Aaron Rodgers hails "special" Green Bay Packers fans

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has hailed the team's fans after their response to his injury during Monday's match against the Chicago Bears.

Rodgers was forced off with a broken collarbone on the first drive of the Packers' eventual 27-20 defeat, returning to the sideline later in the match where he received a rapturous reception from the home fans.

The 2011 league MVP ranked the reaction amongst the greatest moments of his career and paid tribute to the Packers' supporters.

"When I walked back on that field - I'm getting a little choked up here just thinking about it - that was one of the top five moments of my career. The reception I got from the fans was pretty special," Rodgers is quoted as saying by ESPN.

Meanwhile, Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy has expressed his relief at the news that Rodgers's injury is not as serious as first feared.