The Green Bay Packers made some significant changes to their coaching staff this offseason with the release of head coach Mike McCarthy. It seems Rodgers could never forget McCarthy's high opinion on Smith from when they were both coming out of college.
McCarthy was not shy about expressing Smith's status as the best quarterback in the 2005 NFL Draft.
According to Bleacher Report's Tyler Dunne, former running back Ryan Grants said Rodgers never forgot his words and it ultimately played a part in their dwindling relationship:
“Aaron's always had a chip on his shoulder with Mike,” says Ryan Grant, the Packers' starting running back from 2007 to 2012. “The guy who ended up becoming your coach passed on you when he had a chance. Aaron was upset that Mike passed on him—that Mike actually verbally said that Alex Smith was a better quarterback.”
The prospect of Rodgers holding a grudge against McCarthy for something he said over a decade ago may seem a bit far-fetched. Especially when one considers the tremendous amount of success they have enjoyed together since then.
While it may not have been the sole reason for their eventual split, it is clear that Rodgers never forgot about what was said.
In fairness to McCarthy, he was not the only that felt Smith was the best quarterback in a draft class that was not particularly deep at the position. Despite being taken 23 picks after him, Rodgers was still just the second quarterback off the board that night.
Despite his late selection, it seems McCarthy had unintentionally provided Rodgers enough motivation to last him a career once he made those comments.
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