The Green Bay Packers have a storied legacy in the National Football League
As one of the league’s original franchises, the squad won 11 NFL championships prior to the merger with the American Football League.
They also won four Super Bowls, including the first two.
Their list of stars is as bright as a constellation: Bart Starr, Jerry Kramer, Ray Nitschke, Herb Adderley, Reggie White, and Brett Favre, to name a few.
They have a rich history and 26 of their players and coaches are now part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The home field which is a witness to their triumphs has been called “The Frozen Tundra”.
Unfortunately, frozen is also the appropriate term for how they treat their veteran players lately.
Aaron Rodgers Said It Best
It was the press conference that opened up a can of worms.
Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke his silence to air his side on the alleged reports that he was either moving on from the team or retiring.
He did reassure fans that he will be committed to the team for the 2021 NFL season.
However, there were no discussions between him and the front office yet regarding their plan for him beyond this year.
In that case, he had to send a wake-up call to the top brass that the clock is ticking both on his tenure as a Packer and his career altogether.
All he wants to know is if he still figures into the team’s plans in the near future.
Aaron Rodger's offseason drama is over. The Packers did basically everything he asked for. The relationship with Brian Gutekunst is getting better. Can last year's MVP finally take this final step and get his second Super Bowl? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/0Febzi0Ix8
— NFL on ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsNFL) August 16, 2021
He didn’t want to follow the fate of some team veterans who were either lowballed or released unceremoniously.
To solidify his point, Rodgers mentioned the names of high-character players that the Packers let go.
Some of them are Bryan Bulaga, Jordy Nelson, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, and Hall of Famer Charles Woodson.
Declining production proved to be the final wedge that cut their ties with the Packers.
However, Rodgers is fighting back so that the powers that be will learn how to treat their seasoned warriors better.
That’s why he wants to be consulted on personnel decisions that will affect his performance.
He stressed that he doesn’t want to have the final say on everything.
Instead, he just wants to share his inputs because he knows he can offer more than just play.
Fix The Rodgers Drama Or Else
Sadly, the NFL remains a business foremost, and risks are cut at an instant.
But dealing with Rodgers adversely may dwindle their chances of signing marquee free agents.
They ought to maximize the remaining years left in his tank.
But if they are moving on after this season, they must communicate it with respect.
Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb and David Bakhtiari all posted on their Instagram stories letting Green Bay know that they want to bring back Clay Matthews 👀 pic.twitter.com/Tua40L0FVc
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 14, 2021
If they are looking to trade him, GM Brian Gutekunst and President Mark Murphy must keep an open line with Rodgers to keep the mistakes of the past from happening again.
It’s time to show that they do care about the people who have contributed so much to the Packers organization.
Otherwise, the top names may ultimately blackball them from their list of preferred destinations.
NEXT: Jordan Love Finally Getting A Shot To Play In Packers Uniform