Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy confirmed that Aaron Rodgers’ name and number will eventually hang in the Lambeau Field rafters.
Speaking to fan shareholders on Monday, via The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, Murphy said the Packers will welcome Rodgers back to Lambeau and “retire his number at the appropriate time.” Fans applauded his declaration both in person and on social media.
“Well deserved,” a fan wrote.
Well deserved @AaronRodgers12 https://t.co/KqB0VCSrjF
— TheGame100294 (@TheGame100294) July 24, 2023
“This is what you want to hear,” a fan said.
This is what you want to hear https://t.co/UGVd8X0Gi5
— Caleb is 🎮 FFXVI (@LawyerMorty94) July 24, 2023
“Anyone else wearing 12 in Green Bay would just feel wrong,” Anand Nanduri wrote.
Anyone else wearing 12 in Green Bay would just feel wrong https://t.co/69cm1TDZbx
— Anand Nanduri (@NanduriNFL) July 24, 2023
“As it should be,” a Spanish Packers fan account stated.
Cómo debe ser.
Packers Mark Murphy les ha dicho hoy a los accionistas que traerán de vuelta y retirarán el jersey de Aaron Rodgers a su debido tiempo.#Packers https://t.co/O4miUjK5vD
— Cheesehead. (@PackersESP) July 24, 2023
Even if the final years contained some off-field drama, Rodgers will forever be synonymous with the Packers.
While he fell short of Brett Favre in all-time passing yards, Rodgers surpassed his former teammate with a franchise record 475 passing touchdowns. Only Tom Brady and Drew Brees have more with one team.
Rodgers won four MVPs and 158 games (playoffs included) in 15 seasons as a starter. He also led them to a Super Bowl title.
Despite some disputes before trading him to the New York Jets this offseason, eventually retiring Rodgers’ No. 12 alongside six other players is a no-brainer decision for the Packers. Just like with Favre in 2015, Green Bay should honor Rodgers shortly after he hangs up his cleats.