One notable player missing as NFL teams host minicamps
Teams around the league held OTAs and minicamps last week.
There was a notable absence when the Green Bay Packers held a mandatory minicamp : Aaron Rodgers.
While the contentious relationship between the three-time MVP quarterback and one of the league's most storied franchises was a big topic of discussion, the player the team drafted in the first round last year — Jordan Love — got valuable first-team reps.
Speaking at an event at Lambeau Field last week, Packers president Mark Murphy referenced the unhappy Rodgers as a "complicated fella."
"I'm often reminded though ... of Ted Thompson, as most of you know, just a great general manager, passed away (earlier this year)," Murphy said, according to NBC 26 in Green Bay. "(Thompson) often talked about Aaron, that he's a ... and it wasn't just Aaron, a lot of different players. He would say, 'He's a complicated fella.' So, I'll just say that."
What's up in the NFL?
- At the Dallas Cowboys' mandatory minicamp, rookie linebacker Micah Parsons got lessons from his veteran teammates and running back Ezekiel Elliott reported looking sleeker.
- Jarvis Landry said that his longtime friend and Cleveland Browns teammate Odell Beckham Jr. is "already doing some things that will blow your mind" as he returns from season-ending knee surgery.
- NFL games in Germany? USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis explains why the country could be a booming market for the league.
- Vaccinations were a hot-button topic at offseason camps last week, with some players saying they have yet to get the COVID-19 vaccination. While NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said he's leaving that decision up to the players, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said, "well, if you want to go back to normal, get vaccinated."
- Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray said he is a three-sport athlete ... that is, of course, if you consider esports an actual sport.
- Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson made it clear Thursday that he did not ask for a trade this offseason.
Just because ... NFL's best by uniform number
With news that Julio Jones is wearing No. 2 with the Tennessee Titans, take a look at the NFL's best players at 100 different uniform numbers.
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