Jordan Love stole the show last year, taking a leap from his rising star status to a starting quarterback ready to take the lead. When Aaron Rodgers left his first love in the NFL and moved to the Big Apple, Love became the undisputed choice for the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers’ QB1 is ready to prove why he’s the next big name in Green Bay, Wis. While the world knows about his on-field talent, there’s a lot more to Love’s story, especially regarding his ethnicity and family background.
Jordan Love’s Family
The 25-year-old California native is of mixed ethnicity, with an African-American father and a white mother. The blend of cultures has helped his identity and contributed to the values he brings to the field.
His family became his backbone from the start, supporting him through the highs and lows of his career. In his early days, Love’s parents were his biggest fans. This close-knit family bond was crucial, especially when the QB faced one of the darkest moments of his life.
Love’s father, Orbin Love, was a dedicated police officer in Bakersfield, Calif. He and Jordan shared a deep connection. Orbin coached many of Jordan’s youth sports teams and instilled in him the fundamentals of football.
However, when Jordan was just 14, tragedy struck. After a change in his medication, Orbin began exhibiting abnormal behavior, which tragically led to him taking his own life. This loss nearly caused Jordan to quit football, but his mother, Anna, urged him to continue, encouraging him not to make a hasty decision in the wake of such grief. Her advice became a turning point in Jordan’s life, pushing him to persevere.
As Jordan steps into his role of leading the Packers’ offense, he’s also starting a new chapter in his personal life. Right before the season, Love got engaged to Ronika Stone, beginning the journey of building a family of his own.
Love’s Rise to the Starting QB Position for the Packers
Green Bay astonished the NFL world when they selected Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. It was a blow to Aaron Rodgers, who was still firmly placed as the team’s starting quarterback. Rodgers, who had long established himself as the leader of the Packers, suddenly found himself second-guessing the team’s long-term plans.
However, rather than creating a rift, Rodgers took Love under his wing, treating him as a backup and protégé. He provided guidance, setting an example for Love both on and off the field.
For three years, Love absorbed all he could from the veteran, preparing quietly in the wings. Then, when Rodgers left the team for good, the moment finally arrived for Love to step up. Named the starting quarterback for the 2023 NFL season, Love took the reins with confidence and hasn’t looked back since.
His journey from a first-round pick to the leader of the Packers has been marked by patience, hard work, and the invaluable mentorship of one of the game’s greats. In July, Love signed a four-year contract extension worth $220 million with the team and is now looking forward to leading the Packers in 2024.