Aaron Rodgers Proves His Popularity In The NFL Is As High As Ever

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a consistent talking point throughout the 2021 NFL season, both on and off the field. In November, he was a lightning rod for controversy after news broke that he was not vaccinated, despite previously going on record to state that he had been "immunized" against the disease. After Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19, he then spent 10 days away from his teammates, per the NFL's COVID-19 protocol. The star quarterback again made headlines in early 2022 when his team's surprise playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers prompted questions about Rodgers' retirement.

Thus far, Rodgers hasn't made any concrete plans about his future. Appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show" in January 2022, Rodgers said that he would "look at the desires of the team and the mindset moving forward and then make a decision from there." Whether this meant staying with his current franchise or leaving the Packers to try his luck with the Tennessee Titans was unclear. What is clear is that the Packers seem intent on keeping Rodgers in Green Bay for the foreseeable future. "Matt, Brian, executive vice president/director of football operations Russ Ball and I are all in agreement that we want Aaron to come back [for the 2022 season]," team president Mark Murphy wrote on Packers.com. He further noted that the athlete was "still playing at a high level at 38" and in line "to win his fourth league MVP." Whatever Rodgers decides, it seems Murphy was right about at least one thing.

On February 10, Aaron Rodgers was named Most Valuable Player for the 2021 NFL season — proving that despite his uncertain future, his popularity remains rock solid. According to the People, it's the second consecutive time that Rodgers has clinched the award. This means he is one of just five NFL players to be named MVP two years in a row, putting him in the same league as former fullback Jim Brown, and ex-quarterbacks Joe Montana, Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning. In total, Rodgers has four MVP awards to his name. "I'm so thankful for the memories and the moments over the years," he said in his acceptance speech. "This is a special league that provides you so many incredible friendships that last longer than your time in the league."

Once again, the newly-minted MVP winner was bombarded with questions from media about the possibility of his retirement. "I've got some decisions to make for sure," Rodgers shared with NFL Network's Taylor Bisciotti. "I'm gonna enjoy the next couple of weeks. I've had good conversations with Green Bay, and I'll do some contemplating and make a decision here pretty quick." For now, Rodgers has walked away with a hefty consolation prize, even if it's not the Lombardi Trophy he may have wanted.