Rodgers Silent on LaFleur
By jasonperone
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has said he's spoken to his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, many times since his hiring a few weeks ago.
From Jason Wilde's piece in the Wisconsin State Journal last week:
“I’ve had multiple conversations with Aaron,” said LaFleur, who actually revealed during his introductory news conference last week that he spoke with Rodgers before formally getting the job. “I’ll tell you what, the one thing that came across early is how passionate he is for the game of football and how much he wants to win. There’s nothing that’s going to stand in his way of really getting after it. “I’m looking forward to working with him and continuing our relationship"
From Rodgers, however, we have yet to hear a word about his thoughts on his new head coach.
Rodgers has always been very calculated in his comments to the media and the public. Sometimes trying to protect his team and other times, to push his own agenda.
Rodgers has, many times, come out in support of players that he wanted the Packers to keep after the end of a season.
Last year, he made it clear that he wasn't thrilled with some of the coaching changes that were made, especially his not being involved in the discussions surrounding the dismissal of former quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt.
That we haven't heard from Rodgers about LaFleur or the future of the team doesn't mean he isn't completely on board. It also doesn't mean he is.
This is the first time in Rodgers' career as a starter that he has had to adjust to a new head coach.
When Mike McCarthy arrived in 2006, he helped develop Rodgers into a high-caliber quarterback that would play a huge role in the Packers winning Super Bowl XLV.
Will this round with LaFleur reinvigorate Rodgers and pump new life into a Packers team that has missed the playoffs two years in a row?
We won't start to see signs of the answer until the team takes the field in actual play later this summer.
But as far as the optics from Rodgers, is there any concern that he hasn't said a word about Matt LaFleur and his new staff yet?
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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts. You can follow him on Twitter here
Comments (66)
Rak43
January 28, 2019 at 05:13 am
No concern whatsoever. I'm not sure what he's supposed to say at this point other than, "yeah I spoke with him".
TheVOR
January 28, 2019 at 01:06 pm
Next Question, as anyone been able to catch up to him and ask him? What's he supposed to do, call a press conference to talk about his new HC? It's the off-season, you know, when he gets to take vacation, travel, work his charity agenda's, chase Danica around the great room in a large counterclockwise circle, you know.. That kinda stuff...
BoCallahan
January 28, 2019 at 05:20 am
No news here folks, keep moving.
NickPerry
January 28, 2019 at 05:32 am
Good timing Jason...I've been thinking about that same exact thing for at least a week or more. While it's a question I've asked myself more than once. I'm thinking Rodgers is picking his time to comment...Like next weekend at the SB.
I may be wrong but I don't believe Rodgers said anything about his new QB coach who used to be the WR coach either. It's been said Luke and Aaron got along really well but to my knowledge nothing, not a welcome back or congratulations...Nada....Weird again.
Now Rodgers DID call MLF before it was officially announced so there's that...He at least called. Maybe he's waiting till next weekend top share his thoughts and let the football world know the Pack will be Back in 2019!
At least that's my hope..
Since'61
January 28, 2019 at 09:19 am
Nick - just because comments have not been made public doesn't mean that Rodgers hasn't spoken with Getsy and other members of the new staff via telephone. For all we know MLF is speaking with Rodgers on some of these hires such as Getsy's.
To me no news is good news and bad news travels quickly. Rodgers will be fine. Thanks, Since '61
Lphill
January 28, 2019 at 05:39 am
No story here except for Vikings fans who know how to make something out of nothing.
Since'61
January 28, 2019 at 09:20 am
Exactly!!! Thanks, Since '61
marpag1
January 28, 2019 at 06:16 am
I'm as concerned about this as I was about the Pro Bowl.
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 07:14 am
Yeah, when is that anyway?
marpag1
January 28, 2019 at 08:03 am
Tomorrow, I think.
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 08:24 am
Uh oh! I have a Procrastinator’s Club meeting tomorrow!
But we might postpone it...
Bedrock
January 28, 2019 at 10:09 am
I thought about starting a Procrastination club at my school. That’s as far as I got.
But I managed to get the principal to announce ”The Procrastination Club meeting was again postponed”.
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 12:41 pm
That is excellent!
Since'61
January 28, 2019 at 09:21 am
There's a Pro Bowl? What Pro Bowl?? Thanks, Since '61
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 10:04 am
I liked it when I was 12 and was thrilled when a few Packers made it even though the team was less than stellar.
I remember one year GB had Lofton, JJ, and Coffman all make the team. Pretty sweet receiving corps, I’d say.
packerbackerjim
January 28, 2019 at 11:05 am
I think you have to stream it—no network would touch that stink bomb.
LambeauPlain
January 28, 2019 at 03:36 pm
What Pro Bowl? There was a Pro Bowl??
Bearmeat
January 28, 2019 at 06:43 am
Yeah. Not worried either. He's probably reserving judgement, which is really what most fans are doing too. MLF is an unknown. He could be great. He could suck. We will find out.
Bearmeat
January 28, 2019 at 06:40 pm
Double post. I suck.
Roadrunner23
January 28, 2019 at 06:54 am
Last time I heard he was chillin in New Zealand with Danika.
He's good
that is all...
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 07:15 am
Stay classy, San Diego
CoachJV
January 28, 2019 at 07:02 am
This is a non-story. Must be a slow news day...
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 07:13 am
Smells like an attempt at drama.
Hard pass.
Andrija Divac
January 28, 2019 at 07:50 am
I'm not one to critique or criticize an article but....
"That we haven't heard from Rodgers about LaFleur or the future of the team doesn't mean he isn't completely on board. It also doesn't mean he is."
I know we are slow on news til draft but come on. Not sure what I even read.
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 08:26 am
You were great with Magic and the Lakers! Following after Kareem must not have been easy.
LeotisHarris
January 28, 2019 at 06:59 pm
+100 A big man who could pass and run the floor.
TK, you've once again paid for my subscription to CHTV, and it's only January 28th.
IshpemingPackAttack
January 28, 2019 at 08:01 am
C'mon man!! Why would you even put this non story on this site. I am very disappointed. Trying to build drama on something like this is just plain sad.
dobber
January 28, 2019 at 08:07 am
It's called "January". Sadly, it's the new "February".
Since'61
January 28, 2019 at 09:23 am
Fortunately, we're only one month from pitchers and catchers!
Thanks, Since '61
TKWorldWide
January 29, 2019 at 04:40 pm
I have the ten game ticket plan for Miller Park. Always a good time.
Qoojo
January 28, 2019 at 06:41 pm
This is the kind of "story" that belongs on PFT where Florio writes soap operas for clicks.
Handsback
January 28, 2019 at 08:04 am
What could Rodgers say? "ML seems like a good guy." It's the off-season, not much for players to add.
stockholder
January 28, 2019 at 08:39 am
The past is the past now. Get er done.
Since'61
January 28, 2019 at 09:24 am
Yawn. Thanks, Since '61
bandnerd007
January 28, 2019 at 10:37 am
Agree with the general consensus here. Rodgers always checks out and tries to lay low for a while after the season is over. He's not breaking that pattern to make a statement that doesn't really say anything. We'll hear from him at workouts in April, not before.
Wilment
January 28, 2019 at 10:40 am
Much ado about nothing. Rodgers is just being Rodgers.
4thand1
January 28, 2019 at 10:42 am
I was thinking about responding, oops guess I did.
jasonperone
January 28, 2019 at 10:46 am
Lotta traffic today, you folks never disappoint. And with these votes, you can expect more of it all offseason long. **insert Stone Cold beer gif**
Thank you for reading, whether you love it or not!
4thand1
January 28, 2019 at 11:07 am
YW
Rak43
January 29, 2019 at 02:07 am
I've read dozens of your articles Jason. Being honest this is the first one I'm like, meh! It's ok though, we all have our bad days. But keep the articles coming. Thanks for the excellent work 99.999% of the time. :-}
Crackerpacker
January 28, 2019 at 11:06 am
If you want to make a more interesting story, Does it mean Rodgers is still in concussion protocol.
Tundraboy
January 28, 2019 at 01:43 pm
After the whole thing with Van Pelt, McCarthy, Rodger's far too smart make any comments. Pretty sure he like everybody else is just waiting to see how it all plays out, and the staff is finalized. Oh,but to be a fly on the wall.
Point-Packer
January 28, 2019 at 01:45 pm
In other important news, how awesome was that Pro Bowl? ..
Point-Packer
January 28, 2019 at 01:45 pm
(double post)
Skip greenBayless
January 28, 2019 at 02:39 pm
Wow, we have the entire herd here in denial and saying the same thing like this is some non-story. You're damn right this is concerning. This is/was what I was talking about the second they fired MM. Aaron Rodgers controls this team. He's the guy in total charge. He's not saying anything and that's NOT GOOD!! i repeat it's not good!! If you really believe Rodgers going silent on the new coach hire is normal than you probably think the Packers are going to the super bowl next year. Thank you Jason Perone for alerting us to this latest info. This is a code red and it's not even February. This is going exactly as I predicted unfortunately. Nothing has changed. Stock up on the old PBR as we are in for a rough two years.
Dash
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 02:55 pm
I really don’t think I’m in denial.
Skip greenBayless
January 28, 2019 at 03:02 pm
I agree with you TK. It's not a denial if you believe it.
Dash
LambeauPlain
January 28, 2019 at 03:38 pm
Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?
Point-Packer
January 29, 2019 at 08:48 am
Are you "Dash" from the Logging Lobos? If so, thanks for helping Thomas get that Jobi wood back to Sodor. Really needed that new search and rescue center.
edp1959
January 28, 2019 at 02:44 pm
Didn't someone mention earlier on this thread about Vikings trolls coming on here?
Lare
January 28, 2019 at 05:45 pm
Yeah, unfortunately they're just something Packers fans have to put up with in life like FIB's and mosquitoes. But they're pretty easy to spot, they aren't the sharpest tool in the shed.
LambeauPlain
January 28, 2019 at 03:40 pm
This article damages Cheesehead TV. More like fake news Axios.
Rumor mongering at its worst.
I would prefer you would be "silent" on Rodgers "silence".
jasonperone
January 28, 2019 at 04:01 pm
All fair game, I have no problem with criticism and feedback and I appreciate your reading, LP. If comments are being left and conversations had, whether they're bubbly in nature or not, I can't agree much with this or any piece on this site being damaging. The votes are in
4thand1
January 28, 2019 at 06:31 pm
The silence is not deafening.
Skip greenBayless
January 28, 2019 at 07:47 pm
"This article damages Cheesehead TV"
Yeah, I am sure Al's phone is ringing off the hook with subscription cancellations. Give me a effing break LambeauPlain. Jason has every right to write about the fact Rodgers has not commented on LaFleur publicy. It is disturbing and I am glad Jason informed me about this since I did not know that. Just because you and the rest of the herd here want to live in fantasy land 24/7 is no fault of Jason. Jason, you hit a home run. Whenever you get the most flack you know you are over the target. Congrats. i personally think this is code red territory. I can't believe the people here are brushing this aside. Again this is some good info you provided.
Dash
jasonperone
January 28, 2019 at 07:55 pm
Thank you Dash and I'm good with every bit of feedback on this today. No issue with it at all. I certainly wasn't trying to inform anyone that Rodgers hasn't said anything, merely prompting a discussion on it.
That discussion has produced a resounding "shut up, who cares, stop poking the bear". All good and well. I appreciate our readers!
Oppy
January 28, 2019 at 06:39 pm
I don't ever recall Rodgers being one to spend a ton of time giving quotes to the press during the offseason- at least, not until the week(s) leading up to OTAs.
I'm not worried. Besides, Rodgers got exactly what he wanted- his old coach fired and a new one brought in. How could he NOT be happy about it?
Oppy
January 28, 2019 at 06:44 pm
.
LeotisHarris
January 28, 2019 at 07:13 pm
At least it was a well-written article, Jason. I have to ask, though. Would it be worth our time to focus the collective wisdom of this Board here on all the things Aaron has *not* commented on this off season? I know Dash is prepping to hunker down in his bunker with his Tim Boyle poster and cases of PBR in hopes he can one day fill his pants and yell "I told ya so", but for the rest of us this could be an enlightening exercise.
I'll start. Since Coach Lafleur was hired, I have not heard Aaron Rodgers comment on:
1. Gas prices
2. Quality of food served after funerals in Lutheran churches.
3. Norv Turner
4. Christmas tree recycling efforts
5. The weather
Oppy
January 28, 2019 at 08:02 pm
6. The uncontained Ebola outbreak in an urban center somewhere in the Democratic Republic of Congo
TKWorldWide
January 28, 2019 at 08:14 pm
A few years ago I offered Aaron Rodgers my perfectly healthy collarbone, and he didn’t respond. I realize now this is a non-story.
I have commented a number of times that 12 has never been in my kitchen, but since he’s never been formally invited, I guess it’s a non-story too.
Please unread all this stuff. It’s not worth your time and effort.
CoachJV
January 28, 2019 at 08:49 pm
8. Who was on the grassy knoll
Point-Packer
January 29, 2019 at 10:55 am
9. Jeff Query's post football career
TKWorldWide
January 29, 2019 at 04:53 pm
10. Jeff Query’s football career. ;)
NJMagic
January 28, 2019 at 07:52 pm
Aaron just called SB next year on the Packer's website.
I would say that's a pretty good indication he's happy with how things are going...
Rak43
January 29, 2019 at 02:20 am
Ty, NJMagic! Case closed!