Aaron Rodgers ' latest Instagram post has some fans wondering about hisNFL future.- Rodgers thanked everyone from partner Shailene Woodley to his Packers teammates.
Aaron Rodgers' potential departure from the
In an Instagram post late Monday night, which he referred to as "Monday Night Gratitude," Rodgers thanked Shailene Woodley, with whom he was engaged but has since reportedly split.
After Woodley, Rodgers addressed several members of the Packers organization, leaving some fans to read Rodgers' message as a potential goodbye to the Packers or even the NFL.
"To the men I got to share the QB room with everyday," Rodgers says, "you guys made every day so much fun and I'm so thankful for the daily laughs and stress relief you brought me every week of the year."
"To my teammates, past and current, you are the icing on the beautiful cake we call our job; football," Rodgers wrote. "[T]he friendships that we have will transcend our collective time in this game and I am so thankful for the role that each of you have played in making my life that much better. I love you guys, and cherish the memories we've made."
But the most eyebrow-raising yet still vague message in the post came in the photos.
The last image of Rodgers' slideshow shows wide receivers Randall Cobb and Davante Adams standing next to each other during the national anthem, with a gap in the spot where Rodgers typically stands. The photo was taken during the Packers' game against the Chiefs earlier this year, which Rodgers missed due to being unvaccinated.
—Adriana Torres (@TorresAdrianaTV) February 22, 2022
The final photo of the post being of the Packers without Rodgers is certainly something. Maybe?
Regardless of whether it means anything or not, it was undoubtedly intentional, as Rodgers is both keenly aware of the attention he brings and also enjoys messing with people.
Those looking to analyze the post were split. Some of Rodgers' words felt like a preamble to retirement or at least a departure from the Packers. On the other hand, Rodgers also likes to stir the pot, and he could just once again be making waves for the sake of it.
—Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) February 22, 2022
—Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) February 22, 2022
—Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) February 22, 2022
Rodgers' decision to return to the Packers was the biggest story of the 2021 offseason. Regardless of what decision he makes this year — to leave, retire, or return to Green Bay once again — he's once again set to be the biggest domino to fall.
Until he announces his next step, we'll be left to continue over-analyzing his Instagram posts.