For months following the trade of Rodgers to the Jets, fans in particular have been quick to criticize the move claiming that when Rodgers took over in 2008, everyone knew what they had in him. They recall players in the locker room praising the up-and-coming Rodgers to quell concerns of the fans.
Pete Dougherty, however, does not remember the media being as hyped or quick to praise Rodgers as they are towards Love now. Heller asked him to compare the amount of buzz surrounding Love now to the things the media was saying about Rodgers when he took over for Favre. Dougherty responded:
“I don’t remember ever feeling that way [that Rodgers was lighting it up in camp]. I wouldn’t say great, but I always ask other reporters what they think. I don’t remember anyone ever saying through camp of ’08, ‘Yeah, I think this guy is going to be really, really good.’ I don’t remember anyone saying that.
“The only thing I remember is by halfway through the season, when they extended Rodgers’ contract, I think it was after seven or eight games, I remember thinking, ‘Yeah, if I were them, I would do this too. I think he’s been pretty good; he’s going to be a real starter in this league.’
“But even then, I never would have predicted Hall of Fame for him.”