Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has never shied away from saying what's on his mind, even if that means ruffling some feathers around the NFL. Just Google his thoughts on the coronavirus vaccine or his opinion of religion.
In a Tuesday interview on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers was quoted saying he thinks he can win MVP again next season despite recently turning 39. That prompted retired tight end Rob Gronkowski to chime in, and he took major issue with Rodgers' focus on winning MVP rather than the Super Bowl.
Aaron Rodgers' Controversial MVP Comments
"I think I can win MVP again in the right situation.. is that Green Bay or somewhere else, I'm not sure and there's more conversations to be had"@AaronRodgers12 dives into the possibility of playing a 19th season #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/cMjcPKFs5Z
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 17, 2023
"Do I think I can still play? Of course. Can I play at a high level? Yea, the highest. I think I can win MVP again in the right situation," Rodgers said. "Is that Green Bay or is that somewhere else? I'm not sure, but I don't think you should shut down any opportunity."
Of course, this quote was pulled from a larger conversation, so it isn't fully in context. He also talked about wanting to "win it all" in that same appearance.
Oh? but everyone keeps arguing with me that @AaronRodgers12 only cares about MVPs. Let?s stop these sound bites floating around & people taking the MVP talk out of context. https://t.co/o8YTDEBax6
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) January 19, 2023
Gronk was asked his thoughts on the four-time MVP's comments, and he didn't mince words. Keep in mind that Gronk has won zero MVPS and four Super Bowls, while Rodgers has just one Super Bowl to his name.
Gronk Weighs In: "Why Are You Thinking MVP?"
Rob Gronkowski takes issue with the recent comments made by Aaron Rodgers (@UpAndAdamsShow)
?Why are you thinking MVP?? It should be Super Bowls, you should never be thinking MVPs??pic.twitter.com/yFdDkEEEtB
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 18, 2023
"I'm totally fine with everything he said, except one major part, and that's the 'MVP again,'" Gronk said on "Up and Adams" on Wednesday. "It's just that 'I think I can win another Super Bowl,' and then, that would have been totally fine. Why are you thinking MVP? Like, don't you want Super Bowls? Super Bowls are, I think, five times greater than an MVP award."
"We all know that you've won the MVP a few times now, but everyone would know even more how many more Super Bowls you've won than MVPs," Gronk continued. "That's why I'm just a little confused about that quote that he just had. It should be Super Bowls. You should never be thinking the MVP when Super Bowls are twice [as good]."
Gronk isn't wrong. He played with the real GOAT, Tom Brady, and everyone will tell you that his seven Super Bowl rings are more important than the three MVPs Brady won. It just sounds incredibly selfish if your goal is to win the MVP instead of the Super Bowl.
Many other personalities have weighed in on Rodgers' controversial MVP comments, too.
.@EmmanuelAcho: I don?t have an issue with Aaron Rodgers? MVP comments. pic.twitter.com/oSqt9NrT9X
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) January 18, 2023
?How about just talking about a Super Bowl.?@keyshawn thinks Aaron Rodgers should be more focused on rings than MVP trophies. #KJM pic.twitter.com/ziah3zk35P
— Keyshawn, JWill & Max (@KeyJayandMax) January 18, 2023
Rodgers has been called a "me-first" quarterback, and maybe it's time the Packers move on from the future Hall of Famer and give the keys to Jordan Love. And while Rodgers is coming off a disappointing season, he did win MVP in 2020 and 2021. He's not washed up quite yet.
Either way, we're excited for more controversial comments from Rodgers throughout the postseason and offseason.
