Aaron Rodgers is not happy with the recent drama around the New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers did not hold back when discussing the New York Jets.
Appearing in-studio for his weekly “Pat McAfee Show” appearance, the quarterback spoke about the team’s current situation and the rumors surrounding the quarterback position.
Rodgers shared his thoughts on Zach Wilson, who reportedly is “reluctant” to play again for the Jets this season.
“When you use sources and, whether intentional or unintentional, try to assassinate someone’s character like that report does for Zach, I have a real hard time with that,” said Rodgers.
“You’re basically saying that this kid is quitting on the team and doesn’t wanna play and is giving the middle finger to the organization…Whoever that person is that thinks it’s ok, number one, to talk to anyone like that, I don’t understand what you get out of that. Number two, what is your motivation to bury someone like that?
The quarterback said the leaked report is a “problem with the organization” and addressed what he would like to see change.
“We need to get to the bottom of wherever this is coming from and put a stop to it. Privately… there have been a bunch of other leaks that have gotten out,” said Rodgers.
“They’re not your friends. Even if they are, is that what you want to be about? Do you want to be about using someone in the media to leak stuff in order for what? To get your name out there for a job? Or, if you’re a player, to get a write-up? I think it’s chicken s— at its core and has no place in a winning organization.
"When you use sources to try and assassinate someone's character like that report does for Zach I have a real hard time with that..
You're basically saying that this kid is quitting on the team and doesn't wanna play" @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/b9WNCSIoKB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 5, 2023
Rodgers also spoke about the team’s future heading into a crucial offseason.
“It’s about the culture. Culture can win championships. Chemistry wins championships. So, we obviously need to fine-tune a couple of things. Just tighten a few things up,” said Rodgers.
The quarterback mentioned how the team made some “amazing” progress in the culture area during the offseason. He mentioned that winning causes everything to be glossed over, but when losing games like the Jets have recently, “every little thing becomes a big thing.”
Rodgers called the next five weeks “fascinating” and spoke about what it could mean for the players on the Jets.
“It will be interesting to see how guys respond because we’ve had adversity and seen how guys deal with adversity. Who’s going to finish the season as a professional? Who’s going to do it, buy into this thing, and keep doing it together?… I’ve seen what it looks like when, at times, things are going not great,” said Rodgers.
“It really reveals the character in those adverse moments. It’ll be interesting to see if guys stick together and we hold this thing together, because there will be a lot of interesting decisions moving forward.”
"Culture and chemistry wins championships..
When you're losing every little thing becomes a big thing and these next five weeks will be fascinating..
It will be interesting to see how guys respond because we've had adversity" @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/dLhSxn1uNZ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 5, 2023
Rodgers did have some other comments, such as when he stated that December 24 “was always the target” for his return to the field if the Jets were in playoff contention. He also departed the show by saying, “This has been a s— season, for sure, but we will be back.”
Aaron Rodgers signs off @PatMcAfeeShow with:
"This has been a shit season, for sure, but we will be back." #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 5, 2023
Among his appearances on the former Colts punter’s show, this is the first time Rodgers has explicitly criticized the Jets organization. He called them out for the leaks surrounding the Wilson news and, in no fewer words, challenged the team to lock in for their remaining games.
Additionally, the future Hall-of-Famer did not respond to McAfee when the release of Boyle was brought up, potentially adding fuel to the fire.
There is now further intrigue over what the structure of the Jets could be this offseason and heading into the 2024 season. Rodgers could be bluffing, but his words did not seem like someone who would be against changes if things continued to spiral.
Ultimately, the Jets’ last five games of the season have become more critical, as they could dictate both the team’s immediate and long-term future.
