The Reign of Aaron Rodgers

This 2011 NFL season has been nothing but exciting and captivating from the very start. In a season full of interesting storylines, the story of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, in my opinion, has been the most intriguing of all. 

Apart from the overhype and overanalyzed play of Tim Tebow, the injury to Peyton Manning, and the pretty damn good play of Drew Brees and Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers’ ascension to the top of the quarterback totem pole has got to be the most exciting quarterback story of the year, and lets face it, folks: love it or hate it, the NFL is a league about quarterbacks. What is so thrilling about Aaron Rodgers, especially for fans of the game (not purely fans of particular teams), is that I honestly believe we could be witnessing the very best quarterback of all time play right before our eyes, in the prime of his career. I realize that what I’m implying might be ludicrous to some, especially for a guy who has only been a starter for 4 seasons, but there is just something about watching him play that gives me that feeling, and no matter how many counter arguments I make to myself, I can’t shake it. 

It’s the way he throws the ball--the football looks pristine going out of his hand every time he lets it go, and I swear I have never seen a tighter spiral. It’s the accuracy. It’s the absolute hose of a right arm that seemingly can make any throw from any position. It’s the mobility that can burn a defense whenever they drop 8 in coverage or allude a would be tackler. It’s the fist pump after a beautiful touchdown bomb. It’s the quiet swagger that he has, along with the rest of the Packers Squad. He knows he’s the best in the game, but he’s not going to talk about it; he’s going to show it on the field and on the scoreboard.  The guy’s got the total package: no Tebow kneel, no supermodel wife, no drama. He is just the best quarterback in the game. If you want to see what I'm talking about, watch this highlight tape of him against the Chargers in Week 9. 

A season after winning the Lombardi Trophy, Rodgers and the Pack are in the hunt for yet another.

But you want to know the best thing about Aaron Rodgers? He seems like he’s just a really cool, average dude. He couldn’t have a more average name and he couldn’t look more average. I’m pretty sure if you ran into him on the street you wouldn’t have a clue that he even played football. I love that about him. He just seems like a normal guy who happens to have a cannon of an arm, and who’s living a dream playing a game that he loves.  He’s also pretty funny-- check out this hilarious interview with Rodgers and AMI (American Mustache Institute) about Rodgers' phenomenal facial hair. 

It’s rare for me to give such a glowing review of a player not on a Washington Redskins roster...and perhaps it’s due to the fact that Rodgers happens to be on my fantasy team this year...but I love the way he plays the game, and it excites me to think we’re witnessing one of the greatest seasons a player has ever had behind center. Perhaps the praise I’m heaping on him is too great, but the stats speak for themselves: 40 touchdowns to 6 interceptions, 68.1 completion percentage, 120.1 passer rating, and 3 more rushing touchdowns with two games left to play, ALL of this with no running game to speak of? One super bowl ring on his finger at age 28 and the favorite to win another? Career passer rating of 103.3 (highest in NFL history among quarterbacks who have thrown more than 1,500 passes)? Wow.

Which reminds me, Rodgers is also a winner. The Packers, 13-1, are in prime position to defend their title, despite their recent setback against the Kansas City Chiefs (just proves how difficult it is to remain focused throughout an 16 game season, kudos to the 2007 Patriots), and it would not surprise me if they do indeed repeat as world champions. When Rodgers and that offense is hitting on all cylinders, they are simply unstoppable.  To think that this was the same team that barely squeezed into the playoffs last year, and now is universally regarded to be the best in football, is remarkable. This is why I love the NFL.

After being Green Bay's No.1 pick in 2005, Rodgers had to sit behind this drama queen for 3 seasons, yet never complained once. He's a straight (foot)baller. 

I just hope that NFL fans take a second to recognize the greatest that has been on display this season from Green Bay. Rodgers plays the game the right way, and has been a professional and class act from day one (having to sit through those drama-filled Brett Favre years must have been hell). In a league that has graced us with the likes of Sammy Baugh, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, John Elway, Dan Marino, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning, it wouldn’t shock me if 10 years from now, when Rodgers ponders retirement, his name is at the top of that list. He’s just that good.

If you want to read a great article by Tim Layden of Sports Illustrated to further increase your love for #12, check it out here.