When Green Bay Packers rookies arrived at training camp on Friday, there was a notable difference.
The traditional training camp procedure of rookies getting extra work before the veterans arrive later remains a bedrock practice for many NFL players.
But not Jordan Love.
According to NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV’s Ashley Washburn, the Packers quarterback arrived early to training camp on Friday, July 18, to get extra work with the first-year players.
While the Packers are an organization that requires quarterbacks to report to camp with rookies, Love was absent for a portion of last year’s camp due to his contract negotiations. He reported to training camp but did not practice until the deal with finalized.
The veterans are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, but Love’s early presence at training camp is a sign of a young quarterback who has taken more ownership of his role as a leader.
Fans surely appreciated the importance he’s placed on this upcoming season with his presence — which included an appearance at his football camp the day before he reports to camp.
Fans React to Jordan Love’s Early Entrance to Training Camp
One word continued to crop up on social media when the news broke of Love’s training camp arrival: “leader.”
“reporting to training camp four days early to help the rookies get acclimated,” one fan replied. he’s come such a long way as a leader.”
“That’s my QB,” another fan wrote.
Considering Love was embroiled in contract negotiations last offseason that led to an absence early at training camp, his eagerness to be present in Green Bay was a sign of his willingness to step up as a leader.
“You know it killed him last year to have a mini hold-in,” one fan added. “Even if it was never really contentious between him and the team.”
Jordan Love Enters Pivotal Season as Packers QB
When he was drafted in 2020, Love was given plenty of runway as the heir apparent to Aaron Rodgers.
He spent three seasons as a backup before being named the team’s starter. It’s been a long process for Love, who is on the brink of being a unanimous top-10 quarterback in the league.
However, entering a defining third year as a starter, it’s time for Love to prove it.
“It’s Jordan Love time. Only one offensive player on the roster (two-time Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins), and three players in total, predate the quarterback’s time with the team. He’s on a top-of-market deal, so the onus is on him to start lifting his teammates rather than the other way around,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote on June 30. “The roster’s still solid, but competitions at left tackle and receiver will help set the course for how far the team can go, and Love’s work through any bumps at those spots will be key.”
It’s a crucial time for the franchise that could find itself at a crossroads with Ed Policy taking over as CEO and de facto general manager. Policy opted not to extend Matt LaFleur with two years left on his contract, meaning the Packers are hoping to see more before they commit to him long-term.
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