After a night of Añejo tequila, Aaron Rodgers reached out to Packers assistant director of communications Tom Fanning for Jordan Love’s number. The morning after the 2020 NFL Draft’s first round, he called Love while driving home in Southern California. As the mayhem of draft night faded, Rodgers assured Love that they would have fun together and he would be there to help him navigate the tricky situation of being drafted as a quarterback by the Packers.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst traded up in the draft for Love, shocking the NFL. Although Gutekunst faced scrutiny for not drafting a wide receiver, he explained that the opportunity to pick Love was too good to pass up, given his potential as a future starting quarterback.
The Packers implemented a system of fines within their quarterback room, where Love racked up quiet fines for his reserved nature. Despite these fines, Love learned invaluable lessons from Rodgers on pocket movements, protections, and making every throw.
Love’s journey to becoming the Packers’ franchise quarterback was not without challenges. From losing to LSU in college to facing an onslaught from the Chiefs in the NFL, Love persevered and continued to grow as a player. His composure in adverse situations, instilled by his parents, has been a key factor in his success.
Now, with a lucrative contract extension, Love is set to lead the Packers into a new era. Rodgers, his mentor, congratulated him on his payday and expressed confidence in Love’s abilities to take the reins. As Love prepares to face the Eagles, he reflects on his journey from a controversial draft pick to the face of a legendary franchise.
Indeed, the Packers may have struck gold once again, ushering in a new chapter with Jordan Love at the helm.
(Illustration: Eamonn Dalton / The Athletic; photo: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)
