AP

Aaron Rodgers is going to be busy with a game he’s trying to win, but the Packers quarterback also knows Thursday night’s going to be historic on a number of levels.

In addition to the retirement of Brett Favre’s jersey marking the healing of relationships at a personal and organizational level, there’s also the matter of Packers legend Bart Starr’s return, in what his wife has said will likely be their final trip to Green Bay because of the health issues he’s faced in recent years.

That makes it meaningful for Rodgers, who has developed a close relationship with Starr over the years.

“You know Bart’s been such a great encouragement to me since I was drafted here, and I really have appreciated all of our conversations over the years with him and his lovely wife,” Rodgers said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “He was kind of enough to do my charity event a few years ago and I was able to do another charity event with him. It’s tough to follow him speaking because he’s had such incredible stories, whether he’s talking about Super Bowls or NFL championships or the Ice Bowl. It’s always fun being around him but he’s such a positive, encouraging person. It’ll be great to see him.”

Of course, Rodgers has another role in the Packers history which will be made, as his appearance on stage with Favre at the 2013 NFL Honors show broke the ice on the relationship between Favre and the team, after their ugly separation in 2008.

“It does feel like a long time ago,” Rodgers said. “I think it’s been a good proper healing process for everybody. Kind of starting with us on stage at the honors, getting to share some laughs together, and just going from there. It’s the right thing to do and be exciting for him and Packer fans in a couple days, and great to see him into the Hall of Fame next offseason.”

And having three legendary quarterbacks in Lambeau Field together is going to make it a memorable night, particularly for the one who has a job to do.