QB among ‘Jeopardy!’ hosts
Longtime fan Rodgers a celebrity contestant winner back in 2015
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he will be a guest host on “Jeopardy!” during the offseason.
The show is currently using a series of interim hosts to replace Alex Trebek, who died of cancer on Nov. 8. That process began when record-holding contestant Ken Jennings made his debut on an episode that aired Monday.
Rodgers was a winning “Celebrity Jeopardy!” contestant in 2015. The All-pro quarterback and two-time MVP is currently preparing to lead the Packers (13-3) into their NFC divisional playoff game Saturday with the Los Angeles Rams (11-6).
“The show has been so special to me over the years,” Rodgers said Tuesday. “It’s been a staple at my house here in Green Bay for the last 16 years — 6 o’clock, watching Alex and trying to get as many questions as I can. When the opportunity came up in 2015, that was a dream come true. It really was. To be on there, to get to meet Alex was just such a special moment. We’re all obviously sad about his passing.”
Rodgers first made the announcement earlier Tuesday during a appearance on Sirius XM’S “The Pat Mcafee Show.” A representative from “Jeopardy!” declined comment and said no announcement has been made about future guest hosts. Bengals: Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow expects to start running on his surgically repaired left knee next month and is confident he’ll be ready to start the 2021 season.
Bills: Buffalo signed running back Devonta Freeman to their practice squad Tuesday to add veteran depth after placing rookie Zack Moss on injured reserve.
Browns: Cleveland placed guard Michael Dunn (calf) and cornerback Robert Jackson (hamstring) on injured reserve.
Colts: Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis’ longtime left tackle, announced his retirement Tuesday. The 32-year-old had been an anchor on Indy’s offensive line since he was the No. 22 overall draft pick in 2011.
Lions: Detroit acquired linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton off waivers from Washington.
Packers: Offensive tackle Jared Veldheer is back with Green Bay, giving him an opportunity to compete in playoff games for different teams on back-to-back weekends. Veldheer was with the Packers for Tuesday’s practice. The 33-year-old Veldheer was the Indianapolis Colts’ starting left tackle for their final two games, including a 27-24 AFC first-round playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills last weekend. Because the Colts elevated him from the practice squad for game day and didn’t officially sign him to their 53-man roster, the Packers could sign him this week. Raiders: Las Vegas hired Gus Bradley as their new defensive coordinator. Seahawks: Seattle fired offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer on Tuesday following a season in which the team set several offensive records but coach Pete Carroll had clear issues with how the offense operated. Seattle announced the move, citing “philosophical differences.” ... Seattle agreed to a contract extension with general manager John Schneider that will keep him tied to the franchise through the 2027 draft.
Note: San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona, and Atlanta Falcons executive Steve Cannon are finalists for the NFL Salute to Service Award. Now in its 10th year, the award recognizes exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community. It will be presented Feb. 6, the night before the Super Bowl, at NFL Honors, when The Associated Press announces its individual NFL awards.