Aaron Rodgers explains why he denied postgame request from Jameson Williams

The Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers 20-16 on Sunday night, eliminating the Packers from the playoff picture. After the game, Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams approached Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, seemingly requesting his jersey.

Rodgers denied the request from Williams, saying that he is going to hold on to that jersey. After that postgame moment sparked speculation on the future of Rodgers in Green Bay, the longtime Packers quarterback explained why he opted to keep his jersey rather than handing it off to Williams.

“I think I might have told him I’d give him a jersey when we played in Detroit, so I’ll probably have to send him a jersey,” Rodgers said. “But there’s just some special ones that I like to keep. So it was nothing against Jameson, I’ll make sure I send him one. But I kind of want to keep this one.”

For much of the past two seasons and off-seasons, Rodgers’ future in Green Bay has been in question. That’s why Sunday’s postgame moment spoke volumes to many watching from the outside. As the Packers enter another offseason, Rodgers and his future will surely be a major topic of discussion yet again.

So, Rodgers opting not to give his jersey to Williams had nothing to do with Williams himself. Rather, the veteran signal-caller had other reasons for keeping a hold on his uniform.

Williams just wrapped up his rookie season, playing in six games. He was targeted nine times, but hauled in just one reception as he returned to the field after recovering from a torn ACL. That lone reception was a big one, though, as it went 41 yards for a touchdown

More on why Rodgers denied the request from Williams

Rodgers has been in Green Bay since 2005. He became the Packers’ starting quarterback in 2008, and has been in that role ever since. In his NFL career, Rodgers is a ten-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro, and a four-time AP NFL MVP. He led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 2010.

“Well it’s a night game, Lambeau, Week 18. There’s just certain jerseys that I like holding onto,” said Rodgers. “Like playing in Chicago, big Sunday night games. Just a little bit different I guess. It’s not keeping it, it’s more like it’s a cool one to give someone you really care about.”

Rodgers completed 64.6 percent of his pass attempts this season, throwing for 3,695 yards with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as the Packers offense struggled immensely at times. Now, all attention now turns again to the future of the quarterback room in Green Bay.