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Aaron Rodgers not motivated by Packers-49ers playoff history

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 1/18/22

The Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers have a unique history heading into Saturday's primetime playoff game at Lambeau Field. Head coaches Matt LaFleur and Kyle Shanahan are longtime friends who may or may not have had some issues earlier this year, and the two franchises have split their previous eight postseason matchups, per Mike Spofford of the Packers' website.

It was back in January 1999 when Hall of Famers Steve Young and Terrell Owens connected for a memorable game-winning score versus the Packers:

Current Green Bay quarterback and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers admitted Tuesday that the past isn't providing him with any needed spark ahead of Saturday's encounter.

"It’s not really motivation," Rodgers said of the playoff rivalry, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "Motivation comes from within. I already have enough motivation. Inspiration? I did watch this rivalry growing up. One big moment that sticks out was Young to T.O., for sure, and I think a lot of Packer fans talk about there being a fumble on that drive that wasn’t called. But no extra motivation. I’ve been around and played a lot of football. I understand the history of this rivalry, the history of us against them. But these are two different teams."

Rodgers and company rallied from behind to defeat the 49ers in Week 3 via a game-ending field goal made by Mason Crosby, so don't be surprised if these two clubs produce another playoff instant classic this coming weekend.

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