It feels like it has been a very long time since New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made headlines for his play on a football field. That is, aside from the viral videos of cool throws that he made during Phase One of the Jets’ OTA’s earlier this spring. Of course, that is because it has been a while since he has been able to play in an actual NFL game.
After acquiring Rodgers via trade from the Green Bay Packers, hopes were high that the Jets might actually be able to make the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2010 (which happened to be the same season in which Rodgers won his only Super Bowl).
It was not to be, unfortunately, as the four-time NFL MVP tore his Achilles just four snaps into New York’s Week One game against the Buffalo Bills. It was not long before the Jets’ playoff hopes evaporated amid poor quarterback play and poor performances by several of their key free agents (Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, etc.).
The New York Jets Still Have High Hopes with Aaron Rodgers
Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) watches warm ups before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
After the trade, Rodgers did something he had not done in his final few seasons with the Packers: show up for offseason programs. After Green Bay drafted Jordan Love, Rodgers stopped attending the optional OTA practices, and even the mandatory minicamps.
With the Jets, though, he was there for it all last year. He was seen cracking jokes with the young players and was seen out with them at NBA and NHL games. In other words, he made an effort to get to know everyone and wanted to be a part of it all.
When he got hurt, though, things around the team changed. The immaculate vibes that surround the Jets all offseason seemed to go away with Rodgers’ injury. The future Hall of Famer himself spent much time away from the team to rehab in California. While this is not unusual for players to do, it is noteworthy that former Jets quarterback Zach Wilson complained that he did not get the full learning experience he was expecting.
After telling the media (and his team) that it was time for them to flush the bull—- after last season and focus on football, Rodgers was back for OTA’s this offseason as well. Vibes were cautiously high, but there was certainly a sense of renewed optimism.
Aaron Rodgers Skipped the New York Jets’ Mandatory Minicamp
Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after a play during the second half against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
When mandatory minicamp rolled around, though, Rodgers was nowhere to be found. Head coach Robert Saleh explained to the media that the absence was unexcused, though the four-time MVP had communicated to his coach that he would not be attending.
Exactly where Rodgers was (Saleh said he was at an event that was really important to him) has not been revealed by either the organization or Rodgers himself. However, one Jets insider may have given away the location (via Bleacher Report):
“Per SNYTV’s Connor Hughes, Rodgers had a trip to Egypt the same week as the minicamp. He was in attendance for all of Phase 1, but missed a week of Phase 2, according to Hughes. Rodgers also attended every OTA practice.”
Apparently, Rodgers had planned the trip prior to mandatory minicamp dates being announced. He also did not properly communicate to the Jets that he was going to take his trip instead of attending minicamp.
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Publish date : 2024-07-01 19:55:59
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