GREEN BAY — When Aaron Rodgers arrived at his locker Wednesday, he was immediately surrounded by more television cameras and tape recorders than he had seen since draft day in 2005, when the Green Bay Packers made him Brett Favre's heir apparent.

After a three-year apprenticeship at quarterback, Rodgers finally became the man in Green Bay when the organized team activity sessions began this week. But was he ready for the media onslaught after his first practice open to reporters since Favre's retirement?

Heck, Rodgers was born ready.

"I've waited my whole life for this," he said.

As deftly as Rodgers handled the media crush Wednesday, it was hard not to believe him.

Or believe in him.

Rodgers answered questions honestly and confidently, cracked a few jokes and showed patience when the third wave of reporters asked the same questions the first and second waves had asked.

Speaking for 35 minutes on topics that included replacing an NFL icon, making his first start on national TV in a game where Favre's jersey will be retired, reacting to frequent media reports of Favre's "un-retirement," feeling pressure from two rookie quarterbacks drafted in April and whether he has the talent and know-how to satisfy cautiously pessimistic Packers fans, Rodgers sounded like a guy who knew his role had changed and was prepared for the challenge.

"I know the pressure I'm under," he said. "I know who I'm following. I know that it's a tough situation and a lot of people are expecting me to fail outside of this locker room. But I'm just trying to get the guys we've got here now to believe in me. I think the coaching staff and the guys upstairs believe in me. I've just got to play well and everything will take care of itself."

Rodgers already has made a believer out of coach Mike McCarthy.

"I like a lot of things about him," McCarthy said. "I like the combination of his mental and physical makeup. Replacing Brett Favre wouldn't be easy for anybody, regardless of their size, speed, mental capacity. It's important for Aaron to stay focused on things he can control."

Rodgers couldn't control the questions directed at him Wednesday, but his demeanor changed after only two of them.

He bristled when asked whether he's injury-prone (He said injuries are a fact of life in the NFL). Nor was he thrilled when asked if the spectre of Favre's presence looming over him would be easier to ignore if Favre's old locker wasn't 10 feet away from his, with Favre's nameplate and shoulder pads still in place.

"What do you want me to do about it?" Rodgers said, curtly. "I don't care."

The Packers should.

Every move they've made has indicated that they've moved on from the Favre era.

All except one, that is.

Their plan to turn Favre's locker into some sort of shrine is noble, but the last thing Rodgers needs is a constant reminder that he's replacing the most beloved player in team history.

Rodgers looked as well-prepared to take over the starting job as any quarterback could possibly be Wednesday. Still, the Packers shouldn't forget that the task of replacing a legend is enormous and he can use all the help he can get.

Contact Tom Oates at toates@madison.com or 608-252-6172.