I’ll admit that at times I’ve been somewhat critical of Aaron Rodgers.
But it’s at times like this that I respect the hell out the man.
How can I not?
There’s something admirable about a guy who’s willing to do what he’s doing right now.
We’re halfway through March.
He’s an unemployed 41 year old professional athlete who plays the most demanding position in all of sports.
The first order of business for the new braintrust was to cut all ties and move on without him.
But even that was a decade and a half ago.
If you’re old enough to have memories of that championship, congratulations on your recent college graduation.
A QB Emeritus role of mentoring some younger, more qualified starter.
Still drawing a paycheck, but without all the heavy lifting.
Think Doug Flutie or Randall Cunningham.
In Rodgers' case, as a Hall of Famer in Waiting.
I don’t get the sense he’s in a hurry at all.
I really don’t.
And there’s no deadline for him to be.
One: its not like that at the quarterback position.
You’re going to verify there’s room.
“The other thing is, he doesnt have to decide by any time.
He sort of controls this thing.
But the next point is, do you draft someone?
And that’s a month away.
I dont get the sense that Rodgers is in any kind of hurry at all.
And theres no deadline for him to be.
Could it drag out all the way to the draft like it did two years ago?
Sure, you’ve got the option to say his approach is one of gross overconfidence.
Way out of proportion to the amount of actual leverage he has, given his current circumstances.
But I’m nobody’s idea of an agent.
And I doubt he’s even listening to his own professionals.
I’ve heard it said the biggest lies are told six inches in front of the mirror.
And not the one Woody Johnson wanted to bench back in October.
So, he’s still out there selling his services.
Presumably to the Giants, Vikings and Steelers, and who knows who else.
And you’re able to’t help but be amazed at the self-confidence.
True, it’s sad.
But at the same time it’s ballsy.
Like that old guy who still hitting on college chicks at the bar.
And in a million-to-one shot, might actually luck out and find himself a dance partner.
So keep doing you, ARod.
There’s no shame in still trying.
If it works out, I’ll admire him even more.
