You can count on Aaron Rodgers to never miss the opportunity to jab at those he feels slighted by.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wild card game against the Houston Texans, Rodgers snuck in a shot at his former team, the New York Jets.
“One thing I really love, and it’s kind of the antithesis of where I was, is there’s not really any leaks in the boat,” Rodgers said. “Every year you have difficulties and adversity, both on the field and off the field. And to go through a season like this, and to be able to focus on football, and not have a lot out there, is really nice.”
There were numerous leaks to the media during Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets, featuring rumors about the team’s coaching staff, ownership, or Rodgers himself.
Rodgers, though, didn’t necessarily make the best effort to quiet the noise surrounding the Jets. He reportedly accepted over $1 million in annual payments to make weekly nationally televised appearances on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show”.
Since joining the Steelers, Rodgers has ended his weekly spot with McAfee.
Rodgers’ criticisms are a little strange given his indisputable role in the Jets’ off-field drama from 2023 to 2024. Nonetheless, former Jets players will continue to feel comfortable taking shots at their old team until the Jets give them an on-field reason not to. Rodgers defeated the Jets in Week 1 and went on to win 10 games en route to a division title. The Jets won three games and are picking second in the draft.
Bragging rights go to Rodgers, even if his comments are ironic.
If the Jets want to stop taking jabs from their old stars, they need to win some football games.
Rodgers and the Steelers will host the Texans on Monday night at 8:15 p.m. EST. The four-time MVP is seeking his first playoff victory since leaving the Green Bay Packers following the 2022 season. Rodgers last won a playoff game on Jan. 16, 2021, when his Packers defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round.
