Aaron Rodgers returning, Packers fans react
MILWAUKEE - Aaron Rodgers was the talk of the town Tuesday after he confirmed he would be back the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers are the only publicly-owned NFL team. While none of the more than 360,000 shareholders receive dividends or have a say in football decisions – they are technically NFL owners, and those who spoke to FOX6 News said keeping Rodgers looks to be a win-win.
Fresh off a season deemed Green Bay's "Last Dance" with Rodgers under center, and an early exit from the playoffs, shareholder Lauren Lewis of Salt Lake City said she eventually decided she wanted the quarterback to stay.
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"I'm thinking, 'Do we really want him back? Are we ready for this? Do we let him go?' I was torn on whether I wanted him to stay or not," Lewis said. "I know Aaron kind of comes with his drama and his baggage a little bit, but I think he gives us the best chance to win a Super Bowl."
From his green-and-gold man cave in California, Curt Cozad insists he knew Rodgers was going to stay. He said the signal caller's chemistry with the roster and coaching staff present Rodgers with the best path to the Super Bowl – as long as his contract is team-friendly.
"I think it's like a good marriage. You gotta compromise," said Cozad.
William Campbell of Milwaukee, who just bought in on the recent stock sale, shared that sentiment. He said keeping the NFL's reigning MVP is a smart move, but the contract terms will dictate whether it's beneficial in the long run.
"That'll kind of be the determining factor," Campbell said.
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As for now, Campbell is hopeful that a few more seasons with Rodgers will bring a few more memories for a new Packers fan.
"Just having a newborn last month, I'm excited at the thought that he might have a memory with Aaron being quarterback. I'd really love that for him," said Campbell.
At 38, Rodgers could be the oldest starting quarterback in the NFL this coming season – and the highest paid, depending on what his contract terms are.
More fans react
From local news to sports talk radio – even a west side bar, the quarterback got people in Milwaukee talking.
"That is outstanding news for us," said Anthony Luchini, co-owner of Kelly's Bleachers. "Aaron Rodgers and the Packers just brings more people to watch the Packers."
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Whether they love him or he's not their cup of tea, Packers fans had plenty to say about No. 12. Some said it wouldn't hurt taking home a few more Lombardi Trophies.
"I like having him around," fan Kent Fassbender of Hartford said. "Hopefully one of these years we get back to Super Bowl and take care of business."
Not everyone listened to the chatter about Rodgers.
"I thought he was going to stay," said fan Josh Zuehlke of Wauwatosa. "That doesn’t particularly bother me that they haven’t got a Super Bowl. We’ve had a hell of a team every year, and we’ve been close."
Some fans are not in the quarterback's corner. One fan wrote on Facebook: "I would have traded him. They have had great records and still no Super Bowls in over 10 years." Another on Twitter wrote "the drama continues."
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