Although both guys say the appropriate things publicly, there isn’t a real relationship between Green Bay Packers quarterback [intlink id=”25″ type=”category”]Aaron Rodgers[/intlink] and the guy he succeeded, [intlink id=”41″ type=”category”]Brett Favre[/intlink], and there may never be.
Rodgers is still at least somewhat bitter over the way Favre treated him when they were teammates and rightfully so.
Favre went out of his way to say it wasn’t his job to mentor Rodgers. Rodgers has had to answer questions about Favre at every turn.
And then there was the time Rodgers called Favre during his first unretirement. It was a call Favre never returned.
Although he’s never hinted at it publicly, a teammate who knows both men (and wished to remain anonymous), confirmed Rodgers feelings and Favre’s, well… wishy-washy nature.
“This is one of those situations where Brett can’t win,” the player said. “If he calls Aaron it looks like he’s grandstanding. If he doesn’t, he seems like he’s selfish and inconsiderate.
“I can tell you Brett wants to speak to Aaron. He really does and it’s sincere. I don’t know if they’ve spoken yet. I just know Brett wants to bury the hatchet.”
Really?
“No question. The big issue is will Aaron want to take the call. That I don’t know. The bitterness remains deep.”
The Packers will eventually welcome Favre back into the family and Favre has made some minor attempts to make amends. Rodgers’ and Favre’s paths will certainly cross in the future.
Favre should clearly make the first move. He not only needs to make amends with Rodgers, but with Packers fans. Of course, that hasn’t happened yet and maybe it never will, considering Favre’s self-centered nature.
I’m told that when the subject of ending his cold war with Rodgers is raised with Favre, Favre eventually asks, “What does Aaron think?” And I’m told that when Rodgers is asked about reconciling with Favre, Rodgers eventually asks, “What does Brett think?”
The impasse remains this simple little conundrum. Favre is concerned any attempt by him to reach out to Rodgers will be seen as manipulative, and Rodgers still hurts from the way Favre treated him when the two played together.
Personally, I don’t think Favre could look worse than he already does, so adding manipulation to his long list of sins should be the least of his worries.
But that’s not Brett Favre.
He’s never seen the big picture, on or off the field.