Aaron Rodgers is experiencing one of the most successful and fruitful seasons of his illustrious career. The 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback is largely considered the odds-on favorite to capture his fourth Most Valuable Player honor and it's easy to understand why on the surface. Rodgers has thrown for 33 touchdowns and just four interceptions through 14 games, which represents his second-highest touchdown total of the last five years despite a one-game absence due to COVID-related protocols. Rodgers' performances have catapulted the Packers to a league-best 12-3 record with two games remaining and yet another NFC North division title. The Packers must secure one victory in their final two to clinch a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, an exciting feat they're generally expected to achieve.
To witness Rodgers' greatness throughout 2021 has been a much-welcomed sight after the 2020 offseason was filled with rumors regarding his potential departure. The 38-year-old Rodgers ultimately decided to return to the Packers and is playing so well that you would never believe there was any friction between the two sides in the first place. It's difficult to envision the NFL without Rodgers playing on Sundays, so excuse us if we're disregarding any retirement chatter that may come out of his mouth down the stretch.
While speaking with local Packers beat writer Ryan Wood on Wednesday afternoon, Rodgers surprisingly discussed retirement when asked about his future.
"I'm just enjoying this season for this season," Rodgers said. "Playing next year will be in my thought process. It's important for me not to play like a bum on my way out.”
It's encouraging to hear Rodgers discuss the importance of his legacy. Far too many athletes overstay their welcome while doing damage to the reputations they've furiously worked to build and maintain for themselves. Hearing that Rodgers is aware of that possibility and would like to avoid such a development from occurring speaks to his acute level of awareness.
Rodgers' career is undeniably Canton-bound and watching him hang up his cleats before things go off the rails serves as the best possible outcome. Lucky for us, those days currently appear lightyears away. Rodgers' arm talent and precision accuracy are showing absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon. His Packers are primed to make a legitimate run at Super Bowl LVI and his MVP-worthy campaign is largely why they have such a great chance at playing in SoFi Stadium come February.
Father time eventually catches up to everybody, but he has some work to do in Rodgers’ case. Much to the dismay of Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions fans all over the world, Rodgers is here to stay and he's better than ever before.
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