The most historic franchise in football history, founded in 1919 in the small town of Green Bay Wisconsin; the Packers.

When you think about the Packers one thing comes to mind, quarterbacks—the line of Brett Farve, then Aaron Rodgers and now the young Jordan Love. Farve and Rodgers have storied careers with 3 MVPs (Most Valuable Player) each. The transition was seamless, Favre left and Rodgers shined in Brett’s shadow. Now, it’s Rodgers leaving and the question fans have is “Is Jordan Love the next great Packers Quarterback?”

Who Is Jordan Love?

Jordan Alexander Love. Born November 2nd, 1998 to parents Anna Love and Orbin Love in Bakersfield California. Love played football throughout high school and planned to pursue his dream of NCAA football. However, a horrible step in the road occurred before Jordan ever took the field in high school. His father, Orbin Love took his own life on July 13th, 2013. Love has stated that this was the hardest time in his life and that he almost quit football. 

However, love worked hard for four years, in 2016 Love committed to the University of Utah. He played there until the Packers drafted him in 2020. He lived the dreams of millions, however, instead of cheers for his accomplishment, he received boos. 

Then Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was coming off two straight MVP seasons, both Rodgers and Packers fans worldwide scratched their heads at the decision to draft a QB when you have the best player in the league throwing the ball. 

This decision became clear after the smoke settled, Rodgers turned 37 in December 2020 and the Packers window to win a Super Bowl was closing. Star Wide receiver Davante Adams only had two years left on his contract and the Aging offensive line made it so the Packers only had 1 to 2 years to win. General Manager Brian Gutekunst was hedging his bets. The best-case scenario is that you win the Super Bowl. The worst-case scenario is that Jordan Love learns under the best QB at the time for 2 to 3 years and “hopefully” becomes the next superstar. Sadly, the Packers did not win the Super Bowl.

Just two years after the contract with Rodgers was signed, Aaron was traded to the New York Jets for a first-round pick, a 2nd round pick and a 6th round pick in return. It was Jordan Love-A-Clock in Green Bay.

A New Era

Love got off to a shaky start; 3 wins and 6 losses. The Packers defense looked sluggish and Jordan Love looked like the first-year quarterback he was. However, the Packers won their next three games against the Chargers, the Lions and the Chiefs respectively. Love looked in his element during this game stint, but it wasn’t only Love making a difference. The young wide receiver core shined with stars like Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed having amazing games in this stretch. 

The team continued to flip-flop in and out of the win column as they came to a close. When it came down to the last 3 weeks, the Pack needed to win all of their last games to make the playoffs and that is exactly what they did. They beat the Panthers, Vikings and Bears to advance to the playoffs

Their first playoff matchup was the juggernaut team; the Dallas Cowboys.

The Packers came into Dallas, warmed up, started the game and destroyed the Cowboys 48-32. If there was any worry regarding whether Jordan Love was the player of the future for the Packers, it’s safe to say that it was gone. 

Two more wins, the Packers needed two more wins to make the Superbowl. They had to get past the 49ers first. The pack tried to run, pass, trick, but in the end, it fell short. The Packers lost 24-21. 

The loss wasn’t a surprise, the 49ers won their next game and made the Superbowl (which they lost), while the Packers were a young, naive team at times. The future was bright in Green Bay.

Recently the Packers signed Star Running Back Josh Jacobs and Elite Safety Xavier Mckinley. However, the pendulum swung the other way as well, Green Bay parted ways from their beloved Running Back Aaron Jones. 

The pros outweigh the cons for the Packers. Young players like Jordan Love and Jaylen Reed are only destined to get better, combined with the new additions in free agency, this Packers team could carry on the streak of Historically Good Packers Eras, or fall short. We have to wait and see.