Two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger sat defeated in the locker room of Cowboys Stadium.
Comeback Player of the Year Michael Vick, Pro-Bowler Matt Ryan and NFC North winner Jay Cutler sat at home on their couches.
All the while, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stood on the podium under raining confetti on Sunday, a shiny gold championship belt slung over his shoulder and the Lombardi Trophy firmly in his grasp.
It has been nearly 48 hours since I witnessed this scene, yet I still can’t get Rodgers’ kidlike smile out of my head. Can we finally give credit where credit is due?
After all, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the reigning world champions right now if it weren’t for No. 12 in green. It was Rodgers who overcame Green Bay’s dismal rushing attack and numerous wide receiver drops, and it was Rodgers who stood strong against the relentless black and yellow pass rush all night.
Rodgers doesn’t care about monkeys, Wrangler models or who his opponent is. He only cares about winning, and that’s what he led his team to do — so next time you mention Tom, Peyton, Ben or Drew, please don’t forget to say Aaron’s name, too.
Reach the reporter at kyle.j.newman@asu.edu
