Tom Brady said Aaron Rodgers is going to make the "choices he feels are best for him" as the NFL MVP holds out from the Green Bay Packers.

Rodgers – who skipped Green Bay's organised team activities (OTA) – is officially a holdout following his absence as the Packers reported for their mandatory minicamp last week.

The three-time MVP and 37-year-old is pushing to leave the Packers – a team he has represented since 2005, winning a Super Bowl.

Reports of Rodgers' unhappiness first emerged on draft day this year, though Green Bay are unwilling to trade the veteran.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar Brady, whose team topped Rodgers and the Packers in the NFC Championship Game en route to Super Bowl glory last season, weighed into the drama.

"I mean, I respect Aaron a lot," Buccaneers QB Brady told USA Today Sports.

"Aaron's going to make the choices he feels are best for him. Everyone has different dynamics in their work."

With Rodgers absent, second-year QB Jordan Love has been working with the starters at Packers minicamp.

Green Bay's first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft did not play a single snap last season as Rodgers rolled to NFL MVP honours. 

Many speculated the Packers' surprise move to select the young quarterback is at the root of Rodgers' displeasure with the team, something the latter has denied.

Amid the uncertainty, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters there is only one approach, whether it is Rodgers or Love.

 "We'll have one plan," LaFleur said. "We've kind of pretty much laid that out. Just going to fine-tune some things over the next few weeks in terms of the logistics of our schedule and whatnot.

"We've got what we feel is a pretty good blueprint in terms of how to get our guys ready to play.

"Obviously, it is a little bit different this year in terms of the number of preseason games and then you compare it to last year, so you're kind of leaning back on the 2019 season.

"We feel confident with what we'll have in place with the guys. We'll look forward to getting them back July 27."

Rodgers amassed 48 touchdowns, five interceptions and a completion rate of 70.7 per cent for the Packers – who lost to eventual Super Bowl champions the Buccaneers.

Rodgers' quarterback rating of 121.5 puts him second on the all-time list among qualifiers, behind only his 2011 campaign (122.5).

In total, Rodgers completed 372 of 526 attempts for 4,299 yards as the Packers topped the NFC North with a 13-3 record to clinch home-field advantage and the top seed in the NFC playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Rodgers is level with Brady, Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown with three MVP honours – only Peyton Manning (five) has more in NFL history.

The Packers will open their 2021 season against the New Orleans Saints on September 12.

Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers joked about his "quiet offseason" amid continued uncertainty of the quarterback's future with the NFL franchise.

Rodgers – who skipped Green Bay's organised team activities (OTA) – is officially a holdout after the NFL MVP's absence as the Packers reported for their mandatory minicamp last week.

The three-time MVP and 37-year-old is pushing to leave the Packers – a team he has represented since 2005, winning a Super Bowl.

Reports of Rodgers' unhappiness first emerged on draft day this year, though Green Bay are unwilling to trade the veteran.

Amid the ongoing speculation, Rodgers showed his sense of humour in a promotional video ahead of the July 6 golf exhibition match, involving Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady.

"It's been one of those quiet offseasons you dream about, where you can kind of just go through your process on your own, quietly," Rodgers said.

"And that's all you can ask for as an older player in the league and someone who's been around for a long time and just enjoys that time to yourself, just relax, to not be bothered, to not have any obligations or anything going on.

"I think that's what this offseason has been about. It's been about really enjoying my time and spending it where I want to spend it, not feeling like I have to go anywhere but still be an NFL player at the same time. It's been great."

Rodgers amassed 48 touchdowns, five interceptions and a completion rate of 70.7 per cent for the Packers – who lost to eventual Super Bowl champions the Buccaneers.

Rodgers' quarterback rating of 121.5 puts him second on the all-time list among qualifiers, behind only his 2011 campaign (122.5).

In total, Rodgers completed 372 of 526 attempts for 4,299 yards as the Packers topped the NFC North with a 13-3 record to clinch home-field advantage and the top seed in the NFC playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Rodgers is level with Buccaneers quarterback Brady, Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown with three MVP honours – only Peyton Manning (five) has more in NFL history.

The Packers will open their 2021 season against the New Orleans Saints on September 12.

Jordan Love says he will "definitely" be ready to start the season at quarterback for the Green Bay Packers if needed. 

The second-year QB has been working with the starters at Packers minicamp as Aaron Rodgers continues his absence from offseason workouts and seems to be making progress. 

By all accounts, Love had a strong showing at Wednesday's practice, and he told reporters he will be ready if called upon to start the September 12 season opener. 

"A hundred percent," Love said, according to ESPN. "Obviously, this is a time where I'm getting a lot of extremely valuable reps that I might not have been getting in a normal circumstance. So I'm just going to take it day by day. 

"But yeah, that's what I'm here for. I was drafted here to play quarterback, so I'll definitely be ready Week 1."

Green Bay's first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft did not play a single snap last season as Rodgers rolled to NFL MVP honors. 

Many speculated the Packers' surprise move to select the young quarterback is at the root of Rodgers' displeasure with the team, but the veteran has said he has no problems with Love. 

Likewise, Love said his approach to workouts would be the same even if Rodgers was present. 

"My mindset this whole off-season's been to get ready, get myself ready, and that's been my mindset since I got here," Love said.

"Whether Aaron was here or not here, that's going to be my mindset regardless, because I have to get myself ready to play and be able to go out there and take charge of the team and be able to perform at a high level and do my best so everybody else can do their jobs as well and just be able to perform at a high level."

Still, with Rodgers away from the team, Love has inevitably taken center stage and impressed coaches and team-mates alike. 

"He's tapped into it," said receiver Davante Adams. "I see he has a heightened awareness and his focus is definitely off the charts right now.

"I can tell the way he's coming in talking to everybody. I hear him more. Last year I felt like he kind of just blended in. This year I'm starting to feel him, and it's good that he's starting to step into his own, get more comfortable."

While ensuring Love gets as much practice time as he can, head coach Matt LaFleur is trying to keep the pressure off the young QB. 

"It just goes back to kind of taking what's there, and the opportunities presented themselves today for him to take some shots down the field," said LaFleur.

"One emphasis for Jordan is just to treat each play as its own entity. We're always grading the decision-making, the timing, the accuracy and we want to see the consistency just continue to get better and better."

Aaron Rodgers' Green Bay Packers team-mates Davante Adams and David Bakhtiari threw their support behind the wantaway quarterback but denied any divide as his standoff with the franchise rolls on.

Rodgers has been absent from the Packers' mandatory minicamp, having already skipped organised team activities (OTA) practices last month, as the reigning NVP MVP seeks an exit.

The 37-year-old cast a shadow over the first round of the NFL Draft in April when it was reported he did not wish to return to the Packers.

The saga has drawn out since then, although Rodgers clarified his stance did not relate to the Packers trading up to select his heir apparent, Jordan Love, in last year's draft.

Packers All-Pros Adams and Bakhtiari offered their support for Super Bowl-winning QB Rodgers at the minicamp.

"I've got his back through everything so he knows that, at the end of the day, if there's ever a wonder if he's lost a teammate or something because of all that's come out, he knows where I stand," Adams said.

"I'll stand on the f****** mountain and scream on the mountaintop that I've got his back."

Wide receiver Adams was careful not to criticise the organisation, amid speculation the situation is dividing the franchise.

"I think that any GM [general manager], any president, any owner, they should want the type of guys that are backing their players, especially a player like that," Adams said.

"That's just a good trait to have. It's not like I'm saying, 'Forget the front office,' like I don't respect what they have going on."

Long-time Packers offensive tackle Bakhtiari added: "For me, I care about Aaron Rodgers from a friend perspective. Whatever he wants to do, whatever the situation that comes out, I will never hold any grudge against him. That is my friend. That is someone that I have appreciated, and he has done a lot for this organisation and a lot for me as an individual.

"Now, as a team-mate I would be idiotic to say that I don't want the MVP back. He's the MVP of the league last year. He's done amazing things as from the quarterback perspective, our quarterback position, but not only for the franchise. So absolutely."

In Rodgers' 2020 MVP season, he amassed 48 touchdowns, five interceptions and a completion rate of 70.7 per cent for the Packers – who lost to eventual Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Rodgers' quarterback rating of 121.5 puts him second on the all-time list among qualifiers, behind only his 2011 campaign (122.5).

The Packers will commence their 2021 season against the New Orleans Saints on September 12.

Aaron Rodgers was not present as the Green Bay Packers reported for their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, officially making the league MVP a holdout.

Rodgers skipped Green Bay's organised team activities, which began last month, and has seemingly decided to do the same with a phase of the offseason program he is required to attend.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Rodgers did not show up for minicamp, with the stand-off between the star quarterback and the Packers showing no sign of coming to an end.

Rodgers cast a shadow over the first round of the NFL Draft in April when it was reported he did not wish to return to the Packers.

The San Francisco 49ers were said to have spoken to Green Bay about a potential trade for Rodgers before selecting quarterback Trey Lance with the third overall pick in the draft.

Many believed Rodgers' frustration with the Packers stemmed from them trading up to select his heir apparent, Jordan Love, in the first round of last year's draft.

However, in an interview with ESPN, Rodgers' rejected those claims.

"With my situation, look, it's never been about the draft pick, picking Jordan," he said last month.

"I love Jordan; he's a great kid. [It has been] a lot of fun to work together.

"I love the coaching staff, love my team-mates, love the fan base in Green Bay. [It has been] an incredible 16 years.

"It's just kind of about a philosophy and maybe forgetting that it is about the people that make the thing go. It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way.

"A lot of this was put in motion last year, and the wrench was just kind of thrown into it when I won MVP and played the way I played last year.

"This is just kind of, I think, a spill-out of all that. But it is about the people, and that's the most important thing. Green Bay has always been about the people."

Rodgers' MVP season in 2020 was the third of his Hall of Fame career. He led the NFL in completion percentage (70.7) and passing touchdowns (48) while throwing for 4,299 yards.

He had a well-thrown percentage of 82.4, per Stats Perform data, with only Philip Rivers (84.7) and Ryan Tannehill (82.6) producing an accurate, well-thrown ball more often last season.

Yet the Packers lost in the NFC Championship Game for the second successive season and their quest to go one further, which begins on September 12 against the New Orleans Saints, looks increasingly like it may begin with Love under center rather than Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers has divided the Green Bay Packers fan base by attempting to force a move away from his only team.

That was the admission Packers president Mark Murphy made on Saturday as Green Bay continue to attempt to forge a route forward with their veteran quarterback.

Widespread reports of Rodgers' dissatisfaction emerged on draft night, overshadowing much of the event.

Rodgers, selected by the Packers in 2005, was the NFL MVP for the third time in 2020 following a career-high 48 touchdowns.

The 37-year-old also had his highest completion percentage since becoming a starter (70.7) and a passer rating of 121.5 that he only previously surpassed in 2011 (122.5).

Green Bay are understandably keen not to lose the QB, but Rodgers did not attend voluntary organised team activities last month and discussed his unhappiness, although he clarified 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love – his backup – was not the cause of the friction.

"It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way," Rodgers told ESPN's SportsCenter.

It has therefore been easy for fans to criticise the team for their part in the fiasco, even if some supporters are unhappy with Rodgers.

"The situation we face with Aaron Rodgers has divided our fan base," Murphy wrote on the team's website. "The emails and letters that I've received reflect this fact.

"We remain committed to resolving things with Aaron and want him to be our quarterback in 2021 and beyond.

"We are working to resolve the situation and realise that the less both sides say publicly the better."

Rodgers, who has three years left on his contract and will count for $37.2million against the cap in 2021, ranks 11th all-time for passing yards, although he is only 230 shy of catching John Elway and breaking into the top 10.

Meanwhile, his 412 TDs rank seventh, with Rodgers having thrown more than 1,500 passes fewer than every other QB with over 400 scores.

A touchdown percentage of 6.3 ranks fifth among players with 50 or more games, with Rodgers' next regular season appearance set to be his 198th.

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is unsure whether wantaway quarterback Aaron Rodgers will report for next week's mandatory mini-camp.

Rodgers has already skipped voluntary organised team activities (OTA) as the reigning NFL MVP pushes to leave the Packers – a franchise he has represented since 2005.

Reports of Rodgers' unhappiness first emerged on draft day this year, though Green Bay are unwilling to trade the superstar and three-time MVP.

It remains to be seen whether the disgruntled Super Bowl winner will attend the three-day camp, which starts on Tuesday, and the Packers were unable to provide an update.

"I don't know," LaFleur told reporters on Wednesday when asked whether Rodgers will report. "We'll see come Tuesday."

"I've got nothing to update on that situation, and you guys all know how we feel about it," LaFleur said.

Rodgers amassed 48 touchdowns, five interceptions and a completion rate of 70.7 per cent for the Packers – who lost to eventual Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Rodgers' quarterback rating of 121.5 puts him second on the all-time list among qualifiers, behind only his 2011 campaign (122.5).

In total, Rodgers completed 372 of 526 attempts for 4,299 yards as the Packers topped the NFC North with a 13-3 record to clinch home-field advantage and the top seed in the NFC playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Rodgers is level with Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown with three MVP honours – only Peyton Manning (five) has more in NFL history.

The Packers will open their 2021 season against the New Orleans Saints on September 12.

"With my situation, look, it's never been about the draft pick, picking Jordan."

Aaron Rodgers this week broke his silence amid his stand-off with the Green Bay Packers, which cast a shadow over the 2021 NFL Draft as his desire for a trade was revealed last month and has left a perennial NFC contender to start their preparations for the upcoming season without the league MVP, insisting his push to leave has nothing to do with them selecting his heir apparent, Jordan Love, in the first round in 2020.

"It's just kind of about a philosophy and maybe forgetting that it is about the people that make the thing go," said Rodgers on ESPN's SportsCenter. 

"It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way."

But whatever Rodgers' reasons for his self-imposed exile, the reality for the Packers is that the longer this episode drags on, the more it becomes about Love and the potential drop-off from a future Hall of Fame quarterback to one who did not even suit up for a game as a rookie.

Just how precipitous could the decline in play from Rodgers to Love be if the three-time MVP does not return to play the 2021 campaign? Stats Perform analysed the data to look at the scale of the challenge the Packers may face if they have to turn the keys to the offense over to Love in the coming season.

Rodgers' finest hour?

Most quarterbacks in the NFL would struggle to live up to the standard Rodgers produced in 2020, as his skill set and Matt LaFleur's offense – with its roots in the ultra quarterback-friendly Kyle Shanahan attack – coalesced to devastating effect.

Rodgers completed 70.7 per cent of his passes, the highest mark of his career in seasons in which he attempted at least 200 throws, for 4,299 yards, 48 touchdowns and five interceptions.

That equated to a TD-INT ratio of 9.60, the second-best of his career behind a 2018 season where he threw only 25 touchdowns, as Rodgers outperformed each of his prior MVP seasons in 2011 (7.50) and 2014 (7.60) in that regard.

There is a case to be made, therefore, that the 2020 campaign was Rodgers' finest to date, and it is one furthered by the advanced metrics.

Rodgers' well-thrown percentage, which measures how often a quarterback delivers an accurate, well-thrown ball, was 82.4, third in the NFL behind Philip Rivers and Ryan Tannehill.

In other words, Rodgers' completion percentage was no accident. He produced on-target throws at an extremely high rate and did an excellent job of avoiding turnover-worthy passes.

Indeed, Rodgers was also third in the NFL in pickable pass percentage, which analyses how often a throw is interceptable by the defense. Only Alex Smith (2.12%) and Tom Brady (2.20) threw a lower percentage of interceptable passes than Rodgers (2.23).

Rodgers has not thrown double-digit interceptions since the 2010 season, when he led Green Bay to Super Bowl glory, and he suffered only 19 sacks for negative yardage in 2020. At this stage in his decorated career, Rodgers possesses a masterful knowledge of how to maximise his offense's potential to produce positive plays and limit defenses' opportunities for game-changing takeaways.

Without any NFL experience, Love's ability to do the same is questionable at best after a turnover-laden end to his collegiate career.

A bemusing bet on Love

The Packers' decision to trade up in the first round in 2020 to select Love as Rodgers' eventual successor was a contentious one not just because they eschewed the chance to boost the supporting cast of wide receivers in a historic draft at the position. Planning for the future at the game's most important spot is advisable but making that move for a quarterback coming off the 2019 season Love endured was always likely to raise eyebrows.

After an impressive 2018 in which he threw 32 touchdowns to just six interceptions for Utah State, Love experienced a hugely underwhelming 2019.

Love's 17 interceptions were the most in the FBS in a year that saw his touchdown total dip to 20, while his completion percentage of 61.9 was only good enough for 54th in the FBS.

And his struggles in connecting with his receivers and issues with turning the ball over were a consequence of Love's consistent failure to produce accurate throws.

Love's 2019 well-thrown percentage of 66.74 was well below the average of 73.20 for Power 5 and Group of 5 quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts.

Thirty-eight of his passes were considered interceptable, giving him a pickable pass percentage of 8.21 that was the third-worst among signal-callers to meet that 100-throw threshold. 

When under pressure his well-thrown percentage declined further to 54.89 per cent and his pickable pass rate increased to 12 per cent.

A quarterback struggling when he feels the pressure is no surprise, but the shortcomings Love displayed when operating from a clean pocket and when under duress while playing against largely non-Power 5 opposition makes the prospect of him facing NFL defenses after a season on the bench a very alarming one.

Should he start in 2021, Love will have the benefit of something he lacked during his final year at Utah State, a supporting cast capable of elevating his game.

Stellar safety nets

While much has been made of the lack of investment in Rodgers' receiving weapons, whoever plays under center in 2021 will be playing with arguably the premier wideout in the NFL in Davante Adams.

He racked up 1,374 yards, the second-highest mark of his career, while leading the league in yards per game (98.1) and receiving touchdowns (18). Adams was also top of the charts in burn yards per route (3.9) among receivers to play at least 50 snaps in 2020.

The apparent telepathy Rodgers and Adams enjoy powered the Packers' run to the NFC Championship Game last season, but Marquez Valdes-Scantling also displayed intriguing progress.

With 45 burns – which is when a receiver wins his matchup with a defender on a play where he is targeted regardless of whether the pass is catchable or not – on 61 targets, Valdes-Scantling was eighth in burn percentage (73.8), second in burn yards per target (18.96) and fourth in big-play percentage (46.1) while recording the third-highest average depth of target (18.1) of all receivers with 50 snaps to their name.

Running back Aaron Jones was re-signed this offseason and could offer an extremely valuable safety net for a young quarterback having flourished in the zone-running scheme employed by LaFleur, posting a career-high rushing yards total of 1,104 and leading all running backs in yards before contact per attempt with 3.65.

Though Adams and Jones are unquestionably elite weapons, a lack of depth at receiver has long since been an issue. The third-round selection of Amari Rodgers this year was a belated attempt to address it but was obviously a pick made with giving Rodgers a dependable slot option in mind.

Rodgers' incredible consistency in delivering accurate balls to all levels of the field has helped Adams to grow into one of the NFL's most feared players at the receiver position and unquestionably played a role in Valdes-Scantling's recent development.

With Love bereft of experience and the ball-placement proficiency that has contributed significantly to Rodgers becoming an all-time great, it is highly debatable whether he could build the same kind of rapport with Adams and Valdes-Scantling or help Amari Rodgers quickly blossom in the slot.

The Packers are a team for whom the Super Bowl has frustratingly proven a step too far in the past two years. Rather than enabling them to take that leap in 2021, a switch from Rodgers to Love is more likely to put them in reverse in the short term. For Green Bay to realise the potential of a loaded roster, it is imperative Rodgers is the first to blink in this most public of staring contests.

Bryson DeChambeau told Brooks Koepka "it's nice to be living rent free in your head" as the two PGA Tour stars traded barbs on social media.

There is no love lost between DeChambeau and Koepka, particularly after footage of the latter emerged during a post-round interview at the US PGA Championship.

In a leaked viral video, four-time major champion Koepka was seen rolling his eyes at reigning U.S. Open winner DeChambeau and cursed in frustration during the interview.

'The Match' was announced on Wednesday, with DeChambeau partnering Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in an exhibition battle against PGA Championship winner Phil Mickelson and Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar Tom Brady.

Afterwards, Koepka and DeChambeau continued their growing feud as the former tweeted: "Sorry bro @AaronRodgers12."

DeChambeau responded by tweeting: "@BKoepka It's nice to be living rent free in your head!"

Amid the exchange, six-time major winner Mickelson wrote: "I feel like I'm in the middle of something and should step aside. [Except they want the CURRENT PGA champ:]."

There has been tension since 2019 after Koepka called out DeChambeau for slow play, while the later responded by taking aim at his fellow American's physique in 2020.

"I don't think his genetics even make him look good," DeChambeau said. "Did you see The Body Issue? He didn't have any abs. I have abs."

'The Match' will take place on July 6 at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana.

Mickelson has been a regular at this event since the first instalment in 2018, where he defeated Tiger Woods in a one-on-one match up to earn a lucrative $9million payout.

In May 2020, Mickelson first partnered NFL legend Brady – who earned a seventh career Super Bowl ring by leading the Buccaneers to glory in February – where they were beaten by Woods and Peyton Manning.

Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson will reunite for 'The Match' in a blockbuster showdown with Aaron Rodgers and Bryson Dechambeau - and the playful trash talk has already begun.

Mickelson made history on Sunday by becoming the oldest major winner of all time with a two-shot victory at the US PGA Championship.

The 50-year-old has been a regular at this event since the first instalment in 2018, where he defeated Tiger Woods in a one-on-one match up to earn a lucrative $9million payout.

In May 2020, Mickelson first partnered NFL legend Brady – who earned a seventh career Super Bowl ring by leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to glory in February – where they were beaten by Woods and Peyton Manning.

And six months ago, 'Lefty' partnered NBA legend Charles Barkley to overcome Manning and Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.

Once the announcement for the latest version, which will take place on July 6 at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, was made Brady could not help but take a light-hearted dig at the Green Bay Packers' star quarterback Rodgers.

"Two old guys against the young bucks @PhilMickelson. @b_dechambeau better get used to laying up because we know @AaronRodgers12 isn't going for it," Brady wrote on Twitter.

Mickelson also took to social media, posting: "It's game time! My partner @tombrady and I are back and ready to settle some unfinished business. See you in Montana @AaronRodgers12 @b_dechambeau."

It was revealed on the PGA Tour's official website that 'The Match' will "include donations made to Feeding America, among additional charitable beneficiaries", and the competition format will be modified alternate shot match play.

Matt LaFleur is clinging to hope of Aaron Rodgers returning to the fold with the Green Bay Packers, now the NFL MVP has said he has no gripe with playing or coaching staff.

Reigning NFL MVP Rodgers is eager to leave the team he has represented since 2005, in what would be a seismic trade.

Coach LaFleur finds himself having to deal with Rodgers being absent – the quarterback has missed the start of this week's voluntary organised team activities (OTAs) – but also tasked with keeping the rest of his players focused.

"Aaron definitely knows how we feel about him, how he's such an important part to our football team," LaFleur said on Tuesday.

"[He is] such an important part to our organisation. We're just going to continue to try to work through this and hopefully we can get him back in the building at some point."

Rodgers last season had his highest completion percentage since becoming a starter (70.7) and achieved a passer rating of 121.5 – keeping Jordan Love waiting for his chance.

Love is the young quarterback the Packers acquired with their first-round pick in the 2020 Draft. While Rodgers rose to the challenge, the 37-year-old has also become disenchanted with life at Green Bay.

LaFleur has told his players to avoid allowing the rift to become a distraction.

"We kind of talked about this with our football team," LaFleur said, quoted on nfl.com.

"Right now there's things that are in your control and there are certain things that are out of your control. I think that just our mindset right now is to focus on each individual. [Each individual] is focused on the things that they can control and we need everybody to be at their best for us to continue to progress as a football team. So that's kind of been the focus throughout."

Rodgers said his gripe centres on the Packers' philosophy, offering a rather oblique explanation of the reasons behind his absence in an interview on Monday with ESPN SportsCenter. Reports have pointed to a possible contract dispute.

Rodgers said: "I love the coaching staff, love my team-mates, love the fan base in Green Bay. [It has been] an incredible 16 years.

"It's just kind of about a philosophy and maybe forgeting that it is about the people that make the thing go. It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way.

"A lot of this was put in motion last year, and the wrench was just kind of thrown into it when I won MVP and played the way I played last year.

"This is just kind of, I think, a spill-out of all that. But it is about the people, and that's the most important thing. Green Bay has always been about the people."

If Rodgers has issues with the Packers front office, he may find his people – those in the locker room – are willing to lend an ear. The longer the impasse persists, however, the more the business of the approaching new season may mean team-mates have to set aside his issues.

According to reports, there were 79 of the Packers' 89 rostered players present on Tuesday as the OTAs continued.

Safety Adrian Amos told packers.com: "Everybody has to focus on themselves as far as getting ready to play. Because regardless of what happens, we've got to go out there and the show goes on.

"Everybody has their personal situations, and you support everybody's personal situations, but I'm getting paid to go out there and perform. Regardless of what's going on around me, I'm getting judged by what I do."

Aaron Rodgers' discontent in Green Bay dates back to last year but centres around the Packers' philosophy rather than Jordan Love, he said on Monday.

Reigning NFL MVP Rodgers is pushing to leave the team he has represented since 2005.

Reports of his unhappiness first emerged on draft day this year, but there was no late trade as five quarterbacks went in the first round – including three in the top three.

While Rodgers is a three-time MVP, one-time Super Bowl MVP and one-time champion, he had a career-high 48 touchdowns en route to individual recognition in 2020.

The 37-year-old also had his highest completion percentage since becoming a starter (70.7) and a passer rating of 121.5 that he only previously surpassed in 2011 (122.5).

This came after a draft in which the Packers selected QB Love with their first-round pick, rather than providing support to Rodgers.

However, discussing his desire to depart Green Bay on SportsCenter, the veteran said: "With my situation, look, it's never been about the draft pick, picking Jordan.

"I love Jordan; he's a great kid. [It has been] a lot of fun to work together."

Love did not take a single snap last year but is widely considered the man to take the reins when Rodgers eventually moves on.

The Packers great hopes that will be sooner rather than later.

Rodgers, who spent the offseason working on quiz show Jeopardy! and reportedly has an interest in keeping the role long-term, explained his reasoning as he confirmed a report he was skipping voluntary organised team activities.

"I love the coaching staff, love my team-mates, love the fan base in Green Bay," he said. "[It has been] an incredible 16 years.

"It's just kind of about a philosophy and maybe forgetting that it is about the people that make the thing go. It's about character, it's about culture, it's about doing things the right way.

"A lot of this was put in motion last year, and the wrench was just kind of thrown into it when I won MVP and played the way I played last year.

"This is just kind of, I think, a spill-out of all that. But it is about the people, and that's the most important thing. Green Bay has always been about the people."

Rodgers, who has three years left on his contract and will count for $37.2million against the cap in 2021, ranks 11th all-time for passing yards, although he is only 230 shy of catching John Elway and breaking into the top 10.

Meanwhile, his 412 TDs rank seventh, with Rodgers having thrown more than 1,500 passes fewer than every other QB with over 400 scores.

A touchdown percentage of 6.3 ranks fifth among players with 50 or more games, with Rodgers' next regular season appearance set to be his 198th.

The Packers start the new season at the New Orleans Saints on September 12.

The Green Bay Packers continue to make it clear they want star Aaron Rodgers to remain as their quarterback, despite reports the reigning NFL MVP is unhappy. 

Rumours have swirled around Rodgers since reports on the first day of the NFL Draft claimed the QB wanted out of Green Bay after 16 seasons with the Packers.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has already said the team would not trade Rodgers and president and chief executive Mark Murphy reiterated Green Bay's commitment to Rodgers.

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur echoed those sentiments as the Packers opened their rookie mini-camp on Friday.

"I've got nothing new to update, and we still obviously feel the same way," LaFleur said of Rodgers' future.

"We want him back in the worst way. I know he knows that, and we'll continue to work at it each and every day."

Last season, Rodgers amassed 48 touchdowns, five interceptions and a completion rate of 70.7 per cent for the Packers – who lost to eventual Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game.

Rodgers' quarterback rating of 121.5 puts him second on the all-time list among qualifiers, behind only his 2011 campaign (122.5).

In total, Rodgers completed 372 of 526 attempts for 4,299 yards as the Packers topped the NFC North with a 13-3 record to clinch home-field advantage and the top seed in the NFC playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Rodgers is level with Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown with three MVP honours – only Peyton Manning (five) has more in NFL history.

The Packers begin organised team activities on May 24 and Rodgers is not expected to be present, pending a resolution in the meantime. 

That leaves LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to work with the quarterbacks on hand: Rodgers' heir apparent Jordan Love and new signing Blake Bortles. 

Bortles, who signed with the team on Thursday, previously worked with Hackett on the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2015-18. 

"This is a guy that's started a lot of games and had a lot of success -- shoot, he led his team to the AFC Championship Game [in 2017], and they were close to knocking off the Patriots in New England," LaFleur said.

"He's got a lot of experience, and that's something you can never take for granted."

Love was the Packers' first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft but did not play last season. 

LaFleur deflected a question about whether he would use the off-season to prepare Love for a starting role in case Rodgers does not return, saying he expects every player on the team to have that mind-set.

The Packers will open their season at the New Orleans Saints on September 12.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will kick off the new NFL season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 9, while Sam Darnold is to be quickly reunited with the New York Jets.

Ahead of the full schedule release later on Wednesday, the Week 1 slate was confirmed with Tom Brady's Bucs the highlight.

After winning the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs last season, seven-time champion Brady is in the Thursday night game against the Cowboys in Tampa.

The Bucs have brought back the entirety of their title-winning team and face a Dallas outfit aiming to improve on an awful 2020 after signing Dak Prescott to a long-term contract.

Elsewhere, quarterback Darnold will make his Carolina Panthers debut against the Jets team he left this offseason.

In three miserable years in New York, Darnold threw for 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions across 38 games with a 59.8 completion percentage – the third-worst rate in the league over this period.

The former third overall pick was traded to the Panthers last month for a sixth-round pick this year and a second and fourth-rounders in 2022, with the Jets then using the second selection in 2021 to take Zach Wilson.

Among Wilson's fellow first-round QBs, Mac Jones could potentially make his bow against the man he succeeded at Alabama.

Jones, who is competing for the starting spot on the New England Patriots with Cam Newton, will hope to face Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins in a big AFC East matchup.

Trevor Lawrence is likely to go straight into the Jacksonville Jaguars team against the Houston Texans, while Trey Lance will hope to get his chance under center for the San Francisco 49ers at the Detroit Lions and Justin Fields for the Chicago Bears at the Los Angeles Rams in the late Sunday game.

The NFL also confirmed Wilson and Lawrence would be in line for appearances in the London games in October, with the Jets facing the Atlanta Falcons and the Jaguars taking on the Dolphins on consecutive weekends.

Another of the more intriguing Week 1 games sees the Green Bay Packers travel to the New Orleans Saints.

As the Saints begin the post-Drew Brees era, the Packers will hope wantaway MVP Aaron Rodgers is still on the team and able to improve his 3-2 career record as a starter against New Orleans.

The Seattle Seahawks, who have kept hold of Russell Wilson, face the Indianapolis Colts, and Patrick Mahomes' latest title tilt sees the Kansas City Chiefs host the Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes went down with a toe injury and then a concussion in an epic Chiefs win over the Browns in the 2020 postseason, with 35-year-old backup Chad Henne making his playoff debut and having a pick and a sack but completing six of eight passes to complete the job.

In the first Monday Night Football of the season, Lamar Jackson's Baltimore Ravens will go to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Week 1 schedule in full:

Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sep 9, 8:20pm ET
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans – Sep 12, 1:00pm ET
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs – Sep 12, 4:25pm ET
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints – Sep 12, 4:25pm ET
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Sep 12, 4:25pm ET
Denver Broncos at New York Giants – Sep 12, 4:25pm ET
Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams – Sep 12, 8:20pm ET
Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders – Sep 13, 8:15pm ET

Green Bay Packers star Davante Adams said he would "definitely have to do some extra thinking" if reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers did not suit up for the franchise next season.

Rodgers is reportedly unhappy and seeking a Packers exit, though Green Bay have made it clear they are unwilling to trade the three-time MVP and Super Bowl champion.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Rodgers, 37, heading into the 2021 season after leading the Packers to the NFC Championship Game.

All-Pro team-mate Adams is into the final year of his contract and admitted his fate could potentially hinge on the superstar quarterback.

"Potentially, potentially; that's my guy," Packers wide receiver Adams told Fox Sports Radio. "That's the only guy that I've had -- other than that 2017 season, when he got hurt. That's the only guy that I've played with.

"We've built up a special connection over the years that has put us both in really good positions in our career. Not that he needed me to come along for it, because he was already in that spot, but we've established a lot together.

"So, it would change a lot. Doesn't mean potentially I'd be gone, but I'd definitely have to do some extra thinking if my guy wasn't here."

Adams caught 115 passes for 1,374 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, while Rodgers amassed 48 TDs, five interceptions and a completion rate of 70.7 per cent for the Packers – who lost to eventual Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Rodgers' quarterback rating of 121.5 puts him second on the all-time list among qualifiers, behind only his 2011 campaign (122.5).

In total, Rodgers completed 372 of 526 attempts for 4,299 yards as the Packers topped the NFC North with a 13-3 record to clinch home-field advantage and the top seed in the NFC playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Rodgers is level with Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, Favre, Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown with three MVP honours – only Peyton Manning (five) has more in NFL history.

"A lot is still being figured out on his end, so it's tough for me to get into the specifics and speak on it," Adams said. "Obviously, I would love to. Can't wait until I can tell you he's back and we're back doing our thing we've been doing. But for now, you've got to iron out a few things. Hopefully I'll be back on the show and we'll be celebrating taking shots and whatnot."

Adams – a four-time Pro Bowler – added: "We all know this is a pretty intense business, there's a lot that happens, a lot that goes on here. Just like any other job, you want to be happy, and once you've gained that respect, you want to be treated with that type of respect.

"There's certain things that I can't speak on specifics, but there are certain things that he wants, and maybe the club wasn't so excited about living up to right away.

"And that can affect a guy who's done so much for an organization. He's put his body and really laid his life on the line out there for that team, for his teammates. So I've been behind him 100 per cent throughout the whole thing.

"Obviously I'm praying everything works out and we get him back and we can continue to go out there and continue to do stuff like we did [last season] because it's a lot of fun doing that."