The Green Bay Packers had a win-and-in scenario on Sunday night against the Detroit Lions. They ultimately fell short against their division rival, missing out on the playoffs and leading to a bunch of questions about Aaron Rodgers’ future in the NFL.
Rodgers was seen walking acting differently when walking off the field following the loss. The 18-year pro took his time walking off the field, taking in the atmosphere of Lambeau Field as if he may not play there again.
Aaron Rodgers takes it all in before leaving the field. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/dgc8X3VHBi
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 9, 2023
He also had a moment with long-time teammate Randall Cobb, hugging his teammate as both of them walked into the locker room.
A special moment between Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/mUMyeCxOYa
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 9, 2023
Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams also asked if he could have Rodgers’ jersey after the game. Rodgers responded by saying “I gotta hold on to this one”, creating speculation that it could be the jersey of his final NFL game.
"I gotta hold on to this one."
Aaron Rodgers to Jameson Williams, who asked for his jersey after the game.
(via @SNFonNBC) pic.twitter.com/4BnCEjRuSg
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 9, 2023
All of these postgame factors have the NFL world buzzing, with many asking the question of whether or not Rodgers may retire from football this offseason.
“Feels like this might be it for Rodgers. I hope not but feels like it,” tweeted Boston Connor of The Pat McAfee Show.
Feels like this might be it for Rodgers
I hope not but, feels like it. pic.twitter.com/lbORV7oz64
— Football (@BostonConnr) January 9, 2023
“There will be a lot of Aaron Rodgers speculation over the next two months. I truly don’t think he knows what’s going to happen, and tonight he kept the door open to all possibilities,” tweeted Zach Kruse of The Packers Wire with USA Today Sports.
There will be a lot of Aaron Rodgers speculation over the next two months. I truly don't think he knows what's going to happen, and tonight he kept the door open to all possibilities.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) January 9, 2023
Rodgers gave some insight into his mindset following the loss, detailing that he will take some time to “take the emotion” out of his ultimate decision.
“It’s a little raw right now. Want to take the emotion out of it and have conversations and see where the organization is at and see how I feel after some time’s passed,” said Rodgers via ESPN Packers reporter Rob Demovsky.
Very similar reaction from Aaron Rodgers to last year when asked about his future: "It's a little raw right now. Want to take the emotion out of it and have conversations and see where the organization is at and see how I feel after some time's passed.” pic.twitter.com/G1ZRUyuJgz
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 9, 2023
This is a similar response to what we saw from him last year after losing in the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers. That decision was extremely drawn out and lasted for much of the offseason, which he added will not happen this time around.
“I’m not gonna hold them hostage,” said Rodgers via Matt Schneidman on The Athletic on the timeline of his eventual decision this offseason.
Aaron Rodgers: “I’m not gonna hold ‘em hostage.”
Rodgers says he wants to take the emotion out of the decision about his future before making one. pic.twitter.com/p2b4gtl0Mo
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 9, 2023
If this is the last of Aaron Rodgers with the Packers or even in the NFL entirely, it is certainly an unusual way for him to go out, losing to a Lions team that he has typically dominated over his career in Green Bay.
