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. 

The Art of the Backup

Is there a greater job in sports than being a backup Quarterback? The easy answer is yes, being a starting quarterback, and that would also be right. But for those not talented enough to make it as a starter, there is nothing better than the life of a career backup quarterback. The problem is that many backup quarterback’s careers are cut short when they are forced onto the gridiron and we can see how inept they really are at playing the position. Others can avoid the starting role seemingly by choice. This is a tribute to those men.

The Best of the Best (Sir, with honors)

Jim Sorgi: If there was an America's Next Top Model for wearing headsets, Jim Sorgi would win every year. Sorgi milked a seven year career out of virtually no talent. After looking and playing exactly like every other Wisconsin quarterback ever, he went to the Colts where he sat behind Peyton Manning. It was in Indianapolis where he accomplished every backup quarterback's dream, never starting a game. That being said, Sorgi also possessed another key skill of a backup, playing well in garbage time to avoid being cut. Sorgi finished his career with a quarterback rating better than the likes of Dan Marino, Warren Moon, Fran Tarkenton, and Bart Starr. Curtis Painter was set to be the next Sorgi, but after abysmal play this year, he will never achieve Sorgi's level of success.

Career Highlight: Winning a Super Bowl ring with the Colts.