Rodgers thought 2020 would be final training camp with Packers
Aaron Rodgers went into 2020 training camp thinking it would be his final one with the Green Bay Packers, he revealed to NBC Sports' Peter King.
"Last year at this time, I was looking at the season as my last year in Green Bay," the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback said.
Rodgers reported to 2021 camp after a contentious offseason. He admitted upon arrival he contemplated retiring to avoid another season with the Packers given his differences with management.
But the 37-year-old has been all smiles at camp as he prepares for a 17th season in Green Bay, surpassing Bart Starr and Brett Favre for the most in club history.
"Last year, I need to look at the year that way for perspective," Rodgers said. "Just to enjoy all the little things that I've been able to be a part of over the last 15-plus years at the time. Helped me have a great season, mentally, quality-of-life-wise, happiness-wise. And I had so much fun.
"I think because of that experience, I got a template for how to have the right perspective on things this year. For me, it really starts with gratitude. I'm not bitter about anything. I might not agree with some of the decisions that are made or the way things have been carried out. I have a ton of gratitude for this city, and the organization, the opportunities I've been given here. That's what I choose to focus on - the things that I do have. That's a lot of great relationships in the building, an incredible fan base that comes out and watches us every day in training camp. It's been 16-plus really special years.
"The future, who knows what's going to happen? Right now I'm focusing on how special this moment is and this opportunity is."
Rodgers is expected to have some say in where he plays in 2022, whether it be Green Bay or elsewhere. Until then, he's focused on getting the Packers to another Super Bowl. Green Bay has reached the last two conference title games, falling to the San Francisco 49ers two years ago and coming up short against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.
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