National Football League

Rodgers Speaks Out

Updated Jul. 17, 2020 6:13 p.m. ET

The 2020 NFL Draft was full of surprises, but Green Bay's selection of Jordan Love with the 26th pick took the cake.

The pick continued the Packers' trend of not an offensive skill player in the first round since Aaron Rodgers was drafted in 2005.

Green Bay is coming off a 13-3 season and an NFC Championship berth in 2019, which is why fans and experts didn't expect them to trade up and take a quarterback in Round 1, especially with Rodgers still playing at a relatively high level.

On Friday, Rodgers addressed the media for the first time since the draft and let his thoughts be known about the selection of Love and what it means for his future in Green Bay.

Here's what we learned:

1. Rodgers was, like us, shocked the Packers picked Love

Fans weren't the only ones who were left speechless by the Packers selection of Love – their franchise quarterback was also caught off guard.

“General reaction at first was surprise,” Rodgers said. “I’m not going to say I was thrilled with the pick.”

In his 12 seasons as the starter in Green Bay, Rodgers is a 2-time NFL MVP, 2-time First-Team All-Pro selection and 8-time Pro Bowler.

He also led the Packers to a Super Bowl title in 2011 and was named Super Bowl MVP.

2. Rodgers does look forward to working with Love

Though he was shocked by the selection of Love, Rodgers isn't going to let that get in the way of building a relationship with the Packers first round pick.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur echoed Rodgers' sentiments, saying there's been no friction between the two quarterbacks since the draft.

3. Rodgers understands the pick was made with the future in mind

An NFL veteran like Aaron Rodgers understands the goal isn't just to win now, but also maintain success into the future.

With that in mind, he isn't holding any hard feelings towards the Packers, seeing the selection of Love as a necessary move to ensure success down the road for the franchise.

“Obviously they thought that [Love] was such a great talent that they needed to go up and get him ... It’s what those guys are paid to do, to put together a roster for now and for the future as well.”

Love's numbers from his sophomore season at Utah State were remarkable. He threw for 3,567 yards, 32 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions, which is why many pundits before the draft thought Love was worthy of a first round pick.

4. Rodgers, a la Tom Brady, wants to play into his 40s

Tom Brady has fought off Father Time and coming into the 2020 season, he will be 43.

Aaron Rodgers has the same goals in mind.

Rodgers is 36 years old, but he doesn't appear to be showing any signs of slowing down. Last season, he passed for 4,002 yards, 26 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions.

5. Rodgers is prepared to move on from Green Bay if the time comes

But if the goal for Rodgers is to truly play into his 40s, he understands that might not be possible in Green Bay.

Rodgers was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and sat three years behind franchise icon Brett Favre before becoming the starter in 2007.

If history were to repeat itself with Rodgers, Love would be set to replace him in a few years as well.

Colin Cowherd believes that the press conference painted Rodgers in a positive light considering the circumstances.

"I was very impressed with Aaron Rodgers' press conference today. He was honest, authentic, real. It was impressive. He's a smart guy. You don't want to sound like some PR guy. I would be upset. He has every right to be upset."

There is no telling if or when Jordan Love will be ready to overtake Rodgers for the starting quarterback position in Green Bay.

But one thing is for certain – Rodgers doesn't appear ready to give up his spot without a fight.