Arriving as the highest seed, taking part in on house turf and led by means of a quarterback tipped by means of many to retain his MVP standing for a 2d immediately season, it was once a wonder early go out for the Packers and Rodgers.
Now, within the wake of playoff defeat, Rodgers mentioned there was once “one explanation why handiest” that some have celebrated at his expense.
“There was once a ton of other folks tuning in, rooting towards us for one explanation why and one explanation why handiest — it is as a result of my vaccination standing,” Rodgers informed McAfee.
“Short of to look us lose so they may be able to pile on, revel in and enjoy the truth that my vaccination standing was once some kind of reason we’ve not had luck within the playoffs.”
‘I have by no means sought after to be a divisive, polarizing determine’
Rodgers mentioned that even supposing the location have been “irritating” every now and then, he had empathy for the monetary and psychological toll of the former two years on other folks — particularly for the “worry” he believes the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about.
“The most important factor other folks had been coping with is worry — worry of well being, worry of lack of cash, worry of now not having the ability to supply on your circle of relatives … and the media performs a large position in that,” Rodgers mentioned.
“As a result of I do not watch the inside track or do not subscribe to the similar form of mainstream narrative every now and then; and feature determined to take my very own private well being and duty for my well being in my fingers; and did my analysis and regarded into issues; and in addition my affiliation with different individuals who have completed identical issues, there is anger thrown my means however the root of that I believe is worry.”
Rodgers mentioned he have been “insulated” and had now not noticed any alleged hatred directed in opposition to him however took duty for being by chance “divisive” throughout the season.
“I understand that I have been divisive this season by means of my vaccination standing and by means of my willingness to speak about it — to speak about the analysis that I have completed and my very own reviews — I take duty for that,” Rodgers mentioned.
“I have by no means sought after to be a divisive, polarizing determine in this. I have sought after to inspire other folks and encourage other folks to assume for themselves, to take their well being in their very own fingers … with a bit of luck, I have impressed other folks.”
What is subsequent?
Rodgers has been synonymous with Lambeau Box throughout an 18-year occupation in Wisconsin, main the Packers to his sole Tremendous Bowl triumph in 2011, however he admitted he had to “escape” and ask himself some key questions prior to committing to any other season with the group.
“Are you able to nonetheless play? Do you continue to have the similar dedication and delight with the sport and do you wanna join the grind once more?” Rodgers mentioned.
“The one means of figuring out this is to escape from it for a bit of bit, let your thoughts transparent and take into consideration the enormity of the duty and what would convey you probably the most enjoyment — what is the absolute best on your high quality of existence at that time.”
Like Brady, Rodgers mentioned he could be consulting any determination on his occupation with family members, given the “enormity” of the selection.
The quarterback mentioned that every one choices had been at the desk aside from unfastened company, and in addition dominated out the opportunity of retiring after which returning to the game a yr later, announcing the sort of transfer made “no sense.”
On the other hand, given the have an effect on of his determination at the futures of Packers gamers and body of workers, Rodgers mentioned he would most probably come to a decision prior to unfastened company starts on March sixteenth, as failing to take action could be “disrespectful” to the group.
In spite of the uncertainty of his long term, Rodgers insisted he had no worry over the topic of retirement.
“The uncertainty isn’t unsettling in any respect, it is virtually thrilling, serious about what existence is gonna seem like shifting ahead.
“It is a captivating time since you’re coping with the grieving strategy of the season and figuring out that that particular group of other folks would possibly not be the similar — there is at all times adjustments.”
