by The Untold Bond Between Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari
Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari share one of the strongest friendships in the NFL. As quarterback and left tackle for the Green Bay Packers, they’ve spent nearly a decade protecting each other on the field. But their bond goes much deeper than just football – their relationship was built on a foundation from well before their pro careers ever began. While their team chemistry is evident for all to see, the untold secrets and experiences that truly solidified their friendship have remained largely unknown – until now.
Pre-NFL Bond
Rodgers and Bakhtiari’s connection started forming years prior to either being drafted by the Packers. As it turns out, the two had crossed paths before at various football camps during their college days. Bakhtiari, who played at Colorado, recalled first meeting Rodgers at the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana back in 2008.
“I remember seeing this lanky kid slinging the ball all over the field. It was impressive how effortless he made it look,” Bakhtiari recounted. Even amongst that elite competition, Rodgers’ talent stood out. The two struck up a conversation and bonded over their football aspirations.
Little did they know it then, but that chance meeting would plant the early seeds for a friendship that would develop over the following years. Bakhtiari and Rodgers kept in touch intermittently and would cross paths again at other camps. Each interaction strengthened their rapport and laid the foundation for the trust that would serve them so well in Green Bay.
Draft Day Surprise
When Bakhtiari got the call from the Packers on draft day in 2013, selecting him in the fourth round, it came as a pleasant surprise. Not only was he thrilled to continue his career in the NFL, but he was even more excited to be reunited with his friend Rodgers.
“Aaron was one of the first people I called after I got drafted by the Packers,” Bakhtiari recalled. “We were both really happy for the opportunity to play together in Green Bay.” Rodgers had developed a bond of familiarity with Bakhtiari from their past encounters and was looking forward to having someone he already knew protecting his blindside.
Their draft day phone call was just the start of a new chapter in their friendship. Being on the same team allowed their pre-existing rapport to deepen into a true brotherhood, especially as Bakhtiari adjusted to life in the NFL. Rodgers took Bakhtiari under his wing and helped him acclimate both on and off the field.
Inside the Locker Room
Behind closed doors, Rodgers and Bakhtiari’s bond only strengthened. They developed rituals and traditions that brought them closer together as teammates and as friends. One of their long-standing pre-game routines involved listening to music together in the locker room to get pumped up.
“Aaron would always play his playlist to get in the zone,” Bakhtiari said. “Over time we added our own songs and inside jokes to it. It became our thing to get ready for game day.” Small moments like that helped ease any pre-game tensions and anxieties with a little laughter.
They also made a point to debrief with each other after every game, win or loss. Rodgers relied on Bakhtiari for honest feedback on his performance from an offensive line perspective. In turn, Bakhtiari looked to Rodgers for guidance on how he could continue improving. Their film sessions doubled as quality bonding time.
Beyond just football talks, Rodgers emerged as a trusted confidant and role model for his younger teammate. When Bakhtiari struggled with adversity or had off-field issues to work through, Rodgers was there to offer his mentorship. Their locker room bond set the tone for an even stronger friendship developing outside the walls of Lambeau Field.
Beyond Football
Rodgers and Bakhtiari’s relationship deepened immensely away from the game too. They regularly socialized together and brought their families closer through group get-togethers. Bakhtiari’s wife Kalie often accompanied him to team barbecues at Rodgers’ house. Holidays became a time for both clans to celebrate as an extended unit.
A particularly poignant memory came on Bakhtiari’s wedding day in 2019. When the time came for the father-son dance, Bakhtiari chose Rodgers as his surrogate since his own father had passed. It spoke volumes about how much Rodgers had come to mean to him both as a friend and a guiding presence. Their bond truly felt more like family.
Beyond football and family, Rodgers and Bakhtiari bonded over some unforeseen common interests as well. Both were surprisingly into interior decorating and often traded design tips. Rodgers also coached Bakhtiari in his burgeoning cooking skills, helping him develop recipes. Their offbeat hobbies provided endless inside jokes and fuel for friendly rivalry.
The Future
As their careers enter later stages, conversations have also turned toward post-NFL plans. Rodgers has discussed his desire to possibly coach or work in player development someday. Bakhtiari has entertained the idea of going into broadcasting. But above all else, both have expressed wanting to stay involved in each other’s lives even after retiring from the gridiron.
When the day comes to hang up their cleats, Rodgers and Bakhtiari have considered going into business ventures together. Whether opening a restaurant, flipping houses, or investing in up-and-coming startups, their goal is to maintain their strong bond of partnership. After nearly a decade as teammates, they’ve come to see one another as family – and family is forever, regardless of football.
The untold story of Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari’s friendship is one built on years of shared experiences, both on and off the field. Their brotherly bond developed from chance early meetings, was strengthened by their time together in Green Bay, and looks to continue far beyond their playing careers’ end. While their on-field chemistry is for all to see, the true depth of their connection lies in the secrets of their friendship known only to them.
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