Aside from his wedding in late June, Jordan Love has something else on his mind: his upcoming game against his former teammate, Aaron Rodgers, on October 26th. This time, Rodgers will be leading the Steelers as their new quarterback.
“It’s going to be fun! I’m really looking forward to it,” Love shared during a break at the American Family Insurance Championship at TPC Wisconsin. “I can’t wait to be on the other side of the field. We’ll chat before the game, hopefully swap jerseys afterward.”
Rodgers had been a mentor to Love for three years after the Packers chose him as the 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. During that time, Love witnessed Rodgers’ success, including back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021, and a deep playoff run in 2021.
Now adjusting to Rodgers’ new team, Love reflects on their past connection and the mixed feelings surrounding Rodgers’ move to the Steelers, considering it a fresh start after an unfortunate stint with the Jets.
“I was definitely interested in what A-Rod was doing. I mean, there were a lot of rumors swirling about him joining the Steelers this offseason,” Love mentioned. “It was great to see he’s coming back to play. There were also murmurs about other possibilities for him.”
The transfer to the Steelers sparked memories for Love, particularly regarding the mentorship he received from Rodgers, reminiscent of how Brett Favre guided the young Rodgers before. “I appreciate how A-Rod handled that situation. He shared his experiences with me,” Love said, noting that Rodgers wanted to approach the transition differently.
“Our relationship during our time together was fantastic. I’m very thankful for how supportive A-Rod was when it was my turn to step in,” Love added, acknowledging that this support helped navigate the difficult aftermath of such changes.
“He managed the situation like a pro, and that meant a lot to me,” Love concluded.
The upcoming Packers-Steelers game brings a different vibe compared to previous seasons, especially the tension between Rodgers and Favre, which had left some fans divided. In reflecting on their shared experiences, Love observed, “He understands what I’m going through. His approach speaks volumes about his character and how he treats others. I really appreciated that.”
