While Tom Brady already called it quits on his legendary NFL career, Aaron Rodgers is the latest former MVP to have questions about his playing status.
And it’s going to get dark for Rodgers to figure it out… literally.
Earlier this offseason, Rodgers spoke about his desire to play for a contender and essentially said that he would have no part in a Packers rebuild. That led to plenty of recruiting pitches from fans at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last weekend. But all that didn’t bring him any closer to a decision.
Instead, Rodgers is going to spend four straight days in darkness to help him contemplate his future. He’s calling it a “darkness retreat.”
"I'm still in the art of contemplation about my future.. after my isolation retreat I'll be ready to make a decision" ~ @AaronRodgers12#PMSinAZ pic.twitter.com/21uLlRDlQr
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 7, 2023
Rodgers described the process during his Tuesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, saying that he has had friends who did darkness retreats and came away with “profound experiences.” Complete darkness, no music, no human interaction.
This is somewhat reminiscent of Rodgers crediting his ayahuasca experiences in South America for his MVP seasons in 2020 and 2021.
Rodgers did say that he wouldn’t be locked in the dark home and could leave if he wants. But still, the darkness retreat sounds incredibly on brand for Rodgers who just about refuses to be normal.
NFL fans also had thoughts on this latest offseason plan from Rodgers.
This was how Twitter reacted
I find it fascinating that rich people enlightenment tactics are nearly identical to prison punishments. https://t.co/pgFi4e6UeN
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) February 7, 2023
So he's doing Alcatraz D Block, fantasy camp https://t.co/ly1taOgfdn
— Ben Ennis (@SportsnetBen) February 7, 2023
Darkness?
Raiders confirmed https://t.co/uSX3TffWOk
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) February 7, 2023
Aaron Rodgers during the off-season: https://t.co/T5iCLrdWDF pic.twitter.com/8foGhKjZ05
— Carter Byrd (@CarterByrd13) February 7, 2023
“Darkness retreat” is just code for “seeing what it would be like to be a New York Jet” https://t.co/yKO0gsnGCN
— Joe DiBiase (@SneakyJoeSports) February 7, 2023
So if Aaron Rodgers emerges from his dark shanty and fails to see his shadow he will retire. https://t.co/Btc6Gh8c03
— Kyle Fellows (@Packer_Pundit) February 7, 2023
my plans after the super bowl: https://t.co/MEVCzUaDBm
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 7, 2023
After Andy Dufresne did this in Shawshank Redemption, he decided it was time to escape. I see where this is headed. https://t.co/jOtOu3glNq pic.twitter.com/zPIVke4ceP
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) February 7, 2023
People pay for this? I'm in the wrong business. https://t.co/HcMVO7xJcd
— D.J. Short (@djshort) February 7, 2023
I’m sure we’re going to hear all about it when he’s done too.
