In a story to appear in Sports Illustrated this week, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had some very strong words for the fans in Green Bay.
The SI story focuses around what it is like to replace a legend. It is called the "We Followed Club", although membership is not impressive.
The field includes Jay Fiedler, Brian Griese, and a few more un-impressive names.
The article speaks volumes about what is on Aaron Rodgers' mind as he heads into the season, and how he feels about the pressure put on him by fans and the media.
This is a tidbit of the article written by SI's Chris Ballard:
"Rodgers grew up admiring how athletes like Montana, David Robinson, and Michael Jordon handled the press, and he can already mimic their measured, bland responses."
Up until that point, it all sounded good until Rodgers strayed from the bland and delivered the one quote that Packer fans will talk about until training camp:
"I don't feel I need to sell myself to fans. They need to get on board now, or keep their mouth's shut."
Unfortunately for Aaron, this quote could crown him hero or zero before he even takes a snap in the regular season.
Alex Tallitsch, a Wisconsin resident, also writes for The Packer Page a blog dedicated to the Green and Gold.
It's all Pack...all of the time.
9 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Ron Taub about 1 year ago
Aaron
If you are going to dis the fans, you better come out firing on all cylinders. Don't expect a honeymoon period if you are in their face. If you talk the talk you better walk the walk. I know it is frustrating to follow a legend, but maybe you could play in 2-3 games without getting hurt, before telling us to shut up.
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Bob Herdrich about 1 year ago
I agree. For a guy who rode the bench for the past 3 years, he's talking pretty big. Yes, he was impressive in the Dallas game last year, but they lost, and in this league, performance is determined by wins and losses. I can tell you that over the past year, I have come to sour on Aaron Rodgers. My 17 year old daughter and I attended Packer Fan Fest in March. My daughter attempted to get his autograph and he pushed her aside and said, "get out of my way." I repeat, the context of this interaction was at FAN FEST. It's the fans that make the player and for Aaron to dis the fans is totally wrong. We don't often see the real person in the media, but I can tell you I saw it at Fan Fest. Ya know what else....Brian Brohm looks pretty darn good, and he is our guy. No problem getting his autograph this summer.
Now Favre has the "itch" to come back....maybe that would be good---gives Brian a real role model.
Rodgers is just getting too big egotistically for a guy who has not ever started an NFL game. Go play for the Bears. Hoot
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The Packers Lounge about 1 year ago
I agree with you to a point. He really has made it a make or break situation.
I do like his nads on this one though.
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Cory Stone about 1 year ago
I love Rodgers and he is dead on. For some reason many expect him to fail and actually want him to fail. Ron, your a moron for considering this a dis. I see it as more of a rally cry, "get on the bus, or shut up". I see nothing wrong with that. My question to you Ron would be this, are you on the bus? Because if your not it probably would be a good idea to shut up.
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Wayne Johnson about 1 year ago
YES! EXACTLY! I'm on board... Packer fans, get ready for another ride! I know he's no Favre, but he's the FUTURE of our FRANCHISE! This guy has been groomed for three years now, and he's telling it like it is. Cory: I was not quite sure what to feel after reading all the stories and the comments, but you hit the nail on the head. Wayne is "on board."
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D K about 1 year ago
Does Rogers really think this is going to earn him any fans? He's got huge cleats to fill and needs to prove he deserves our respect before he starts complaining. Give us something to love and we'll be on board for the long ride. Otherwise he'll just be another never was that got a chance and screwed it up before he ever got started.
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The Packers Lounge about 1 year ago
I think he made the road a little bit tougher, that is for sure. I wrote a follow-up article today. It sounds like Aaron is back tracking a little bit.
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Ron Taub about 1 year ago
Alex
Who the hell are you to call me a moron. You don't even know how to spell the contraction for you are. And you think you are a writer. It is easy to call names on the internet. You were probably the kind of kid who threw a snowball at kids and then ran in the house and hid behind your momma's skirts.
I stand by my comments that Aaron forfeited his honeymoon period by disrespecting the fans. That is his prerogative, but don't expect patience after you told the fans to shut up. I support any Packers who puts in 100% effort and is respectful, but I don't have to be on the bandwagon for a player who talks big, before actually achieving anything. Modesty is a virtue, and Pride goes before a fall.
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The Packers Lounge about 1 year ago
Ron
You should really double check your reference before bashing someone. Rule number one as a writer-don't get the names wrong.
You meant Cory and not Alex.
Alex finds that fairly offensive.
Thanks
Alex
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