Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers appreciates mention by 'big Bear fan' Obama

Published Nov. 19, 2015 1:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

President Barack Obama likened himself to Aaron Rodgers “in the pocket” to characterize how he approaches running the country. The Green Bay Packers quarterback indicated he was flattered by the complimentary reference, especially considering how Obama is such a huge fan of the rival Chicago Bears.

“Well, I know that’s probably tough for him because he’s a big Bear fan; I appreciate that,” Rodgers said Wednesday, via ESPN.com. “He has a lot more responsibility, I think, than I do, and a tough job to do. I appreciate the comment. That’s the highest form of respect that I can get from him, so I really appreciate that, especially being a Bear fan.”

Obama paid Rodgers the compliment during a recent interview for GQ magazine, likening himself to how the quarterback conducts himself in the pocket “in the sense of you can’t be distracted by what’s around you, you’ve got to be looking downfield. And I think that’s a quality that I have -- not getting flustered in what’s around me.”

Rodgers also discussed what it was like to visit the White House and meet Obama following the Packers’ triumph in Super Bowl XLV, recalling the president was “very personable” and “easy to talk to if you can get over the initial shock” of shaking his hand.

Rodgers, who is nursing a shoulder injury ahead of a critical showdown Sunday with the Minnesota Vikings, has had an up-and-down season, at least by his lofty standards. His struggles have coincided with a three-game losing streak that has dropped the Packers to 6-3 after an undefeated start. His play even caused some misguided fans to suggest his relationship with actress Olivia Munn is the source of his troubles.

But the Packers offense’s struggles obviously are not solely Rodgers’ fault, and he nevertheless remains one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Even a die-hard Bears fan like Obama can recognize that much.

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