Aaron Rodgers has been living rent-free in the minds of Packers fans since his trade to the Jets because of his Favre saga. Meanwhile, who knew a young quarterback could play peacemaker for two NFL legends? Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers‘ rising star, might’ve done just that for Rodgers and Brett Favre, according to a new book.

Ian O’Connor, author of “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers,” dropped a bombshell on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd today, Love’s arrival in Titletown didn’t just shake up the Packers’ QB room. It sparked an unexpected reconciliation between two of the franchise’s iconic signal-callers. Rodgers and Favre, once at odds, now find common ground in their shared experiences. “I can see it a little bit from Brett’s perspective he was a living legend he was the one who made the Green Bay Packers again after some down years following the glory years of Lombardian star and so he had done so much for that franchise and all of a sudden they hire his replacement and he’s expected to train that replacement to expedite his departure” O’Connor added the context.

“It’s funny because Colin, I think now their relationship is pretty good because Aaron got kicked out almost in the way that Brett got kicked out,” O’Connor revealed. This shared experience of being shown the door by the Packers brought Rodgers and Favre closer than ever.

“They both experienced this iconic franchise that they did so much for as first-ballot Hall of Famers moving them out,” O’Connor explained. It’s like they’re members of an exclusive club–the “Kicked Out of Green Bay,” club–if you will.

This turnaround didn’t happen overnight. O’Connor vividly described Rodgers’ draft day humiliation: “It was on national TV, obviously. That was the first NFL Draft, that was a reality show.” From that moment, a chip formed on Rodgers’ shoulder that would rival the size of Wisconsin itself.

A new era for the Packers, inspired by Rodgers’ grudge

But don’t think all is forgiven in Packerland, Rodgers still holds a grudge against his former team. “Aaron holds a grudge like he holds the football with a very firm grip,” the author quipped. “If you asked Aaron which team he’d like to face in the Super Bowl as a member of the New York Jets it’s the Green Bay Packers and that’s what fuels these guys and real or imagine slights and let’s face it yeah he wanted the trade he got the trade but it was more like a firing to me I think the Packers wanted to fire him and I think he knows that and I think he’ll never forget”

Remember the icy reception Rodgers got from Favre back in 2005? It was colder than a January game at Lambeau Field. Favre famously quipped, “My contract doesn’t say I have to get Aaron Rodgers ready to play.” Ouch. Fast forward to 2020, and Rodgers finds himself in Favre’s cleats with Love nipping at his heels. But instead of giving the cold shoulder, Rodgers took a different path. As O’Connor put it, “He was hellbent on not doing the same thing to Jordan.”

While Rodgers might be nursing old wounds, Love is busy writing a new chapter in Packers history. The young QB has taken Rodgers’ mentorship to heart, crafting a leadership style that’s distinctly his own.

Love’s approach? It’s all about bringing the team together. He’s been hosting Monday night film sessions at his house, complete with catered meals. It’s a far cry from the frosty reception Rodgers once got from Favre.

This newfound kinship goes beyond just swapping war stories. It’s reshaped how Rodgers approaches mentorship. Love told Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” back in February that Rodgers “hit me up after a lot of the games and it’s awesome just being able to talk to him.”

This team-first mentality is paying off. Love led the Packers to the playoffs in his first year as a starter–something neither Favre nor Rodgers achieved. He tossed 32 touchdowns, second only to Dak Prescott’s 36, and racked up 4,159 yards.

But perhaps Love’s greatest achievement is the culture he’s fostering. As linebacker Quay Walker put it to ESPN in January, “Team chemistry is way better than it was the year before.” It seems the Packers’ future is in good hands–hands that are more interested in building bridges than burning them.