Former Teammate Says Aaron Rodgers Used Kentucky Derby to Learn More About His Big New Move, From 2x Champ Who Went Down the Same Road

Aaron Rodgers had been with the Green Bay Packers since being drafted in 2005. From 2005 to 2022, the 4X NFL MVP led the Packers to a Super Bowl XLV win in 2011. Now, after over a decade in Green Bay, the QB has finally left to join the New York Jets for the upcoming season in the NFL. After a long bout of trade negotiations between both franchises for A-Rod, the Jets will now be hopeful of solving their QB woes after Zach Wilson’s dismal performance last season.

While Aaron Rodgers gears up to take on the field with his new team, he recently was a part of the 2023 Kentucky Derby. And in the derby, he received some advice from a former NFL legend who traversed the same road on how to tackle the future amidst his newfound home.

Peyton Manning has a one-on-one talk with Aaron Rodgers

During a recent episode of the Pat McAfee Show, former NFL linebacker turned analyst AJ Hawk talked about how he had attended the derby along with other stars of the league. Hawk played for the Packers from 2006 to 2014. He also took the field for the Packers during Rodger’s 18-year sting in Green Bay. Hawk talked about how A-Rod and retired 2X Super Bowl-winning QB Peyton Manning discussed football. He said that he overheard Manning advising A-Rod on how to go about his days on a new team, as even he shifted after a 14-season stint with the Indianapolis Colts to the Denver Broncos.

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Hawk said, “So Peyton was sitting on the table right next to us with his son and his wife. I believe his daughter maybe too. Peyton and Aaron talked some good football. I saw them when they first connected I was like oh this going to be like one of those conversations people talk about. Oh Peyton gave him all this advice on what it’s like going to a new team and all this. So, I overheard that whole conversation.”

While Rodgers might have left the Packers, he still shares a healthy and respectful relationship with all his ex-teammates. He was also a part of the reunion of ex-Packers players at the Derby.

A-Rod reunites with old teammates at the Derby

The 149th Kentucky Derby saw many NFL players grace the auspicious event. Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl-winning QB Patrick Mahomes was given the honor of giving the official ‘riders up’ call at the event. Even retired NFL GOAT Tom Brady took part in a video commemorating the greatest racehorse ever, Secretariat. The event also saw Aaron Rodgers reuniting with his old Packers squad, which included the likes of David Bakhtiari, AJ Hawk, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Matt Flynn, and Jimmy Graham. Most of the people in the group were good friends of A-Rod. And it seems like the group has grown this year. The crew took to the red carpet on both days of the derby, with many even attending Friday’s Barnstable Brown Party Gala.

As Rodgers now will reminisce a good time at the Derby with his friends and ex-teammates, he will also be looking forward to gearing up at the Jets camp for the upcoming season. And maybe a season that possibly could be a Super Bowl contention-worthy season. 

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