Who knew that when Louis Jordan recorded ‘Is you is or is you ain’t my baby’ in 1943. It would one day come to describe the never-ending drama that is Aaron Rodgers. That drama took another twist this week when Rodgers turned down a $250 million dollar extension from the Green Bay Packers. It would have placed Rodgers on that special rung that the media focuses on with a passion. The highest-paid player in the NFL. The highest-paid player in the NFL is always backup fodder in place of anything of actual importance. It will get brought up and trotted out every week whether he wins or loses. Maybe Rodgers decline because he learn a thing or two from Tom Brady. Take less and increase the level of esprit de corps among the men he leads. Maybe he declined because he wants even more. Judging from his prior behavior, I believe it is the latter.
For whatever reason, his refusal of the contract sent shock waves down the spines of Green Bay Packer faithful. There is no Green Bay without the Packers. They live, breathe, eat, and belch Packer. The very thought that Rodgers might leave pushed them to the unimaginable. The Aaron Rodgers era could be over. With that thought comes this realization. Without Rodgers Green Bay fades back into the Sargasso Sea that is known as the NFC central. A dimension of space and time known to sink any wayfaring team, that attempts to navigate its murky depths. The Chicago Bears, The Detroit Lions, and The Minnesota Vikings haven’t been heard from in a decade now. They have toiled in the shadow of Rodgers for 12 years. Rodgers leaving would be the happiest news those cities have heard in a while. If Rodgers is traded there will be dancing in the streets.
But what about Green Bay Fans? Well… it doesn’t look good. They are facing doom and gloom if Rodgers is gone. Ursain Bolt, the Olympic gold medal winner, the fastest man in the world, and an ardent Packer fan. Has taken to the airwaves to plead for Rodgers to stay. Bolt said in a Sports Illustrated article. “I would beg Aaron Rodgers to stay. Last year, we were very close, so close. This year, after the draft, we got a lot of good players and a lot of guys that stayed, you know what I mean? Davante Adams and everybody.” Bolt then added, “I need Aaron Rodgers to stay. Please stay! We need you!”. Yes. It is sad. But it has come to this for Green Bay fans. Plain, public, and unadulterated BEGGING. What would Curly Lambeau say about this? Meanwhile in Tampa Bay. Buccaneers fans are smiling. With Rodgers gone the road to the Super Bowl gets a lot easier. Yes, the sun is shining bright in Tampa. Even if it is cloudy in Green Bay.
Question: Is you or is you ain’t my baby has been recorded over 120 times. What is your favorite version?