Blake Bortles was living his best life when he got the call on Wednesday.
The former Jaguars quarterback was on No. 8 at Ponte Vedra’s Ocean Course, looking at a double bogey per the Associated Press, and his agent was on the other end of the line. Aaron Rodgers, his agent explained, had tested positive for COVID-19. The Packers were interested in Bortles, who had been with the team during preseason.
Bortles put down the clubs and got on a plane as fast as possible, sadly leaving his round behind.
The No. 3 pick in 2014, Bortles was last on an NFL field two years ago, when he played in three games as a backup for the Rams, completing one pass for 3 yards.
Bortless has since been under contract with the Broncos and Rams, both in 2020, but was never close to getting on the field.
His biggest moment of success came in 2017, when he led the Jaguars to a 10-6 record and the playoffs, but Bortles’ play cratered back to earth the next season.
It’s unlikely he sees action against the Chiefs on Sunday; Jordan Love is set to make the start with Rodgers out. But perhaps this will give him the chance to stick with an NFL team.
Worst-case, if he gets cut in a couple weeks when Rodgers returns, Bortles can always go back and finish his round.