Subtle changes keep the football world turning

Rodgers has a great football mind and is still playing very high level. Why not give him a “formal” voice at the table? It would increase his engagement and possibly contract him for less if he has influence on the roster and cap numbers. Also, he could grow into role after he retires.

Rodgers already has a seat at the table, and deservedly so. The Packers reportedly already had discussions with Rodgers, who presumably left Green Bay with a good idea of what the organization was thinking about for 2022. The rest is up to Rodgers but certainly the Packers want him back.

Wes, the outcomes of the championship games have helped my recovery from last Saturday’s loss. Still not positive who I want to win but won’t be bothered by either. Who will you be rooting for?

I have friends who work for both teams, so I’ll be happy either way. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t pulling for the Rams just a little bit more. Our former intern, Ana Hoosier, is the digital ops manager for the Rams. I’d love for that girl to get a ring. She absolutely deserves it.

Brandon from Pleasant Prairie, WI

It looks like OBJ made the right decision. Good for him and Stafford.

I’m happy for Stafford. I really am. The guy was all class during some lean years in Detroit. He deserved an opportunity to rewrite his legacy in LA. And kudos to the Lions for allowing him to do that.

Wow, has there ever been a time when one team played the “final four” NFL teams a combined five times? Hard to imagine a tougher schedule than that.

For sure. It was extremely tough sledding. I think that’s why a lot of fans took this divisional-round exit harder than past years. Because it felt like the Packers played their way through the SEC to make the college football playoff and just come up short in the semifinals.

Mike from Franksville, WI

Will we find out during the NFL Honors show on Feb. 10 if LeRoy Butler will be heading to the Hall of Fame? Or will the enshrinees be announced sooner than that?

We’ll find out whether I’m popping champagne or Motrin on Feb. 10.

Jim from St Pete Beach, FL

Mike and Wes, thanks for once again joining your readers on a great ride through the season. I just wanted to say my favorite all-time answers, like Mike’s to Jeffrey from St. Claire Shores, are the ones in which you refute dogma with cold, hard facts – always brings a smile to my face.

Tom from Douglassville, PA

How much are we over the salary cap for next year?

I’m not sure, but the power is still on in the building. So, I guess not too far over?

The secret II signal is so simple, it’s … well, simple. Two pointer fingers extended straight up about four inches apart (two thumbs) like when you were playing football at the school cafeteria table with a folded-up piece of notebook paper. It also signifies that you are not holding someone else’s lunch in one hand, while shaking hands or bumping fists with the other. In addition, no lasers will be required because no one is looking forward to beautiful misery.

Not bad. You know, I’ve gotten a signal or two from II readers before. It isn’t much of a secret, though, and usually only requires one finger.

Susanne from Eustace , TX

Now that you’ve earned a well-deserved break, any fun plans?

I have to finish my wife’s Christmas present. Seriously.

No offense to the Packers, but I am a full-on Bengals fan for the next two weeks. I hope the Packers will welcome me back at the end of February.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

Thanks to Dean for pushing me out of my comfort zone. As you can probably tell, I’m not a trained poet. That being said, I enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone and taking the opportunity to learn, change and grow. I’m not sure what the 2022 season will bring, but I’m sure the beautiful mystery will unfold itself in due time.