Rodgers aims to be a Packer for life
Aaron Rodgers says he's unsure how much longer he will keep playing football.
But he's definitive about at least one element of his playing future: The four-time MVP quarterback expects to retire with the Packers.
That scenario seemed uncertain this time a year ago, when Rodgers skipped the Packers' mandatory minicamp in a standoff with team officials. That relationship has since improved enough that Rodgers signed a contract extension with Green Bay after producing his second straight MVP season.
Although his new deal runs through 2026, Rodgers said Tuesday at the Packers' minicamp that he doesn't know yet whether he will play beyond this season.
“The conversations I've had with (general manger) Brian (Gutekunst) have been very honest and direct, and that's not going to change,” Rodgers said. “We'll sit down after the season, hopefully after a championship, and figure out what the next step is.”
Asked if he expects to finish his career with the Packers, Rodgers replied, “Yes. Definitely.”
The Cal alum has led the Packers to three straight NFC North titles but hasn't reached the Super Bowl since Green Bay's 2010 championship season. The Packers lost 13-10 to the 49ers in the divisional playoffs last season.
“When I made the decision (to return), that's 100% in,” Rodgers said. “But it doesn't mean you don't think about the other side. This is my 18th season. Of course, you think about the next chapter and what's next in your life all the time. It doesn't mean you're not fully invested.”
Rodgers, 38, is facing a new challenge at this minicamp as he works with a new-look receiving group after the Packers traded Davante Adams to the Raiders at the two-time All-Pro wideout's request.
“Last year, when you have a guy who's that talented, it's probably not an exaggeration to say that 80% of the plays in the passing game were designed specifically for” Adams, Rodgers said. “So we're obviously going to do some things a little different.”
Rodgers acknowledged he was disappointed over Adams' departure, but added that “I love him like a brother and I appreciate everything we accomplished together.
“I'm a little biased, but it's hard to think of a better player I've played with.
Unsigned Newton speaks:
Cam Newton still considers himself one of the top 32 quarterbacks in the NFL. But Newton, who remains an unrestricted free agent, said during an appearance on “The Pivot
Podcast” that people's perception of him has changed largely because he put himself in bad situations the past two years with Carolina and New England.
“Before I sit up here and allow the narrative to be made that Cam ain't got it no more, Cam is taking full responsibility and saying Cam put himself in a (messed-up) situation, which then had a ricochet effect to” how people think of him. He added: “There's not 32 guys better than me. If you think I couldn't be on somebody's team right now, you're a (darn) fool.”
Surgery for Colts’ Leonard:
Indianapolis linebacker Darius Leonard will miss this week's three-day minicamp and the start of training camp after having back surgery. Head coach Frank Reich remains hopeful Leonard will play in the Colts' season opener at Houston on Sept. 11.