Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had a Hall of Fame career in Green Bay, but twenty-plus teams had the opportunity to draft the California Golden Bear years ago, but Rodgers fell into the Packers laps and the rest is history.
However, one NFL Super Bowl winning head coach, Jon Gruden, talked about not taking Rodgers with the No. 5 pick when he had the chance.
Via ESPN:
"I've still got the picture hanging right here at the FFCA [Fired Football Coaches Association]. It's a memento of why I was fired. You can see one of the greatest regrets in my lifetime."
Gruden talks in the oral history about meeting Rodgers for the first time, and bringing out Jerry Rice during their meeting and practice.
Had Gruden taken Rodgers, he believes he never would have been fired and with the kind of career Rodgers has had that's probably true.
Instead of taking Rodgers, the Bucs selected Auburn Tiger Cadillac Williams, who went on to have a decent NFL career.
Still, Gruden's Bucs weren't the only team to pass on Rodgers, but you can see this miss still bothers Gruden to this day.
You Might Also Like
NFL
Former NFL MVP, Super Bowl champ Aaron Rodgers is already discussing retirement
By Cole FrederickNFL
Aaron Rodgers admits that one NFL standout is the 'ultimate GOAT'
By Ben BornsteinUncategorized
Aaron Rodgers reportedly disrespected an NFL legend as a cocky rookie
By Raj PrashadNFL
One Super Bowl winning QB reveals exactly how long he wants to play in the NFL
By Brad RowlandncG1vNJzZmiekaOvtsbZZ5qopV%2Bjs617zZ%2BjZpuflrCptc2gZKWdl5q7pXnJqKVmn6Kqsaa6jJ6vqaSRnru0ec6nnGanlmLBqbGMoKmemaSawLV50Z6eq52kqHqquoyhoKxlnJ6zpsDIppxo