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When the Green Bay Packers made the controversial decision to trade Aaron Rodgers and hand the reins to 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love, it was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts. On the one hand, many fans were happy to not have the drama that came with having Rodgers on the team. Others also wholeheartedly believe that Green Bay will be better with Love in 2023 than it was with Rodgers in 2022.
On the other hand, there were/are other fans who believe that trading Rodgers all but guaranteed the end of the Packers’ competitive window. These fans do not believe in the organization nor its ability to coach up quarterbacks despite 30 years of evidence proving otherwise.
One of the biggest critics of Rodgers throughout the course of his career has been the divisive Skip Bayless, who recently saw his co-host on "Undisputed," NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, leave the show. To replace Sharpe, Bayless recruited numerous co-hosts to join him, including former players Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin and Richard Sherman. One day a week, though, Bayless co-hosts the show with his friend, hip hop artist Lil Wayne, who himself is a lifelong Packers fan.
On their first show together, Bayless asked Lil Wayne, as a Packers fan, how much he will miss Rodgers as the team’s quarterback. The response is one shared by many.
Lil Wayne, of course, has now written two versions of the hit song “Green and Yellow,” the most recent of which he wrote ahead of the Packers’ 2020 NFL playoff run. While he praises Rodgers and his dominance in the song, as a fan, he was more than happy to see Rodgers traded.
When Bayless asked him how much he will miss Rodgers under center in Green Bay, Lil Wayne responded:
“Not very much at all. Yeah, because as a Packer fan, we know how to move on. It’s impossible to be, you shouldn’t hold on to, I mean, I would have had to become a Jet fan. I would have had to be a Viking fan with Brett [Favre].
“Nah. Packers fans, we just get up and move on.”
Bayless then asked him what is fair to expect from Love as the Packers new starting quarterback. He responded:
“What’s fair to expect? It’s fair to expect that there’s going to be some growing pains. I think that’s fair to expect. Expect some struggles; that’s fair to expect. But also, it’s fair to expect success as well. And early success.
“Now how much success, I don’t know. But it’s fair to expect that because he’s been sitting for so long. He should know something.”
Lil Wayne, who probably has a few more connections in the Packers organization than most fans, also discussed how he had conversations with members of the front office and head coach Matt LaFleur about Love, and he believes in their belief in him.
Love certainly did look good during the NFL preseason, putting up a 109.8 passer rating during the time that he did play. He led a scoring drive in each contest while throwing no interceptions. The improvement from 2020 to now is staggering.
Now, much has been and will probably continue to be said about Rodgers’ latter seasons in Green Bay and the drama that ensued. One thing that cannot be said, though, is that he turned his back on his heir apparent. Unlike Favre, who refused to mentor his successor, Rodgers took Love under his wing and has played a significant role in his development.
Many rookie quarterbacks are thrown to the wolves and asked to start immediately. Some find success; others do not. Love was given the chance to grow and learn with one of the game’s all-time greats as his mentor. While 2023 may have growing pains, Love certainly “should know something.” He’s going to be much better than some people are predicting.
More must-reads:
- Reporter provides new insight into Aaron Rodgers, Packers divorce
- NFL insiders remain confident in Aaron Rodgers
- The '50+ touchdowns at age 35+' quiz
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