Jordan Love addresses first NFL start, vaccination status

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who’s been long viewed as the heir to future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, will get his first NFL start Sunday — albeit, maybe for the wrong reasons.

Love was suddenly thrust into the rotation after Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19, which was only half the story. Rodgers earlier this season told reporters that he’d been “immunized” against COVID-19, but as it later became clear, he received an alternate treatment, not the vaccine. Now, with Rodgers in a COVID-19 induced quarantine, the Utah State product will get his first NFL start, which he described as a bit surprising.

Not only did Rodgers test positive, but third-string quarterback Kurt Benkert also was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Love was taken aback by the COVID-related isolations taking over the Packers’ quarterback room.

“I was a little shocked but not crazy shocked,” Love said about Rodgers’ diagnosis. “Just because with Kurt testing positive earlier in the week, I kind of figured something might happen in the quarterback room. I didn’t know what would happen, but just hearing that, my initial thought was … wondering what would shake out with all of the close contacts and how things would break down and just affect all of us in the room. That was my first thought, and just obviously trying to get my mind right for starting this week. But I prepared for this, and I’m confident in myself.”

Love was quick to tell reporters that he is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, so Packers fans won’t have to worry about Love getting put in quarantine unless he receives an unexpected test result. As Love said, he’s “prepared” and “confident” heading into Sunday.

“I think he’s come a long way, but by no means is he a finished product,” LaFleur said of his first-time starting quarterback. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for him to get his feet wet for the first time in a meaningful game, being that it’s the regular season. So it’ll be a great learning experience for him, and I’m just excited for his opportunity.”

Love replaces Rodgers, Rodgers fires back at media

As part of a lengthy answer about his positive COVID-19 test, Rodgers discussed the media coverage of his situation and voiced his displeasure. With Rodgers on the sideline, Love will lead the Packers offense.

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show Friday, Rodgers used the platform to express what happened regarding his COVID-19 vaccination status and why he decided to receive alternate treatment.

“I just want to say that is what the media has been trying to do,” Rodgers said. “They’re trying to shame and out and cancel all of us non-vaccinated people, call us selfish. That’s the propaganda line, too: ‘You’re selfish for making the decision that’s in the best interest of your body.’ Now, I’ve already spelled out — which I didn’t have to — but I spelled out the issues of my own personal body and my own personal health. I have issues related to ingredients in the mRNA vaccines, then the J&J got pulled, not to mention the numerous issues with the J&J vaccine to this day.

“That I went out, on my own, paid for and did research and went out and did an immunization protocol that’s been used — homeopathy has been around for centuries. The doctors that I consulted with have been doing this for decades. The same type of stuff for children and adults who have immunocompromisation. They have pre-existing conditions or reasons they cannot take traditional vaccines. The league didn’t offer any opportunity for alternative medicines or treatments … but I think the thing that is so disappointing is it was not just that, but it was just the coercion and the collusion of GMs saying they’re not going to sign non-vaccinated players.”