Although Aaron Rodgers is trying to build a good team for the New York Jets now, no one can forget what he did for the Green Bay Packers. Having spent 18 seasons in Wisconsin, A-Rod became one of the faces of the NFL and a four-time MVP. He even led his team to a Super Bowl win in 2011.

However, did you know there was a time when Rodgers’ draft in Green Bay led to many criticisms? But now after these many years since 2005, the former Packers VP, Andrew Brandt, revealed an interesting take on the 40-year-old QB.

Aaron Rodgers’ entry changed the Packers’ destiny?

The Jets were playing against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night football, on September 9, 2024. Seeing the game, Packers ex-VP Andrew Brandt, shared an insight about Aaron Rodgers’ draft year on his official X account. He expressed, “Seeing Aaron against the team that chose Alex Smith over him, so many years later. Again, we had no plans to take a QB (had the most durable QB ever). But Ted Thompson said, “Trust the Board.” And he [Thompson] did, took him.”

These three words, “Trust the Board,” helped the Packers witness Aaron Rodgers’ legacy in the making. However, when A-Rod was selected by the Packers over Smith, many didn’t appreciate the move. While recalling that, Brandt added further, saying, “Will never forget the booing from our draft party, shook our souls.”

Aaron Rodgers was drafted in 2005 by the Packers in the 24th overall. During that time, the 49ers had the No. 1 pick and desperately needed a quarterback. So, they had the option to choose between Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers. The team went with Smith, and the Packers eventually received Rodgers.

But why Rodgers wasn’t the 49ers first choice? Well, many think the reason behind it was “mainly because of his scheme. Rodgers played college football in an air raid offense at Cal. Back then, the air raid wasn’t taken seriously at the pro level.” Hence, this might be one of the reasons why SF didn’t choose A-Rod. Nevertheless, by not drafting Rodgers, the 49ers paid a cost.

Aaron Rodgers sat alone for long hours waiting for his name?

Imagine sitting in a room, waiting for your dream to come true, only to watch everyone else get their moment first. That’s what happened to Aaron Rodgers on draft day in 2005. What started as a joke with friends turned into one of the most awkward moments in NFL history.

Rodgers, who was once considered the top pick, sat in the green room for hours that day, while the 49ers chose Alex Smith at No. 1. And that’s not all in the part of embarrassment! There’s more to it. The room emptied out, and workers were clearing tables as Rodgers remained in the green room. His disappointment was clear. Nevertheless, eventually he was drafted by the Packers.

But when asked how he felt about not being drafted by the 49ers, his response was bold, “Not as disappointed as the 49ers will be that they didn’t draft me.” Wow! That’s a great answer for the player who was confident that he would make his name in the league. And he was right!

Rodgers went on to lead the Packers to a Super Bowl win in 2011 and 22 playoff appearances, while on the other hand, Smith, although great, never brought the 49ers to the Super Bowl. This illustrious legacy of Rodgers proved that waiting can sometimes lead to greatness. And hence, Andrew Brandt is proud of Ted Thompson’s decision.

However, today Rodgers is with the Jets, and is trying to at least get them a Super Bowl before his retirement.