While the rest of the NFL world is slowly beginning to lose its patience with Aaron Rodgers, one key figure championed his cause with passion. Stephen A. Smith may not be the most beloved individual in the sports world because of his controversial takes. However, while the ‘First Take’ commentator doesn’t hold back from making his opinions clear on stars who aren’t in his good book, his praise for those who are, catches viewers by surprise.

While it is pretty evident that Smith is the leader of the Rodgers fan club, his recent statements are contrary to the speculation among fans. For starters, many in the NFL world believe that the QB is on his way to putting his playing career to rest. However, Smith’s exaltation of A-Rod’s athletic prowess included a comparison to some of the biggest names in the game. Here’s a look at what he had to say.

Aaron Rodgers received high praise

Speculation about Aaron Rodgers’ future is one of the biggest hot topics of the offseason. When it comes to the Packers QB’s future, there are a few ways that it could play out. A-Rod could either head out to a different franchise or remain at Green Bay. Or, the QB could call it a day and retire. But as more fingers point at Rodgers’ potential move to the Jets, it does seem like he may be set to follow in his Packers predecessor’s footsteps.

Going on a passionate rant about Rodgers’ abilities, Steven A. Smith emphasized that the QB still has a lot left in him. He said, “He’s Aaron Rodgers okay? He’s a baaaaaddd man! Okay, now, listen, we can look at Patrick Mahomes and we can sit up there and say he’s the best in the business, maybe the best ever.” While A-Rod has faced criticism for his slump in performance, Smith’s conviction may have silenced everyone who called the QB ‘washed out.’

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The journalist added, “As a talent, to this day, I still try, I still challenge anybody outside of Patrick Mahomes to show me one quarterback that you could definitively say was a better talent at the quarterback position than the greatness that is Aaron Rodgers. I don’t give a damn if it’s Marino, Elway, Manning, Brady.”

Talk about high praise! By ranking some of the biggest names in the game below Aaron Rodgers, Smith’s position at the top of the QB’s fan club won’t be taken away any time soon.

Rodgers has been keeping fans waiting

This season, A-Rod has been at the forefront of speculation. After baffling fans with his decision to head to a ‘darkness retreat,’ the QB’s return from his spell of isolation was supposed to usher in answers regarding his future.

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However, fans are back at square one, anxiously hanging on to every word from A-Rod in order to decipher the mystery of his future. While Stephen A. Smith believes that Aaron Rodgers is better than most QBs, fans may be on board with considering the notion once they’re sure he will remain with the league. Until then, speculation will make its way down the NFL grapevine and A-Rod will continue to be an enigma.