In the minutes after the Green Bay Packers were dealt a season-ending loss by the Detroit Lions on Sunday night, NBC cameras provided a glimpse of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Randall Cobb exiting the field and taking a walk together up the Lambeau Field tunnel toward the team’s locker room.
It was a heavy, emotional moment for the two long-time teammates and friends. And it’s possible it will be the final walk together as teammates in Green Bay.
“Really, it wasn’t much. Just soaking in the moment,” Cobb said. “It’s unfortunate to be in that situation. I don’t think any of us thought we’d be in that situation.”
The Packers gave up leads of 9-3 and 16-13 and lost 20-16 to the Lions. A win would have clinched a playoff spot for Green Bay after a 4-8 start.
The 2022 season served as the 10th for Rodgers and Cobb as teammates in Green Bay.
Cobb said the moment after the game wasn’t planned and actually happened organically; both players were just headed off the field and up the tunnel at the same time.
Rodgers said he felt gratitude for Cobb and disappointment over the game’s result
“I just love the man. Always had a tight friendship with him. Just a lot of gratitude in the midst of disappointment,” Rodgers said. “The best part of this game is the relationships that come out of it because that lasts longer than the career, and I’m thankful for Randall.”
Cobb has played 12 NFL seasons and will be 33 years old next August. Rodgers, now 39, will spend the next few months contemplating whether he wants to play a 19th NFL season in 2023.
Cobb said he “took it all in” as he was leaving the field with Rodgers, who stood as a groomsman at his wedding and is now a godparent to one of Cobb’s children.
The future remains uncertain for both players. Cobb’s contract voids after this year.
“We’ve spent a lot of years on this team in Green Bay here,” Cobb said. “We’ll see where life takes us.”
