Packers QB Rodgers: ‘Very Thankful’ For Chance To ‘Work On My Mental Health’ This Offseason
Jul 5, 2021, 3:48 PM
Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers speaks with head coach Matt LaFleur during the second half of the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed gratitude for the time he was able to focus on his mental health during this offseason.
The NFL star discussed his offseason during a press conference on Monday, July 5. The presser was in advance of the “The Match” charity golf tournament. The golfing event will feature Rodgers and PGA Tour standout Bryson DeChambeau vs. the duo of 2021 U.S. Open champion Phil Mickelson and Super Bowl LV winner Tom Brady.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to work on my mental health,” Rodgers said. “I haven’t dealt with bouts of depression or anything, that I think for whatever reason, are OK to talk about if you’re talking about mental health. I’ve just really been trying to think about what puts me in the best frame of mind. What habits can I form that allow me to feel most in my body, most present, happiest? And that’s what I’ve been doing.”
Tomorrow. The Match. @b_dechambeau and yours truly. # pic.twitter.com/WAoe1y3f2U
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) July 5, 2021
“The mental side of it is so important for all of us athletes,” Rodgers said. “I don’t think it’s talked about enough. But taking time to work on yourself is, I think, the best gift any of us can give ourselves.”
Rodgers: Offseason focus was on mental health https://t.co/GIS25FanZi pic.twitter.com/VSHFWLZjLC
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) July 5, 2021
Despite losing bonus money for not attending, Rodgers skipped Green Bay’s workouts and minicamp this offseason due to disagreements with the organization. Before the charity golf event, the quarterback said he used the offseason away from football to focus on his mental well-being.
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“Sometimes the loudest person in the room is not the smartest person,” Rodgers added. “Sometimes the loudest person in the room is not the person who has all the facts on their side or the truth on their side. Sometimes there’s a lot of wisdom is silence. Sometimes there’s a lot of wisdom in being selective on what you say.”
During Rodgers’ absence, former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love ran Green Bay’s offense. Love is entering his second season in the league. Rodgers will be starting his 17th year, all of which have come as a member of the Packers.
Green Bay opens its 2021 schedule against the New Orleans Saints on September 12.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
