As Jordan Love walked off the field at State Farm Stadium after leading the Green Bay Packers to a thrilling 27–23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, he paused to high-five fans wearing green and gold. But while the Packers are now looking ahead to a highly anticipated Week 8 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the headlines aren’t just about the game—they’re about the man waiting on the other sideline: Aaron Rodgers.
For the first time since taking over as Green Bay’s franchise quarterback, Jordan Love will face the quarterback he once backed up and learned from for three seasons. And just days before the reunion, Love revealed a private message from Rodgers that shows their relationship remains strong.
“A-Rod texted me talking about some of the plays we were running, some of my footwork—complimenting me,” Love said. “Any time he gives me pointers, you listen. You want feedback from a legend like that.”
From Awkward Draft Night to Mutual Respect
When the Packers used the No. 26 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers wasn’t thrilled. The move echoed Rodgers’ own arrival in 2005 when he spent three seasons behind Brett Favre—but Rodgers had just come off an MVP-caliber season and believed the team should invest in offensive weapons, not his successor.
Yet, despite national media building a narrative of tension, Rodgers never turned his frustration toward Love.
“Aaron was great to me, all three years,” Love recalled. “You never know what to expect walking into that situation, but being in that quarterback room—those guys welcomed me with open arms.”
A Relationship Built in the QB Room
Love said the dynamic inside Green Bay’s quarterback room was anything but hostile.
“Any time you’re in the quarterback room, you want to have a great relationship just to make it a good environment,” he said. “Aaron helped create that.”
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur echoed the praise.
“I thought Aaron was awesome with Jordan,” LaFleur said. “He was supportive, always giving him nuggets. The mastery Aaron had of our offense was great for both of them.”
Rodgers Still Guiding from Afar
Though Rodgers and the Packers officially split before the 2023 season—leading to Rodgers’ move to the Steelers—the two quarterbacks have maintained communication.
“A lot of it is just saying good luck throughout the season,” Love said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”
Now, Rodgers has the Steelers at 4–2, while Love has Green Bay at 4–1–1, setting the stage for one of the most emotional matchups of the year in Week 8.
“Time to Show What I’ve Learned”
This week, a quote from Love went viral among Packers fans:
“When you’re a young quarterback stepping into a legend’s shoes, you can either feel the weight of it or rise to it. Aaron helped me rise. His texts are more than advice—they remind me I’m capable of greatness. Now it’s time to show what I’ve learned.”
Sunday’s game won’t just be another stop on the schedule—it’s a test of legacy, mentorship, and the future of the Green Bay Packers.
