Aaron Rodgers motivated by Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements

There are a lot of things that motivate quarterback Aaron Rodgers when he goes out onto the field either for a game or for practice. One of the quieter motivations for Rodgers over the years has been Packers quarterback coach Tom Clements. Clements, 69, was the Packers quarterback coach and offensive coordinator for 11 seasons (2006-2016) under then-head coach Mike McCarthy. He was re-hired earlier this offseason and no one is more excited than Rodgers. Clements is one of Rodgers' mentors, who helped him become the all-time great quarterback that he is today.

The back-to-back MVP had this to say Wednesday after Green Bay's first training camp practice: 

"When I was a young player, I wanted nothing more than to make Tom Clements happy, and it was incredible motivation for me. Because I would have great games, in my opinion, and Tom would give me a minus performance. It motivated me because I love that Tom held me accountable in more ways than just a stat sheet. It was about the fundamentals, the decision making, the footwork, and stuff that has really molded me into the quarterback I am today. So, on day one to get a fist bump was pretty sweet. I said 'Tom, you haven't seen me play in a while, that was for you.'"

While Clements was in Green Bay for over a decade, Rodgers earned a Super Bowl MVP (XLV), two league MVPs, six Pro Bowl nods, three All-Pro honors and was later named a member of the NFL's 2010 All-Decade Team. The 69-year old coach clearly has had a great impact on No. 12 throughout his storied career. Rodgers is coming off of two consecutive MVP awards and the Packers have ranked in the top 10 in total offense each of the last two seasons, including No. 1 in scoring offense in 2020. Clements will only help the situation moving forward.