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Aaron Rodgers Touts Off-field Legacy At B-N Red Cross Event

Future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers told American Red Cross supporters in Normal on Tuesday night he's as mindful of his off-field legacy as he is his on-field exploits. 

The six-time Pro Bowl signal-caller for the Green Bay Packers spoke to about 1,100 people at the annual Evening of Stars event, which raises funds for the central and southern Illinois region of the Red Cross. Rodgers said he grew up in a lower-middle class family, and learned to get by without needing a lot. He said now that he has a lot, he realizes how many people need help.

"With great power and opportunity comes great responsibility. That responsibility is to make a difference and leave the world a better place than you found it," said Rodgers. "I take that very seriously. As important to me as my legacy and how my teammates remember me, and how well I play on the field, is the impact I make off the field."

"That responsibility is to make a difference and leave the world a better place than you found it."

Rodgers said he is as recognizable from his TV ads for Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance as he is for playing football. He outlined his efforts to help child cancer patients in Wisconsin through the MACC Fund, and his travels to Africa and India to provide hearing aids to children via the Starkey Hearing Foundation. He joked that he abided by a social media blackout for his visit with the Dalai Lama, but was stunned to see an Instagram photo posted by the Buddhist spiritual leader showing Rodgers alongside with the Dalai Lama wearing a Packers cap and holding a football. 

"He's 83 years old. He's a man of deep wisdom," Rodgers said. "He has a global message about kindness, compassion and love, and I think everyone can relate to that, whether you're Christian, Buddhist, atheist, Muslim, or Catholic. He's all about bringing people together and creating a conversation about how we can co-exist better."

Rodgers said he's learned to deal with injury, having broken his collarbone twice. He missed much of the 2017 season due to the injury. 

The 34-year-old native of California poked fun at the archrival Chicago Bears, teasing fans about the many quarterbacks the Chicago team has had during the nearly 30 years either he or predecessor Brett Favre have led the Packers. Rodgers said he's enjoyed playing football but probably wouldn't want to continue in it past his playing days. He said he enjoys mentoring young players and spent time Tuesday with Illinois State University quarterback Jake Kolbe. Rodgers said he wouldn't pursue a TV analyst position, preferring instead to travel and continue his philanthropic work.

Credit Carleigh Gray / WGLT
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WGLT
Rodgers, left, presents members of the Housman family of Dwight with Packers memorabilia.

He congratulated those in attendance for contributing to the work of the Red Cross. Prior to his remarks, Rodgers presented members of a Dwight family with Packers memorabilia, including a signed football and Rodgers jersey. Daniel, Trisha and Mark Housman lost their all their belongings and a pet dog in a fire that destroyed their home last month. It was the second time tragedy had struck the family. The 2010 tornado destroyed their mobile home. 

Rodgers joked that he'll be in the stands at next month's Indianapolis 500 auto race rooting hard for the GoDaddy team. His girlfriend, Danica Patrick, is the spokesperson for the internet provider. She'll be racing her final Indy.

The sellout event is expected to eclipse the $230,000 total raised during last year's Evening of Stars event, which featured then-recently retired Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross. 

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Willis is a Bloomington, IL, native. During his senior year at Bloomington High School, he finished third in the "Radio Speaking" division of the state speech contest, the only year he competed.
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