Packers' CEO 'hopeful' about sorting things out with Rodgers

Updated Jul. 26, 2021 4:42 p.m. ET

Associated Press

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy remains hopeful quarterback Aaron Rodgers the three-time MVP will play for them this season, but says he doesn’t know whether Rodgers will arrive for the start of training camp.

“We’ve been in constant communication,” Murphy said Monday after the NFL’s only publicly owned team held its annual shareholders meeting. “It’s been obviously months. I’m hopeful that we can have it all resolved.”

Murphy’s comments followed an

Rodgers’ agent, David Dunn, didn’t respond to a message seeking comment.

The Packers hold their first training camp workout Wednesday. Murphy said there’s no scenario under which the Packers would trade Rodgers.

this spring – a change from his usual offseason routine – and

Rodgers’ future with the Packers has been arguably the NFL’s biggest offseason story since

“We want him back,” Murphy told the 3,900 shareholders who gathered at Lambeau Field. “We’re committed to him for 2021 and beyond. He’s our leader. We’re looking forward to winning another Super Bowl with him.”

General manager Brian Gutekunst spoke at the shareholders meeting and mentioned Rodgers’ name first while referring to the offense’s “strong returning nucleus.”

“We have been working tirelessly with Aaron and his representation to resolve the issues he has raised this offseason and are hopeful for a positive resolution,” Gutekunst said.

At one point during the meeting, after Murphy praised Gutekunst, nearly all the shareholders applauded, but one fan yelled, “I’ve never seen him throw a touchdown.” But that comment was a rare exception in a peaceful two-hour meeting.

Murphy said he was pleasantly surprised at the reception and added that he did hear one person say, “Put your ego aside, Murphy.”

He said that he understood fans’ frustrations over the standoff.

“I think it’s kind of a pox on both houses, us and Aaron,” Murphy said.

The speculation about Rodgers’ long-term future with the Packers began after they

Rodgers said last summer

Ever since ESPN initially reported his disenchantment with the Packers, Rodgers hasn’t spoken much about his situation. His longest comments came in an ESPN interview in late May.

“With my situation, look it’s never been about the draft pick, picking Jordan,” Rodgers said at the time. “I love Jordan. He’s a great kid, a lot of fun to work together. Love the coaching staff, love my teammates, love the fan base in Green Bay. An incredible 16 years.

“It’s just kind of about a philosophy and maybe forgetting that it is about the people that make the thing go. It’s about character, it’s about culture, it’s about doing things the right way.”

Rodgers did make a cryptic social media post recently. He and Packers All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, each posted on Instagram last weekend a picture of former Chicago Bulls stars Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The 2020 ESPN documentary “The Last Dance” focused on how Jordan and Pippen won the 1997-98 NBA title in their last season with the Bulls.

Murphy was asked after the shareholders meeting what he thought of those Instagram posts.

“I think they’re just having fun,” Murphy said. “I hope Aaron can win as many rings as Michael. That would be a heck of an end to his career.”

NOTES: The Packers reported $409.8 million in expenses and $371.1 million in revenues during the past fiscal year. That’s the first time since 2000 the team spent more money than it brought in. Revenues fell nearly 27% because of the lack of spectators due to the pandemic. ... Murphy declined to say what percentage of Packers players were vaccinated but noted that “we have a ways to go.”

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