The years went by, his performance in the Playoffs continued to be sensational (how can we forget his double Hail Mary against the Cardinals, or that pass against the wing against Dallas), although without collective success. The Packers were never able to return to the Super Bowl and, already in the last 3-4 years of his time in Green Bay, the difference between the regular-season Rodgers (who continued winning MVPs) and the Playoffs’ Rodgers began to be noticeable.
In parallel, the pandemic and certain minimally controversial positions on the part of Mr. Rodgers alienated him a bit in the eyes of public opinion. The man who years ago knew how to be loved and venerated by a vast majority saw how, suddenly, his approval rating was beginning to decline.
Then came Green Bay’s decision. History repeated itself and, just as the Packers opted for AR12 instead of Favre, the franchise rallied behind Jordan Love. Rodgers chose New York as his next destination, an experiment that did not work due to a combination of very bad fortune (in his first season) and a lower overall performance than expected (in his second).
This season marked a kind of rejuvenation for Rodgers. It’s clear that Pittsburgh has suited him well. The same can be said about her relationship with Mike Tomlin. The results have been more than acceptable (9-6 record, 23 TDs against 7 INTs and a rating of 95.3) and, although he has not completed his total redemption arc with the public (nor does he seem interested in doing so), at least he seems to have recovered that “joie de vivre”.
Will Sunday be the last time we see Aaron Rodgers on the field? For now, if the Steelers win the obvious answer is no. In that case, Rodgers will have one more chance to prove himself in the postseason. If Pittsburgh loses…the rumors will start. As has been happening since before he was drafted, Rodgers will be in the news. And we will be there. Following him every step.
