In a bombshell that has rocked the NFL, Aaron Rodgers has reportedly refused to return to the Green Bay Packers on March 27, 2025, delivering a stunning statement that has left fans and analysts reeling: “Jordan Love used to be my backup QB, now it’s the other way around? I’m not doing that.” The four-time MVP, who recently signed a $333 million, five-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles as Jalen Hurts’ backup, made the comment during a heated interview on The Pat McAfee Show, just hours after the Packers reached out to him following a tumultuous offseason. The statement underscores Rodgers’ frustration with Green Bay’s quarterback dynamics and his own evolving role in the league, reigniting tensions with his former team.
Rodgers’ history with the Packers has been a rollercoaster. After 18 seasons, four MVP awards, and a Super Bowl XLV title, he was traded to the New York Jets in 2023, a move spurred by Green Bay’s 2020 first-round draft pick of Jordan Love. Love, now 26, has since taken the reins, leading the Packers to the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, though they fell to the Eagles in the 2024 Wild Card round. Rodgers, meanwhile, spent 2024 split between the Jets and a brief Steelers stint (3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns), before landing in Philly. The Packers’ outreach—rumored to be a response to Love’s 2024 struggles (16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions in eight games)—appears to have been a bridge too far for Rodgers.
“Jordan’s a great player, but I’m not going back to Green Bay to sit behind him,” Rodgers elaborated, his tone sharp. “I mentored him for three years, took the high road when they drafted him, and won two MVPs after that. Now they want me to be his backup? That’s not how this works.” The comment reflects Rodgers’ pride as a future Hall of Famer, unwilling to play second fiddle to his former protégé, especially after Green Bay’s brass, including GM Brian Gutekunst, signaled a full transition to Love in 2023.
Fans on social media are divided. “Rodgers is too proud—Love’s the future, he should help!” one X user posted, while another countered, “Aaron’s a legend, why would he back up anyone?” The NFL world watches as Rodgers’ refusal—coupled with his new Eagles role—sets the stage for a dramatic 2025 season. Will Green Bay pivot, or double down on Love? The saga continues.