Rogers calls signals for sled dogs

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers found himself behind a different set of athletes this 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 the 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 local 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 Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Tags: sled, dogs, packers, aaaron, rodgers