A taxing first season in the NFL eventually gave way to a long-awaited offseason, and now Green Bay Packers receiver Amari Rodgers is feeling recharged and ready to take on Year 2 in 2022.
“I’ve had an offseason to actually take care of my body, get my body right. So I feel like I’m back to myself,” Rodgers told Alberto Camargo of the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Rodgers said he felt his final season at Clemson and the pre-draft process affected his rookie season, which took a toll on him “mentally and physically.”
The Packers’ third-round pick finished the 2021 season with four catches for 45 yards, one carry for 11 yards and 20 kickoff returns for 166 yards and 11 punt returns for 199 yards.
Overall, Rodgers played only 103 snaps on offense and another 116 on special teams during an underwhelming first season.
Earlier this offseason, Rodgers explained how he shifted his focus to getting his body back where he wants it entering Year 2.
“This offseason, I locked in on getting my body right,” Rodgers said last month. “I lost like six pounds, I lost four percent body fat. Lost all of it my torso, so I feel like I’m getting in that area where I was in college as far as where I want to be to move how I want to, and play receiver the way I should.”
Rodgers said he’s better acclimated to the speed of the game and playing in an multi-layered offense led by Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP. He also said he’s dipped into “meditation and mental training” to help create the second-year leap everyone is expecting.
The Packers believe Rodgers’ confidence has skyrocketed this offseason.
“Biggest thing we worked on, I talked to him in the offseason, how do you get your confidence? Well, you work and train harder than you ever did,” receivers coach Jason Vrable said. “So if you were to see him right now, he already looks faster and stronger than he ever did. He’s in the best shape of his life. His mindset is, ‘I’m going to be the No. 1 guy at all three positions.’ He has that going for him. His route-running is already cleaner and crisper. He’s trained an entire offseason.”
Rodgers has an opportunity to carve out an important role on offense after the Packers lost Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling at receiver this offseason, but he must improve drastically over his rookie season to make it happen. A chance to recharge the batteries after running on empty as a rookie might help.
