The Green Bay Packers playoff hopes were officially dashed following a season-ending 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, capping off an emotional season that leaves the future of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers uncertain.
Entering the game, the Packers needed a win to secure a playoff spot, but instead they end the season with a heartbreaking loss to drop them to 8-9 on the season, and missing the postseason for the first time in coach Matt LaFleur’s four seasons.
“At some point, the carousel comes to a stop and it’s time to get off, and I think you kind of know when that is,” Rodgers said following the game, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “And that’s what needs to be contemplated. Is it time? Also, what’s the organization doing? That’s part of it, as well. But the competitive fire is always going to be there. I don’t think that ever goes away. Sometimes it gets transferred, I think, to other things that might not ever fill that large void. But like I said, I feel good about what I’ve accomplished in this league and wouldn’t have any regrets walking away. But I got to see what it feels like once I get away from this.”
Rodgers inked a three-year, $150 million contract extension shortly after announcing his decision to return back on March 8th.
“Do I feel like I have anything left to prove to myself?” Rodgers said. “Do I want to go back and gear up for another grind? Or is it time? Is time to step away? Is it time for another voice to be leading this team?
“I think I need to get away and contemplate those things. Those are real to me. I have a lot of pride in what I’ve accomplished in this league, but I’m also a realist, and I understand where we’re at as a team. We’re a young team; there could be some changes with some of the older guys, and it could be time to step away. But I could take some time and say hell no, man, I need to get back out there and go on another run. But I’ll have to see what it feels like once I’m away from it.”
