GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions and Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers talk after their game at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers is finally no longer the Packers quarterback, but Lions quarterback Jared Goff said he wishes that wasn’t the case.
In a broad sense, the Detroit Lions and the rest of the NFC North is (and should be) glad Aaron Rodgers is no longer the Green Bay Packers quarterback. But the Lions did sweep the Packers last season, including of course what is now officially Rodgers’ last game as a Packer with his trade to the New York Jets.
Goff was at the Lions draft party on Thursday night, and he fielded questions during the appearance. He was of course asked about the trade that finally got done to send Rodgers from the rival Packers to the Jets this past week.
Via SI.com:
This past week, what was your reaction when Aaron Rodgers finally got his a— out of this division?” Goff was asked, as the crowd in attendance went crazy in the background.
There’s a million ways I could go with this answer,” Goff began. “But I wish him the best in New York and I’m sure he’ll do a great job there.
But I kinda wish he was still here so we can beat him twice a year … so there’s both sides of it,”
Jared Goff wishes he could still face Aaron Rodgers twice a year
As much as anything, even past his peak years, Rodgers stands as something of a measuring stick for the quarterback on the other sideline and extra motivation to play well going against him. So Goff, however presented as a well-placed and well-done dig at Rodgers, will probably miss that after the last couple seasons.
Goff will be hoping to carry his and the Lions’ momentum from beating Rodgers twice last year right into the start of Jordan Love’s tenure as the Packers’ starter in 2023.