“Stripped of Something I Love Doing”: After Aaron Rodgers’ Exit and Wrecking Knee Injury, Green Bay Legend Shares Vulnerable Stance on NFL’s Rocky Boat

Published 04/12/2023, 11:49 AM EDT

It is not easy to be in Elite sports and rise to stardom. Green Bay Packers are going through something similar this off-season. The franchise has gone through a massive overhaul with multiple exits and a revamp of the QB room. Most importantly, they will probably be without the face of the franchise QB Aaron Rodgers for the first time in 18 years. And, now, a Packers legend has something to say.

Amid all that turmoil, a Packers legend has shared his vulnerable stance on the rocky NFL boat. He once was an unshakeable force in the Packers’ offense. A wrecking knee injury and Rodgers’ exit may have put him in a tough spot within the franchise.

The love of football for David Bakhtiari

Article continues below this ad

David Bakhtiari loves to play football. But he hasn’t played it much in the last two seasons after half a decade of dominance in the Packers’ O-line. That was due to an almost career-wrecking knee injury toward the end of the 2020 regular season. Talking about the injury and the fact that he hasn’t played properly in the past two years, the Packers legend expressed his frustration on not being able to do what he wants to do.

“We love to f*cking ball. I’d never get paid, to chill and not do what I enjoy doing. Someone’s like oh you’re getting the money.’ I’m like yeah. Is it nice? Sure, I’m not gonna discredit that side of it. But what f*cking sucks more is I’m being stripped of something I love doing, especially the way I like doing it,” Bakhtiari said on the ‘Bussin with the Boys’ podcast.

Bakhtiari’s career is at a precarious place at the moment. His best friend on the team QB Aaron Rodgers is almost out of the door from Wisconsin. And he may face the axe himself if his injury comes in the way again.

The Aaron Rodgers trade

Article continues below this ad

David Bakhtiari’s friend Aaron Rodgers is headed out of Lambeau Field all the way to New York Jets. The Jets are in trade deal talks with the Packers for the future Hall of Famer QB. While the deal has not yet gone through yet, the Jets GM sounded confident of getting their target in a recent interaction with the fans in New Jersey.

With the Packers going into an overhaul after Rodgers’ exit, the threat of a trade looms on players like Bakhtiari. The franchise would want to rebuild the team and may cut their losses on injured players.

Article continues below this ad

While the Rodgers-Bakhtiari partnership on the field may be about to end, they remain great friends off the field. The QB also spent some time at Bakhtiari’s home this offseason before the trade drama around him unfolded. Will the duo shine separately next season? Do share your opinions in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY: “OBJ coming”: Lamar Jackson salutes 30 y/o free agents 18000000 decision amidst Aaron Rodgers heartbreak

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Shivam Pratap Singh is a seasoned NFL writer at Essentially Sports. With a master's degree in international and area studies from a prestigious university, Shivam leverages his academic background to gain a deeper understanding of the global impact of sports. Shivam's passion for football developed early in his career as a writer.

Edited by:

Hitesh Nigam

“Stripped of Something I Love Doing”: After Aaron Rodgers’ Exit and Wrecking Knee Injury, Green Bay Legend Shares Vulnerable Stance on NFL’s Rocky Boat

The love of football for David Bakhtiari

Trending

“Maybe He Wants to Earn 500-600M”: Former Broncos QB Gives Shedeur Sanders a Reality Check as CU Star Faces a Conundrum

“Worst News”: WWE’s Goldberg’s Son Reveals Nick Saban’s Disheartening Retirement Influenced Him to Join Colorado

“Real Cattleman”: Millionaire Travis Hunter’s Down-Home Fashion Choice Earns Cam Newton’s Seal of Approval

“Could Be Fired”: Cormani McClain’s Florida Choice Draws Scrutiny as Billy Napier’s Future on Thin Ice

“Grand Canyon-Sized Gap”: Coach Prime’s Colorado Faces Lack of Support and High Scrutiny Ahead of Season-Opening Game Against North Dakota

The Aaron Rodgers trade