was really just about “me” and others that point to him not being able to make dispassionate evaluations about personnel because of the impact on him and his feelings. Just makes me wonder if that is part of his favoritism on it, which to date i had discounted.

1 points
1
0
Oppy's picture

July 29, 2021 at 06:30 pm

Rodgers isn't the future.

0 points
0
0
Leland's picture

July 29, 2021 at 09:24 am

It is well documented that there are average life spans for every position on an NFL team. Getting that third contract is not the norm. If AR wanted to talk to the FO about any players status I'm pretty sure all he had to do was ask for an audience. If he expected the front office to initiate the conversation it should not have taken too long to figure out that that was not going to happen, it was up to him to do it. Everybody is hurt when they realize that their time is running out. If they low ball you, it's up to you to counter and make your case. For every player that gets an extra year there is a player that loses his chance. And then of course there is also the salary cap. Go Pack

0 points
1
1
wildbill's picture

July 29, 2021 at 11:09 am

Really enjoy these camp breakdowns.. thanks

0 points
0
0
PatrickGB's picture

July 29, 2021 at 05:42 pm

Who is Jack Heflin?

0 points
0
0