"I was shook up" - Packers QB Aaron Rodgers shares honest reaction to Bills safety Damar Hamlin's on-field cardiac arrest
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be a seasoned veteran in the National Football League, but he even was shaken to his core after he heard the details of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's medical status.
While making his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers spoke about his reaction, saying that he wasn't watching the Monday night game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals at first. However, when he changed the channel to ESPN he noticed that it wasn't the game and the coverage was back in the studio. He immediately knew something was wrong, whether there was an emergency situation or a weather delay.
"It's been, you know, tough on the football community, I think, the last 18 hours or so. I actually was not watching the game last night, turned to it. And it was weird, things where you turn to something you expect to see. And when you see a non-halftime and they're in studio, I was like, this isn't good. I just hoping it was like some sort of weather delay or something."
He then sent his thoughts and prayers to Damar Hamlin and his entire family. Rodgers stated that he reached out to Bills quarterback Josh Allen because he is a friend of his. He wasn't expecting a reply, but Allen actually texted him back while he was still in the locker room.
"All of our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family... I reached out to Josh right away, didn't expect a response. He actually texted me back from the locker room. And you know, just because he's a close friend, and I just felt for him watching his face and just putting myself in their shoes to watch somebody you love on the ground. CPR.
"I mean, that's when it gets real like they're fighting to save this guy's life. Not in the locker room or at the hotel or in the hospital, like on the field! Like can imagine what it'd be like to go through. So really tough night."
Rodgers then said that he was shaken by the situation because it makes one realize just how dangerous their profession is. He said that, although Hamlin is still critical, he was happy to hear that there was a positive update from his family.
"I was shook up, you know, still feeling weird about it. I think it's your football mortality just comes right face-to-face because one of your brothers in the fraternity of the NFL is fighting for his life right now. So I'm glad to hear that update from his representation. And that's all we can just hope for, right."
"All of our thoughts and prayers are with Damar Hamlin and his family right now" ~@AaronRodgers12
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Aaron Rodgers says he was asked to 'step up his leadership' this season
Everyone counted out Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, yet they are on the brink of making the NFC playoffs this upcoming weekend. With a young wide receiving core, Rodgers has seemed to show his dismay at times at the way his offensive weapons have played. His ability to be a leader has also been questioned at times and blamed for his team's lack of success earlier in the season.
But this week, the Packers' quarterback said that it has been an interesting season for him and that he was asked by his coaching staff to step up his leadership toward the younger members of the team. Aaron Rodgers said that he has tried to become someone that they can look up to.
“It’s been an interesting year. It hasn’t been my best football at times. But I’ve been asked to step up my leadership, and be someone the guys can count on to keep it together.”
"I love the character of our team & I'm really proud of all these guys" ~@AaronRodgers12
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Aaron Rodgers continued by saying that he kept the faith about his team being about to bounce back despite being 3-6 midway through the season. The Packers are now 8-8 and on the playoff bubble heading into the season finale against the Detroit Lions, who are also 8-8 and on the playoff bubble.