During Sunday’s NFC Championship game, Chicago’s 283-pound defensive end hit Rodgers head-to-head at full force, costing his team a 15-yard penalty in the fourth quarter.
“It hurt, I can tell you that,” Rodgers told Sports Illustrated’s Peter King. “He hit me pretty good. I know what a concussion feels like. I’m just grateful this wasn’t hard enough to give me another one.”
Green Bay’s QB told King that his new, safer helmet — which the NFL is urging all players to use — protected him.
Last December, after Rodgers’ second concussion this season he made the switch to the newer helmet.
“That was lucky,” Rodgers told King. “As much as the new helmet feels uncomfortable and I’m still getting used to it, I’m really happy I was wearing it on that hit.”
Pepper will most likely get a fine for his helmet contact with Rodgers. The NFL is trying to get these types of hits out of play.