“Numbers speak for themselves”: Stephen A. Smith has no place for Aaron Rodgers in GOAT conversation
Aaron Rodgers has been impressing NFL fans for nearly two decades, and many consider him one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. However, sports personality Stephen A. Smith disagrees and has made it clear that he does not believe Rodgers can attain that status.
Rodgers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. The 10-time Pro Bowler played with the Packers for the next 18 years and won the Super Bowl in 2011. The QB, in a blockbuster trade, moved to the Jets in 2023, hoping to win another Super Bowl.
However, Stephen A. Smith won’t be satisfied with that. As his co-host on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ questioned him:
"Does Rogers need another Super Bowl to be in the goat conversation seriously, Stephen A.?"
Though many in the media have been claiming that Rodgers lifting one more Lombardi Trophy would put him in the GOAT talk, Smith vehemently denied it, saying:
“I don't even think that puts him in the GOAT conversation. Tom Brady's got seven. Patrick Mahomes has three. Aaron Rodgers hasn't been to a Super Bowl since 2011.”
“So even if he were to win another Super Bowl, that doesn't put them into conversation”
Smith further substantiated his claims about Aaron Rodgers being a "goat," as he said on the show:
“Resume is resume. When we google you, when we look you up, the numbers speak for themselves. And he's not in that category of terms in terms of winning. So, there's no way that you can put him in the GOAT.”
However, Smith also agreed that if Rodgers ends up winning a Super Bowl at the age of 40 with the Jets it would be impressive.
Aaron Rodgers is ready for the challenge
Last season, the four-time NFL MVP could only get four snaps in before injuring his Achilles. During the Jets OTAs, Rodgers opened up about his struggles to get back in shape come game time.
“I feel much better today than I did yesterday," Rodgers told reporters. "I don't feel like 100% myself right now. I'm 90% myself and 10% not sure what's going on with various parts of my body.”
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets fans would hope that he gets 100% fit by September 9, when they face the San Francisco 49ers in their season-opening game.