Elite Traveler Fall 2023

INFLUENCE THE BIG INTERVIEW

Aaron Rodgers on dealing with success

Easily one of American football’s fi nest quarterbacks, the 39 -year old Aaron Rodgers recently shared his thoughts on the challenges of success, his desire to lead the New York Jets to victory and his take on time in an exclusive interview with Elite Traveler ’s Roberta Naas

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Rodgers. Amidst the hustle and bustle of a Zenith watches photo shoot, where he serves as a brand ambassador, we conducted the interview in a luxurious penthouse suite in Hoboken, New Jersey. Despite the commotion surrounding him, Rodgers expertly juggled the multitude of distractions, a testament to his ability to focus amidst chaos — a skill that has undoubtedly contributed to his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of our time. With his move to the New York Jets, Rodgers is set to embark on a fresh chapter in his career. As long-su ff ering Jets fans eagerly await the forthcoming NFL season, all eyes are on Rodgers and the team. In fact, he expressed his determination to make a profound impact on his new team, both on and o ff the fi eld. “I didn’t come here to just be mediocre. I came here to win a championship. The biggest challenge with the team is going to be handling success,” Rodgers said as the photographers were capturing the moment. “There are going to be successes, and we need to learn how to win. We need to learn how to expect to win, and when it comes, we’ve got to handle it the right way. You have to celebrate the moments, but you have to check yourself and have those around you check you as well. That’s where accountability comes in. We all need to hold each other accountable and take the sensitivity out of it, so we can come together and do something special.” With a quick wit and a good sense of humor, Rodgers quipped with me as we discussed various topics, including how he manages his time. He also noted that he surrounds himself with the people who mean the most to him and those who can keep him on track. “You can choose how to spend your time and who to spend it with, but the one thing about time is you can’t get it back. It’s like currency, you have to be aware of how you spend it. Time is fi nite, and there’s beauty in that.” “My sports idols made me dream of being the best. That’s what I thought about, and I set mygoals to fi nd ways to achieve some of that success”

Renowned for his exceptional skills on the football fi eld, Aaron Rodgers has long been a fi gure of debate, with some labeling him controversial, while others admire his candid nature. From sporting a scru ff y look to stealing the spotlight as one of the best dressed celebrities at the recent Tony Awards in New York City, Rodgers is a man of intriguing contradictions. However, one undeniable fact remains: his unparalleled talent. After an illustrious 18-year tenure with the Green Bay Packers — including leading his team to numerous victories and a Super Bowl win — Rodgers has now embarked on a new chapter as the quarterback for the New York Jets, poised to propel the team to unprecedented heights. During his remarkable 18-season stint with the Green Bay Packers, spanning from 2005 to 2022, Rodgers consistently showcased his abilities in the fi eld, shepherding his team to triumph after triumph. His leadership skills and unrivaled quarterbacking abilities propelled the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 2011, capping o ff an outstanding 2010 season. Additionally, Rodgers earned the prestigious title of NFL MVP four times, solidifying his place among the league’s greatest. His statistical achievements in the quarterback position are nothing short of astounding, cementing his legacy in football history.

Zenith Chronomaster Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch is Rodger's most-worn watch

When I asked him what the longest moment of his life was, he didn’t hesitate to recall Super Bowl XLV when he led the Green Bay Packers to victory; he said: “Half time at the Super Bowl. That was a long time.” One of the factors contributing to Rodgers’ success in his football career is his unwavering dedication to the game and his pursuit of perfection. He says he always wanted to be a top player, even when he was younger. “When you’re young, you’re not dreaming of being a mediocre player. You’re dreaming of being the best. All of my favorite players were some of the best in their sports. I was a huge Michael Jordan fan, and he is one of the best basketball players of all time. I was a huge Joe Montana fan, and he is de fi nitelyone of the top fi ve quarterbacks of all time. So, my sports idols made me dream of being the best. That’s what I thought about, and I set my goals to fi ndways to achieve some of that success.” For a moment, Rodgers observed the room, taking in the city views outside, the camera crew, his ‘people,’ and the few lucky fans in the room. He