GREEN BAY, Wis. — Knowing when to say goodbye to a legendary quarterback is hard. It’s messy, yet can be an art form if done correctly.

The Packers knew when to say goodbye to Brett Favre. And they knew when to say goodbye to Aaron Rodgers. 

Sunday’s triumph over the Bears that lifted the Packers into the playoffs proved that Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst picked the right guy in Jordan Love. He also knew when Love was ready to play.

It’s called having the courage of your convictions. And being able to weather criticism. To overcome adversity like a 2-5 start. Staying strong about what you believe in, because you’re confident that you made the right decision.

While it’s the Jets’ problem now to put out the latest fire from a Rodgers appearance on the Pat McAfee Show (hello Jimmy Kimmel), the unified and galvanized Packers are going to the playoffs.

NFL General Managers make so many decisions that it’s impossible to get everything right. Yet, if you get the quarterback right, it covers many sins. 

Ron Wolf got it right when he traded for Brett Favre. He rode that into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

The late Ted Thompson got it right when he picked Aaron Rodgers. He also had the thick skin needed to know when it was right to move from Favre to Rodgers. It led to a Super Bowl victory.

Brian Gutekunst got it right when he drafted Jordan Love. And he knew when the time was right to transition from Rodgers to Love.

I don’t agree with every single decision that Gutekunst has made, but he got the quarterback right. History has shown. That’s a great start.