The New York Jets’ decision to part ways with Aaron Rodgers wasn’t just about football – it ran much deeper.
Despite a turbulent 2024 season, the 41-year-old quarterback still performed at a relatively high level when healthy.
However, what ultimately fractured his relationship with the franchise wasn’t his play on the field … It was his weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show.
Every Tuesday, Rodgers would take to the airwaves, providing candid insights into the inner workings of the Jets – as well as a whole lot of other things.
His transparency won over some fans, but behind closed doors, it rubbed the organization the wrong way – especially as dysfunction within the franchise mounted.
The firing of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas only added to the chaos.
According to The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Jets wanted Rodgers to change his approach if he planned to return.
“I was told that when they had conversations with Aaron Rodgers about what the future would look like, if you’re going to be part of this team you’re going to attend all of training camp. You’re not going to do Pat McAfee interviews anymore. So they were really trying to change the way,” Russini said.
“They had a conversation with him of, if you were to stay here, here is how we would want it to be … So this to me is Aaron Glenn getting control back.”
While guest spots on media shows aren’t unusual, Rodgers’ level of transparency with McAfee was.
One of his more interesting moments came when he joked about Jets owner Woody Johnson and his sons, suggesting they were actually the ones calling the shots behind the scenes.
That didn’t sit well with Johnson, who made his own feelings clear when asked about Rodgers’ future. The writing was on the wall – the Jets and Rodgers were headed for a split.
What are your thoughts on Russini’s report? … Do you think that Rodgers’ commitment to McAfee was that big of a problem for the Jets?
At the end of the day, where do you think Rodgers will be taking his snaps next season???
