GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Seeing Aaron Rodgers holding that Jets jersey likely brings back memories for Packers fans of Brett Favre doing the same thing 15 years ago.
While this breakup had some bumpy points, overall it seems to have gone much smoother than Favre’s departure, which should make it easier for Rodgers to return after retirement compared to his predecessor.
The wait will most likely be the minimum to have Rodgers’ name and number join the greats at Lambeau Field after his retirement.
Packers President Mark Murphy confirmed the inevitable in a statement, saying “We wish Aaron well in New York and look forward to welcoming him back to Green Bay to retire his No. 12, celebrate his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame and unveil his name on the Lambeau Field façade.”
“I’m so grateful of everything he’s given this organization and he’ll rightly kind of take his place among the greats here when that time comes,” said Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst.
There is no set timeframe a player must wait to have their jersey retired, but it almost always happens after their playing career is over.
The Packers Hall of Fame requires a player be retired four years before potential induction.
Being added to Lambeau’s facade comes with enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which requires a five-year wait for consideration.
“When that time comes for him to come back here, I think it will be a wonderful thing,” said Gutekunst.
In a goodbye message posted on his Instagram page, Rodgers said, “This is not the end for us, I will see you again Green Bay, you’ll always have my heart .”
Another honor likely to come is a street named in Rodgers’ honor. Streets in both the city of Green Bay and village of Ashwaubenon, near Lambeau Field, bear the names of Packers legends.
“It’s usually is there a street where it inconveniences the least amount of people and they’re the most gung-ho for it,” said Green Bay Alderperson Chris Wery.
Wery has been part of efforts to rename streets for Packers in the past. It can be a costly change that impacted residents and businesses have been resistant to in the past.
“It was nothing against the person. They just didn’t want to rename their street. You have to find the right fit.”
Wery says he hasn’t heard of any street candidates for Rodgers yet, but assumes they will come soon enough.
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