Despite all the exciting roster moves made by the Minnesota Vikings during the last few weeks, a bunch of the team's offseason has been filled with rumors about former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Well, for the first time since the end of the 2024 NFL season, we got to actually hear from Rodgers, as he made an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday.
During the conversation, he attempted to clarify some of the rumors about him holding out hope to play for the Vikings next season.
"Something I just read about me pitching something to the Vikings. I know Ben [Roethlisberger] was on the show talking about me waiting around for the Vikings, that's not accurate either.
I'm sure there's [a lot] of sentiment from both Packers fans, shoot, even maybe Vikings fans, about certain things.
I've known Kevin [O'Connell] forever. I've known Kevin O'Connell since we used to work out at Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego County, in North County. I've known him for 17, 18 years, and we've got a good friendship, so we talk outside of just this offseason. We keep in touch during the season, so we've had good communication."
Aaron Rodgers did his best to make it seem like he isn't desperate to play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025
No one should have been surprised by anything that Rodgers said on Thursday. He's never been one to confirm any rumors or paint himself in a light that makes him look like he isn't the one in control of his situation.
Even if Rodgers truly is waiting to see if there will be an opportunity to play for the Vikings next season, that's not something he would ever admit. His ego just won't let him do that.
Moving forward, the best thing that can happen for Minnesota is that J.J. McCarthy looks impressive in OTAs and mini-camp during the next few weeks, and it's made extremely clear that he is going to be the team's starting quarterback next season.
Otherwise, any rumors connecting Rodgers to the Vikings, unfortunately, won't be going away.