Packer fans might want to give a big thank you to the Bucs. According to Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg-Times Aaron Rodgers was almost certain he was going to be drafted by the Bucs.

Then coach Jon Gruden worked Rodgers out in California, having him throw to Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice.

Gruden even called in New York, on Thursday, April 21 (two days before the draft), and sounded like at the time they were going to take me with the fifth pick,” Rodgers said Wednesday.

New York, on Thursday, April 21 (two days before the draft), and sounded like at the time they were going to take me with the fifth pick,” Rodgers said Wednesday.

“But I don’t blame them at all or don’t hold any animosity toward Jon and Bruce or the organization. Everything kind of happens for a reason. Looking back on when they came out and visited me in Berkeley, that was one of my top moments in my sports career, being able to throw to Jerry Rice.”

Tampa Bay travels to Green Bay this weekend to face the unbeaten Packers (9-0).