Getting To Know Jordan Love

The NFL offseason is officially underway, and with players being shuffled around the league, it can often be a bittersweet time for fans. For Packers fans, this year in particular has been more bitter than sweet. With four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers likely on his way out, the Green Bay Packers will now look to their 2020 first round pick, Jordan Love. As the young QB prepares for his first season as the Packers’ starter, let’s take a look back at the road Love took to get to this point in his career.

Childhood Tragedy

Jordan Love was born in Bakersfield, California, November 2, 1998. His early years were normal enough with Jordan being active in both football and basketball, receiving support from his two parents, Anna and Odum Love. Even at a young age, Jordan’s parents had high hopes for their son. Despite his small frame, only 5-foot-6 and 130 pounds entering high school, Odum felt his son had quarterback written all over him. Jordan’s high school coaches at Liberty High must have felt differently, as he spent his entire freshman season playing a backup role on the depth chart. While it wouldn’t take long for Jordan’s talent to blossom, his father unfortunately not be around to see it, passing away when Jordan was just14-years-old.

A Rising Star

Following the death of his father, Jordan adopted the dream Odum had for his son. He was aided in this venture by a growth spurt that would leave Jordan standing at 6-foot-4 by the end of high school. After a lackluster start to his high school career, Jordan finally earned the starting spot on the team midway through his junior year, leading Liberty High to a state semifinal. His senior campaign was not as successful, but Jordan did manage to compile 2,954 scrimmage yards and 32 touchdowns. This resume did not yield many college offers for Jordan, but he did receive one FCS-I offer from Utah State, where he did not disappoint. In two years as a starter, he accounted for a school record 9,003 yards of offense. Utah State receivers coach Jason Philips told nfl.com a little bit about Jordan’s ability. "The kid can sling it all over the yard -- every throw on the field, and he makes it look easy. It's not always fundamentally sound, but he throws the ball with so much arm strength. He can really spin it."

Jordan was far from a perfect college quarterback. During his time at Utah State he struggled with accuracy and interceptions, logging an especially weak 2019 season with 17 interceptions and 20 touchdowns. Despite his flaws, Jordan was still a highly touted prospect headed into the 2020 NFL draft due to his arm strength, athleticism, and an impressive sophomore season.

The Controversial Pick

As draft day got close, the league was gearing up for a wild night. COVID-19 prevented players from having in person meetings with teams, and most players’ Pro Days were canceled. The biggest change due to the outbreak would be the draft format itself, making the process entirely virtual. All of these variables came together for what would be a very unusual night. Jordan Love was expected to be a late first or early second round pick, being linked to the Saints, Patriots, and Packers. After Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert all went early, that left analysts wondering which team would pull the trigger on Love.

Upon hearing the news that the Green Bay Packers traded up with the Miami Dolphins to get the 26th pick, most fans probably assumed they were securing a wideout like Tee Higgins or Chase Claypool. Alternatively they could go the defensive route and take Patrick Queen, a high LB prospect still on the board. Instead, the Packers stunned the league by taking Jordan Love 26th overall. It was a pick where some projected Love could land, but not many expected the Packers to trade up for him. Granted, Aaron Rodgers had not had the strongest of seasons, throwing for 26 tds with four interceptions, but many blamed his decline on the lack of offensive weapons at his disposal. Pair this pick with an equally confusing round two choice in RB AJ Dillon, and Packers fans were left with lots of questions for general manager Brian Gutekunst.

Master and Padawan

While Packers fans were left reeling from the 2020 draft, many wondered what Aaron Rodgers thought of the situation. Rodgers later told The Sporting News that he was not too happy with the selection. "Obviously I’m not going to say that I was, you know, thrilled by the pick necessarily, but the organization is thinking not only about the present but about the future. And I respect that."

Some are quick to view this as similar to the Rodgers/Favre relationship, but both Rodgers and Jordan have been very positive of their relationship. "Me and Aaron have a good relationship," Love told Packers.com. "Obviously, it's kind of like the Master and the Padawan kind of thing.”

Jordan was not able to play in any preseason games during his rookie season, another result of the COVID outbreak, and his NFL game experience is lacking. It was not until his second year in the league (2021) that he made his first NFL start, a week nine matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jordan put on a mediocre performance, losing in a 13-7 contest while completing 19-34 passes for 190 yards, and throwing both a touchdown and an interception. Throughout his three seasons as a backup, Rodgers has been vocal about his support of the apparent heir, and continues to speak highly about their relationship.

QB1?

The 2023 season is approaching. Rodgers has already got a foot out the door and Jordan Love is transitioning into the QB1 position. Fortunately for Jordan, his team is already rallying around him. “Jordan’s made a huge jump, especially this past year. You can see it in practice… he can do this at a high level,” claims Aaron Jones, the Packers’ star running back. His coach shared the same sentiment when Matt Lafleur stated in an interview, “I think he’s light years ahead of where he was a year ago.” Even Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams spoke up about his former teammate. “He’s shown that he’s locked in and ready to assume whatever role that he has to and go out there and play.”

The most recent significant playing time the fans saw from Love was in the 2022 contest against the Eagles, where he stepped in as the starter after Rodgers left the game with an injury. Although the Packers lost that game, the small sample size Love showed was promising, especially a strike to WR Christian Watson that turned into a 63 yard touchdown. His confidence, decision making, accuracy, and pocket presence, all indicated he has developed into a promising talent.

Regardless of how Jordan Love performs as a starter, the journey he has taken to get where he is today is one that should be admired. Despite all of the struggles and heartache he faced throughout his life, he worked his way to become a first round NFL quarterback. While a lot of people believe Jordan has what it takes to compete at a high level, there are still many who doubt him. Fortunately, Jordan Love has faced doubters his whole life, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he proves them wrong yet again as he becomes the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.