Packers' Rodgers is Mayor Big Cheese(head) at home

[packers11]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3394057

Packers' Rodgers is Mayor Big Cheese(head) at home

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Bill Williamson
ESPN.com

CHICO, Calif.-- It might be a Brett Favre world, but this small Northern California college town is all about Aaron Rodgers.


As much as Favre's Gulf Coast Mississippi town of Kiln became an extension of frigid Wisconsin, this idyllic place famous for Sierra Nevada beer and inner-tube excursions down the Sacramento River has become Green Bay West to Favre's Green Bay South.


"This is a small town and we're very close-knit," said Matt Hock, who has known Rodgers since the player was a 13-year-old. "There is definitely a buzz around town and we're all ready for football season. We're all ready for Aaron and the Packers."


This is how Joe Hoglund -- a Wisconsin native and Chico resident for the past 16 years -- sees it: "When Brett retired everyone was so depressed, but not us. We were like, 'Yeah, now it's Aaron's turn.' Chico all knows what Aaron can do. Now, everyone else will, too."


Life is changing for Rodgers. It's part of replacing a legend. With Favre's announcement in March that he is retiring as the Packers' quarterback, Rodgers instantly became the NFL story of 2008. The weekly pressure cooker officially starts Sept. 8 when Green Bay plays host to NFC North rival Minnesota on ESPN's "Monday Night Football."

Favre's No. 4 jersey will be retired that night.

With his turn in the spotlight quickly approaching, Rodgers took time out last weekend to return home. On Saturday, Rodgers hosted his third annual golf tournament at Tuscan Ridge Golf Course, halfway up the short drive from Chico to a town actually named Paradise, to support Young Life, a program that he participated in as a youth.

Several of the 100-plus tournament golfers were wearing Packers hats and shirts. Chico traditionally had been 49ers and Raiders country as it sits about three hours away from the Bay Area.

It's Packers Country these days. Few professional athletes hail from these parts; fewer still replace legends. Excuse Chico if its residents aren't on their hands and knees wishing Favre would change his mind. There's no disrespect here aimed at Favre, just admiration for one of their own. Rodgers' father, Ed, who has lived here since 1973, said he is offered congratulations and encouragement everywhere he goes in town.

"Our love for Aaron isn't based on what Brett does," said Hock, who runs the Chico-area Young Life group and who ran the golf tournament. "We're all on Aaron's side."

Shortly before teeing off, Rodgers, looking relaxed and sporting shoulder-length hair, took a moment from being Favre's replacement to reflect. The kid who grew up as a chiropractor's son and who went to the local junior college before starring at the University of California in Berkeley is happy to be home.

"It's always good know you people's support," Rodgers said. "I know I have people behind me here. Really, things haven't changed much here in the past two months, other than I'm getting a lot more ticket requests than I used to get."


At the beginning of his interview for this story, Rodgers politely made it clear that he wasn't going to talk about football matters. He said he was "advised" by Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy to hold off on football chatter until the Packers' minicamp next month. Rodgers will have plenty to talk about.


There are the hints by Favre that he someday could return to the playing field. There's also the fact that Green Bay selected Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm in the second round of the draft two weeks ago despite the fact that Rodgers is just 24.


I have looked at Packers chat rooms and I think about 70 percent of the comments are that the fans love Brett [Favre]. But he has decided to leave and it's now Aaron's turn. I think there is support for him in Green Bay.
--Ed Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers' father




While Rodgers wouldn't discuss football, his father didn't shy away from the topic. While he said he respects Favre, Ed Rodgers said the fact that Favre has kept the door of returning open, "doesn't help the matter."


"He retired and the Packers are turning to Aaron and think that's where the focus should be," Ed Rodgers said. "I have looked at Packers chat rooms and I think about 70 percent of the comments are that the fans love Brett. But he has decided to leave and it's now Aaron's turn. I think there is support for him in Green Bay."


As for the Packers drafting Brohm, and adding LSU's Matt Flynn in the seventh round, Ed Rodgers said he understands. In the days leading up to the draft, Green Bay brought in veteran QB Daunte Culpepper for a visit but did not sign him.


"I don't see drafting the rookies as a problem," Ed Rodgers said. "You need younger quarterbacks and I think these guys can all grow together. It can add camaraderie to a team. But if a guy like Culpepper, a veteran who still wants to start is brought in, it could have been a problem … I think this is for the best."


Confidence is high in Chico about the Rodgers era. The Favre talk and the presence of fresh new draft picks won't burst the bubble.


"Aaron is going to start his own history," said Hoglund, who at the first Rodgers golf tournament won a trip to Green Bay during an auction. "We all know it here."


Rodgers smiles when reminded of his hometown support as he entering the biggest challenge of his life.


"This is my home," he said. "I love Chico."


And Chico loves its Green Bay Packers quarterback right back.


Bill Williamson covers the NFL for ESPN.com

[RashanGary]

Rodgers dad is so full of shit. Brett can say whatever he wants. If he wants to retire, cry a river, hand the job over and then leave the door open, that's his choice. The team paid Favre 80-90 million dollars, but he doesn't owe them an iota of respect. All Brett had to do was show up for whatever practices he felt like and play the game. Poeple expect way to much out of a guy who has given everything to the Packers and gotten nothing in return. How many people in the history of human existance have every comitted to an organization the way Brett Favre did to Green Bay? When he was in Mississippi riding his tractor and eveyrone else was practicing and trying to get better, he was doing that for teh good of the team. I just can't believe the expectations for this truley special human being. If Favre had not decided to give everythign to the Packers, he would have been richer than Donald Trump and he would be riding his tractor on his ranch every day because he wouldn't have ot work for it. I'm just so sick of people having any type of expectation for Brett Favre. Brett can and should just do whatever he wants and if it hurts other people, fuck'em. They're low life peasants.

That vent felt good. I just can't believe that people have the gull to expect things from Brett Favre.

Brett Favre. Just that name gives me chills. Fuck you, Ed Rodgers and I hope the person who printed this nonesensical crap burns for eternity in hell for even suggesting Brett has any personal responsiblity to the Packers or the people that are connected to his life.

[packers11]

I think like any dad he is just backing up his boy... But in all honesty, Ed could have said 100 good comments about Brett Favre and not 1 could have been published... I think the author just took the most subjective quotes out of Ed Rodgers, and wanted to write his story how the packers are moving on, not on praising Brett Favre...

But if indeed his 2/3 quotes were the only things he had to say about Favre, that is quite shallow on his part...

[MJZiggy]

I just don't get it. First, Harrell, what drugs are you taking so I'll know which ones to avoid, yeesh. He didn't say Favre owes the Packers anything. He said the fact that he left the door open isn't helping, and, quite frankly, it isn't. That doesn't mean that Favre has to do anything different. I didn't even see it as much of a criticism. And if you think that Favre didn't HAVE to attend practices last year, you're nuts. He didn't get carte blanche to do whatever he wanted. He worked his ass off and that's part of why he retired. He knew he had to work his ass off to stay NFL ready and he wasn't committed to doing that. I love Favre as much as anyone, but the man is not God, and the NFL will continue without him. Hell last season you were the one who was "bored" and you wanted him to move on so you could see what AR could do. What happened to that?

[TravisWilliams23]

JustinHarrell wrote:

Poeple expect way to much out of a guy who has given everything to the Packers and gotten nothing in return.
80-90 million dollars is nothing?

How many people in the history of human existance have every comitted to an organization the way Brett Favre did to Green Bay?
Vince Lombardi & Bart Starr just to name a few.

When he was in Mississippi riding his tractor and eveyrone else was practicing and trying to get better, he was doing that for teh good of the team.
That must be some special Snapper Mower Brett rides that will get him in football shape.

If Favre had not decided to give everythign to the Packers, he would have been richer than Donald Trump and he would be riding his tractor on his ranch every day because he wouldn't have ot work for it.
Wrong. He wouldn't have become the player he was without that dedication.

Brett can and should just do whatever he wants and if it hurts other people, fuck'em.
That's not the Brett Favre I've come to admire. No way he has that kind of attitude.
I hope your post was tongue-in-cheek.
The fact of the matter is that Brett has retired and Aaron is the quarterback for now. If you are a Packer fan you will hope Rodgers can step in and do the job. If you want Rodgers to fail because you "get chill just hearing Brett Favre" then I surmise your loyalty lies elsewhere.

[Lurker64]

I just don't get it. First, Harrell, what drugs are you taking so I'll know which ones to avoid, yeesh. He didn't say Favre owes the Packers anything. He said the fact that he left the door open isn't helping, and, quite frankly, it isn't. That doesn't mean that Favre has to do anything different. I didn't even see it as much of a criticism. And if you think that Favre didn't HAVE to attend practices last year, you're nuts. He didn't get carte blanche to do whatever he wanted. He worked his ass off and that's part of why he retired. He knew he had to work his ass off to stay NFL ready and he wasn't committed to doing that. I love Favre as much as anyone, but the man is not God, and the NFL will continue without him. Hell last season you were the one who was "bored" and you wanted him to move on so you could see what AR could do. What happened to that?

Very well said, I agree 100%.

[DannoMac21]

Rodgers dad is so full of shit. Brett can say whatever he wants. If he wants to retire, cry a river, hand the job over and then leave the door open, that's his choice. The team paid Favre 80-90 million dollars, but he doesn't owe them an iota of respect. All Brett had to do was show up for whatever practices he felt like and play the game. Poeple expect way to much out of a guy who has given everything to the Packers and gotten nothing in return. How many people in the history of human existance have every comitted to an organization the way Brett Favre did to Green Bay? When he was in Mississippi riding his tractor and eveyrone else was practicing and trying to get better, he was doing that for teh good of the team. I just can't believe the expectations for this truley special human being. If Favre had not decided to give everythign to the Packers, he would have been richer than Donald Trump and he would be riding his tractor on his ranch every day because he wouldn't have ot work for it. I'm just so sick of people having any type of expectation for Brett Favre. Brett can and should just do whatever he wants and if it hurts other people, fuck'em. They're low life peasants.

That vent felt good. I just can't believe that people have the gull to expect things from Brett Favre.

Brett Favre. Just that name gives me chills. Fuck you, Ed Rodgers and I hope the person who printed this nonesensical crap burns for eternity in hell for even suggesting Brett has any personal responsiblity to the Packers or the people that are connected to his life.

LMAO!

Are you kidding me dude? Chill the fuck out. Good God.

[CaliforniaCheez]

After seeing that interview, I think McCarthy's avdice to keep his mouth shut is great advice.

During slow NFL news times anything said would be blown out of proportion.

Chico is a remote town in California. A college town for students who don't value an education but enjoy alcohol. The town still relies on a lot of agriculture.

A former student began as a homebrewer of beer when Jimmy Carter made it legal. Now he has a huge factory called Sierra Nevada Brewery.

It's is nice to have one of their Summerfest Ales on days like today. 3rd day in a row over 100 degrees!!

It's too hot to go outside.

[BF4MVP]

Rodgers dad is so full of shit. Brett can say whatever he wants. If he wants to retire, cry a river, hand the job over and then leave the door open, that's his choice. The team paid Favre 80-90 million dollars, but he doesn't owe them an iota of respect. All Brett had to do was show up for whatever practices he felt like and play the game. Poeple expect way to much out of a guy who has given everything to the Packers and gotten nothing in return. How many people in the history of human existance have every comitted to an organization the way Brett Favre did to Green Bay? When he was in Mississippi riding his tractor and eveyrone else was practicing and trying to get better, he was doing that for teh good of the team. I just can't believe the expectations for this truley special human being. If Favre had not decided to give everythign to the Packers, he would have been richer than Donald Trump and he would be riding his tractor on his ranch every day because he wouldn't have ot work for it. I'm just so sick of people having any type of expectation for Brett Favre. Brett can and should just do whatever he wants and if it hurts other people, fuck'em. They're low life peasants.

That vent felt good. I just can't believe that people have the gull to expect things from Brett Favre.

Brett Favre. Just that name gives me chills. Fuck you, Ed Rodgers and I hope the person who printed this nonesensical crap burns for eternity in hell for even suggesting Brett has any personal responsiblity to the Packers or the people that are connected to his life.
Dude, JH..I like ya, but your posts have really been off the wall recently..Jeesh..This post is just ridiculous..

[Patler]

After seeing that interview, I think McCarthy's avdice to keep his mouth shut is great advice.

During slow NFL news times anything said would be blown out of proportion.


We enjoyed him because of it for years and years, but that is a lesson that Favre still has not learned.

[Patler]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3394057

Packers' Rodgers is Mayor Big Cheese(head) at home

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Bill Williamson
ESPN.com


"He retired and the Packers are turning to Aaron and think that's where the focus should be," Ed Rodgers said. "I have looked at Packers chat rooms and I think about 70 percent of the comments are that the fans love Brett. But he has decided to leave and it's now Aaron's turn. I think there is support for him in Green Bay."



Which Packerrat are you Mr. Rodgers?? Inquiring minds want, nay DEMAND to know! :lol: :lol:

[MJZiggy]

Lets just hope he stopped in here before JH went off the deep end...

[pbmax]

After seeing that interview, I think McCarthy's avdice to keep his mouth shut is great advice.

During slow NFL news times anything said would be blown out of proportion.


We enjoyed him because of it for years and years, but that is a lesson that Favre still has not learned.

C'mon, its been at least two weeks since a surfacing! :D

Baby steps, baby steps, baby steps...

[cpk1994]

Rodgers dad is so full of shit. Brett can say whatever he wants. If he wants to retire, cry a river, hand the job over and then leave the door open, that's his choice. The team paid Favre 80-90 million dollars, but he doesn't owe them an iota of respect. All Brett had to do was show up for whatever practices he felt like and play the game. Poeple expect way to much out of a guy who has given everything to the Packers and gotten nothing in return. How many people in the history of human existance have every comitted to an organization the way Brett Favre did to Green Bay? When he was in Mississippi riding his tractor and eveyrone else was practicing and trying to get better, he was doing that for teh good of the team. I just can't believe the expectations for this truley special human being. If Favre had not decided to give everythign to the Packers, he would have been richer than Donald Trump and he would be riding his tractor on his ranch every day because he wouldn't have ot work for it. I'm just so sick of people having any type of expectation for Brett Favre. Brett can and should just do whatever he wants and if it hurts other people, fuck'em. They're low life peasants.

That vent felt good. I just can't believe that people have the gull to expect things from Brett Favre.

Brett Favre. Just that name gives me chills. Fuck you, Ed Rodgers and I hope the person who printed this nonesensical crap burns for eternity in hell for even suggesting Brett has any personal responsiblity to the Packers or the people that are connected to his life.The only one who is full of shit right now is you. How you got that out of Ed Rodgers quotes is far beyond the imagination of anyone. I tend to agree with the group here mind-altering substances are involved.

[falco]

Rodgers dad is so full of shit. Brett can say whatever he wants. If he wants to retire, cry a river, hand the job over and then leave the door open, that's his choice. The team paid Favre 80-90 million dollars, but he doesn't owe them an iota of respect. All Brett had to do was show up for whatever practices he felt like and play the game. Poeple expect way to much out of a guy who has given everything to the Packers and gotten nothing in return. How many people in the history of human existance have every comitted to an organization the way Brett Favre did to Green Bay? When he was in Mississippi riding his tractor and eveyrone else was practicing and trying to get better, he was doing that for teh good of the team. I just can't believe the expectations for this truley special human being. If Favre had not decided to give everythign to the Packers, he would have been richer than Donald Trump and he would be riding his tractor on his ranch every day because he wouldn't have ot work for it. I'm just so sick of people having any type of expectation for Brett Favre. Brett can and should just do whatever he wants and if it hurts other people, fuck'em. They're low life peasants.

That vent felt good. I just can't believe that people have the gull to expect things from Brett Favre.

Brett Favre. Just that name gives me chills. Fuck you, Ed Rodgers and I hope the person who printed this nonesensical crap burns for eternity in hell for even suggesting Brett has any personal responsiblity to the Packers or the people that are connected to his life.The only one who is full of shit right now is you. How you got that out of Ed Rodgers quotes is far beyond the imagination of anyone. I tend to agree with the group here mind-altering substances are involved.

i'm pretty convinced there are about 18 people here who are the same person, which means there is altogether about 4 original posters

[MJZiggy]

The only flaw in that theory is that there are a number of us who have met. You should go to the posters game this year and you'll meet the motley bunch of us.

[falco]

The only flaw in that theory is that there are a number of us who have met. You should go to the posters game this year and you'll meet the motley bunch of us.

the real question ziggy is, which of the people there is also the culprit of the multiple personality ruse...you could do a whodunit type mystery dinner after the game.

[MJZiggy]

But what do we do with him when we figure out who he is?! :P

[falco]

But what do we do with him when we figure out who he is?! :P

you're being awful presumptuous with your pronouns there...trying to throw us off the scent??


last year i wasn't able to go to lambeau, but my dad and I made it over to minnesota to watch the game...we should make a packerrats pilgrimage over there - rastak and mngolf could join too

[MJZiggy]

No, it's just that women are above that sort of thing...

[falco]

No, it's just that women are above that sort of thing...

all of them except torrence marshall's girlfriend apparently

[MJZiggy]

I never had the pleasure (or misfortune depending on how you looked at it). Was she more than one person?

[Patler]

The only flaw in that theory is that there are a number of us who have met. You should go to the posters game this year and you'll meet the motley bunch of us.

Are you sure you didn't go to the game by yourself, and while there you "met" many of your other personalities? What proof do the rest of us REALLY have??? :lol: :lol: :lol:

[MJZiggy]

It will be proven when you come to meet us this year. I would love to see you there.

[Patler]

It will be proven when you come to meet us this year. I would love to see you there.

Should I ask my mommy if I can go?
(Ooops! Wrong personality cover!)

[HarveyWallbangers]

Rodgers dad is so full of shit. Brett can say whatever he wants. If he wants to retire, cry a river, hand the job over and then leave the door open, that's his choice. The team paid Favre 80-90 million dollars, but he doesn't owe them an iota of respect. All Brett had to do was show up for whatever practices he felt like and play the game. Poeple expect way to much out of a guy who has given everything to the Packers and gotten nothing in return. How many people in the history of human existance have every comitted to an organization the way Brett Favre did to Green Bay? When he was in Mississippi riding his tractor and eveyrone else was practicing and trying to get better, he was doing that for teh good of the team. I just can't believe the expectations for this truley special human being. If Favre had not decided to give everythign to the Packers, he would have been richer than Donald Trump and he would be riding his tractor on his ranch every day because he wouldn't have ot work for it. I'm just so sick of people having any type of expectation for Brett Favre. Brett can and should just do whatever he wants and if it hurts other people, fuck'em. They're low life peasants.

That vent felt good. I just can't believe that people have the gull to expect things from Brett Favre.

Brett Favre. Just that name gives me chills. Fuck you, Ed Rodgers and I hope the person who printed this nonesensical crap burns for eternity in hell for even suggesting Brett has any personal responsiblity to the Packers or the people that are connected to his life.

The only one who is full of shit right now is you. How you got that out of Ed Rodgers quotes is far beyond the imagination of anyone. I tend to agree with the group here mind-altering substances are involved.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Gullible

[BallHawk]

I tend to agree with what Rodgers' dad says. Favre demands all the respect in the world but it's Aaron's turn now and Favre needs to keep his mouth shut.

[MJZiggy]

It will be proven when you come to meet us this year. I would love to see you there.

Should I ask my mommy if I can go?
(Ooops! Wrong personality cover!)

:lol: Maybe not your mommy, but Mrs. Patler may have something to say...

[Patler]

It will be proven when you come to meet us this year. I would love to see you there.

Should I ask my mommy if I can go?
(Ooops! Wrong personality cover!)

:lol: Maybe not your mommy, but Mrs. Patler may have something to say...

She always does! :D

[Lurker64]

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Gullible (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=GuIIible&x=0&y=0)

That's not a word at all, it's not even in the dictionary!

[MadtownPacker]

I tend to agree with what Rodgers' dad says. Favre demands all the respect in the world but it's Aaron's turn now and Favre needs to keep his mouth shut.It is easy to see people like you have no loyalty. I can imagine if you got in trouble with some of your buddies you would roll on them in a heartbeat. Sorry (not really), you just seem like that type of guy.

ARod hasn't proven or done shit in the NFL. When he has then he will be worthy of the benefit of the doubt and the admiration of his team and fans. Until then he is just the first guy who will try to replace the guy. He has had everything tailor made for his coronation so if he doesn't get it done it is all on him. For you to say Favre should shut his mouth is disrespectful to someone who has given the team so many good times and even a trip to the promise land. I will give Rodger his year but if he aint showing something halfway through or ends up on IR we can move on IMO.

[BallHawk]

I tend to agree with what Rodgers' dad says. Favre demands all the respect in the world but it's Aaron's turn now and Favre needs to keep his mouth shut.It is easy to see people like you have no loyalty. I can imagine if you got in trouble with some of your buddies you would roll on them in a heartbeat. Sorry (not really), you just seem like that type of guy.

Staying "loyal" to Favre isn't going to win the Packers any games. It's not about the past now. Staying in the past isn't going to do anything. Favre was great, beyond words, but he's gone. Mulling over Favre and acting like he still is a force to this team doesn't do shit, it hurts the team. This is Aaron's team. It used to be Favre's but he left, it's Aaron's now. Anything Favre does to attract attention is detrimental to the team. Now, listen, if you wanna live in the past, go ahead. But this team needs to move forward.

Way to interpret somebody's character traits through the internet by the way. :roll:

[MadtownPacker]

I tend to agree with what Rodgers' dad says. Favre demands all the respect in the world but it's Aaron's turn now and Favre needs to keep his mouth shut.It is easy to see people like you have no loyalty. I can imagine if you got in trouble with some of your buddies you would roll on them in a heartbeat. Sorry (not really), you just seem like that type of guy.

Staying "loyal" to Favre isn't going to win the Packers any games. It's not about the past now. Staying in the past isn't going to do anything. Favre was great, beyond words, but he's gone. Mulling over Favre and acting like he still is a force to this team doesn't do shit, it hurts the team. This is Aaron's team. It used to be Favre's but he left, it's Aaron's now. Anything Favre does to attract attention is detrimental to the team. Now, listen, if you wanna live in the past, go ahead. But this team needs to move forward.

Way to interpret somebody's character traits through the internet by the way. :roll:ARod's Dad should be the one that STFU. First, his son doesnt need this shit, second, who the fuck is he to talk shit about Favre?? Like you said, it is Rodgers team now, not Favre's and damn sure not mr. fuckhead rodgers.

Dont get sensitive. I can smell tears. :lol: