This story was originally published by Dead Spin
This extension makes Love the NFL’s newest highest-paid quarterback after starting just one full season.
And while many people are taking jabs at Love’s inexperience, the real story here is that the Packers organization is a cheat code for quarterbacks.
For years, the NFL world marveled that Green Bay was able to pivot from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers so seamlessly.
Favre started for the Packers from 1992 until 2007. Rodgers quarterbacked the team from 2008–2022. Three decades of dominance between two consecutive quarterbacks is unheard of.
Look at teams like the Cleveland Browns, who are still uncertain of their quarterback situation and haven’t had a true franchise guy since the team returned in 1999. The Miami Dolphins were another team in QB hell prior to extending Tua Tagovailoa, with Ryan Tannehill being the only quarterback to sign an extension since Dan Marino.
But the Packers just put on another masterclass in quarterback consistency.
Sure, Love only played one full season. And we can crack our jokes, but let’s not pretend like he wasn’t one of the best QBs in the league, throwing for 4,765 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 14 interceptions.
The Packers selected Love with the No. 26 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. He had to patiently sit behind Rodgers for his first three seasons in the NFL. And he wasn’t exactly a world beater in college, losing Utah State’s bowl game against Kent State during his final year of enrollment.
But that time developing behind Rodgers in Matt LaFleur’s offense was just what the doctor ordered for Love. He was able to step into a starting role where there were a ton of eyeballs, expectations, and giant shoes to fill. He flourished.
Filling the shoes of Rodgers and Favre won’t be easy for Love. Just one extension with the Packers doesn’t overshadow the three decades of success those two men built for Green Bay as an organization.
But still, at just 25 years old and entering his fifth NFL season, Love has NFL experience without the typical wear and tear of other players entering their fifth year of playing.
It’s a cheat code that only the Packers have found a way to consistently deploy.
Rodgers delivered the Packers last Super Bowl in 2010. Love will have his name etched in Green Bay history if he can deliver a title to some of football’s most passionate fans.
