Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins has admitted Aaron Rodgers will be "missed" in the locker room after the four-time MVP was sensationally traded to the New York Jets earlier this offseason.
The Packers are adjusting to life without their long-time quarterback, with Jordan Love taking over as the starter for the first time since he was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The offence is still getting used to Love’s game under center after working with a savvy veteran like Rodgers.
The 39-year-old uses his experience to dissect defences at will once he is at the line of scrimmage, helping his offensive line make changes to coverage through his cadence. Jenkins adjusted to that quickly after he was brought to Green Bay in the second round back in 2019.
However, Jenkins also spoke highly of Rodgers’ warm personality and how he treated his linemen off the field. Speaking to NFL Network’s ‘Good Morning Football’, Jenkins admitted things will be different in Green Bay going forwards with Rodgers gone.
He said: “Just his presence in the locker room and the things that he brings to the game, the experience, all the stories that he had to tell and all that, he’s gonna be missed in our locker room for sure.”
Back in April, the Jets finally completed a sensational trade with the Packers to secure the services of the iconic quarterback. Rodgers - as well as the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a fifth-round selection - moved to New York 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.
Rodgers enjoyed 18 years as a member of the Packers - winning Super Bowl XLV - after he was drafted in 2005. However, the Jets and the NFC North franchise were engaged in trade talks after it became clear Green Bay were willing to move off Rodgers and progress with Love in 2023 and beyond.
Rodgers’ leadership has been questioned at times, but his reputation and body of work demands respect from his teammates. His very presence demands the highest-level of execution, and while Love may not be at that level yet, Jenkins believes he is ready to step up and deliver.
“When he first got in the league, he wasn't our starter, but the way that he walked around the locker room, the way that he approached the game, he always approached every game as a starter,” Jenkins said of Love. “So we know that he's a good player and just ready to go on Sunday or whenever we play.
“In OTAs, I've seen a lot of good things from Jordan, a lot of leadership - he stepped up as a leader a lot - so I'm very excited for his future and ready to play with him.”
All eyes will be on the two quarterbacks in 2023 as Love takes on his first starting role with the Packers, while Rodgers looks to take the Jets to the Super Bowl for the first time since Joe Namath.
