New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers gifted Green Bay Packers rookie Sean Clifford a signed jersey as a ‘housewarming present’ despite no longer being with the NFC North franchise.
Clifford received the gift as he moved into Rodgers’ old locker - which the four-time MVP had used for 18 years - after the Packers spent a fifth-round pick on him. The 24-year-old proved his worth at Penn State University by departing as the program’s all-time leader in starting quarterback wins (32), passing yards (10,661) and passing touchdowns (86).
The upcoming 2023 season will be the first time Rodgers - a 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro - will be playing in another uniform in the NFL. The Packers are adjusting to life without Rodgers, with Jordan Love taking over as the starting quarterback for the first time since he was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Rodgers’ personality has been questioned at times amid controversial off-turf stories, but he showcased his genuineness to help Clifford get to grips with the NFL. Clifford was selected by the Packers in the fifth round of April’s 2023 NFL Draft - and he clearly appreciated Rodgers’ touching gesture.
Rodgers sent the signed jersey complete with a frame and two photos of him in action alongside a message. The 39-year-old wrote: “Sean, welcome to GB! Enjoy that great city and my locker!”
Clifford took to social media to post the image and said: “Not a bad house warming gift… thank you!” - while tagging Rodgers and sports apparel giants Fanatics.
The jersey gift was reportedly part of the NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere event during which a number of rookies were sent videos from league legends ahead of their debut campaign. Clifford was clearly psyched by Rodgers' message, saying back in May: “I understand who was in here before, and I respect everything about that, but at the same time, I came in, I found my name on the plate, and I sat down.
“I'm doing whatever it takes to win games here. I'm very appreciative of the opportunity.”
Rodgers enjoyed 18 years as a member of the Packers - winning Super Bowl XLV - after he was drafted in 2005. However, the Jets moved after it became clear Green Bay were willing to move off the four-time MVP and progress with Love in 2023 and beyond.
Back in April, the Jets finally completed a sensational trade with the Packers to secure the services of Rodgers. He was sent to New York along with the 15th overall pick and a fifth round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft in exchange for the 2023 13th overall pick, a 2023 second-round pick (no.42), a sixth-round pick (no.207) and a conditional second round pick.
With Clifford waiting in the wings, the new season will be a big year for Love, who spent his first three years as a backup who appeared in 10 games. If he fails to impress and the Packers flounder, Green Bay could turn to Clifford or even the 2024 NFL Draft to search for Rodgers’ long-term successor.
