NFC North Notes: Aaron Rodgers, Bears, Lions

Aaron Rodgers

The Milwaukee Bucks announced Friday night during their playoff game against the Celtics that Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has purchased a minority stake in the franchise.

“I have proudly called Wisconsin my home for the past 13 years, and I am thankful for the friendships and the opportunities I have been given to live and play here,” Rodgers in a statement. “I am excited and honored to deepen my connection to the region by joining Wes Edens, Marc Lasry, Jamie Dinan, Mike Fascitelli and the ownership group of the Milwaukee Bucks. As a huge fan of the NBA and the sport of basketball, this is a dream come true for me, and I look forward to furthering my affinity for Wisconsin sports as a minority owner in a team I love and support.”

“Aaron is a winner, a Wisconsin icon, and we are honored to welcome him to our partnership group of the Milwaukee Bucks,” the Bucks ownership group said in a statement. “With our team in the playoffs and our new world-class arena opening this fall, it’s an exciting time for this city and the Bucks. We are thrilled for Aaron to be with us.”

Rodgers is the first active NFL player to own a piece of a major sports franchise in the market in which he plays.

Bears

• Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times takes a look at three defensive difference-makers the Bears should consider taking in round 1 including Georgia LB Roquan Smith, Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Ohio State CB Denzel Ward.

Lions

• Michael Rothstein of ESPN believes that the Lions will consider UTEP DE Marcus Davenport or G Will Hernandez at No. 20 overall if they are available.
• Rothstein writes that Washington DT Vita Vea would be his first-round pick over any other prospect if he falls to the Lions.
• Other players Rothstein can see the Lions considering include Florida DT Taven Bryan, Alabama DT Da’Ron Payne, Boston College OLB Harold Landry and LSU RB Derrius Guice.
• Rothstein does not think the Lions will consider signing free agent WR Dez Bryant.