Packers' Aaron Rodgers feels like 'older brother' watching Jordan Love play well

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers enjoyed the performance of backup Jordan Love in Sunday night's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

"It was really nice to watch," Rodgers said of Love during Tuesday's appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," per Sean Keeley of The Comeback. "I feel like an older brother watching him do well. I care about the kid a lot. Fun to see his growth. Fun to see him just kinda relax out there. Once you can make a few plays, it takes the anxiety out of the body. To see him make accurate throws, and do what he’s been doing has been fun to watch." 

Rodgers was already playing through a broken thumb on his throwing hand that he suffered on Oct. 9 when he exited Sunday's contest because of a rib injury. Love completed six of nine passes for 113 yards and a touchdown in relief but is expected to return to the bench when the 4-8 Packers play at the 3-9 Chicago Bears this coming Sunday. 

"Big respect to him," Rodgers added about Love. "Obviously I think [QB coach] Tom Clements deserved some amount of credit because he’s such a guru and teaching the fundamentals. But happy for J to go out there in a primetime game and have success." 

Love has served as Rodgers' backup since his rookie season in 2020 and may have felt frustrated upon learning Rodgers signed a massive extension with the club. 

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio pointed out on Tuesday that Rodgers essentially can determine if he remains Green Bay's QB1 into next summer per the terms of that extension. The veteran's decision could cause Love to seek a trade regardless of what the franchise does about the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract next spring.