Green Bay Packers CEO Assures Shareholders Team Wants Aaron Rodgers on Team Beyond 2021
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose future with the Packers seemed uncertain after ESPN reported he didn't want to return to the team, made it to Green Bay, Wisconsin, on the eve of the Packers' first training-camp workout.
At a shareholders' meeting Monday, Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy said that he was optimistic about resolving any differences and that he and Rodgers are "in constant communication. Rodgers, who has spent his entire career with the Packers, was selected as the 24th overall pick in the 2005 draft.
Rodgers was spotted at Lambeau Field early Tuesday, the day after the NFL Network and ESPN reported the MVP was locking down an agreement that would keep him in the Packers another season. The team later tweeted a photo of Rodgers at Lambeau sporting oversize sunglasses and a novelty T-shirt with references to TV's The Office.
"We want him back," Murphy told the 3,900 shareholders gathered at Lambeau. "We're committed to him for 2021 and beyond. He's our leader. We're looking forward to winning another Super Bowl with him."
For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below:
The Packers will open their training camp Wednesday. Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Rodgers would have been subject to a $50,000 fine for every day he held out during the camp.
Rodgers didn't participate in organized team activities this spring—a change from his usual offseason routine—and skipped the Packers' mandatory minicamp.
NFL Network reported Monday that Rodgers had told people close to him he planned to play for the Packers this season. ESPN reported that Rodgers and the Packers were on the verge of a deal in which the team would void the final year of the three-time MVP's contract, perhaps clearing the way for him to leave Green Bay after the upcoming season.
The return of Rodgers would make the Packers legitimate Super Bowl contenders once again after they lost in the NFC championship game each of the last two seasons.
Rodgers, 37, threw for a league-high 48 touchdown passes with only five interceptions last season while helping the Packers lead the league in scoring. He also led the NFL in passer rating and completion percentage.
