I’m not a Packers fan.
There, I said it. I’m Kevin Berchelmann and I’m not a Packers fan.
“Hello, Kevin.”
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the Packers as a football team; as a matter of fact, I actually think they’re pretty cool. I’ve even been to a game at Lambeau Field, and there’s no question that was an experience for a lifetime.
It’s just I’m from Texas, which causes a couple of problems. First, we have a couple of football teams here (maybe you’ve heard of them), and second I’d likely lose my Texas card if I bypassed two local teams in support of <gasp!> the Green Bay Packers. Anyway, let’s move on.
I am, however, a fan of Aaron Rodgers. The guy is a class act, and he shows it in so many different ways. On the field, he’s one of the best. Ever. His record stands alone, and I won’t repeat all the stats here. Suffice to say, he does his job pretty damned well.
But even better than that, he’s a solid leader. For example, Aaron recently bought his offensive lineman personalized ATVs for Christmas. It was a big deal for four really big guys; green and gold ATVs each painted with the lineman’s jersey number and initials on the sides. And no, I’m not five months late in posting this. Those ATVs took a while to be custom-made, and they were just delivered this week.
Now look; the purchase price of all four of those didn’t put a dent in Aaron’s net worth. And frankly, those linemen could likely afford those ATVs on their own, even though the $20 grand would have a bit larger impact on their budget than Aaron’s.
That’s not the point. The point is, these four guys are the ones most responsible for Aaron Rodgers’ success. We use the phrase “blocking and tackling” all the time. These guys, however, actually no-shit block all the time. And Aaron knows that, appreciates that, and recognizes that. That’s what real leaders do — take care of those people who take care of them. Respect and recognize those who embrace our vision and help us succeed.
And these are the people who do it every day, day in day out. Not the prima donnas or elites who are already well rewarded for their efforts. No, these are the guys who get up in the morning and get the job done, though most people don’t even know their names. Except Packer fans of course, because those folks are bat-shit crazy, and likely know every thing about every player.
So… I’m not a Packers fan. I’m not even a recovering Packers fan. But I respect leadership well done, and Aaron Rodgers exemplifies that.
Be Brazen…
