Packers fans can R-E-L-A-X with Aaron Rodgers back in the fold -- but according to Rodgers himself his return almost didn't materialize.
The reigning NFL MVP discussed his tumultuous offseason, in which he reportedly asked the Packers to trade him and at one point apparently threatened to retire, during an appearance on the Dan Le Batard show this week.
While some of Rodgers' critics have charged that the apparent falling out with the Packers was merely a negotiating ploy -- he eventually received a nice raise on reworked contract -- the surefire future Hall of Famer says it wasn't the case.
In fact, he claims the prospect of retiring was still a virtual tossup as recently as a couple weeks ago.
"I mean, I felt going into the weekend before camp that I was 50/50," Rodgers told Le Batard.
"I don't care if people don't believe that. That's true. There were some things that got me to 50/50 for sure, and you know I spent a couple of days in silence and meditation and contemplation, and really felt like that I should come back. There's a lot of opportunities for growth and exciting things in Green Bay, and that felt like the right thing to do."
Rodgers ended rampant speculation when he officially reported to camp in late July, seemingly bringing the saga to at least a temporary break.
But his future beyond the upcoming season is still unclear, with several reports suggesting that he and the team will reevaluate after 2021. The team is thought to be grooming 2020 first-rounder Jordan Love as Rodgers' successor, a move which reportedly caught Rodgers off-guard and played a role in his apparent overall dissatisfaction with the franchise's direction.
The Packers held firm despite Rodgers' posturing, and for now the three-time MVP and two-time All-Pro will be back for a 17th season in Green Bay, looking to bring the team to a third consecutive NFC title game after losses to the 49ers and Buccaneers in each of the last two years.
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