It's all about that G on the helmet

Frank from Simpsonville, SC
Vic, why are Packers fans and the media so worried about Aaron Rodgers' feelings? He has two years left on his contract and the hope is we rush and make him the highest-paid QB. Apparently, if the Packers don't pay him he will pout through two seasons. Is the media reading him wrong?
The No. 1 question in my inbox since before last season ended is about the Packers negotiating a new contract with Rodgers. My response to those questions has been, "What's the rush?" Why are so many fans and media concerned about this issue, despite Rodgers having two years remaining on his contract? Because he has been so important to this team for so long they can't imagine life without him, so they negotiate for him, campaign for him and even make excuses for him. Does this remind you of another quarterback saga? I think it's time for Packers fans to cut the emotional cord and remember it's all about that G on the helmet. Everything that's decided should depend on only consideration: What's best for the Packers? In my opinion, it's not in the best interests of the Packers to rush into a new contract.

Rich from Manitou Springs, CO
You question how global warming will affect the talent base. I see more and more players coming out of the far north. A hundred years from now teams won't play in the South like they do now. Green Bay will be a paradise to play in, along with Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo.
It's not about where the temperature suits the game, it's about the movement of people. We've experienced a dramatic shift in population to the Sun Belt. Climate scientists are predicting a counter shift. How will that affect the future of football's talent base? Where will the people move? Will they play another sport? Those are the questions that interest me?

Maggie from Kenosha, WI
It seems like it's harder for players to finish their careers with one team now. Is that an accurate assessment? Why do you think that's the case?
Unfettered free agency created this movement. It allows players to fit their talents and their careers to the teams that covet them. If Joe Greene had played in today's NFL, I doubt he would've spent his entire career with the Steelers. Might Bart Starr have played for a team other than the Packers? It's the unthinkable, but not in today's game. In that sense, I think free agency has been bad for the game.

Ned from Bakersfield, CA
What are some of your favorite movie quotes, besides Christmas Vacation? Mine is the Alec Baldwin scene from Glengarry Glen Ross: "Put that coffee down!"
I love memorable movie quotes. One of my favorites is from The Natural: "I guess some mistakes you never stop paying for."

Leif from Frederic, WI
You mentioned Lamar Jackson as a possible draft pick for the Steelers and putting him in a slash type of role. I would agree that role would fit Jackson quite well, having him be a gadget player you can use on trick plays like when Kordell Stewart had success. But Jackson and his 13 Wonderlic score and his inability to read a defense or run an offense concerns me. Using a first-round pick on a gadget player seems like a waste of a high draft pick.
Hollywood Henderson said Terry Bradshaw was so stupid he couldn't spell cat if you spotted him the C and the A. Maybe Jackson just needs to be coached to play football the NFL way.

Lee from Marshfield, WI
Vic, as I get older, I care less for all the drama and chatter. I feel the love of football slipping away and I don't want it to. What can I do to rekindle the love?
Try living without football. That should do it.

Don from Torrington, CT
I am head coach for the first time after two seasons of assistant coaching my three boys in our local flag football league. I am struck by how different head coaching is, compared to assistant coaching. We start in two weeks and I am looking for some words of wisdom. Got any?
Teach your players to be teammates.

Travis from Tampa, FL
Thoughts on Paul Posluszny?
I love the way he's retired as much as I love the way he played the game. I'm proud to say he's a good, tough, Western Pa. football player. I especially love his line from his Pee Wee football days: Stop crying or get off the field.

Jeffeory from Bloomington, IL
Aaron Rodgers isn't getting any younger and I don't foresee the Packers picking this high for a little while. Is this the year to trade up, back into the first, and start preparing for the back nine?
Haven't I answered this question several times, dating back to last season? If a quarterback the Packers believe can be the future at the position is available when they pick, pick him.

Braden from Waukesha, WI
Vic, In your mind, should a player ever have a say in front office decisions?
Never.

Joe from Milwaukee, WI
Vic, imagine you are the GM of a football team. Would your head coach be offensive or defensive minded?
He'd be a leader of men. Assistant coaches coach; head coaches lead.

Warren from Mount Holly, NC
Vic, it's clear you place a great deal of importance in the integrity of the game, and take pride in your personal integrity as a writer. How would you have handled a "Deflategate" type of cheating scandal involving a team you worked for?
Just the facts, ma'am.

Adam from West Bend, WI
Thanks for being my friend.
We all belong to the fraternity of football.

Olle from Herrljunga, Sweden
The phrase "Just win, baby" implies a no holds barred attitude. Being European, I didn't grow up with football as common knowledge, and I`ve learned a lot reading you. Thanks a bunch.
"Just win, baby" is not intended to condone cheating. Its intent is to defend decisions that win football games, such as being down three points and running a quarterback sneak instead of a roll out pass on what would be the final play of the game if the sneak fails to score. As Coach Noll said, "When you win, everything you say and do is right."

Troy from Morgantown, WV
I'd bet Frenchy has written inside that envelope, "Tell you when you get here."
I think the piece of paper inside that envelope says, "I don't know who touched it. Does it really matter?"

Alex from Arvada, CO
Do the Patriots have to draft a QB in this draft? I can't imagine Tom Brady playing more than two more years and also can't imagine Belichick giving his successor anything less than two years under Brady's wings.
Now we're going to find out how smart the Patriots really are. Can they move seamlessly into the next era? Or did they trade away the player who would lead them into the next era?

Sean from Richmond, VA
What do you think about Aaron Rodgers bellyaching about not being consulted for certain personnel decisions. Should someone remind him that while many regard him as the most talented QB in the league, he hasn't been to the Super Bowl since 2010?
I remember Terry Bradshaw complaining about not being taken on road trips and not being involved much in his replacement's development when Bradshaw was sidelined with an elbow injury in 1983 that would eventually end his career. Coach Noll decided it was time to clear the air. "Terry can't help us if Terry can't play for us," Noll said. Noll's words infuriated Bradshaw, but the chatter stopped. It might be time for Coach McCarthy to clear the air.