LaFleur: Rodgers ‘Made Me Better Coach’

The Green Bay Packers made official their trade of Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets.

Author:
Bill Huber
Updated:
Apr 26, 2023 2:30 PM EDT
Original:
Apr 26, 2023

In this story:

GREEN BAY, Wis. – With Aaron Rodgers stepping on the stage for his introductory press conference with the New York Jets on Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers at 1 p.m. announced the trade of the four-time MVP was official.

The news release included strong words from coach Matt LaFleur.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with many great players, but none better than Aaron,” LaFleur said. "I will always be grateful for our time together, both on and off the field. The mark he left on our organization, players and coaches cannot be overstated. His drive for competitive greatness and the standards he set for everyone, including himself, made our team better.

“Ultimately, he made me a better coach. I will never forget his post-practice interactions with our families. His ability to connect with kids, including my own, was a great example for our locker room. He was and will always be a great representative of the ‘G’ and what it means to be a Green Bay Packer!”

The Packers posted this tribute video.

Rodgers won four MVPs with the Packers, including in 2020 and 2021, and a Super Bowl in 2010. In NFL history, he ranks fifth in touchdown passes, ninth in passing yards, second in passer rating and eighth in completions. His preposterous 4.52 touchdown passes for every interception is No. 1 by a wide margin, with the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes second with 3.92 touchdowns and nobody else at even 3.15.

Packers President Mark Murphy said the team looked forward to welcoming Rodgers back to Lambeau Field to “celebrate his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame and unveil his name on the Lambeau Field façade.”

As reported on Monday, the Packers and Jets flip-flopped positions in the first round, with Green Bay going from No. 15 to No. 13. Green Bay also gained the Jets’ second- and sixth-round draft picks (Nos. 42 and 207) while sending back the second of their fifth-rounders (No. 170). Plus, Green Bay will gain a second-round pick in 2024 that could move to a first-rounder if Rodgers plays at least 65 percent of the offensive snaps in 2023.

“We are eternally grateful for all that Aaron gave the Packers the last 18 years,” Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said in the release. “While he undoubtedly will be remembered as one of the best players in our franchise's storied history for all his accomplishments on the field, it is his competitive greatness, leadership and toughness that make him such a special player and person.

“The daily expectations he placed on himself and his teammates were instrumental in all that we accomplished during a special era of Packers football. We wish Aaron nothing but success and look forward to welcoming him back to Green Bay in the future and celebrating his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”