Rookie quarterback Sean Clifford has taken four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers’ old locker following his blockbuster trade from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets.
After an off-season saga, the Jets finally completed a sensational trade with the Packers to secure the services of the veteran quarterback. Rodgers - as well as the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a fifth-round selection - moved to New York in exchange for the 2023 13th overall pick, a 2023 second-round pick (no.42), a sixth-round pick (no.207) and a conditional second round pick.
The Packers are moving forwards with Jordan Love under center, but the franchise decided to add another member to the quarterback room after losing Rodgers . At the 2023 NFL Draft last week, the Packers selected former Penn State star Clifford in the fifth round.
Clifford has not only inherited Rodgers’ old locker, but he was also assigned the jersey number eight - the same one the future Hall of Famer is set to wear with the Jets. Prior to the first practice of minicamp on Friday, Clifford revealed he has become aware of the locker.
“Obviously I understand who was in here before and I respect everything about that,” Clifford said. “At the same time, I came in and I found my name on the plate and I sat down. I'm doing whatever it takes to win games here.
“I’m very appreciative of the opportunity. Green Bay has a guy who's going to come in and give them their all, and I can promise that. I'm just trying to create my own legacy now and continue just to get better.”
Clifford’s locker is four stalls down from Love, who is set to start for the Packers in 2023. While the rookie will likely see little playing time, he is clearly thrilled to be in the NFL, adding: “It's a locker to me, and I'm just excited to be in the locker room with these guys. As long as you see your name, right?
“That's all that matters for me - just being in the NFL and having this opportunity, one that I've dreamed about for so long, and to have it as a reality, that's all that matters.”
The 24-year-old is looking to beat out Danny Etling for the backup role behind Love. Clifford spent six years at Penn State, where he set school records for quarterback wins (32), passing yards (10,661) and touchdown passes (86), among other marks.
