Aaron Rodgers denies jersey swap after loss to Lions, retirement speculation begins

Needing only one extra win to succeed in the playoffs, the Inexperienced Bay Packers have been stunningly taken down by the division rival Detroit Lions, 20-16, on Sunday night time at Lambeau Discipline. 

Because the Lions celebrated, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers walked on the sphere to supply his congratulations earlier than heading to the locker room. 

However he did have an attention-grabbing change with rookie vast receiver Jameson Williams, who wished to swap jerseys with Rodgers. 

Swapping jerseys on the conclusion of a recreation is comparatively commonplace within the NFL.

Although he is accomplished it previously with different gamers, Rodgers was heard saying, “I am gonna maintain on to this one.”

It could possibly be nothing, or it could possibly be one thing, however hypothesis about Rodgers’ future in Inexperienced Bay is unquestionably going to warmth up now. 

Not solely was this change heard, however Rodgers’ physique language after the sport was attention-grabbing to look at. He was sluggish to stroll off the sphere, trying into the stands as if he was ingesting within the second. 

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Randall Cobb, his long-time pal and teammate, additionally walked with him by way of the tunnel headed to the locker room, each of them with arms round one another sharing a dialog. 

This is not the primary time Rodgers’ future with the staff has been introduced up. 

Detroit Lions working again Jamaal Williams celebrates after scoring through the second half of an NFL soccer recreation towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Inexperienced Bay, Wis.
(AP Photograph/Matt Ludtke)

Rodgers signed a three-year, $150 million contract with the Packers this previous offseason, which might take him by way of the 2026 season at age 43. Nonetheless, there are alternatives in his deal for 2023 and 2024. 

Due to that, reporters have peppered Rodgers about what he needs to do previous this season, however he hasn’t budged on giving a definitive reply. 

Whereas Rodgers hasn’t hinted that he needs to depart, he additionally hasn’t denied rumors that he’ll transfer on to a brand new staff for the primary time since he broke into the league in 2005 with Inexperienced Bay. 

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If that is his last recreation as a Packer, Rodgers, a future Corridor of Famer, can be leaving with 4 All-Execs and 10 Professional Bowl picks in addition to 4 MVP trophies and a Tremendous Bowl ring from 2011, the place he was additionally MVP in that contest. 

Rodgers would half with a 147-75-1 document in his 18 years with the Packers, totaling 475 touchdowns alongside the best way. 

However once more, who is aware of? Rodgers could possibly be including to these totals subsequent season.

Inexperienced Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) breaths out as he warms up earlier than an NFL soccer recreation towards the Los Angeles Rams in Inexperienced Bay, Wis. Monday, Dec. 19, 2022.
(AP Photograph/Morry Gash)

Rodgers couldn’t put collectively that game-winning drive as he has accomplished so many instances previously in video games like this on Sunday night time, as he threw an interception to Lions security Kerby Joseph after Detroit took a 20-16 lead on Jamaal Williams’ second landing of the night time. 

Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense did what they needed to do on the following possession, killing the clock and icing their victory to play spoiler. 

Whereas the Lions have been already eradicated from the playoffs, they despatched the Seattle Seahawks to the large dance subsequent weekend. 

Aaron Rodgers (12) of the Inexperienced Bay Packers reacts after throwing a landing move through the third quarter towards the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Discipline on January 08, 2023, in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin.
(Patrick McDermott/Getty Photographs)

Now, because the Packers look to mirror after a rollercoaster season, all eyes will probably be on their beginning quarterback and what conclusion he attracts heading into subsequent season.