NY Jets: Aaron Rodgers rips Sean Payton for Hackett comments

Aaron Rodgers was fired up about Sean Payton’s comments regarding New York Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett

Robert Saleh and Billy Turner already had some strong words about Sean Payton’s unsolicited attack on the New York Jets. Now Aaron Rodgers got involved in the show, providing some choice comments for Payton while speaking to Peter Schrager of the NFL Network.

Rodgers was particularly offended on behalf of his friend and coach, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. The quarterback stated in his introductory press conference that Hackett is one of the main reasons he came to New York. Rodgers put up some of his best seasons with Hackett as his offensive coordinator and red-zone play-caller.

Therefore, when Payton said that the 2022 Broncos “might have been one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL,” Rodgers took notice.

Rodgers’ comments

After praising Hackett’s work on both a personal and professional level, the quarterback went in on Payton. “Those comments were very surprising, for a coach to do that to another coach,” Rodgers remarked. “It made me feel bad that someone who’s accomplished a lot in the league that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some easy fall if it doesn’t go well for that team this year. I thought it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth.”

Here is Aaron Rodgers’ comments about Sean Payton and his comment about Nathaniel Hackett this week. Rodgers calls Payton “insecure” and says he should keep his coach’s name out his mouth. 👀👀👀👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/7ISPvJBl5s

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 30, 2023

Rodgers’ point is well-taken and was noted by many others. Payton appeared to be setting himself up with a fall guy if his stay in Denver goes as poorly as Hackett’s did.

Although Payton walked back some of his words, saying that he was speaking with his FOX hat on, his comments were still inappropriate for a head coach. Furthermore, multiple media personalities simultaneously stated that Payton means exactly what he says, which seemed to have been Payton’s way of apologizing-but-not-apologizing for his words.

One can only imagine Rodgers going full Will Smith on Payton when the Jets and Broncos meet in Week 5. Either way, this provides some more Hard Knocks drama for the cameras to capture.