Chiller thriller
AARON RODGERS aims to freeze out his fellow veteran Tom Brady and book a place in the Super Bowl tonight.
The Green Bay Packers quarterback, 37, was brought up in warm North Carolina – just like his old rival Tom, 43.
But when the predicted snow falls and the mercury drops to -9C at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, Rodgers will go to work on putting the heat on Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He said: “As a kid you grow up dreaming of playing in Super Bowls and playing in big games, and what that would feel like.” Tonight’s winner will be headed for the Super Bowl in Tampa on February 7.
Brady is hoping to extend his own record of appearances by qualifying for the showpiece event the 10th time.
Rodgers has been to the final just once and won it against Pittsburgh 10 years ago. He is aware time is running short.
He added: “I’m always trying to stay in the present, especially this year, and enjoy the moment.
“I hope there’s more opportunities but I really don’t know. That stuff is out of my control. My future’s a beautiful mystery but the present is such a gift.
“It’s great to be able to stay in the moment and to have gratitude for being in this situation, being with the guys, and having fans in our stadium.
“And maybe snow in an NFC Championship game!
“I’m going to enjoy these moments and not worry about what happens down the line.
“I’ll be thankful again for the opportunity to be leading these guys, to play the way I want to play.
“There will be a time when I meet that future but right now I will deal with the present.”