Aaron Rodgers plans to retire as a Packer: 'I've got a lot of love for the organization'
Aaron Rodgers would like to end his NFL career — whenever that is — as part of the Green Bay Packers,
While Rodgers, 41, may not suit up again in a Packers uniform to play, a ceremonial retirement with him being welcomed back to the organization where he got his NFL start would be an ideal way to cap off his Hall of Fame career.
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Speaking to reporters this week ahead the Pittsburgh Steelers’ matchup against the Packers, Rodgers waxed poetic about his time in Green Bay, even after the 2023 split.
“I was there for 18 years,” Rodgers said, via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “Regardless of when I hang it up, that’s the bulk of my career. I’ll retire a Packer and see what happens after that. I’ve got a lot of love for the organization [and] my time there. They asked this week is it a revenge game or whatever. What do I got to be avenging here? They made me a ton of money. I grew up there, spent some of the best years of my life there. I’ve got nothing but love for the organization.”
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Rodgers spent two seasons with the New York Jets after being traded and signed with the Steelers this past offseason. In his three years since departing the Packers, Sunday will be the first time he’s played against his old team.
“This one would mean a lot more if it was in Lambeau, just because of the affection I have for that place and that hallowed ground of Lambeau Field and all the amazing memories that I have there over the years,” Rodgers said.
Whenever the time comes, Rodgers, who won a Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP, four league MVPs, and was a four-time First-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler while with the Packers, will be inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame and watch as his No. 12 is retired one day at Lambeau Field.
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Until then, Rodgers will have his memories of his 18 years in Green Bay — the success, the teammates and following Brett Favre as the franchise’s quarterback.
“It was such a tight-knit group for so long there,” Rodgers said. “I outlasted most of them, but it’s fun, that’s why I feel so good about my time there because damn near everything great in my life is because of my football career, and my football career starts and will end one day with Green Bay. I’ve got a lot of love for those memories and a lot of great friends that I still carry with me to this day.”