Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Aaron Rodgers considered retirement while away from Packers

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/28/21

Disgruntled Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers always seemed likely to ultimately return to the club because he's signed through 2023, turns 38 years old in December and wouldn't dare consider walking away while serving as the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player.

Rodgers spoke candidly with reporters on Wednesday and admitted he thought about retiring while "working on himself" during this past offseason that included skipping Green Bay's mandatory minicamp last month:

Aaron Rodgers was asked about retirement, said: "It's definitely something I thought about."pic.twitter.com/0w6OjD2G8C
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 28, 2021

Rodgers also offered a lengthy response when asked about why he may be so unhappy with certain individuals within the organization:

My man @TomPelissero with the question to @AaronRodgers12 that gave us the answer we were all waiting for: 4 pages. Read them all. pic.twitter.com/2tpurKDJ1e
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 28, 2021

It was reported Monday that Rodgers' return to the Packers was at least somewhat based on the notion the franchise will help him leave and join a different team next winter or spring. He said that isn't necessarily the case:

Aaron Rodgers says he *doesn't* have the right to decide where he will play in 2022.pic.twitter.com/XgDPj3KWBS
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 28, 2021

He was, however noncommittal about staying with the Packers beyond the upcoming campaign:

Does @AaronRodgers12 wants to play his entire career with the Packers?

"That's a tough question to answer. I'm definitely not closing the door on anything.pic.twitter.com/BYbrUM15ss
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 28, 2021

Rodgers may have also taken a jab at the team's front office:

“I love this team, I love the or—you know, the fans.”

Perhaps it was just a slip, but this felt like one of the more telling moments during Aaron Rodgers’ press conference. pic.twitter.com/MSHH6qRQYI
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 28, 2021

While Rodgers will be under center for Green Bay come September, he left little doubt for every other team that his services could be up for grabs as soon as March 2022 unless his relationship with those running the Packers changes dramatically over the next seven months or so.

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