Packers’ Rodgers says he’s been ‘working on myself’
Reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers says he has spent this offseason focusing on improving himself in every respect, and that goes beyond making sure he’s in top physical shape.
Rodgers skipped Green Bay’s mandatory minicamp last month amid reports that he doesn’t want to return to the Packers. At a Monday news conference to promote his participation in today’s televised golf event with Tom Brady, Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson, Rodgers was asked how the last few months have gone for him.
Aside from a brief ESPN interview in late May, Rodgers hasn’t commented much about his football future since ESPN reported in the hours before the draft that he doesn’t want to return to the Packers.
“Sometimes, the loudest person in the room is not the smartest person,” Rodgers said. “Sometimes the loudest person in the room is not the person who has all the facts on their side or the truth on their side. Sometimes there’s a lot of wisdom in silence. Sometimes there’s a lot of wisdom in being selective on what you say. This offseason I’ve spent a lot of time working on myself.”
The former Cal star then went into detail on just what type of work he had done.
“I’ve focused on in the offseason about how to take care of myself — the total package,” Rodgers said. “Not just my physical self with workouts but my spiritual self with my own mindful practices, my mental health as well. What’s the best way to take care of that? And that’s what I’ve been doing this offseason. That’s why I’ve taken the time I’ve taken and done the things or not done the things that I’ve done. And I’m very thankful for that time.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to work on my mental health. I haven’t dealt with bouts of depression or anything that for whatever reason are OK to talk about if you’re talking about mental health. I’ve just been really trying to think about what puts me in the best frame of mind.”
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has said he has no plans to trade Rodgers. Packers officials
have said they want to keep Rodgers in Green Bay in 2021 and beyond.
Rodgers was promoting “The Match,” a made-for-TV event that pits the Packers quarterback and DeChambeau against Brady and Mickelson.
TREVOR LAWRENCE SIGNS $36.8M ROOKIE CONTRACT WITH JAGS >> Jaguars quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence signed his four-year rookie contract, clearing the way for him to attend the start of training camp in three weeks.
Under the NFL’s rookie slotting system, Lawrence’s deal was projected to be worth $36.8 million and included a $24.1 million signing bonus. He will count $6.7 million against the salary cap in 2021.
With Lawrence under contract, Jacksonville has now signed six of its nine draft picks. Running back Travis Etienne (first round), cornerback Tyson Campbell (second) and offensive tackle Walker Little (second) remain unsigned.
Lawrence is expected to be an immediate starter in Year 1. He went 34-2 at Clemson, recording the thirdbest winning percentage by a starting quarterback (minimum 30 starts) in college football since 1978. He finished his college career undefeated in regular-season play and led the Tigers to the national championship as a freshman in 2018.
Golf
GOLF PRO AMONG THREE FATALLY SHOT AT GEORGIA COUNTRY CLUB >> Police continued their search for the person who fatally shot golf pro Gene Siller and two other men over the weekend at a Georgia country club.
Siller was found unresponsive on the 10th green at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw on Saturday afternoon. Siller was pronounced dead at the scene with what Cobb County police said was an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
Two other men were discovered dead in the bed of the white Dodge Ram 3500 pickup that the suspect drove to the 10th green, per police. One of the men was identified as Paul Pierson, the registered owner of the vehicle. The unidentified suspect reportedly fled the area after shooting Siller, who apparently was investigating why the truck was on the course.
Siller, 41, director of golf at the club, leaves behind his wife and two children, ages 6 and 7.
“We are truly heartbroken to hear about the senseless murder that took place yesterday at Pine Tree Country Club in Georgia that took the life of PGA member Gene Siller,” PGA of America president Jim Richerson said in a statement. “PGA of America sends our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to his family, club and the Georgia PGA Community.”
Soccer
U.S. WOMEN EXTEND DOMINANCE WITH SHUTOUT OF MEXICO >> The tune-ups are over and it’s off to the Tokyo Olympics for the juggernaut U.S. women’s soccer team.
Lindsey Horan, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath had first-half goals as the Americans defeated Mexico 4-0 in a friendly at in East Hartford, Conn., in the final game before the Olympic tournament.
The victory extended the U.S. unbeaten streak to 44 games (40-0-4), the second-longest in program history. The record unbeaten streak is 51 from December 2004 to September 2007. The U.S. has won 20 straight and is on a 53-0-5 run at home.
As winners of the past two World Cups (2015 and ‘19), the U.S. is a heavy favorite to claim gold.
The Americans play Sweden — the team that knocked them out of the 2016 Games in the quarterfinals — to open the Olympic tournament in Japan on July 21.
Mexico did not make the field of 12 teams for the Tokyo Games.