Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers didn’t go as far as to call out Packers fans as a collective unit, but it’s clear death threats are over the line.
After a critical fumble in overtime which all but sealed the Packers fate, Marquez Vales-Scantling received plenty of hate which went well beyond just social media. In fact, some Packers fans went above and beyond what’s expected in normal emotional fanfare.
Per Valdes-Scantling, he received death threats late Sunday night and into Monday. The 26-year-old has emerged as the Packers No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams, but Green Bay still lacks a solid weapon next to their Pro Bowl talent. Despite MVS’ best interests, he hasn’t lived up to his end of the bargain. But by no means does he deserve this sort of criticism.
Rodgers had his wideout’s back on Tuesday
“I would say that’s extremely unnecessary,” Rodgers said to “The Jim Rome Show” Tuesday. “I understand the rooting interests in the game and how important it is to so many people, and it’s really important to us, too. But I think that’s very unnecessary. I’m sorry he had to go through that. I’m sure if I was checking social media, I’m sure there would be plenty of games where that happened to me.”
MVS wasn’t the only reason the Packers lost on Sunday. They blew a two-touchdown lead in the second half and were challenged offensively by a Colts defense that finally played up to the challenge. If Valdes-Scantling had held onto that football, there’s no guarantee Green Bay would’ve scored. If anything, their second half tendencies suggest the opposite.
Packers fans ought to listen to their quarterback.