LaFleur Acknowledges Rodgers’ Kindness
Matt LaFleur has expressed deep gratitude for his former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
Despite facing a disappointing season and uncertainty regarding his position, Coach LaFleur was notably “silent” on Tuesday. This came in light of Rodgers paying tribute to him during a media interaction.
Rodgers, who spent 18 illustrious seasons with the Packers, four of which were alongside LaFleur, responded to the ongoing rumors about LaFleur’s potential resignation. He pointed out the successful times they had in Green Bay, noting, “I did a lot of great things in Green Bay, and we had a lot of success.”
LaFleur conveyed his appreciation in a text message to The Athletic’s Michael Silver, saying, “I’m speechless. He didn’t have to do it, but he did it. One of the greatest compliments of my life. I’m very grateful to him for that.”
During their partnership, LaFleur and Rodgers led the team to the playoffs three years in a row, including two appearances in the NFC Championship games at the end of the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
However, the Packers struggled in 2022, finishing with an 8-9 record, marking Rodgers’ final season with the team.
As the Packers looked to the future, picking quarterback Jordan Love in the 2020 draft, tensions arose. In March 2023, Rodgers publicly expressed a desire to leave Green Bay, and the team facilitated a significant trade to the Jets a month later.
Rodgers’ time with the Jets lasted two seasons, but it was cut short due to an Achilles tendon injury during the first week of the 2023 season. He signed a one-year deal with the Steelers the following June.
In 2025, the Steelers had a solid season, finishing 10-7 and winning the AFC North title, although they missed the playoffs again. In defending LaFleur and Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin, Rodgers remarked on the media scrutiny surrounding their jobs, saying it was unfair and undeserved.
Rodgers was candid after the Steelers’ playoff exit against the Texans, stating, “The decision-making and the propriety that’s being given to Twitter pundits and TV pundits… is a total joke.”
After 19 years as head coach, Tomlin announced his resignation following Monday’s game. Meanwhile, it seems the Packers are inclined to give LaFleur more time after a disappointing playoff loss to the Bears.
