The New York Jets have the feel of an organization that is on the verge of exploding, and not necessarily in a good way. While four-time NFL MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is returning from a torn Achilles that limited to just four snaps in 2023, and while the Jets’ front office has surrounded him with better talent, there seems to be some underlying tension.
Perhaps that is because Rodgers, head coach Robert Saleh, and just about every coach on the staff is under an immense amount of pressure to succeed in 2024. Rodgers himself stated back in May, “I think if I don’t do what I know I’m capable of we’re all probably going to be out of here.”
While the future and often jovial Rodgers has reported to training camp and appears to be going through business as usual, it is notable that he has had some press-worthy conflicts with Saleh already this offseason.
New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Did Not Like How Robert Saleh Reported His “Unexcused” Absence
Back in late June, the Jets (and the rest of the NFL) held mandatory minicamp for their players. These practices, which lasted two days, were required for all players or else they would be subject to fines. Haason Reddick, of course, did not attend because he is holding out for a new contract.
But the surprise of mandatory minicamp was the absence of Rodgers, the star quarterback who had attended every single voluntary workout over the course of the offseason.
Prior to mandatory minicamp, Coach Saleh told reporters, “Aaron and I spoke before OTA’s started. He’s been very good in communication. He’s been here the entire time. It’s unexcused, but he had an event that was really important to him.”
By now, everyone knows that Rodgers missed camp to take a trip to Egypt that he had planned before the schedule for workouts came out. He also was reportedly unhappy with his head coach for how he announced his absence to the media.
New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Did Not Know Robert Saleh Plans to Let Him Sit Out Preseason Games
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Coach Saleh told reporters that Rodgers is not likely to play in the preseason. Of course, this may not come as a surprise to many as the four-time NFL MVP is still working his way back from that torn Achilles. Furthermore, New York probably does not want to risk him getting injured before the regular season begins.
When asked about Saleh’s decision not to play in the preseason, Rodgers told the New York Post (via CBS Sports), “News to me.” He also added, “I don’t have any restrictions. I am doing [QB] keepers and roll-outs.”
This leads to a couple of questions regarding the relationship between Rodgers and Saleh, but the most notable and important one is if they are even talking to each other.
Needless to say, Rodgers’ response to the question does not put Saleh in a good light, and one former Jets head coach had some strong thoughts on the matter.
Former New York Jets Head Coach Eric Mangini Blasts Aaron Rodgers for Embarrassing Robert Saleh
On Thursday’s episode of First Take, former Jets head coach Eric Mangini had some strong thoughts on this most recent situation:
“I don’t know why Rodgers has to go out of his way to embarrass Saleh. … You don’t want distractions, stop creating them. You don’t know if you’re going to play, go ask somebody.”
— Coach Mangini sounds off on Rodgers saying not playing this preseason was, ‘News to me’ 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/4ygpfWKwTs
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) August 1, 2024
“I don’t know why Rodgers has to go out of his way to embarrass Saleh,” Mangini said. “You don’t want distractions, stop creating them. You don’t know if you’re going to play, go ask somebody.”
Mangini explained that players have to pass by the head coach’s office as they enter the facilities and when they leave. Rodgers, at any time, could have stopped in to talk to Saleh about the situation instead of putting him on blast to the media.
One has to wonder if the two really have enough of a positive working relationship to save both of their jobs.
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