TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -Arizona safety Antrel Rolle said he did not disrespect New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees after the Cardinals defense struggled against Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers in the highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history on Sunday.
Rolle said he was misquoted.
“I don’t call any player out. I’m a professional in this league,” said Rolle, who is in his fifth season.
The Cardinals face the top-seeded Saints on Saturday in the Superdome.
“Drew Brees has earned his right as one of the most outstanding quarterbacks in this league. His play on the field speaks for itself.
“But it is what it is. If they want to go use that as ammunition, something that I didn’t say, then let it be done. I don’t back down from anyone. I’m not scared of anyone. The game still has to be played on Saturday, and I’m coming there to play ball, bottom line.”
nd NFC playoff game Sunday.
Rolle said he was having a conversation with teammate Adrian Wilson when his comments were overheard.
“(The reporter) threw Drew Brees’ name out there as I was walking out of the locker room, and I’m like ‘I’m not talking about Drew Brees right now.’ After a game like that, who is going to be thinking about Drew Brees?” Rolle said.
“I mean, the guy who just ripped us was Aaron Rodgers. That’s who I was talking about. That’s who I was giving praise to.”
Rodgers was fourth in the NFL with 4,434 yards passing and 30 touchdown passes in the regular season. Brees threw for 4,388 yards and 34 touchdowns, sitting out the final game of the regular season after the Saints clinched their playoff seeding.
Brees led the NFL with a 109.6 quarterback rating.
Rolle, a Pro Bowl alternate this season, spent his first three years at cornerback before moving to free safety in 2008. He has 13 career interceptions, four this season.
“My image means a lot to me,” Rolle said. “I don’t do things like that. That’s disrespecting another player, someone who has put in more time in the league that I have. Who am I to go and call him out?”
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