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Murphy said at the team's annual shareholders
meeting at the iconic stadium any such acknowledgment of
Rodgers' greatness in Green Bay can wait.
"I want to thank Aaron Rodgers for all he did in his remarkable
18-year career," Murphy said to a few tempered boos. "No, Aaron
was a great player for us for 18 years. He will be a
first-ballot Hall of Famer. We will bring him back and retire
his number at the appropriate time."
Retirement talk and Rodgers are not new to the Packers'
shareholders, who discussed the reality of life without No. 12
each of the previous three annual reporting meetings. But
Rodgers didn't retire, or keep the team decision-makers in the
loop on his plans after last season ended with a loss to the
Detroit Lions.
At odds with general manager Brian Gutekunst since Jordan Love
was drafted in the first round in 2020, Rodgers signed a new
contract with the Packers before last season. But even with
added input on front office and personnel matters, Rodgers and
Gutekunst never fully patched up their relationship.
"The best time to draft a quarterback is when you don't need
one," Murphy said of trusting Gutekunst because he put the
franchise in position to compete for the long term.
Rodgers, 39, started the 2023 season in a new uniform and
admitted "everything is different" not reporting to training
camp at Lombardi Drive. The four-time NFL MVP is in line to
start for the Jets after spending his entire career to date with
the Packers.
Love steps into the No. 1 role with the Packers in his fourth
season. Murphy said the expectation is to continue winning and
applauded Love for his patience.
"He patiently waited his turn to make his mark," Murphy said.
--Field Level Media
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