Jordan Love opens up about relationship with Aaron Rodgers before 'SNF' clash

Many would call Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers standoffish, but Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love looks back on his time with the future Hall of Famer fondly.

In Week 8, the QBs face each other on "Sunday Night Football" at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. Ahead of the matchup, Love discussed his relationship with Rodgers, his teammate for three seasons.

Jordan Love details relationship with Aaron Rodgers

The Packers took Love out of Utah State with pick No. 26 in the 2020 NFL Draft. The four-time MVP was displeased with Green Bay's choice, but Love didn't use that as an excuse to mistreat Rodgers' fellow passer. 

"You never know how it's going to go," Love told the media Wednesday. "Obviously, I didn't know what to expect coming into it. Obviously, being a first-round pick, having A-Rod there, there were a lot of question marks, so you never know how that's going to be.

"But getting here, just being around A-Rod, being in the quarterback room, those guys welcomed me in with open arms and were great. And I think that's what helps build those relationships, keep those relationships." 

Rodgers and Love have remained in contact since he was traded to the New York Jets in April 2023. The Packers star said he recently texted him. 

"A-Rod texted me and was talking about some of the plays we'd run and some of my footwork, things like that, complimenting me. Obviously, it's great to be able to hear from him," Love said. "I've got so much respect for him, and anytime he gives me pointers, stuff like that, obviously, you want to get feedback from a legend like that. So we've got a great relationship."

Rodgers wishes he could say the same for his predecessor, HOFer Brett Favre. Love said he heard stories about their tensions, and Rodgers told him he wanted to be a better mentor. It sounds like he kept his word. 

Love will aim to put Rodgers' lessons to use on Sunday night. But don't expect the ex-Green Bay star to go easy on his protégé. He'll have the upset in mind. As of Wednesday night, ESPN Bet lists the Packers as a 3.5-point favorite in their road game.