Inside Jordan Love’s ‘Special Relationship’ With Mentor Aaron Rodgers Who Spurred the Packers QB1’s Development During Backup Tenure

Jordan Love turned out to be the knight in shining armor for the Green Bay Packers. After their longtime legend, Aaron Rodgers moved to the New York Jets, it seemed like the team would struggle to find its footing in the NFL. Their backup quarterback had to fill in some big shoes, but he took everyone by surprise with his incredible performance.

Love played as the backup for three seasons, but he got limited on-field action before Rodgers handed him the reins. In the 2023 season, the young QB put forth a spectacular show and helped the Packers reach the playoffs. With the aim of the Super Bowl in mind for the upcoming season, Love reflects on how practicing under Rodger’s wing helped him better his play and lead the team by himself.

Jordan Love knew he would be in Aaron Rodgers’ shadow

Love proved his mettle as the starter for the Packers last season with 35 touchdowns and amassed 4765 yards with 14 interceptions. With an even better season in mind, the 25-year-old quarterback was asked about his friendship with Rodgers in an interview with Aleda Collective. Love shared that ever since being drafted by Green Bay in 2020, he was well aware that he would be playing under Rodgers’ shadow and would not be a starter for quite a while.

Instead of harboring any feelings of hopelessness, Love took his backup situation as a “motivation” and a learning experience. He called it an “honor” to watch the legend play as it helped him hone his skills.

“It motivates me to just to be able to see someone, -play at such high level and do -the things he’s able to do on a on a daily basis. It motivated me to – get better and to try new things and to, you know, improve my game and try some of the things that I saw him doing.” Not only was it the on-field knowledge that Love garnered from Rodgers, but a special bond blossomed with his mentor figure, which continues to this day.

Rodgers sent a special text to Love before playoff debut

Love talked about how the three years playing with Rodgers helped build his bond with the legend. The young QB said he could ask questions freely and was “grateful” for the opportunity, and being the former Packers star’s backup was “special.”

“He was a guy that I was able to ask so many questions to and just see him work and, um you know, be able to pick his brain and be in the same room as him was – awesome, something I’m very grateful for.” Love further divulged how he’s still in contact with Rodgers, even after parting ways before last season.

The quarterback had previously shared a text he received from Rodgers before his wild-card playoffs on the Up & Adams Show. The lighthearted text read, “Don’t be like me and throw a pick on your first pass in the playoffs.” The motivation from his idol definitely bore fruit as Love followed the advice, scoring a 22-yard completion in his first pass, leading to an eventual win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Having been an underdog for three seasons, Love subverted everyone’s expectations in his first season as the main starter. His playoff debut was enough to cement his position in the NFL, where the quarterback scored three touchdowns and 272 yards and an almost perfect rating, leading to a 48-32 win. As the 2024 season approaches, Love has his eyes set on the Super Bowl and is determined to outdo his last season’s performance.

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