Following a Legend
All the way back in 2005, Aaron Rodgers was one of the top professional prospects. A star at Cal, Rodgers was pegged to be a Top 10 pick in the NFL Draft that year. However, he dropped down to 24th overall and was mercifully picked by the Green Bay Packers. This choice made sense since Rodgers could be groomed as quarterback of the future while All-World star Brett Favre could finish off his illustrious career. This plan went as expected, with Favre carrying on his legacy while Rodgers waited in the wings. Favre continued to start for the next three seasons, culminating with his retirement after the 2007. The reigns were finally being handed off...
An End to a Great Career
Favre, ever the passionate competitor, apparently decided that the fire was gone following his iconic 2007 season. After breaking every passing record in the history books Favre was going to go out on top, legacy intact. He even announced his retirement in March of 2008. The starting job was now Rodgers', who was inconsistent but offered flashes of elite talent in a backup role. Playing behind Favre, who had played the most consecutive games in NFL history, did not really offer much playing time. Nonetheless, the Rodgers Era was underway as Favre faded away...for a couple months.
Will He Stay or Will He Go?
The indecisiveness of Favre has been well-documented, so plot summary is unnecessary. After putting himself before the organization, Favre decided to come back and was eventually traded the Jets. The aura of Favre was still hanging over Rodgers as he was going to be compared to a contemporary, not a recent retiree. Every throw, decision, and result would be examined against what Favre was doing in New York. The 2008 season was not successful for the Packers as they finished 6-10. Rodgers had a solid season on a personal level, displaying toughness and leadership qualities while throwing for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Rodgers' contract was extended through the 2014 season as questions about his status around Green Bay were answered.
A Strong Start to a New Season
Four games into the 2009 campaign, Rodgers displayed further progress despite an porous offensive line. Rodgers has been sacked 20 times already this season and took a complete pounding during his last performance in a Monday night game against his old teammate, who currently plays for the Vikings. That sack statistic only scratches the surface of the constant pressure Rodgers faced; he was making just about every throw and decision with a purple jersey in his face. Vikings DE Jared Allen practically lived in the Packers' backfield, registering 4.5 sacks. Still, Rodgers proved he may have some Favre in him during the 4th quarter of the game, bringing his offense up and down the field on an impressive Vikings defense. Showing off his mobility and improvisational gifts, Rodgers ran for first downs and found open receivers all over the field.
The Presence of a Leader
Aaron Rodgers is not Brett Favre and he will probably be the first to admit. Throughout the entire ordeal in which Favre has proved that he puts himself over his teammates and organizations, Rodgers has remained humble and focused. Members of the media have prodded him about his relationship with Favre but Rodgers has remained respectful. He has carried a team-first attitude that shows on the field. As long as he keeps performing at a high level and creates his own legacy, Packer fans will forget about that other quarterback they used to have.
