Aaron Rodgers saddened by Brett Favre's Parkinson's disease revelation - "Mortality gets thrown in our face"
Aaron Rodgers had a somber take on Brett Favre's Parkinson's disease diagnosis after the quarterback recently confirmed the condition at a congressional hearing. The Jets quarterback said that it does not become easier to listen to news like this about someone he knows even though they become more commonplace as one gets older.
As reported by the New York Post, Aaron Rodgers said:
“The older you get, and some of you know this, but mortality kind of gets thrown in our face a little bit more. It’s actually, unfortunately, more normal to hear about a death or a cancer diagnosis or a diagnosis like this. It doesn’t desensitize it for me."
The Jets star said he feels bad for Brett Favre and his family. He also commented on how the risk of playing in the NFL comes into focus when one hears news like this and admitted that players have such thoughts at the back of their minds. Hoping for medical advancements that can either cure or mitigate such issues, Aaron Rodgers added:
“I mean, I feel bad for him, and [wife] Deanna. It’s unfortunately part of our game. That’s part of the risk of playing in the league, and we all in the back of our minds know that could be a reality at some point. We hope medicine at some point can catch up and either make the symptoms easier or eradicate some of these issues that we have.”
Aaron Rodgers considers Brett Favre the 'ultimate tough guy'
Previously, Aaron Rodgers sat down with Bill Maher and revealed that he does not wear rib pads or a mouthguard, and he does not tape his ankles as some other players do. He said he was inspired by his predecessor with the Green Bay Packers and picked up these habits from him.
As testimony to how Brett Favre approached the game, the current Jets quarterback called him the "ultimate tough guy."
Mike McCarthy joins Aaron Rodgers in wishing Brett Favre well
Aaron Rodgers was not the only person who wished Brett Favre the best. Mike McCarthy, who coached both these quarterbacks, also gave his thoughts, saying,
"I heard the news this morning and I reached out. Tremendous man, and obviously it touches all of us. Brett has worked with a lot of people in this building. Our hearts, our prayers and our thoughts go out to him and his family."
The Cowboys head coach not only sent his prayers and praises but also confirmed he had reached out to Brett Favre after hearing the news.