GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he wants to clear up any misunderstanding about his comments in Sports Illustrated.

Rodgers said he cares deeply about Packers fans and didn't mean anything negative by his quote in the magazine, which hit newsstands Wednesday.

Rodgers is one of several quarterbacks featured in the magazine article who replace legends, like Brett Favre.

When asked whether he feels pressure to connect with Packers fans the way Favre did, Rodgers is quoted as saying, "I don't need to sell myself to fans. They need to get on board now or keep their mouths shut."

But Rodgers said his track record with the fans should speak for itself, including community work and autograph signing.

Madison area Packer fans had mixed feelings regarding Rodgers comments.

"Most fans it seems to me, actually liked that he was that forthright and said what he thought and then like his aggressive demeanor I guess," said Owen Murphy with ESPN Radio.

Brian Anderson, co-owner of Fan 4 Ever, weighed in on the issue as well.

"I really kind of feel bad for the guy. He's in a no-win position right now. He's been waiting and waiting. How do you follow Brett Favre?" said Anderson.

ESPN Radio's Mike Heller said, "But this is like a fumble or an interception. He threw a bad ball, he said words he shouldn't have said. There's no getting around that he said fans should shut their mouths if they're not on board, and that's a big mistake."

When asked about his comments, Rodgers backtracked on his statement, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he cares about the fans and their opinions. He said like all athletes, he wants Green Bay fans to pull for his success.

Rodgers has spent three years backing up Favre and will have his shot this season as the No. 1 quarterback now that Favre has retired.