Zach Tom Opens Up About Memorable Moments as Aaron Rodgers' Teammate, Highlights Their Strong Bond
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Zach Tom has shared some unforgettable memories from his time as a teammate with legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In a recent interview, Tom reflected on the valuable lessons he learned from the future Hall of Famer, describing their time together as both inspiring and transformative for his career.
"Playing alongside Aaron was an incredible experience," Tom said. "He’s a leader in every sense of the word, and being in the same locker room with him was an honor. What stood out most to me was his ability to stay calm under pressure and his dedication to the game. You learn so much just by watching him on and off the field."
Tom, who has steadily grown into a key member of the Packers’ offensive line, credits much of his development to the guidance and example set by Rodgers. He recalls countless moments where Rodgers’ poise and expertise helped elevate the entire team, whether in practice or during high-stakes games.
"Aaron’s attention to detail is something I’ll never forget," Tom continued. "The way he breaks down the game, the way he prepares—there’s a reason he’s had the career he’s had. Those were invaluable lessons for me."
As Tom continues his journey with the Packers, his experiences with Rodgers will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of his football career, and the memories of their time as teammates will serve as a reminder of the greatness Rodgers brought to the team.
NFC Super Bowl Contender Emerges in Will McDonald Jets Trade Sweepstakes
A Super Bowl contender has emerged from the pack.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini revealed that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team to watch in the Will McDonald – New York Jets trade sweepstakes ahead of the Tuesday, November 4, deadline.
“Will McDonald’s name has come up. There are some teams that might be looking at him. I would keep an eye on Tampa Bay there. I could see McDonald getting traded, I really could, and here is why: he wasn’t drafted by this regime,” Cimini explained on the “Flight Deck” podcast. “McDonald to me is a one-dimensional player. He can rush the passer, and I think Aaron Glenn wants more of a two-way lineman. I know he has spoken about McDonald being a good run defender, but I’m not buying it. I think they see him as an undersized pass rusher who might be able to bring back some value. So I would keep my eye on him as a trade possibility.”
Insider Spills Details on McDonald Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline
“Will McDonald, I was told [could garner] a two or a three depending on your value and your evaluation of him. He is not an every-down player. He is a one-trick, rush up the field, go get the quarterback guy who is a liability against the run. By the way, this year, he is not rushing the passer particularly well. He hasn’t had a sack since the opener. He has just one quarterback hit in each of the last three games,” NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY said on “Jets Final Drive.”
“It’s not like he is Abdul Carter right now, who is not getting sacks, but he is getting a ton of pressures. Will McDonald isn’t even necessarily doing that,” Hughes added.
“Out of all of the things you just said, I think trading Will McDonald for a two or three honestly makes the most sense to me. I think he is what he is. I don’t know if he is dominant enough to hold onto him if you don’t believe in him necessarily. They don’t play him on running downs; they only play him on passing downs. So I would trade Will McDonald for that kind of value,” Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic admitted on “Jets Final Drive.”
Looming Contract Decision for McDonald
The former Iowa State product entered the league as the No. 15 overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.
McDonald, 26, has at least a year and a half remaining on his rookie contract. During the 2026 offseason, the Jets or whichever team owns his rights will have to decide on his fifth-year option.
According to Over The Cap, McDonald’s projected fifth-year team option will be worth $14.96 million. That is a fully guaranteed figure. If the Jets or any team that trades for him accepts that, he will be under contract through the 2027 season. However, if that team option is declined, McDonald is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season.
Studying the McDonald Canvas Through His NFL Career so Far
McDonald is not a complete player.
Through the first two and a half seasons of his career, McDonald has appeared on average in just 48% of the defensive snaps.
However, he brings a special set of skills to the table. McDonald has 15.5 career sacks, 34 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown.
In a quarterback-driven league, players who can get after the passer will always have a place.
