Aaron Rodgers Honors Two Important People He Lost During MVP Acceptance Speech Including the Man Who Drafted Him Into the NFL

Aaron Rodgers has shown what it takes to be full-on committed to the sport. The 38-year-old has been through several hurdles this past season, but he did not let any of it impede his performance. Despite all the media controversies and tensions with the Packers front office, he has helped the team clinch a playoff spot with a No. 1 seed in the NFC. It’s his exceptional sportsman spirit and unparalleled determination that gained the quarterback with the NFL MVP award Thursday night.

Furthermore, his mastery in taking care of the ball is undeniable. Rodgers, throughout the 2021 season, has made 37 touchdowns in just four interceptions. Out of those four interceptions, two came in his first game against the Saints. Hence all these accomplishments together got him the NFL MVP honor for the second consecutive time.

During his acceptance speech, the 17-year veteran thanked many people who had influenced him in his journey this past season. He mentioned how Peyton Manning the five-time NFL MVP, had inspired a generation of athletes, including him. 

Rodgers then thanked his Green Bay Packer’s front office, along with his teammates and his inner circle. And as he concluded his speech, he mentioned two more names that have affected his life in one way or another but were not with him anymore. 

Aaron Rodgers pays tribute to his long-lost friends

“I’d like to dedicate this award to the memory of two really important people to me, who passed on in the last couple of years,” Rodgers said. “First is the man who drafted me in 2005, Ted Thompson. And the second is someone that many people here are familiar with. Former producer of the ESPYs and the NFL honors a dear and loyal friend, Maura Mandt.”

Ted Thompson served as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers from 2005 to 2017. During his tenure, he brought a Super Bowl to Green Bay with the likes of his first-round pick Aaron Rodgers.

Also Read: 3x NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers Reveals He’s Winning His Fourth MVP Award During WM Phoenix Open Golf Tournament

Rodgers has very humble towards Thompson for giving him the opportunity to represent the Packers in the league and the way he believed in the young QB. Thompson took his last breath on 20th January 2021, just three days after his 68th birthday. 

Furthermore, he also paid respects to his friend and former ESPYS producer Maura Mandt, who unexpectedly died at 53. The Packers star was close to her and was deeply saddened by the news of her death. 

It was truly a great moment to recall and pay respects to the lost souls of his life who had affected him through his years in the NFL. 

Watch This Story: The Note Gisele Bündchen Wrote to Tom Brady After He Retired from Pro Football