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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Relationships win championships. The average NFL fan might not be able to fathom the intricacies of a working relationship between teammates, but time and again the point proves itself. The most potent example would be the timeless bromance of New England Patriots Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, or the insatiable bond between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

However, not all NFL stars are lucky enough to find their Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce in the league, and Aaron Rodgers has been one of the unfortunate ones. Rodgers is not known for being the friendliest with his teammates, but maybe New York will bring a different shade of A-Rod, or so the fans hope.

Rodgers in same boat as Russell Wilson

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Aaron Rodgers forcing his way out of the Packers’ locker room reciprocates Russell Wilson’s stint with Seattle to some degree. While these are two completely different players, the criticism they get is fairly similar.

Read More: No Winning in Over a Decade Doesn’t Stop Aaron Rodgers From Blowing This Jets Stat Outta New York Without Ever Taking the Field

Both Rodgers and Wilson are known for keeping their teammates at bay, and the repercussions are often fairly visible both on and off the field. Speaking on the vital role of interpersonal relationships, former NFL player and Fox Sports1 analyst, Emmanuel Acho, had some observations about Rodgers and of him being perceived in the same light as Russell Wilson.

I think about connecting with your teammates offensively and defensively and what that means when it’s time for you to get respect in the most pivotal moments.” expressed Acho.

He went on to share some harsh criticism, “There is such a fine line in my mind between corny and cool, such a fine line. Russell Wilson last year, nearly everything he did the world perceived as corny, I would say in large part because of his bad play, but also because there was no relationship there.

However, Acho seemed rather optimistic about Rodgers and believes A-Rod to be a changed man, “I think that Aaron Rodgers is different. I think he’s turned over a new leaf. I think he is now hanging out with teammates that are younger.”

Acho’s comments are a direct reflection of Aaron Rodgers’ past with the Packers, and even though Rodgers has moved on, it is still a possibility that history might repeat itself.

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A trip down memory lane

Just a year back, the Packers had lost three straight games to the Giants, the Commanders, and Rodgers’ future destination the Jets. At the time Aaron Rodgers went on to publicly air his outrage with the Packers’ locker room.

We had so many just mental errors and mistakes. It’s not the type of football we’re used to playing over the years … I think guys who are making too many mistakes shouldn’t be playing. Gotta start cutting some reps. And maybe guys who aren’t playing, give them a chance.” expressed a disgruntled A-Rod.

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While Rodgers refrained from throwing any of his teammates under the bus, the entire Packers’ starting lineup felt offended by the remarks. Ideally, the comments should have stayed inside the franchise but Rodgers chose to air their dirty laundry in public. As many speculate the New York version of Aaron Rodgers is a changed man, but there are still many doubts lingering about his attitude, especially towards the younger members of the team, and only Rodgers can change this perception.

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