Green Bay quarterback Rodgers takes the reins in dog race
Published Thursday, March 13, 2008
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers once again found himself facing the rear ends of several athletes poised for action. This time, it wasn’t 300-pound linemen waiting for the “hike” but a team of jumping, barking and impatient sled dogs.
Rodgers, who is expected to replace Packers legend Brett Favre, participated in the Jeff Studdert Passenger Race on Wednesday. Rodgers began the race as a passenger of local veterinarian Arleigh Reynolds, but the two traded places at the course’s halfway point with Rodgers driving across the finish line.
The race is one of the first mushing events to be held this week that culminates with the Open North American Championship sled dog race. Rodgers, along with several other professional athletes, is in Alaska with the Christian-based organization Unlimited Potential Inc.
Arriving just in time for the race weigh in, the quarterback towered over most of the mushers, spectators and race officials gathered in the Mushers Hall on Farmer’s Loop on Wednesday afternoon.
The weigh-in is an integral part of the race as the number of dogs each team is allowed to use is based on the team members' combined weight. With one dog allowed for every 40 pounds, Rodgers’ team puled up to the starting line with 11 dogs.
The passenger race, originally referred to as “the Old Men’s Race” or “Jeff’s Race” has been run since 1953, according to Gene Davies, who has been involved in the local mushing scene for more than 30 years. Davies described the passenger race as a “fun race.” He said celebrity appearances at the race are rare today, but in the past politicians such as Don Young and Ted Stevens would sometimes attend.
Open to competitors of either gender, the race has traditionally been officiated and run by an all-woman staff.
Dogs that may compete are restricted to those that haven’t earned any money this race season, according to Alaska Dog Mushing Association’s president Shannon Erhart.
Though more than thousands of miles from his team’s home of Green Bay, Wis., Rodgers still received autograph requests from Packers fans.
North Pole resident Tony Crane Jr. got a football signed by Rodgers. Crane’s father and longtime fan, Tony Crane, grew up near the Packers home stadium.
According to Fort Wainwright’s Web site, Rodgers and his fellow athletes have been involved with multiple social activities involving local soldiers and their families.
Asked if he could see any relation between mushing and professional football, Rodgers said, “You’re remembered for your wins.”
Would Rodgers be willing to help out with the Intense Football League’s Fairbanks Grizzlies? “Maybe if things don’t work out with the Green Bay,” he said with a smile.
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