Aaron Rodgers

"Tonight is not a setback. It's just a learning experience."

~Aaron Rodgers

The Green Bay Packers staying undefeated while the Detroit Lions crumble to the 49ers seems to be the biggest topic in football. While I'll admit it's quite a feat to stay undefeated especially after winning the Super Bowl (which means everyone is putting on their A game to play you), I think the fact that Aaron Rodgers is playing there as Quarterback is an even greater feat in itself. 

Aaron Rodgers has constantly lived in a shadow of doubt concerning his playing abilities. He wasn't recruited after High School except as a walk-on from Illinois. He declined that offer to go to a community college where he led his team to 2nd in the country in their division. From there he transferred to The University of California to become a "Golden Bear" and coincidentally was called in to play in the game against his original offer, Illinois. Even after finishing his Junior season ranked in the top 5 in the nation, Rodgers faced disappointment again during the NFL draft. Predicted to go early, Rodgers slipped down to the 24th pick in the draft where he was picked up by the Green Bay Packers.

Once picked up by the Packers, Rodgers had to earn the trust of the current QB Brett Favre. Favre eventually warmed up to Rodgers and when he "retired" in 2008, Rodgers was put in as his replacement. Even though this was his time to shine, he could not escape the shadow of his predecessor. Fans lined up during the preseason practices with signs and protesting to bring Favre back as well as insulting and cat calling Rodgers. Despite all of the adversity and negativity though, Rodgers went on to win the Super Bowl in 2010 and start the 2011 season off undefeated. 

I don't know if there's a better example to show how much perseverance and a never give up attitude can influence your future. There were countless times where a lesser man would have given up his football career and succumb to the pressure of "you're not good enough". However Rodgers stayed strong and refused to let others get in the way of his dreams showing that anything is possible.