The Packers flopped in the postseason, though, losing in the divisional round at home to San Francisco — and, after that game, Rodgers acknowledged his uncertainty about returning for an 18th season with Green Bay. But Coach Matt LaFleur and the team’s president, Mark Murphy, have stressed that they want Rodgers back.
Dive Deeper Into the Super Bowl
- Optimism and Anxiety: This year, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host the Super Bowl. What does the event mean for the city?
- Home Advantage: The Rams will use their usual facilities and home stadium in the game against the Bengals. Here is how they are getting ready.
- Can’t-Miss Kid: Evan McPherson sent the Bengals to their first Super Bowl in 34 years with a 31-yard kick. Meet the rookie aiming for perfection.
- Aggressive Moves: This season, N.F.L. teams attempted fourth-down conversions at historic rates. Will the trend apply in the Super Bowl?
Through concessions the team has made with his contract, Rodgers, 38, has the power to determine whether to seek a trade. After that loss to San Francisco, he also acknowledged the possibility, however less likely, of him retiring.
This year’s group of Hall of Famers was headlined by the posthumous selection of linebacker Sam Mills, who was in his 20th and final year of eligibility as a candidate from the modern era.
Two defensive linemen — Bryant Young of San Francisco and Richard Seymour, who played for the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders — were also selected in voting, which was conducted last month by a panel of 49 members of the news media. Joining them were Packers safety LeRoy Butler, who was in his 16th year of eligibility, and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Boselli, who had been a finalist for the last six years.
The selection committee also elected three members: the coach Dick Vermeil, who won a Super Bowl with the Rams in the 1999 season; Art McNally, a supervisor of officials, who was the contributor finalist; and Cliff Branch, the Raiders receiver, who was the senior finalist.