Cal football stars in the NFL: Aaron Rodgers wins an MVP while wilding out
How'd they all do?
The MVP that we’d like to have a word with
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, Green Bay Packers
On the field, Aaron was his usual exceptional self. Rodgers logged his fourth NFL MVP, his second in a row, placing him with the second most MVPs all-time, trailing Peyton Manning. Rodgers compiled a passer rating of 112, threw for 4115 yards, 37 touchdowns, and a mind-boggling four interceptions.
Off the field? Well…
Rodgers lied about being vaccinated against COVID-19, instead saying he got immunized.
Rodgers claimed that he was being cancelled for his opinions, and compared himself to Martin Luther King Jr.
Rodgers said he’d been taking ivermectin at the suggestion of his good friend Joe Rogan to protect himself from COVID.
Rodgers broke off his engagement with his fiancee, although there are reports they might be mending the relationship.
Rodgers embarked on a 12-day Pachakarma cleanse after all that, which is, let’s say, not pleasant.
Rodgers ended up staying with the Green Bay Packers on a record contract, that will at least ensure he will be back next week.
The Pro Bowlers
Keenan Allen, wide receiver, Los Angeles Chargers
Allen qualified for his fifth Pro Bowl in a row after another magnificent season with the Chargers, grabbing 106 catches for 1138 yards and six touchdowns. Allen has remained remarkably consistent during that time, averaging 102 catches for 1183 yards in his five Pro Bowl seasons.
He also fought Puddles. Cal Bear through and through.
Bryan Anger, punter, Dallas Cowboys
In his tenth season in the NFL, Anger smashes finally landed one of Cal’s greatest special teamers ever into the Pro Bowl. Anger booted his punts an average of 48.4 yards per kick, fourth best mark in the NFL, and his best overall net as a pro.
Anger earned a three year, $9 million contract for his efforts, making him the third highest paid punter in the NFL.
Cameron Jordan, defensive end, New Orleans Saints
Jordan made his seventh Pro Bowl and his fifth in a row, passing his dad Steve (six with the Vikings in the 80s/90s as a tight end). Jordan logged 12.5 sacks and 59 tackles, tied for seventh in the NFL.
Jordan was also nominated by the Saints for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his contributions in the community, including:
Mentoring at local schools and organizations like the Youth Empowerment Project, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Son of a Saint.
Serving as an ambassador for the Saints Kids Club and the local Dairy Council's program.
Hosting countless shopping sprees for students, families in need and victims of domestic violence.
Dishing out numerous backpacks, bikes and toys to kids in the community.
And that's just scratching the surface.
The former first-round pick has also participated in two NFL/USO tours, as well as incalculable hospital visits, home rebuilds and refurbishment projects, while still making time to host his annual summer youth football camp, which provides hundreds of underserved kids an opportunity to better themselves in the sport.
The coach
Ron Rivera, head coach, Washington Football Team
After making a playoff appearance with the Washington Football Team in his first season in 2020, Rivera kept Washington competitive for the NFC East title, but falling short at 7-10-1 and a 3rd place finish.
Rivera also recently won the 2022 George Halas Award for overcoming cancer.
Rivera, a finalist for the Halas Award for the second time in as many years, was diagnosed with cancer in his neck in August 2020. Over seven weeks during the 2020 season, he received 35 proton therapy treatments and three chemotherapy cycles. Rivera lost more than 30 pounds and had to receive IV treatments at halftime of games.
But he never missed a game while leading his team to the playoffs in his first year as head coach in Washington. Rivera made a full recovery, and he announced in January 2021 he was cancer-free.
And Ron and his lovely wife Stephanie remain loyal Golden Bears all the way!
Next week, we go over how most of the Cal starters performed.
Q-Ron is definitely a unique individual.