(L) Aaron Rodgers; (R) Zach Wilson (Credits: Imago)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t mince words when addressing a recent report that criticized teammate Zach Wilson. He expressed his discontent and condemned what he deemed as harmful leaks from the organization to the media.
Quarterback Dilemma
“That’s a problem with the organization,” Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday. “We need to get to the bottom of whatever this is coming from and put a stop to it privately because there’s no place in a winning culture where — and this isn’t the only time. There’s been a bunch of other leaks.”
The Jets, currently on a five-game losing streak with a 4-8 record, are set for another quarterback change this week. Coach Robert Saleh is expected to announce his decision on Wednesday, with sources indicating a leaning toward reinstating Wilson. Other quarterback options include Trevor Siemian and recently signed Brett Rypien. Tim Boyle, who started the past two games, was abruptly waived on Tuesday.
Rodgers, who recently returned to full-time engagement with the team as he recovers from a surgically repaired Achilles, questioned the motives behind tarnishing someone’s character, particularly pointing out the impact on Zach Wilson. He said, “I think it’s chicken s— at its core, and I think it has no place at a winning organization,” Rodgers said.
Wilson’s Response
In damage control, Wilson expressed a strong desire to start against the Houston Texans during a meeting with Coach Saleh. Although Saleh acknowledged Wilson’s eagerness to play, the final decision on the starting quarterback role was deferred until Wednesday.
Speculation and Controversy
Speculation arose that Wilson sought a teammate’s advice on the risk-reward of playing a late-season game with no playoff implications. Saleh drew parallels with college players weighing decisions about skipping bowl games to protect their NFL draft value. Rumors circulate that Wilson might be eyeing a new team in 2024, potentially explaining his concerns about risking injury.
Concerns about Stigma
In the professional football context, Rodgers emphasized that no player wants a negative stigma attached to their name. He expressed hope that Wilson would address the team on Wednesday to provide clarity.
“[The report is] basically saying that this kid is quitting on the team and doesn’t want to play and has given the middle finger to the organization,” Rodgers said “Now listen, I don’t want to speak for him because he’s getting a chance this week to speak and I’m going to let him speak.
“I’ll tell you that I love the kid and I’ve spent a lot of time with him, and I think he’s an amazing young man. … He’s gone through a lot of s— in the last three years, and he’s got every right to be frustrated and disappointed about it. I think he’s done a good job of standing up and taking accountability this year when it’s been his part to do it.”
Rodgers acknowledged daily communication with Wilson but clarified that they didn’t speak on Monday to resolve the reported situation. The four-time MVP, considering a return this season, expressed potential displeasure that internal conversations are being reported.
“Some conversations are only meant for certain people and shouldn’t leave the building,” he said. “There’s a trust that goes along with being in the locker room, where you say something to your homie and that s— doesn’t go anywhere. Or you say something in the team meeting room [and it] doesn’t go anywhere. There’s been too many instances this season where stuff is happening. It’s not OK, and we need to weed it out in whatever way necessary.”
Culture Progress and Setbacks
Rodgers, traded to the Jets in April, said they made “amazing progress” from a team culture standpoint through the summer. When he was injured in Week 1, he returned home to do his rehab in California. After a Week 3 loss, he chided the Jets for their sideline outbursts, saying the team needs to stick together. Now, he said, they “need to fine-tune a couple of things, just tighten a few things up.”
Leadership and Adversity
“I believe in the individuals in the position of leadership,” he said. “I think that there’s, just like anywhere, there’s a lot of reactions that happen at various times, and some may be influenced by fans and pundits, maybe a little more than I’m used to. But I think it’s a great opportunity for us to stick together now and to just watch and see how it all plays out and how people respond to this adversity. It’s been a wild ride, and I look forward to taking back the reins pretty soon.”
This report used information from ESPN.
