Anchorage Daily News

FAIRBANKS -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers found himself behind a different set of athletes last week -- jumping, barking, impatient sled dogs.

Rodgers took part in the Jeff Studdert Passenger Race in Fairbanks, the first of several mushing events in advance of this weekend's Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race.

Rodgers, who is expected to be the starting quarterback of the Packers now that Brett Favre has retired, started Wednesday's race as a passenger in the sled driven by local veterinarian Arleigh Reynolds, but the two traded places at the halfway point and Rodgers drove across the finish line.

Rodgers and fellow athletes were in Alaska with the Christian-based organization Unlimited Potential Inc., doing social activities with Army soldiers and their families at Fort Wainwright.

The quarterback arrived just in time for the race weigh-in, which determines how many dogs each team may use. One dog is allowed for each 40 pounds. Rodgers' team had 11 dogs.

Even in Alaska, Rodgers had fans asking for his autograph.

Tony Crane Jr., of North Pole, got a football signed by Rodgers. Crane's father grew up near the Packers' home of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

The passenger race, originally referred to as "the Old Men's Race" or "Jeff's Race" has been run since 1953, according to Gene Davies, who has been involved in the local mushing scene for more than 30 years.

Davies described the passenger race as a "fun race." He said celebrity appearances at the race are rare today, but in the past politicians such as Don Young and Ted Stevens would sometimes attend.

Asked if he could see any relation between mushing and professional football, Rodgers said, "You're remembered for your wins."

Would Rodgers be willing to help out with the Intense Football League's Fairbanks Grizzlies? "Maybe if things don't work out with the Green Bay," he said with a smile.

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