Finally, Aaron Rodgers speaks.
The Packers quarterback confirmed that he didn't want to enter the 2021 season as a "lame-duck quarterback," and given his standing with the organization, he felt like he wanted a bigger voice in the room when it comes to personnel and having a seat at the table.
Rodgers spoke after practice on Wednesday for the first time:
LIVE: @AaronRodgers12 speaks with the media at #PackersCamp
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) July 28, 2021
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Some highlights from Rodgers' illuminating, refreshingly honest press conference:
— Rodgers said, among other things, he wanted to help the organization grow and learn from its mistakes; Predominantly, Rodgers wanted to help the organization learn from the way that, he feels, the organization has disrespected veterans on the way out of Green Bay. He said he was in contact with several former Packers,
Aaron Rodgers says he thought about retirement. Enjoyed offseason away. But as he got back into workouts he realized: "I know I can still play, and I want to still play."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2021
At the same age, Brett Favre said goodbye with the words: "I know I can play, but I don't think I want to."
— Rodgers, several times, said that the issue with the Packers was never about the money with the team, and while extension talks were had, he reiterated it wasn't about the money, but security with the team.
— He also mentioned that he seriously considered retirement several times throughout the offseason, and would refuse to acknowledge whether or not this year would be his last with the Packers. "It's a business, it's an incredible opportunity to play this game, but it's a tough business," Rodgers said.
— On the relationship with head coach Matt LaFleur: "I do love Matt, and we've had a blast together." Rodgers says he wasn't involved in discussions with the hiring of LaFleur.
— Rodgers said that the organization's lack of discussion surrounding his future with the organization past the 2021.
— On his relationship with general manager Brian Gutekunst: "I'd say it's professional at this point."
— On his silence this offseason: "I didn't want to get in a pissing match with this organization," Rodgers said. He said that any leaks on drama, rift with the team didn't come from him, including the bombshell report on Night 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
This story will be updated.