New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is truly one of the best throwers of the football in NFL history. Despite missing the equivalent of two full seasons due to injury (2023 with the Jets, and two separate halves of seasons with the Green Bay Packers), Rodgers ranks in the top-ten all-time in the following categories:
- Passing Yards (59,055)- 9th
- Touchdowns (475)- 5th
- Passer Rating (103.6)- 1st
- Pass Completions (5,001)- 8th
- Pass Interception Percentage (1.4%)- 1st
Indeed, there is a good argument for Rodgers being the most talented passer of all-time. Unfortunately, most of the talk surrounding him now has less to do about his accomplishments on the field and more about his off-field persona and pursuits.
Related: New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson Drops Emphatic Statement on Where Aaron Rodgers Stands with Team
New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Skipped Mandatory Minicamp
Most recently, Rodgers has been a hot topic on sports talk shows because of his decision to skip the Jets’ mandatory minicamp. His absence was reported by head coach Robert Saleh who said it was considered unexcused.
There is some speculation that the four-time NFL MVP missed camp to go on an ayahuasca retreat, though he has yet to address his absence himself.
Before going any further, it is important to understand why Rodgers’ unexcused absence is such a big deal. Afterall, the future Hall of Famer skipped offseason activities, including mandatory minicamp, in each of his last three seasons with the Packers.
The issue that people have with Rodgers’ absence this time around is because he has consistently preached a team-first, football-first message, but has not abided by it himself.
After the 2023 season ended, Rodgers told reporters it was important for New York to get the “bull—-” out of the locker room and for everyone to put football first. However, since he said those words, Rodgers was up for a Vice-Presidential nomination, praised Vladimir Putin in an interview with Tucker Carlson, and has been a constant distraction from what the team is trying to accomplish.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Shaun King Slams Aaron Rodgers as “Selfish”
There have always been many Rodgers detractors. However, his recent controversial comments and his hypocrisy regarding focusing on football has many more people criticizing him. Of course, the criticism is not for his play on the field. Instead, it is because of his actions off of it.
In a recent appearance on the podcast Go Long, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Shaun King said:
“How do you make sense of the Jets and their situation? He’s blowing off mandatory practices, like… in my opinion, Rodgers is the most selfish & self-centered QB!”
As mentioned, Rodgers has missed mandatory practices in the past. What has changed now is that he is more outspoken about the team focusing on football. But when mandatory camp rolled around, he was nowhere to be found.
Undoubtedly Rodgers will eventually address his absence and attempt to gaslight the media and fans as he plays victim of unfair coverage.
One thing is certain: if Rodgers fails to return to MVP form in 2024, this matter will be talked about more and more as the year goes on.
