The rookie meets the legend: Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers hold court
Aaron Rodgers has worn green on Sundays since 2005 as a representative of the Green Bay Packers. But some saw him in the form of a different green icon on Wednesday afternoon.
On location for the New York Jets‘ joint practices with the Packers, SNY cameras caught Rodgers in the midst of an animated conversation with Gang Green’s rookie quarterback Zach Wilson.
Zach Wilson. Aaron Rodgers.
Just two quarterbacks hanging out. pic.twitter.com/UuHmVXFVZn
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 18, 2021
While speakers on the Green Bay practice field blaring Drake and Rick Ross’ “Money In The Grave” made any stray audio impossible, fans theorized about the dialogue between this meeting of accomplished football minds.
NY Jets fans have their fun with the Zach Wilson-Aaron Rodgers encounter
Twitter user Finn McCole immediately cast Rodgers and Wilson in the roles of Star Wars heroes, with the Packer appearing as the seasoned mentor Yoda. Wilson, of course, is Luke Skywalker, also known as the titular “New Hope.”
— Finn McCole (@finnmccole523) August 18, 2021
Others were simply glad to see Wilson taking tips from the future Pro Football Hall of Famer Rodgers, something former Jets general manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum took note of, considering the Jets waited until this month to add a veteran backup (long-tenured Josh Johnson).
With no real veteran backup QB on the Jets roster, Wilson should be soaking up all the wisdom he can when talking with Rodgers during joint practice https://t.co/zm0YtBoaWV
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) August 18, 2021
Zach getting a lesson from a great teacher in Aaron Rodgers on the nuances of the Lafleur offense. https://t.co/NAQWSoOsJU
— PK Ripper 🤜💥🤛🏾 (@amaze652) August 18, 2021
More observers pointed out that the video between Rodgers and Wilson seems to disprove size criticism toward the latter, an idea recently pushed by noted infamous Jets critic Colin Cowherd.
In the photo, however, Wilson appears to have no issue matching up with the 6-foot, 2-inch Rodgers.
zACh wILsOn iS SMaLl pic.twitter.com/ADOwK9Nsjx
— Cool Your Jets (@CYJpod) August 18, 2021
Is Zach Wilson still too small? @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/NYxMIIg9mp
— Kevin Straub (@KevinStraub10) August 18, 2021
Finally, some took a bit of a confrontational route, wondering why Rodgers appeared to be mentoring the opposing Wilson rather than Green Bay’s own young quarterback. We’re of course referring to Rodgers’ potential green and yellow successor, Jordan Love.
Jordan Love while Zach and Aaron talk… https://t.co/DM7u2cwTAT pic.twitter.com/l3uW5NcoAl
— Sporty (@SportyMcSports) August 18, 2021
NYJ Matt even threw his reaction into the mix with a fictional quote everybody could imagine Rodgers constructing on behalf of Wilson.
Aaron Rodgers on Zach Wilson:
“The kid is good, really (expletive) good. The way he see’s the field and anticipates throws is outstanding. He’s far ahead of where I was when I was his age. The Jets are back this time. Btw if you’re still reading, I made up this quote”#Jets pic.twitter.com/Bj02iN5tbk
— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) August 18, 2021
The Zach Wilson-Aaron Rodgers similarities are present
Speaking with ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Josh Johnson said that Wilson reminded him of Rodgers in the early stages of their collaboration.
“He can make some throws that I only see a few quarterbacks making,” Johnson told Cimini. “He reminds me a lot of Rodgers with some of the throws he makes, the way he can get his body in position and make unique throws in the pocket. He has really special arm talent. Once this season gets going, I think the whole country is going to see it. He has what it takes to be successful.”
The Jets and Packers are set to have one more joint practice on Thursday before squaring off in an exhibition contest on Saturday late afternoon (4:25 p.m. ET, WLNY/NFL Network).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
