New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and head coach Robert Saleh speak to the media during Rodgers' introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed rumors of a rift with head coach Robert Saleh on Friday, stating that their relationship is strong and that outside forces are trying to create tension.
“I think there’s some driving force trying to put a wedge [from] outside the facility between Robert and I,” Rodgers told a crowded news conference at the Jets’ team hotel, where they practiced in preparation for the Minnesota Vikings (4-0) on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Rodgers didn’t go into detail but made it clear there’s no issue between him and Saleh. Their relationship has been under scrutiny since June, when Saleh fined Rodgers for vacationing in Egypt during a mandatory minicamp. Media speculation has increased due to recent comments Saleh made about Rodgers’ cadence.
“We’re really good friends,” Rodgers said. “We enjoy each other. We spend time almost every day in his office talking about things and talking about the energy of the team, focus of the team and what we need to get done, how I can help him out, how he can help me out. So we’ve got a great relationship.”
Cadence Controversy Clarified
The questions stemmed from Saleh’s comments after the Jets’ 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos last week, in which they had five false-start penalties. Saleh suggested they might need to simplify Rodgers’ cadence, which is a key part of his game. Saleh later backtracked, saying his comments were misinterpreted. Rodgers supported Saleh on Friday, saying, “Cadence has been a weapon for us.”
Saleh, in his postgame news conference, suggested they might have to examine whether to scale back Rodgers’ sophisticated cadence — one of the hallmarks of his game. The next day, Saleh backtracked, claiming his remarks were misconstrued by the media. By then, Rodgers already had made it clear his cadence wasn’t the issue.
On Friday, Rodgers stuck to the company line, saying Saleh’s postgame answer “maybe didn’t actually reflect his feelings. Cadence has been a weapon. I think he kind of went in and got a chance Monday to respond to all that.”
Saleh, for his part, said his relationship with Rodgers is “fantastic. Love the guy.”
Jets Linked to Davante Adams Trade
As the Jets prepare for a crucial part of the season, rumors are swirling about a possible trade for Las Vegas Raiders star receiver Davante Adams. ESPN reported that Adams, who played with Rodgers in Green Bay for eight years, would like to reunite with a quarterback he knows—either Rodgers or Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints.
“I don’t know how much I can say about him, but I still have a close friendship with him,” said Rodgers, mindful of potential tampering violations. “We spend time in the offseason together. He’s a great guy and a great player and the rest of that is out of my hands.”
The Jets already have a solid receiving group, including Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Mike Williams, but there is reported interest in Adams. Wilson said he’d welcome the addition if it helps the team win.
“Yeah, that’d be cool,” Wilson said of a potential Adams trade. “I feel like it’s cool if we get him up here. Like I always say, if it helps us win, let’s do it.”
Related Content: Saints’ Derek Carr Open to Reuniting with Davante Adams
Saleh on New York Pressure
The Jets are in win-now mode, facing huge expectations, and ownership could be getting antsy.
“Pressure? In New York?” Saleh said with a smile, drawing laughs from the British media. “You could be an expansion team, and it’s the same amount of pressure. It doesn’t matter. You have to win. It’s New York; the expectation is to win. When you win, you’re going to the Super Bowl. When you lose, fire everybody.”
This report used information from ESPN.
