“That bothered me a lot": When Aaron Rodgers made his feelings crystal clear after Niners passed on him for $49,500,000 option
NFL legend Aaron Rodgers is known for his outspoken attitude and his rivalries. Rodgers has smartly denied any heated beef against former HC Mike McCarthy and former teammate Brett Favre.
However, the list doesn’t end there, as it is rumored that the four-time NFL MVP even had some discomfort against his former NFL draft-mate, QB Alex Smith.
Rodgers has always been a confident man, and over the years, he has proven himself to be an elite athlete in the NFL. But when the San Francisco 49ers drafted Alex Smith over Rodgers as the #1 pick, he was hurt. So, during an interview in 2018, Rodgers revealed his feelings over the selection.
“That bothered me a lot,” Forbes reported him as saying.
Aaron Rodgers was expecting a call-up from San Francisco 49ers at the 2005 draft
Ironically, former Packers coach Mike McCarthy was one of the decision-makers at the 49ers camp as they narrowed down the decision to QB Smith, Rodgers and WR Braylon Edwards. The Packers ultimately selected Rodgers with the #24 pick.
After his selection, Rodgers said, “Obviously when you're sitting in the green room, you just want to get out of there."
Rodgers grew up in Chico, California, and also played for the University of California at the college level. Hence, he was expecting a call-up from the team. But fate had other plans for both players, and it was best for the 41-year-old.
Rodgers served as the backup QB to Brett Favre, one of the best in the game. By his own admission, Rodgers learned a lot from Favre while warming the bench for three years.
By 2008, he was ready to start, and by 2011, the Packers had won the Super Bowl under his leadership. Rodgers later went on to win four NFL MVP awards as well, all with the Packers.
Aaron Rodgers is proud of Alex Smith's NFL career
By 2018, Rodgers had matured and probably softened up over the matter. Rodgers told reporters in an interaction:
“I don’t think about me or him at 20 or 21 years old. I think about the other times I see him. But he’s a wonderful guy. We’ve developed a friendship over the years, and I’ve always enjoyed watching his career and his success."
He further added, "This is the third football team that he’s with, so, he brings a lot of leadership, a lot of experience, he gives you a lot of flexibility. So I’m proud of the career that he’s put together."
Though Smith didn’t have the best rookie season with the 49ers, he was eventually paid a $49.5 million contract for six years by the 49ers.
He played for three teams — the 49ers, Chiefs and Redskins — in 16 years before retiring in 2020. He was also named to the Pro Bowl teams three times while leading the passer rating chart in 2017.