Analysis

2/23/23

2 min read

Report: Rodgers Ends Darkness Retreat, No Word on Retirement Decision

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Los Angeles Rams during their football game on Sunday November 28, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Apc Packers Vs Rams 01262 112821wag

Aaron Rodgers has emerged from the darkness, but his future remains uncertain.

The long-time Green Bay Packers' quarterback left Sky Cave Retreats in Ashland, Ore., on Wednesday after completing a three-day darkness retreat, the facility owner, Scott Berman, told ESPN. Rodgers has yet to comment on whether he's decided to retire since ending his darkness retreat.

The room Rodgers stayed in during his retreat had roughly 300 square feet of space, a queen-sized bed, a bathroom and a meditation mat on the floor. The room was fully powered and had lights that could be turned on from the inside.

During his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show before the Super Bowl, Rodgers said he'd decide if he wanted to return for the 2023 season after his retreat.

“That’s why it’s going to be important to get through this week and to take my isolation retreat and just to be able to contemplate all things my future and then be able to make a decision that I think is best for me moving forward and in the highest interest of my happiness and then move forward,” Rodgers told McAfee on Feb.7.

In a news conference earlier this month, Packers' president Mark Murphy said there was no deadline for Rodgers to decide, but he'd prefer it to happen before the beginning of free agency. The "legal tampering period" of free agency begins on March 13.

However, a report surfaced last week detailing a potential rift in Rodgers' relationship with the Packers. Longtime Packers beat reporter Bob McGinn reported the Packers are "done" and "disgusted" with Rodgers but excited about quarterback Jordan Love.

“They are done with Rodgers,” McGinn said on the Go Long podcast with Tyler Dunne. “He’s not coming back. I mean, they’re disgusted with him, and they’re done with him. And they’re moving on."

If Rodgers decides he wants to continue playing, but not in Green Bay, at least one team has reached out already — the New York Jets. New York has called Green Bay about a potential trade involving the veteran signal-caller. The Jets have repeatedly said they want to acquire a veteran quarterback this offseason.

For now, the Jets and Packers will have to wait for Rodgers to decide if he saw the light while sitting in darkness.


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