Rabid, Ranting Sports Fan Blog

It was the spring of the year 2005, and young quarterback Aaron Rodger’s name was being tossed around as a potential #1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.  He was certainly worthy of mention in that position, having led the  University of California to a 10-1 record and a top 10 ranking in the polls the year before.

Under the microscope of the NFL Draft gurus, most notably from the San Franciso 49′ers who held the overall #1 pick, he was intensely scrutinized. His mechanics, his athleticism, his height, his attitude and of all things, his college coach at the U of Cal, Jeff Tedford. Tedford had coached several high draft choices at the Quarterback position in his time with Fresno State, Oregon and California. While considered to be somewhat a master of quarterbacks, the list of his players that washed out , such as David Carr of Fresno State(1st overall, 2002, Houston Texans),Oregon ‘s Akili Smith and Joey Harrington(3rd overall picks in 1999 and 2002 respectively) and California’s Kyle Boller(19th overall,2003) was certainly longer than the list of those who enjoyed any measure of success. Even Trent Dilfer(6th overall 1994), who won Super Bowl XXXV as the starter for the Baltimore Ravens and played for Tedford at Fresno , was never considered an “Elite” player at the position. He in fact finished his career with more interceptions than touchdowns despite his critical role to the success of the Ravens in 2001.

In the end,  then San Francisco Head Coach Mike Nolan and then Offensive Coordinator Mike McCarthy(now Rodgers’ Head Coach with Green Bay) decided that Alex Smith of Utah was their man, which led to a Draft day freefall for Rodgers, who landed with the Green Bay Packers at #24 in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft.  Then in an ironic twist, McCarthy, one of the men who passed on him in San Francisco, became the Head Coach of the Packers in 2006.  Although awkward, McCarthy immediately confronted Rodgers about his not drafting him, and they were able to iron things out and move forward.

Entrenched behind the Packer’s longtime starter Brett Favre, the first of Rodgers attributes to be challenged was his attitude. How would he react to playing behind an already established star in Favre? The answer to that question is “very well”. He put in the time and effort.  He studied diligently and observed Favre, in the process learning as much about what NOT to do as what should be done. He is, by his own admission, a better person and player for it. In a day and age where high profile draft choices are thrown into the fire as soon as possible in order to get a return on the Team’s investment in them, Rodgers was afforded a rare luxury…….time to grow into the position. He improved his arm strength. He adjusted his mechanics. He waited patiently for for his time.

With a win versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV,  Aaron Rodgers will have redeemed himself in the eyes of those who thought he wasn’t worthy of being selected higher. He will have erased any doubts about his attitude, his arm strength, his height or his athleticism and attained “Elite” status. The voices of his critics will have fallen silent amongst the turmoil and excitement that comes with such a momentous occasion. With a win in Super Bowl XLV, Coach McCarthy can atone for his slighting of Rodgers by helping him to the pinnacle of the sport.  With a win in Super Bowl XLV,Coach Tedford will redeem himself to those who claimed he couldn’t coach up an “elite” prospect. With  a win in Super Bowl XLV, Aaron Rodgers will let the entire football world know…. his time is NOW.

Brian Minor~Sports-Trader.Net

brainzz@news.sports-trader.net