A-RODG TO A LISTER
I watched Super Bowl videos as a kid... and want to play in the showpieces
TWO KIDS who grew up in the warmth of northern California watching Joe Montana lavish success on San Francisco probably wish there was a law against Wisconsin weather.
But since leaving to seek their fame and fortune in much less hospitable climes on the other side of the USA, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have conquered the cold – and won many winter-wonderland playoff games.
When the predicted snow falls this morning, and the wind chill at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field takes the mercury down to -9C tonight, Rodgers will just recall those boyhood days of the 49ers winning titles, and go to work on fulfilling his dreams.
As the Packers’ quarterback prepared for tonight’s NFC Championship Game against Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rodgers said: “I’ve always been a football fan and I grew up wearing out a VHS tape of Super Bowl highlights.
“As a kid you dream 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.
The fact that standing in Rodgers’ way is the NFL G.O.A.T. – Brady
(right) – makes it even more special.
Rodgers said: “Tommy has had an amazing career. His legacy is one of so many wins and accomplishments.
“I’ve been a fan of his for a long time and enjoyed the few times we’ve got to play. I’m excited to play against him one more time.”
Brady spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots in the frozen northeast, while Rodgers is in his 16th year with the Green Bay Packers, so both know how to handle the challenges presented by Green Bay’s notorious ‘Russian’ winter.
As well as the cold, the injuries and brutality of the sport often make the NFL no place for old men, and with 37 years on the clock to Brady’s 43 Rodgers has no idea how many more seasons he has left.
Brady bids to extend his own record of Super Bowl appearances by qualifying tonight for the 10th time.
Rodgers has been to the final just once, and won it, against Pittsburgh 10 years ago. He said: “I’m always trying to stay 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 is 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.”