Cory's Corner: Time For Rodgers To Look In The Mirror
Rodgers' next move comes down to selfless vs. selfish.
Aaron Rodgers has turned into a man without a country.
The Jets said thanks but no thanks to a guy that I think can still play. Over his last seven games this year, he generated a passer rating of 96.13 by completing 64 percent of his passes, averaging 234 passing yards and totaling 13 touchdowns to four interceptions.
But this was never about Rodgers the player. Even though he got traded to the NFL's Siberia, a place with a pathetic offensive line. That’s a deadly combination for a quarterback in the twilight of his career. He still showed what he could do a year after only playing four snaps in the 2023 season opener before tearing his Achilles.
Rodgers remains the best passer I’ve ever seen. The four-time MVP has done things on a football field that are nothing short of amazing. With the flick of his wrist, the ball could easily zip 60 yards downfield. I didn’t say quarterback, I said passer.
This is about Rodgers the person. A team is willing to live with a certain amount of selfish antics if the team is successful. But when the player chooses not to go to offseason workouts and missing valuable reps with young wideouts, those are huge red flags.
And that’s why Rodgers needed to look himself in the mirror after the 2022 season. But instead of looking at himself, he blamed others. He actually pointed the finger at Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst when Rodgers ghosted him.
“People who know me, I’m fortunate to live in a beautiful house,” said Rodgers in the spring of 2023. “The only downside is I have very limited cell service. If you want to get a hold of me, I need to see your face. You have to FaceTime me.”
If you read that quote without knowing the context, you’d think that a teenager said it. The funny thing is, my high school freshman is more mature than Rodgers. And that’s why Gutekunst said enough was enough and eventually got six players for him. That included second round inside linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and tight end Luke Musgrave.
What’s even better is that the Packers currently have a quarterback that is team-centric. Jordan Love never pouted or complained during training camp when he knew he didn’t have a chance of playing in a real game while Rodgers was still around. How many first rounders don’t even suit up their first season?
Love didn’t look his best this season, but I would take Love on Sunday vs. what Rodgers would give you Monday-Saturday. Rodgers needs you to know that he is a really good player and when the Jets told him not to do his weekly hit on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers probably just rolled his eyes. Even though he has amassed numerous awards, a Super Bowl ring and eventually a spot on Lambeau Field’s hallowed Ring of Honor, he desperately seeks validation.
And that’s really sad. Either he is running from something or he is running to something. By age 41, you should be comfortable in your own skin, but Rodgers clearly is not. He has a fear of making emotional connections, which is why he is usually estranged from the team, sitting by himself on the sidelines.
So where does Rodgers go from here? That’s completely up to him. If he wants to hit the reset button and make a change, he needs to become the ultimate team player. Be the guy that comes early and stays late. Go hang out with the young guys. Set an example and be a leader. Make an effort to be the guy that everyone wants to play with.
If he cannot do that, it’s time to walk away. Rodgers the person has overshadowed Rodgers the player.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (34)
Bearmeat
February 15, 2025 at 06:42 am
Aaron Rodgers has been a team-killing cancer since the debacle in Seattle in 2014. That ruined him. And while it sucked, he was and is responsible for his reaction to that terrible day.
Look back:
2015 - Rodgers feuds with Jordy-less WRs. Takes constant sacks and yells at coaches and OL
2016 - Rodgers goes God Mode. He was amazing. But it was all about him.
2017 - Rodgers gets hurt.
2018 - The end of the MM era. We all know it was ugly and many stories are out there about 12 changing plays etc.
2019 - Rodgers gives lip service to MLF’s new offense but everything was a fight. There was a constant “I don’t trust anyone but Davante” all year. He also was awful vs SF.
2020 - Rodgers goes God Mode. But it’s in response to the Love pick. If you think for a second that he would have been that good and done whatever it took to win, without his job (actually his status) being threatened, you’re deluding yourself. He also was awful vs SF. Funny how when it’s all about you, you tend to choke when the spotlight is brightest… Also, the dumbassery on McAfee started this year.
2021 - The passive aggressive stuff he did in 2019 and 2020 was traded for just straight aggression, lies, carelessness about the team, and slander.
2022 - 2021 continued. He insisted on being GM part two. And for some stupid reason, Mark Murphy made Gutekunst listen to him when we should have traded him for 3 1st round picks after 2021.
2023 - Thank GOD we ditched him to probably the stupidest NFL franchise in history. That BS with the American Flag on MNF in week one was puke inducing. And he got hurt right away because he couldn’t move anymore.
2024 - His team killing ways continued with the Jets.
2025 - I hope he retires. And while I loved his play from 2008-2014, the last decade was NEVER going to result in a title. Because it was NEVER about the team. It was ALWAYS about him.
I will welcome him into the ring of honor and HOF when it happens. But I hope it’s not for a good long time. I need the time to cool off after he’s out of the headlines for years. Just like I did with Favre. He is the best thrower of the football I’ve ever seen. Perhaps Marino is there too. But there are things more important than individual skill.
Alberta_Packer
February 15, 2025 at 01:51 pm
An upvote just for the journalism Bm.
Since'75
February 16, 2025 at 09:24 pm
Wow, you take a lot of notes Bearmeat...lol
Your hate for Rodgers is strong, damn.
TKWorldWide
February 15, 2025 at 07:03 am
I’m not a wagering man, but if I had to bet “selfless” or “selfish”, I know where my money is going.
stockholder
February 15, 2025 at 07:18 am
Rodgers doesn't need to look in the mirror.
He was let go when he broke hearts.
He was hurt. They didn't win.
And the Love life just went south
with a protective father.
Rumors are character assignation.
But intolerable bosses, and jealous fans,
can be Rodgers nightmare.
He was a union rep. He protects those he loves.
Brett Favre played after the Jets.
Rodgers can too.
But Truthfully; - He will always be a Packer.
jannesbjornson
February 15, 2025 at 09:52 am
The net haul was Van Ness @ #13, a backup. Musgrave @ #42, multiple injuries dating to college, Carlson a guy who missed extra points and clutch FGs, and Bullard this past draft, in lieu of Bulloch, or Kam Kinchens; a rover burned in coverage. He sent out two ALL-PRO guys, where are the future ALL-PROs?
stockholder
February 15, 2025 at 10:42 am
All -pros= Gute didn't take All pros-
He took replacements.
Undersize, No stand outs, All projection.
Just because a guy looks good in practice.
Doesn't mean you draft him.
I would not take any guy that left the senior -Bowl early.
Lack of commitment is a red flag.
The guy that loves to play
will be the All-pro.
jannesbjornson
February 15, 2025 at 11:09 am
Zero-Sum philosophy...
Guam
February 15, 2025 at 07:19 am
Rodgers has overstayed his welcome in the NFL and needs to retire. He is one one the finest throwers of a football I have ever seen, but sadly that has been overshadowed by his selfishness. The ultimate "me" guy. Like Bearmeat I am going to need some time before I see Rodgers come back to Green Bay for his Ring of Honor induction.
mrtundra
February 15, 2025 at 08:22 am
Would it surprise anyone here if Rodgers went to the vikings? It was the Favre thing to do, after he was traded to the Jets. Minnesota could bring in Rodgers for a year to mentor McCarthy. This would completely be throwing, Darnold under the bus.
stockholder
February 15, 2025 at 08:32 am
Giants
jannesbjornson
February 15, 2025 at 09:55 am
He bought the new crib in Upper Montclair, but also a Land speculator in Nashville. Maybe the Titans? Wh o knows, who cares?
GregC
February 15, 2025 at 10:21 am
I would be shocked if the Vikings wanted him. Seems like that would be terrible for their young QB, McCarthy, who is probably ready to start. I've heard the Steelers mentioned as Rodgers' most likely destination, and I don't understand that one either. If anyone wants Rodgers, I would expect it to be a bad team like the Titans, in which case Rodgers will probably choose to retire.
Since'75
February 19, 2025 at 06:59 am
Darnold threw himself under the bus with his playoff performance.
dobber
February 15, 2025 at 08:30 am
Who?
NickPerry
February 15, 2025 at 09:12 am
Never in all my years watching Packers football and being a fan have I seen a player with that MUCH talent, and still do excellent things on the field for the Packers become so despised. It's really a shame when you think about it. I mean you almost feel sorry for him...Almost.
It's a shame he's going out like this because Aaron Rodgers will ALWAYS be a Packer. Even in Rodgers heart he's still a Packer. But his need for the spotlight, to be right, or to be the smartest person in the room ALL the time, and about 100 other things, makes it hard to even get a little bit behind him.
I don't know what will happen with Rodgers. What I do know is 5 years after he hangs it up he'll be in the HOF. My hope by then for Rodgers is he's not so despised, especially from Packers fans.
Guam
February 15, 2025 at 09:58 am
Sad isn't it NP. Two years removed from the Packers and he is still a highly polarizing figure.
jannesbjornson
February 15, 2025 at 11:12 am
Did he send Dick pics to his massage therapist? , or steal from the needy?
Since'75
February 16, 2025 at 10:10 pm
Or go on the Greta Van Susteren show and rip the Packers on national TV?
I think these butt hurt Rodgers haters will someday grow up, dry their tears, and appreciate Rodgers......and if they don't, i GNF.
Let them cry.
LambeauPlain
February 15, 2025 at 10:19 am
I have as much interest in Rodgers next season and I did for 2024.
None.
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Since'75
February 16, 2025 at 10:05 pm
Yea, he's a loser.
TarynsEyes
February 15, 2025 at 10:57 am
It seems Rodgers dwells in the heads of many rent-free.
We got the best of him when we had him, so let him go to do what he wants to do to himself and other teams that will have him.
Starrbrite
February 16, 2025 at 02:17 pm
I’m with you Taryn.
I was always a Rogers apologist during his time with the Packers. I wanted him to do well with the Jets. I do now agree with GolfPacker (and others) who say we should have traded him to the Donkeys for a huge cache of players.
ARod has some goofy ideas and I rolled my eyes when he did his darkness retreat.
I only regret he didn’t win more big games with the Packers.
Packerpasty
February 17, 2025 at 04:09 pm
I certainly enjoyed Rodgers while he was here I watched half dozen games at Lambeau while he was the QB and it was a pleasure to watch a QB operate at such a high level...that being said it sure was time for him to move on...too bad so many only want to see cookie cutter jocks who toe the line...I sort of enjoyed his weirdness, I like seeing stodgy old people like me getting pissed off about nothing...
Dragon5
February 15, 2025 at 11:29 am
🐷 year born QBs: Mahomes, Mayfield, Watson, and RODGERS
If there's any player in the NFL that's well aware of his enemy year (🐍), it's Aaron.
Either hang it up, or train for a 1-2 year playoff ready squad beginning in '26.
And there's one more plausible scenario. Our backup situation becomes shaky again assuming Willis leaves after next year for greener pa$ture$. Love gets hurt and you have a more mature roster that is competing at a playoff level. Do you flush the season or call the one player out of retirement familiar with MLF's system that could retake the reins and lead this franchise to glory once again?
Alberta_Packer
February 15, 2025 at 11:47 am
Yes - I do think that Rodgers dwells in the heads of many rent-free. Conversely, I do believe that the many also holds space in Rodger's head. I have seen few people crave universal adoration and adulation - with feigned modesty - as much as Rodgers. When not forthcoming - which has almost been always in recent years - he just defaults to his narcissistic setting. Thus not expecting a graceful and dignified retirement from him.
LeotisHarris
February 15, 2025 at 02:14 pm
It likely comes down to shellfish as much as selfless and selfish for Aaron. He's no longer in a position to dictate which emotional support players (you know, good locker room guys you can win with) must accompany him on his next adventure. He's likely still the smartest guy in the room, but his body can no longer cash the checks his head writes. He's not the QB for a team that is "only a player away from the Super Bowl."
His legacy is important to him. We've seen Tom Brady hoisting the Lombardi in a Bucs uniform, and some of us have seen Joe Namath fizzle out as a Ram, or Joe Montana finally hit the wall as a Chief. I hope he hangs it up, and comes home to a warm welcome very soon.
Leatherhead
February 15, 2025 at 03:51 pm
Rodgers was a good player for us, we got two good players in return for him when we didn't need (or want) him anymore, and if he doesn't think he's washed up he should lock himself in a dark room for a while and think about that. The rest of his life is a story he gets to write. He could do a lot of things, but it would benefit him if he can show some class on the way out the door., unlike some other QBs who will remain nameless.
Since'75
February 16, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Maybe you could offer him some guidance, maybe you could provide him with some therapy sessions?
Off the cuff, i think that is what he needs LH.
Help the man out.
jvole
February 16, 2025 at 05:58 am
Since the twilight of MM's years, the only time I liked watching Rodgers was the moment the ball was snapped. He really was an amazing passer. And honestly, Ted Thompson probably was in charge for 1-2 years too many and that had to have gotten frustrating for him. But his LOS routines got tiresome and predictable. The scowls and interviews just got more disconnected from a team winning and more about him. Like others, I am grateful that I got to watch this talent play for my team for so long. But I think he should retire and go figure some shit out cause life is going to get hard for him when people stop caring what he thinks about...anything.
egbertsouse
February 16, 2025 at 09:15 am
If he retires he can probably get a job with his buddy, Bobby Snake Oil Jr. in the Dept. of Pseudo-science and Dumbassery.
Starrbrite
February 16, 2025 at 02:20 pm
Cracked me up Egber.
Since'75
February 16, 2025 at 09:44 pm
The Rodger haters amaze me with the depth of angst of their hatred, as if he ra*ed their sister, or took out their parents.
I don't care about him not getting a covid shot, or his 'body language, or any of the other plethora of reasons that Rodgers makes ya all whine and cry.
I remember a guy who could make plays like i've never seen anyone make.
I remember a guy who consistently played winning football.
I remember a guy who broke and holds many NFL records.
I remember a guy who won a chit ton of awards that aren't easy to win.
I remember a guy hoisting the Lombardi Trophy and winning SB MVP.
I remember a guy who Murphy, TT, Gute, McCarthy, MLF told us all how professional Rodgers was, how great a leader he was, and couldn't praise him enough.
I remember a guy who i'm proud wore the Packer uniform so long.
I remember a guy who i will be proud he played as a Packer when he goes into the HOF.
I remember a guy who was called the NFL QB with the best skillset they've ever seen, such as Brady and Manning.
I remember a guy who many believe is one of the best QB's to ever play the game.
You boys write your novels about all your hate about his faults if it makes you feel better, it's a free Country.
I don't know Rodgers like the rest of you seem to know him, i never met him, i don't assume or act like i know all the internals, i wasn't there.
I'll remember him the way i do, with pride.
Have a nice day.
Packerpasty
February 17, 2025 at 04:10 pm
Perfectly how I feel...and I know a lot of fans who feel the same way...