Following Aaron Rodgers’ unexpected absence from the New York Jets’ mandatory minicamp this week, speculation about the reasons for his no-show has intensified, especially after comments made by a former NFL quarterback.
Rodgers had been a regular participant in the voluntary portions of the Jets’ offseason program but did not show up for this week’s mandatory minicamp.
The absence has sparked numerous rumors and much speculation about the veteran quarterback’s whereabouts.
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel added fuel to the fire with a provocative post on X.
“Wait until you hear where Aaron Rodgers is…instead of with his teammates … That’s an expensive absence,” he posted.
The reaction to Rodgers skipping mandatory minicamp has been relatively split.
While many feel it’s not a huge deal and take the “Super Bowls aren’t won in June” approach, many others are quick to point out the hypocrisy of the whole situation.
After all, it was Rodgers himself who stated that there’s absolutely no room for anything that doesn’t have to do with winning.
Some blame the Jets for giving Rodgers too much power and in effect allowing this to happen. (The whole “give him an inch and he’ll take a mile” thing.)
While it’s true that no one knows better what’s best for Rodgers’ body and preparation than him, no one can argue the value and importance of taking advantage of every second you can with your teammates on the practice field.
Head coach Robert Saleh made it clear that Rodgers’ absense is “unexcused.”
However, he eventually backtracked and stated that he and Rodgers are on the same page, and that he has no problem with his star quarterback not being at mandatory minicamp.
Saleh said Rodgers decided to skip the camp to tend to something that’s “important to him.”
“Aaron and I spoke before OTAs 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 very important to him, which he communicated,” Saleh said.
But where exactly is he? … What exactly is he doing that could be more important than practicing and preparing with his teammates?
Of course, there are many theories…
Notorious Rodgers-critic Colin Cowherd reported on his FS1 show that the future Hall of Famer is simply “on vacation” overseas.
“I was told last night from a source I trust Aaron’s on vacation and it’s overseas,” Cowherd said on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.”
“Don’t want to burn my source. I’m told you’ll learn about it. Maybe he is at an event, can’t believe there’s something overseas that would take 7,8,9 days, again maybe they have a music festival.
“But the point is don’t be surprised by this, this is sort of what you would expect. Impulsive owner, new GM, coach with a losing record, prickly older, at times arrogant, disconnected quarterback in New York City. With a pretty Relentless and unarguably massive press core.”
It’s safe to assume that we’ll eventually find out where Rodgers is/was and why he prioritized it over his team.
Either way, he faces fines totaling $101,716 for missing all three days of the minicamp. ($16,953 for the first day, $33,908 for the second, and $50,855 for the third.)
What are your thoughts on Rodgers skipping mandatory minicamp?
Are you in the camp who believes that the whole situation is being way overblown? … Or do you think Rodgers deserves all of the criticism that’s coming his way?
Where do YOU think he is right now???