Aaron Rodgers stunned the world today as he announced that he would be retiring.  Unlike his predecessor, Rodgers said that “I would like to go out on the top of my game!” Rodgers has been plagued by injuries over the last few years, including several concussions.  

When asked why it was so sudden, Rodgers answered, “Because my mind is telling me yes, but my body…my body is telling me no!” Rodgers, who is the Super Bowl XLV MVP and has was the NFL MVP in 2011. He has made the Pro Bowl 3 times and broke many records for the Packers.

Rodgers was unscouted from high school, where he went to small Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, CA.  He attended Butte College in Oroville, CA, just a few miles from home.  While there, a scout from Cal Berkely noticed him while scouting a wide receiver for Butte.  He was offered a scholarship and played 2 years for the Bears until drafted by Green Bay in the 1st round (24th pick overall).

Rodgers spent the first 3 years of his career as a backup to legendary Brett Favre.  He became disgrunteled and his relationship with Farve became strained when Favre begain his retirement, only to change his mind 2 more times. Favre ultimately was released by the Packers to end his career with the Vikings and Jets. During those next few years, Aaron Rodgers proved that he was the right man for the job.  He led the Packers to several playoff appearances, conference titles, and helped them to win Super Bowl XLV.

While Rodgers is known as a fairly calm and even-keeled spokesperson, he broke down several times during the press conference.  He even had to take a moment and really gather himself before uttering, “April Fools!”   

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