Packers make Aaron Rodgers highest-paid NFL player in new deal

The Green Bay Packers have signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a $110-million, five-year contract, making him the highest-paid NFL player ever, according to NFL.com.

Rodgers’ new deal averages $22-million a year -- including a total payout of $40 million in the first year -- besting the $20.1-million Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is set make on his new $120-million, six-year contract, which had previously made the reigning Super Bowl MVP the highest-paid player in NFL history.

“Aaron is an excellent illustration of a Green Bay Packer,� Green Bay Coach Mike McCarthy said, according to the Packers’ official website. “It is truly a blessing to witness his continued accomplishments, both on and off the field.�

The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and 2010 Super Bowl MVP has thrown for 21,661 yards with 171 touchdowns and with just 46 interceptions during his eight-year NFL career.

However, Rodgers who was selected by the Packers with the No. 24 overall draft pick in 2005 spent his first three years in the league primarily on the bench behind incumbent Packer legend and future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.

Last season, Rodgers helped guide Green Bay to an 11-5 regular-season record before the Packers were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs by the San Francsico 49ers, who went on to face the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.

“Aaron is a true professional and a special player,� Green Bay General Manager Ted Thompson said on the Packers’ official website. “He works hard, is humble, and is focused on his actions, on and off the field. He is an excellent teammate and pushes himself and others to be the very best. We are happy to reach an agreement to extend his career with the Packers.�

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