Is Love All We Need in Titletown?

The Green Bay Packers' story is one of football legacy, dating back to August 11, 1919, when the team was first organized. The Packers played independently at first, but on August 27, 1921, the Acme Packing Co. acquired a franchise in what was then the American Professional Football Association (APFA). Just a year later, the APFA would rename itself the National Football League (NFL). Since then, the Packers have been a symbol of football excellence and tradition, accumulating 13 NFL championships and 4 Super Bowl titles with legendary quarterbacks at the heart of their success.

But what makes a quarterback truly legendary? Is it stats like passing yards, touchdowns, or QB rating? While numbers are important, other factors such as wins, iconic moments, and longevity are often what separate the greats from the good. Let’s take a look at some Packers quarterbacks who helped cement Green Bay's status in NFL history and see how today's quarterback, Jordan Love, fits into the picture.

A Look at Packers' Legendary QBs

Arnie Herber (1930-1940): Herber led the league in passing yards and touchdowns three times, revolutionizing the forward pass for the Packers alongside wide receiver Don Hutson. His ability to stretch the field set the standard for future Packers quarterbacks.

Cecil Isbell (1938-1942): Not just a passer, but also a versatile athlete, Isbell punted, kicked, and played defense, racking up nine interceptions during his career. His two-way capabilities made him a unique force on the field.

Tobin Rote (1950-1956): A mobile quarterback before mobility became trendy, Rote passed for 89 touchdowns and rushed for 29. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs was ahead of his time.

Bart Starr (1956-1971): Starr was the epitome of a winner, guiding the Packers to five NFL championships and two Super Bowl titles. Named Super Bowl MVP twice, Starr also earned NFL MVP honors in 1966. He was a master of efficiency, leading the league in passer rating four times, despite playing in an era where passing was far less prevalent.

Lynn Dickey (1976-1985): Known for his strong arm, Dickey's career was hampered by a lack of mobility and turnover issues. Despite those drawbacks, he led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns in 1983, leaving an indelible mark on Packers fans.

Don Majkowski (1987-1992): Known as the "Magic Man," Majkowski broke the Packers' drought of losing seasons in 1989 by throwing for 4,318 yards and 27 touchdowns. His 10-6 record that year remains a bright spot in a challenging era for Green Bay.

Brett Favre (1992-2007): Favre’s arrival in Green Bay changed the course of the franchise. Acquired by GM Ron Wolf, Favre's iron-man streak of 253 consecutive starts became legendary. The three-time MVP threw for over 61,000 yards and 442 touchdowns with the Packers, and his iconic performances—including his emotional 2003 game following his father’s death—cemented his status as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.

Aaron Rodgers (2005-2022): Following Favre was no easy task, but Rodgers carved out his own legacy in Green Bay. With four MVPs, a Super Bowl title, and franchise records in touchdowns and passing yards, Rodgers was known for his remarkable accuracy and ability to make impossible throws look routine. Despite only winning one Super Bowl, he took the Packers to the playoffs in 11 of his 15 seasons as a starter.

Enter Jordan Love: The Future of the Packers?

Now, the spotlight is on Jordan Love, who stepped in as the Packers' starting quarterback in 2023. Love’s early performances have been a rollercoaster—flashes of brilliance mixed with growing pains. He finished his first season strong, leading Green Bay to a 6-2 record in the final stretch, posting solid numbers with 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions for the season. Yet, despite his relative inexperience, the Packers made a massive financial commitment, signing him to a four-year, $220 million contract extension, including a $75 million signing bonus.

At $55 million per year, the Packers are clearly betting big on Love's potential. However, some question whether the investment was made too soon. After just one full season as a starter—and a strong showing in only half of that season—critics are skeptical of paying Love among the highest salaries in NFL history.

The QB Controversy: Malik Willis Steps Up

Love’s 2024 season got off to a rocky start when he was injured late in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Stepping in for him, backup quarterback Malik Willis has been nothing short of impressive, leading the Packers to back-to-back wins. His 73.5% completion rate, 324 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 122.7 passer rating have football fans wondering if a quarterback controversy is brewing in Titletown.

Will the Packers rush Love back into the lineup with Willis performing so well? And more importantly, will Green Bay get the value they expect from Love’s massive contract extension?

Love started game 4 for Green Bay, and they are now 0-2 when he starts in 2024 as opposed to 2-0 under Malik Willis. It is seeming the guy with the bigger salary will get the nod for now.

Betting on Love: Too Soon or Just Right?

The Packers are taking a gamble by committing so heavily to Jordan Love. Traditionally, teams let first-round quarterbacks prove themselves over two or three seasons before handing out mega-deals. But Green Bay is paying Love based on his projected future, not just his past performance. Whether this bet will pay off remains to be seen, but if Willis continues to shine, it could complicate the decision-making process for the Packers coaching staff.

The Future of the Packers' QB Room

With Malik Willis winning games and performing well, will the Packers risk rushing Jordan Love back into the starting lineup? The bigger question is:  Will Green Bay get the return they need on Love’s hefty contract extension? In Week 4, Green Bay responded by starting Jordan Love, however the Packers lost and are now 0-2 this season when Love starts. Malik Willis returned to the bench as backup, where he sits with an unblemished record of 2-0 in 2024.

Until then, as fans in Titletown say, Love is all we need.