Life isn't fair, and in the sports world, that doesn't change
It's enough to see that Jimmy Garoppolo, with seven starts in his career, earns five million dollars per year more than Aaron Rodgers, a two-time MVP winner.
That could change soon, however.
On Tuesday night, ESPN reported that the Green Bay Packers have already started negotiations to extend Rodgers' contract, who is 34 years old, even though he still has two more seasons left in the 110 million dollar deal they agreed to in 2013.
For the Packers, it's imperative to keep Rodgers satisfied, as only with him their chance of winning another title remains open indefinitely. But it won't be cheap, because Rodgers has already hinted last year that there will be no discount for the only franchise he has played for in the NFL.
"I know my value in this league and I know the team appreciates me. I'm going to keep becoming an indispensable part of this roster. When you do that and the time comes for a contract, you usually get an extension," he said at the time.
And he's right, there's no need to look at the seven quarterbacks who earn more than him in annual salary to realize Rodgers' worth. Of those, only Drew Brees and Joe Flacco have -like Rodgers- a championship ring.
The rest Garoppolo, Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, Andrew Luck, and Alex Smith have a total of 16 postseason starts, just like Rodgers, but with the difference that the Green Bay quarterback has nine wins compared to only five from his millionaire colleagues.
That simple statistic, not including his countless achievements, makes Rodgers the perfect candidate to become the first player to surpass the $30 million annual salary in the NFL. And it seems like the team is willing to please him. They don't have many other options either.
For Rodgers, it's obviously important that his value to the Packers is reflected in his paycheck, but at 34 years old and with injury problems that come with his playing style, he must also define what comes first, money or the possibility of more titles.
Despite being perennial Super Bowl favorites every year, the Packers seem to be falling behind more and more in the NFC, and a record-breaking contract like the one Rodgers could get could greatly hinder Green Bay's ability to surround him with enough talent to stay in contention against younger teams with better contractual situations.
If anyone deserves to be the first $30 million player in the NFL, it's Rodgers. And if anyone deserves another Super Bowl title, it's also Rodgers. But, we go back to the same thing, life isn't fair and sports are no exception.