Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. While he’s far past his prime at 42 years old, his reputation still puts a target on his back. Most defenders want to make a big play against Rodgers. That even includes draft prospects. Rodgers was LSU safety A.J. Haulcy’s sports hero growing up, and he talked about what it would mean to play against, and with, the four-time NFL MVP.
“If I could pick off Aaron Rodgers, that would mean a lot,” Haulcy said Thursday on NFL on NBC’s YouTube channel. “He’s a very, very, very, very talented quarterback and I feel like, besides Tom Brady, there’s nobody in front of him.
“If I could be his teammate, that’d be even better. Just trying to soak up the game and learn the game from him. Ask questions and get the answers that I’m looking for because I know that he knows a lot about ball. Playing with him or playing against him, it would be fun.”
Haulcy is 22 years old and started his collegiate career at the University of New Mexico in 2022. He played in 12 games there, having solid production with two interceptions, three pass defenses, two forced fumbles, and three tackles for loss.
Haulcy transferred to the University of Houston, where he spent two seasons. He continued to display good ball skills there, posting five interceptions and 12 pass defenses in 24 games. Haulcy took his talents to LSU last year, and he continued to prove himself as a ballhawk with three interceptions and four passes defensed.
Therefore, if Haulcy gets the chance to face Rodgers, the quarterback should be aware of where the young safety is on the field. He’s got great ball skills, and he’d be licking his chops at the prospect of picking off his childhood sports hero.
The problem is that Rodgers could retire. While the Steelers are open to re-signing Rodgers, he hasn’t made a decision yet. He considered walking away from the NFL last year, and that’s on the table again now.
If Rodgers returns, though, there’s a chance that Haulcy could get his wish to be teammates with him. The Steelers have reportedly met with Haulcy at the NFL Combine. While it’s unclear if that was a formal or informal meeting, it shows that they’re interested in him. While safety isn’t one of their biggest needs, perhaps they draft Haulcy if the board breaks the right way.
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