Aaron Rodgers recalls "Welcome to NFL" moment being starstruck by "Deion F-ing Sanders"
Aaron Rodgers might be toward the end of his NFL career but he still remembers one of his first moments in the league. The New York Jets QB recently took a trip back in time while on the 'Keep Hammering Collective with Cameron Hanes' and said he was caught up in the "Prime Effect" as a rookie in 2005.
"We were playing the Baltimore Ravens in a Monday Night game and we were bad. We were down 41-to-3. They said, "Hey kid get ready you're going in." I'm like I hope somebody blocks for me," Rodgers recalled.
"I walked from the 25 to the 25 with Deion Sanders. I remember just thinking this is so cool, I probably said that... I'm like, you know, some 21-year-old pimple-face kid... Hey, this is really cool out here, I mean we're down 41-to-3, but like I'm on the field with you and you're a legend....It was a really cool moment. Like a "Welcome to the NFL"... I'm on the field with Deion f**king Sanders. It was awesome."
Rodgers' first year in the league happens to be Sanders' retirement tour. The Hall-of-Famer would hang it up for a career in broadcasting that led him to the NFL Network. At that point, nobody would've predicted that Prime would dive into the coaching realm. It's an avenue more players of Rodgers' caliber might explore after their playing days are behind them.
It's hard to believe Rodgers will become the 21st player in NFL history with a career of 20 years or longer. He's unlikely to chase down George Blanda, who had 26 years as a kicker. But when the Jets QB decides to call it quits, there will be a future date in Canton to follow.