Jones, Butler Hope Rodgers Considers ‘Legacy’

LeRoy Butler and Aaron Jones were on NFL Network to make their pitches for Aaron Rodgers to stay with the Green Bay Packers.

Author:
Bill Huber
Updated:
Mar 9, 2023 4:45 PM EST
Original:
Mar 9, 2023

In this story:

Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Two Green Bay Packers stars, one past and one present, hope quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to build his legacy in Titletown rather than ask for a trade to the New York Jets.

“I’m very passionate about the ‘G’ and the fanbase, which I think is the best fanbase,” Hall of Fame safety LeRoy Butler told NFL Network. “The best scenario is for Aaron Rodgers to say he’s going to play for the Packers one more year and retire; Jordan Love takes over … and everything is fine.”

Butler was part of the Super Bowl XXXI championship team quarterbacked by Brett Favre in 1996. Favre retired after the 2008, then changed his mind. Ultimately, after a tense standoff with the franchise that festered deep into the summer, he was traded to the New York Jets.

Butler understands the comparison between Rodgers and Favre.

“You’ve got to think about a legacy,” Butler said. “I think that’s what some people in Aaron’s circle, as small as it is, his circle should say, ‘Your legacy really is with the Packers.’”

During his own appearance on NFL Network, star running back Aaron Jones said he hoped Rodgers’ interest in joining the Jets was “flirtation” and nothing more.

“It’s about a legacy,” Jones said. “Not too many players get to start and finish their career in the same place. That’s special right there.”

For years, Rodgers has talked about a desire to finish his career in Green Bay. When he showed up for the June minicamp, Rodgers said a new three-year contract “definitely” meant his final snap in the NFL would be with the Packers.

However, after a disappointing 8-9 season in which he sensed the team might be ready to move on with Love, Rodgers said he was open to playing for a different team.

The legacy of starting and finishing his career in Green Bay remained “important” for Rodgers, Jones thought.

“You always hear him talk about legacy and tradition. That’s something that he’s big on, and he talks about it all the time in interviews,” Jones said. “It’d be hard for me to see him leave Green Bay – the tradition, the history he has there. He’s grown from a young boy to a man and beyond that in Green Bay. It’s tough to see him go anywhere else; I just hope I don’t have to see that.”

Contrary to some outside opinions, Jones said Rodgers is a good teammate.

“I hope it’s just flirtation,” he said of interest in the Jets. “I think he’ll be in Green Bay. I have no control over the situation but, selfishly speaking, and I know the rest of my teammates in Green Bay would love to have him back. He’s our leader. He brings a lot of energy to us every day and makes everyone around him better.”

Buffalo Bills defensive back Micah Hyde, who spent his first four seasons in Green Bay, also spoke in strong terms about Rodgers.

“I love 12. That’s my guy,” Hyde said. He added, “He’s a loving, great person. He’s one of the best teammates I ever had.”

If Rodgers does join the Jets, that means Hyde would get to square off against his former teammate twice in 2023. The Bills and Jets would be the obvious division favorites.

“It’s going to be exciting but he’s not in New York yet,” Hyde said. “I’ve had some time playing in Green Bay playing against Aaron. I would love to get an Aaron Rodgers interception, put that thing in a trophy case. So, ‘12,’ if you see this, let me get a pick.”

Not going to happen, Butler said.

“I’ll tell you what Jets, fans. He’s going to break your heart,” Butler said.

He explained: “He’s going to break your heart because he’s going back to the Packers or he’s going to go to the Jets and you’re not going to make the playoffs this year or next year, anyway. It doesn’t matter. Your heart’s going to be broken.”