Packers GM gives straightforward take on Aaron Rodgers and hints at the different feeling of watching from the outside this time
There's no way around it. When Brian Gutekunst decided to draft Jordan Love in 2020, his relationship with Aaron Rodgers would never be the same ever again. Five years later, the Green Bay Packers general manager is ready for his eighth draft ahead of the franchise, and with Love established as a starter.Meanwhile, Rodgers has […]
There's no way around it. When Brian Gutekunst decided to draft Jordan Love in 2020, his relationship with Aaron Rodgers would never be the same ever again. Five years later, the Green Bay Packers general manager is ready for his eighth draft ahead of the franchise, and with Love established as a starter.
Meanwhile, Rodgers has been cut from the New York Jets and is still weighing the options about his future—and if he keeps playing, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be the most likely scenario.
After years of tension and a tough relationship, Gutekunst feels refreshed that Rodgers' decision doesn't involve him anymore.
"I really like the chair I'm sitting in now, and viewing it from that chair than the one I was before," Gutekunst admitted to Rich Eisen. "But he was a great, great player here, and there's so much appreciation for him from our organization and from myself for what he did here."
After the Packers decided to select his successor, Aaron Rodgers understandably felt uncomfortable with the decision-makers of the organization. Hours before the 2021 draft, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the quarterback wanted out. That offseason, the Packers adjusted Rodgers' contract to keep him around, then gave him a big extension in 2022 before trading him away to the Jets one year later.
Even though their personal relationship might not be great after what happened, Gutekunst still respects Rodgers because of his great career.
"You're kind of rooting for him from afar to keep playing, because he's such a great talent," Gutekunst added. "But he's had a long, really, really good career. If he decides to hang it up, that's a pretty good 20-some years."
Brian Gutekunst had a close perspective to Aaron Rodgers' entire career in Green Bay, because the executive was initially hired by the Packers as a scout in 1998, a role he kept through 2011. He was a scout when Ted Thompson decided to draft Rodgers in 2005 and replace Brett Favre in 2008, and was a part of the Super Bowl front office in 2010.
Gutekunst was later promoted to director of college scouting in 2012, to director of player personnel in 2016, and to general manager in 2018. He decided to pick Jordan Love in his third draft calling the shots. A major decision that has shaped what the franchise will look like in this entire decade.
Jordan Love’s perfect response ahead of the NFL Draft shows why it’s so refreshing to have him leading the Packers
Young quarterback has a calm personality
