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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn’t winning over many hearts in the team’s front office right now. Amid the ongoing drama between the two sides, one former NFL general manager is now taking a shot at the future Hall of Famer.
Rodgers recently skipped Packers’ minicamp, holding out from the team as he tries to force a trade. The reigning NFL MPV has cited issues with the Packers’ culture, concerns that CEO Mark Murphy led some credence to with recent comments.
With the two parties at a stalemate, many around the NFL have weighed in on the situation. Now, a former general manager is unloading on the All-Pro quarterback with the help of anonymity
“The guy’s selfish. Teammates don’t like him. Coaches don’t like him. It’s all about Aaron. They all deal with him, because he’s a superstar. He helps guys make money and put food on the table for their kids, and people respect him for that.”
Anonymous former NFL general manager to Fansided’s Matt Lombardo
Rodgers has only played under two general managers during his NFL career. Ted Thompson is responsible for drafting him and Murphy suggested their relationship was challenging. But Thompson passed away in January.
Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst has held the role since 2018, meaning the quote isn’t coming from someone who held a prominent role in the organization.
It’s worth noting that Hall of Famer Ron Wolf, who worked in Green Bay from 1991-2000, has called Rodgers a diva. Since he put his name on the criticism, it seems unlikely he is the one taking a shot at the Packers’ star.
Aaron Rodgers’ relationship with his teammates
The claim that Rodgers isn’t liked by his teammates and coaches is certainly an assertion, backed with the caveat that those who are friendly to him are doing it because he helps them get paid. It’s possible that same declaration could be made about other top quarterbacks, given the level of respect and attention to the position.
Read More: Aaron Rodgers’ teammates share concerns about Packers’ culture; why they might be right
There is some history of Rodgers’ former teammates speaking out against him. Greg Jennings, who played with the Packers from 2006-’12, hasn’t been shy about going after his former quarterback.
The two-time Pro Bowl receiver, with both nods coming during his Packers’ tenure, was upset Rodgers didn’t push the Packers to re-sign him. He criticized Rodgers in 2013 for not putting the team first and offered several more criticisms in 2019.
Jennings, who has since become an NFL analyst and media personality, recently admitted that he has since tried to reach out to Rodgers and received no response.
Related: Former Green Bay Packers legend weighs in on Aaron Rodgers 2021 future with team
Rodgers’ leadership was also questioned by tight end Jermichael Finley, the former Packers’ tight end who has taken several pointed shots at the quarterback. As for the reigning NFL MVP, he only responded that it’s always the same two people talking.
Rodgers does seem to have a strong relationship with many of his current and former teammates.
- He served as a groomsman at Randall Cobb’s wedding
- Former Green Bay Packers receiver Jeff Janis defended Rodgers’ approach with players
- Rodgers remains close friends with former teammates A.J. Hawk, James Jones and Jordy Nelson
- Green Bay’s former defensive backs Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Tramon Williams and Casey Hayward praised Rodgers as a teammate
Davante Adams and David Bakhtiar have also backed their teammate during the ongoing saga with the Packers.
Related: Matt LaFleur reiterates Green Bay Packers’ desire to keep Aaron Rodgers
Criticisms for Rodgers being arrogant aren’t new, many have suggested the chip on his shoulder that drives him to greatness also leads to him holding grudges. But given his path to the NFL and the amount of work it took to reach this point, a supreme level of confidence isn’t surprising.
Ultimately, coaches and players wouldn’t be pulling as hard for Aaron Rodgers to return amid a feud with the team that signs their paychecks if he was a terrible teammate. Perhaps this anonymous general manager wouldn’t want Rodgers on his team, but that might also explain why he no longer holds that title.