“I’m the Quarterback of the Green Bay Packers”: Jordan Love Embraces His Own Legacy While Carrying His Late Father’s Dreams

There’s a certain weight that comes with being the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. It’s a legacy that stretches from the legendary Bart Starr, to the charismatic Brett Favre, to the brilliant and at times enigmatic Aaron Rodgers. For decades, the position has been synonymous with a level of greatness and a burden of expectation that few in sports ever experience. So when Jordan Love, a 2020 first-round draft pick, took the reins after years of patiently waiting, the pressure wasn’t just immense—it was historical. But in the face of this legacy, and carrying a much deeper, more personal one, Love has not shied away. He has embraced his own identity, forged a path, and in doing so, has become the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.¹

Love’s story is not one of a simple succession plan; it’s a story of resilience, grief, and a promise kept. Long before the bright lights of Lambeau Field, there was a young boy in Bakersfield, California, who idolized his father, Orbin Love.² Orbin, a police officer for the Bakersfield Police Department, was more than just a dad; he was Jordan’s coach, mentor, and biggest fan.³ Orbin himself had once dreamed of playing quarterback in the NFL, a dream that fell just short, but a passion for the game that he poured into his son.⁴ He coached Jordan’s teams and was a constant presence on the sidelines, a proud father who would tell anyone who would listen that his son was destined for greatness.⁵ He even wanted to name him Michael Jordan Love, a testament to his belief in his son’s athletic potential. Their bond was unbreakable, a perfect upbringing, as Jordan himself once described it.

But life has a way of shattering the perfect. On July 13, 2013, when Jordan was just 14 years old, his father died by suicide.⁶ The sudden, tragic loss of his hero and mentor sent Jordan’s world spiraling. He was, in his own words, a “lost kid.” The grief was overwhelming, and for a time, he wanted to give up on the sport that had been their shared passion. He told his mother, Anna, that he wanted to quit football and focus on basketball instead.⁷ But Anna, a rock of strength in the face of unimaginable tragedy, made him a deal. She told him to stick with football for just one more year, to make sure he wasn’t making a decision fueled by grief.⁸ She promised she would be there, in the stands, cheering for him no matter what. That simple promise, that unwavering support, was the turning point. It was the spark that reignited his love for the game and set him on a path that would eventually lead him to the pinnacle of his sport.

The path from a high school freshman contemplating quitting to an NFL starting quarterback is rarely easy. For Jordan Love, it was a journey of physical and emotional growth. He grew nine inches and gained 80 pounds, transforming from a small-statured backup to a physically imposing presence.⁹ He honed his skills at Liberty High School, and despite being a two-star recruit, he committed to Utah State, a decision that would ultimately put him on the NFL’s radar.¹⁰ His college career was marked by flashes of brilliance, showcasing the arm talent and mobility that had captivated his father, and the same qualities that would later convince the Packers to draft him.

Then came the waiting. The 2020 NFL Draft was a seismic event for the Green Bay Packers. The team traded up in the first round to select Jordan Love, a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL world. The Packers already had Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer and reigning MVP.¹¹ The pick was seen as a future-looking move, a long-term plan for the post-Rodgers era. But for three years, Love was forced to watch and learn from the sidelines. He was the understudy, the backup, a player who was always in the shadow of a legendary predecessor. The pressure mounted with each passing year, as fans and analysts questioned the pick and wondered if Love would ever get his chance. He was in a situation where success was expected, but opportunity was not guaranteed.

Yet, through it all, Love maintained a quiet dignity and a relentless work ethic. He embraced the opportunity to learn from Rodgers, a master of his craft, and he never let the external noise distract him. He understood the situation he was in and the role he had to play. He knew that his time would come, and he was determined to be ready when it did.

And come it did. With Rodgers’ departure, the stage was finally his. In his first full season as the starter, Love faced a new kind of pressure. He wasn’t just a first-round pick anymore; he was the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. He had to prove he was worthy of the mantle, that he could lead a young team and succeed where others had failed. The beginning of the season was a bit of a rollercoaster, but as the year progressed, something clicked. Love began to showcase his immense talent, leading the team on a late-season surge that culminated in an improbable playoff berth. He not only led the Packers to the playoffs, but he also secured a playoff victory over the Dallas Cowboys.¹² His performance was not just good for a first-year starter; it was elite, ranking among the league’s best in passing yards and touchdowns.¹³

But beyond the impressive statistics, what has truly defined Jordan Love’s success is his quiet confidence and his deep connection to his past. He is not trying to be the next Rodgers or Favre. He is, simply, Jordan Love. He has embraced the legacy of the franchise while carving out his own. He is the product of his own journey, one shaped by a tragic loss and a promise kept.

When he takes the field, he carries with him the memory of his father. The passion for football that Orbin instilled in him is a living force. The motto his father lived by, “Try everything,” is a philosophy that has guided Love’s career. He has tried everything, from facing a personal tragedy at a young age to waiting patiently for his moment in the NFL. And now, as he leads the Green Bay Packers, he is not just fulfilling his own dreams; he is carrying the dreams of his late father. The boy who almost gave up on football is now the man who has become the embodiment of what it means to be a Green Bay Packer. He is building his own legacy, a legacy of perseverance and quiet strength, one that is truly, and uniquely, his own.