The AP made it known with their MVP vote, and now other NFL players have confirmed it.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the best player in the NFL.
NFL Network over the past ten weeks has been airing a countdown of the “Top 100 Players of 2012” as voted upon by NFL players themselves. Each week the show has counted down 10 players, with tonight’s show being the final one.
Some have said this list is silly and pointless, but I’d argue this is more important than they think because NFL players are the ones voting, not media members. I can’t speak for the players, but if I were one this would be of some significance because it means they have the respect of their peers and I know that to someone like Rodgers that means a great deal.
This honor is just further proof of Rodgers’ incredible rise to the top of the NFL. Four years ago he was being booed for throwing incomplete passes in a SCRIMMAGE just because he wasn’t the guy he took over for. Now, one NFL MVP and a Super Bowl title later, Rodgers is not just the toast of Green Bay but he is the toast of the NFL including among his peers.
With a rocket arm, somehow still-underrated athleticism and lethal accuracy and at the still young age of 28, Rodgers can dominate the game for years to come and other players are beginning to recognize that.
Here’s what other NFL players had to say about the reigning MVP of the NFL:
“To make the QB position look effortless is amazing.”
“He doesn’t have a go to receiver….”
“His charisma and his passion for the game infectious”
“He’s a cool guy who is approachable and is right there playing cards with the guys in the locker room”
“All in all, it’s nothing we really haven’t heard before.”
Rodgers, on the reaction show on NFL Network, was humbled by the honor. “I’m very humbled by the distinction form my peers. It means a lot to me. “
That said, Rodgers still doesn’t consider himself the best quarterback in the league. Rodgers said, “I’m blessed to have this honor, but Tom (Brady) is still the watermark for the position.”
If Rodgers keeps that mindset despite the individual success, good days and more championships are in store for the Packers and their faithful fans.
Here is the video from NFL Network/NFL.com:
——————Kris Burke is a sports writer covering the Green Bay Packers for AllGreenBayPackers.com and WTMJ in Milwaukee. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) and his work has been linked to by sites such as National Football Post and CBSSports.com. Follow @KrisLBurke
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To get this acknowledgement from your peers is extra special. Now he needs a few more SB titles to validate his entire career. I’m ready to enjoy the ride.
Not only a chance to become the best Packer of all time, but the best player of all time.
It’s true if you think about it.
It’s going to take a lot to even be the best Packer of all time. There’s a lot of time and performance to catch up with the current best – you know who I mean –
Herb Adderley…
Aaron’s best attribute is that he is a sincere well balanced human being. He works hard at his craft, trying to better himself, striving for excellence. He inspires his workmates and even Brett Favre can’t say anything negative about him (at least now). Even his so called bad performances he outperforms most of his teammates. Who could forget his tackle on Urlacher saving a pick six, or just risking his body as he scrambles for a first down against the Giants in the Divisional playoffs. Has he the potential to become the greatest Packer or even the greatest NFL player of all time? Absolutely! Packers fans, let’s sit back and enjoy the ride.
Go Bears! (not the Chicago ones)
I thought I heard once that Rodgers’ three pre-NFL teams were the Bears, the Vikings and the Lions.
Glad he saved the best for last!