The poor guy. Aaron Rodgers is in an unenviable situation right from the get-go. You’re taking over for one of the legends of the game. If you think Jarome Iginla or Lanny McDonald mean a lot to his community, you’re only scratching the surface when it comes to the connection Brett Favre has with the fans of the Green Bay Packers. Chris Ballard wrote a great article in Sports Illustrated last week outlining just how hard it’s going to be for Rodgers to win over the fans…and that article was written BEFORE Favre decided to come out of retirement.

Think of the scenarios that can play out for Rodgers for next season…

1. He’s the starting quarterback, Brett Favre is elsewhere, maybe playing, maybe not. Rodgers goes out, plays well, with a high quarterback rating and the Packers are 12-4. You’re fooling yourself if you think there won’t be a contingent of fans screaming “he’s on a good team, he’s EXPECTED TO DO GOOD!” And that’s best case…the best case scenario for Rodgers is for him to play well, start, and not get the credit he may or may not deserve.

2. That sucks enough on its own. So what happens if Rodgers goes out and doesn’t play well, the Packers struggle to a 2-5 start. So now Rodgers is on a good team and SHOULD be playing well because of his surroundings, but isn’t. Are you telling me we won’t hear “shoulda kept Favre” sentiments? That’s no good. Rodgers has ALREADY made some headstrong comments to SI about the situation…”I don’t feel I need to sell myself to the fans. They need to get on board or keep their mouths shut.” Yeah, that’s helping…so, imagine that attitude while you suck and while the fans are screaming for Favre. I don’t know, a Michael Vick-esque middle finger seems in the works.

3. And then there is the final scenario. Lets say the Packers and Favre mend the bridges (I don’t think that’s happening, but it could). Regardless of whether Favre plays well or not, everyone will be looking at Rodgers. Is he a locker room distraction? Is he being a team guy? And if Favre and/or the Packers struggle, all the talk is going to be “Is Rodgers being a distraction” or “is there a feud between the 2 QB’s.”

So, the scenarios aren’t good for Rodgers, and none of this is happening if Brett Favre doesn’t retire too early. But whatever, I don’t agree with Favre, but it’s done and it’s going forward. The worst part is the fact Aaron Rodgers gets a raw deal regardless…its on the Packers to make this as easy as possible on their potential quarterback of the future.

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