Aaron Rodgers makes special moment for fellow Green Bay Packers quarterback possible
Green Bay Packers third string quarterback Kurt Benkert has been waiting a long time to get his shot in a regular season NFL game. He first entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018, and he has been waiting for his opportunity ever since. On Sunday, Benkert was active for the Packers as the backup quarterback, marking the first time he has suited up for a game in the NFL.
With the Packers set to line up for victory formation at the end of the game, starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers made sure that Benkert was able to see the field. Rodgers went up to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and made sure that Benkert would be going out to end the game. He did just that, taking two knees to end the game.
“Aaron came up to me right before that, just wanted to make sure because it was a special occasion,” LaFleur said of Rodgers being behind getting Benkert into the game at quarterback for the Packers. “It’s been what, four years in the league and first time dressing. So Rodgers was like, ‘Hey, let’s let Kurt take the victory snaps.’ I said absolutely. It’s a well deserved honor. He works really hard and he’s been a great contribution to that quarterback room.”
Benkert was active on Sunday due to Packers backup quarterback Jordan Love being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Suiting up for the Packers was special for Benkert
On Wednesday of last week, Benkert learned that he would be active for the first time in his career. He tweeted a message following the news, sharing a simple message.
“Been in the league 1,319 days & Sunday will be my first time suiting up for a game,” Benkert tweeted. “Moral of the story: keep going.”
As the Packers made roster cuts ahead of the regular season, Benkert knew what his role was as the team’s third quarterback behind Rodgers and Love. But he made it clear that he would be ready when his name is called.
“I know my spot. I know my role, I know I’m the ‘3’ guy,” Benkert said of his role in the Packers’ quarterback room. “The No. 2 job is not on my mind. I know my role, I know my spot. And for me, it’s just bringing value whatever way I can. I may not have to touch the field this year. That’s awesome, and I’ll follow 12’s lead and all that. But if I have to play, I’ll be ready and I’ll show that I can do what I can do. But that’s way out of my hands. I’m just here to bring value to everybody else and have a good time in the room.”
Benkert began his collegiate career in 2014 at East Carolina, where he backed up Pirates quarterback Shane Carden. But after Carden moved on, Benkert was set to take over as ECU’s starter in 2015. Unfortunately for Benkert, he tore his ACL a week before the season started, ending his season. He then transferred to Virginia, where he played the next two seasons. In his collegiate career, Benkert threw for 5,817 yards, 46 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Now, Benkert has some game experience under his belt as a quarterback with the Packers.