In a major offseason trade that sent shockwaves through the NFL, Aaron Rodgers became the starting quarterback for the New York Jets, leaving the Green Bay Packers with a void at the QB position after Rodgers’ legendary 15-year run with the team.
Stepping up to fill his shoes is 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love, who is set to be the Packers new starting quarterback in Week 1.
As the team heads into training camp, Love has received words of encouragement from none other than the man he’s succeeding.
Teammate and Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones praised Love’s leadership qualities, describing him as “a true leader” as the Packers’ training camp opened this week.
After Love’s first practice as the starting quarterback, and he revealed that Rodgers, the Packers longtime leader, reached out to him the day before with words of wisdom and support.
“Aaron reached out to me last night and that’s exactly what he said.. He said ‘just be yourself, have fun, enjoy it, that it’s obviously my time now and to enjoy it,'” Love shared after receiving the encouraging message from Rodgers.
During his time as Rodgers’ understudy, Love soaked up invaluable knowledge and experience, learning from the four-time NFL MVP and future Hall of Famer. Love expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to watch Rodgers in action, both on and off the field, and to study the finer details of his game.
“I learned a lot,” Love said during the offseason. “I was just able to watch a great quarterback: how he works every day, how he handles business in the locker room, interacts with teammates, and how he attacks every day.”
“To be able to sit back as a quarterback and observe him, his footwork, how the ball comes out of his hands, how he practices every day and takes it into the game, is very valuable stuff that I was able to pick his brain on and watch him work.”
It’s evident that Rodgers’ mentorship extended beyond the field and into the offseason, even after his departure to the Jets. Love shared that Rodgers made an effort to connect with him following the official trade to New York.
“He wished me the best, and said he’d always be there for me if I need anything or have any questions,” Love recalled their conversations. “I will always be grateful to be around him, and the time I had with him where I was able to learn and be behind him. I’m very grateful for it.”
The contrast between Rodgers’ mentoring approach and that of his predecessor, Brett Favre, is stark. While Favre maintained a more hands-off approach towards Rodgers during their time together in Green Bay, Rodgers took the role of mentor seriously and has continued to support Love even after parting ways.
Now, the most important question is how will Love play?
Do you think he can be a true franchise quarterback? Or will Green Bay soon need to look for another QB?