Brett Favre’s comment that he was surprised Aaron Rodgers didn’t win a Super Bowl in Green Bay sooner has not gone unnoticed in the Packers’ locker room.
Packers linebacker Clay Matthews said today on Jim Rome Is Burning that he doesn’t want to make a big deal of Favre’s comment, but that Matthews thinks it’s just the kind of thing that motivates Rodgers.
“I’m not going to get involved with that, but I know 12,” Matthews said, referencing Rodgers’ jersey number. “He hears those comments. It definitely fuels the fire. He’s playing outstanding ball but it’s only going to continue to exacerbate the situation and continue to step his game up, so I’m just looking forward to having him on my team and to see what he is able to do.”
Rome then asked if Matthews had a problem with what Favre said.
“I’m sure Aaron has a bigger problem,” Matthews said. “Backhanded comments like that, I’m sure it hits a core with Aaron. He’s a competitor. He takes everything that people say about him, the criticisms, and puts it on display on Sunday.”
Rodgers has always taken the high road publicly, but teammates have said Rodgers feels bitter about the way Favre treated him, particularly by jerking Rodgers around with retirements and unretirements. Favre’s statement this week isn’t going to make that relationship any better.