Alex Smith Comes To The Defense of Aaron Rodgers

Recently retired quarterback Alex Smith says Aaron Rodgers deserves more respect than he's receiving from the Green Bay Packers.

“Clearly it’s not an ideal situation and not what it should be,” Smith told USA TODAY Sports. “I think he’s due a certain level of communication and certain level of respect beyond the average player. And I don’t think that’s asking a whole lot just to communicate. Clearly that didn’t happen over the last couple years.”

Rodger is at odds with the Packers' front office, though the exact reason why remains unclear. It has led to reports that he is seeking a trade.

Meanwhile, Smith just retired after an inspirational run with the Washington Football Team. He overcame a gruesome leg injuries and then served as a backup in Washington, at least at first. He then came in as a starter and led his team to the playoffs.

Interestingly, Smith was the No. 1 overall draft pick back in 2005 (by the San Francisco 49ers). Rodgers was drafted 24th overall by the Packers that same year.

Their careers are forever linked, and Smith said he has a great deal of admiration for Rodgers. So Smith is on Rodgers' side when it comes to any issues with Green Bay.

“Here’s a guy who’s given 16 years to an organization, he’s been through a lot of changes there as well, he’s coming off maybe one of the greatest quarterback seasons ever, still playing at an incredibly high level,” Smith told USA Today. “You rewind to a year ago and all the talk was: ‘Is Aaron done? Is he on the decline? Yada yada yada.’ He played right through that. They’ve been on the doorstep of the Super Bowl the last couple years. So I think it’s hard.

“The way people have been treated, he’s come out and said as much. So I think that’s important in any business — not just football, but in any business and especially team sport, it’s important how you treat people. Really, I think it hasn’t been ideal there. Hopefully they can get it figured out.”