Tag: Aaron Rodgers

Florham Park, NJ May 31, 2023 -- Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers on the last day of Jets OTA's.

Report: Aaron Rodgers’ agent tried to get Packers GM fired

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The agent for Aaron Rodgers requested that the Green Bay Packers either fire their general manager or trade the quarterback in 2021, according to a report from The Athletic published Wednesday.

Packers president Mark Murphy didn’t fire GM Brian Gutekunst and held on to Rodgers — for two more seasons anyway.

Rodgers referred the publication to his agent, Dave Dunn, who didn’t return messages to confirm or deny that alleged 2021 request.

The meltdown between Rodgers and the organization began, as has been widely reported, with the Packers selecting Jordan Love with the No. 26 overall pick of the 2020 draft.

The soap opera should have ended with the Packers trading Rodgers to the New York Jets last month for multiple draft picks.

However, Rodgers continues to litigate the events of the past two years. He was quoted extensively in The Athletic piece, including whether he ghosted the Packers in the past few months, an assertion made by the Packers toward the end.

“Did Brian text me more than I texted him? Yeah, but did I ghost him? No,” Rodgers said. “I texted him back. There was back-and-forths that we had and so this is the story you wanna go with? You’re gonna stand on this hill of austerity and say that arguably in the conversation of the best player in your franchise history, you’re gonna say I couldn’t get a hold of him and that’s why we had to move on?

“Like, c’mon man. Just tell the truth, you wanted to move on. You didn’t like the fact that we didn’t communicate all the time. Like, listen, I talk to the people that I like.”

–Field Level Media

Florham Park, NJ May 31, 2023 -- Jets head coach Robert Saleh addresses the media on the last day of Jets OTA's.

Jets: Aaron Rodgers ‘fine’; Breece Hall eyes Week 1 return

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Jets coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday provided promising updates on the health of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and electric running back Breece Hall.

Rodgers is dealing with a nagging right calf injury, although Saleh said he didn’t expect the 39-year-old to be limited for long.

“Yeah, he’s fine,” Saleh said of the four-time NFL MVP. “Just doing a bunch of rehab. He’ll be limited today and then just hoping to ease him back in. Hopefully, full (participation) on Friday. For sure next week.”

Hall sustained a torn ACL during the Jets’ 16-9 victory over the Denver Broncos on Oct. 23. That put an abrupt halt on the rookie campaign for Hall, who was selected by New York in the second round out of Iowa State.

Now, Saleh appears to be gaining confidence that Hall is in line to return to game action as soon as the team’s season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11 in East Rutherford, N.J.

“I’m very optimistic on that one. I don’t want to jinx it,” said Saleh, who knocked on the podium for effect. “I mean, the kid’s already hitting over 22 (mph) on the GPS, so he looks frickin’ good.”

The Jets likely will be careful with Hall as they bring him up to speed.

“He looks good,” Saleh said. “Again, he’s one of those kids that we’ve had to kind of hold back from him because — it’s weird to say it, you don’t want to heal too fast on an ACL. You’ve got to be able to balance it out with strength. He looks strong. He looks powerful. He’s learning. I’m excited for him to get back on the field. I feel like he won’t need to be limited during training camp, even though we still will just to be conscientious and cautious with him, but he looks awesome.”

Hall, 21, had 80 carries for 463 yards and four touchdowns in seven games last season. He also had 19 catches for 218 yards and a score.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams (17) reacts during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Davante Adams glad to prove he ‘didn’t need Aaron Rodgers’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Las Vegas Raiders star wideout Davante Adams feels he’s proven that he is his own person — not defined by the quarterback throwing the ball to him, he told The Ringer in an interview published Tuesday.

The longtime Green Bay Packers teammate of Aaron Rodgers was traded to the Raiders before the 2022 season after the sides could not agree to a long-term contract. Catching passes from former college teammate Derek Carr instead of Rodgers, Adams earned his sixth straight Pro Bowl nod and third straight All-Pro selection. He recorded 100 receptions for 1,516 yards and a league-high 14 touchdowns.

Adams told The Ringer that Rodgers is “a hell of a quarterback” and said there remains a mutual respect between the former teammates. But to be named All-Pro without Rodgers throwing him the ball — and receiving much of the credit — meant a lot to Adams.

“It proved that I am me,” Adams said. “A quarterback doesn’t make me. … I make me. And I can do it consistently at this level.”

“That’s why (last) season meant a lot. Even if I went and played like dog (expletive) next year, they can’t say it. Because now I’ve already proved it throughout the course of a season, played every game, and put together a resume that says I do not need …

“You can erase all the numbers. You can just write in: He didn’t need Aaron Rodgers.”

Adams apparently wouldn’t have minded reuniting with Rodgers, either. Las Vegas released Carr this winter and needed a quarterback, with Rodgers linked as a potential fit.

“I would even go as far as trying to make it happen,” Adams told The Ringer.

But it didn’t happen, and Jimmy Garoppolo will be the Raiders’ starting quarterback in 2023.

In nine NFL seasons with the Packers (2014-21) and Raiders, Adams has tallied 769 receptions, 9,637 receiving yards and 87 touchdowns over 133 games (126 starts). He was Rodgers’ favorite weapon in Green Bay for years, as a narrative formed over time that the Packers weren’t doing enough to add to Rodgers’ arsenal and complement Adams.

Rodgers’ new team, the New York Jets, will visit the Raiders on “Sunday Night Football” on Nov. 12.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love speaks to media on May 10, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

QB Jordan Love confident he can step up for Packers

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love showed confidence as he addressed reporters while standing behind a podium on Wednesday.

Love said he’s ready to accept the role as the team’s starter following the departure of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets.

“It’s exciting,” the 24-year-old Love said. “I think there’s a lot of energy around it for myself. I think I can step up and be a little more vocal knowing that I’m the guy, not being the backup.”

Speaking of Rodgers, Love shared that he learned valuable lessons from the decorated quarterback while waiting for his chance on the field. He also admitted the two talked after Rodgers was traded to the Jets.

“Kind of just, ‘Wish you the best going forward.’ He wished me the best and (is) always there for me if I need anything, if I have any questions or anything,” Love said. “I’m always just grateful to be around him and for the time I had with him, to be able to learn and be behind him.”

On May 2, Love signed a one-year contract extension worth up to $22.5 million, including $13.5 million fully guaranteed.

The extension came prior to the deadline for teams to exercise the fifth-year option on players taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Packers selected Love with the 26th overall pick out of Utah State to be the backup to Rodgers.

Green Bay was tasked with deciding whether it would commit $20.3 million fully guaranteed for the 2024 season or have Love pocket $2.298 million for 2023 with no security beyond that campaign.

Love has completed 50 of 83 passes for 606 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 career games.

–Field Level Media

Apr 26, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) and head coach Robert Saleh (right) smile during the introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports

Jets’ Robert Saleh calls talk of Aaron Rodgers’ wish list ‘tired’ narrative

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Calling it a “silly” and “tired” narrative, New York Jets coach Robert Saleh is trying to discourage talk of the franchise trying to fulfill a “wish list” of new quarterback Aaron Rodgers by signing some of his former teammates.

Speaking as the Jets began rookie minicamp on Friday in Florham Park, N.J., Saleh called it “very common for new faces to want old faces to come in and help accelerate the installation of an entire program. Everything is pinned on the quarterback. It’s not just him.”

As the Jets worked to acquire Rodgers, a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player who led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 2011, they have also picked up four players from his past, all on offense. The list includes receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, tackle Billy Turner and quarterback Tim Boyle.

Talk of Rodgers having a preferred list of teammates began with a report two months ago when he acknowledged discussing his favorite players with Jets executives.

That doesn’t mean these player additions are just for Rodgers, however, according to Saleh, who specifically mentioned offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

“Hackett has something to say about it. He loves Lazard. He loves Randall. He took Billy Turner with him to Denver, and he wanted him here. Of course, you’re going to surround a coach with people who he feels like will plant the flag,” Saleh said.

“That whole narrative — what people are trying to put on the quarterback — it’s tired. It’s common practice in the NFL.”

New York started 6-3 last season before going 1-7 the rest of the way to finish 7-10 and last in the AFC East.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) rifles a pass while Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Billy Turner (77) blocks Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen (41) the second quarter of their game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Mjs Jenkins 6 Jpg Packers16

Reports: Jets sign former Packers OT Billy Turner

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The New York Jets signed free agent offensive tackle Billy Turner to a one-year deal worth up to $3.15 million, several reports said Monday night.

Turner, 31, has played nine seasons in the NFL with three different teams — most notably with the Green Bay Packers from 2019-21, making the signing a reunion for Turner with Aaron Rodgers and Nathaniel Hackett.

Turner started all 43 games he played in Green Bay, splitting his time between right tackle and right guard. He followed Hackett from the Packers to the Denver Broncos in 2022 when Hackett took the head coaching job there. Hackett was fired after less than a year and is now the Jets’ offensive coordinator.

The Jets were expected to improve their offensive tackle depth chart in last week’s NFL draft, but the only tackle they chose was Carter Warren from Pitt in the fourth round. The Jets also have 37-year-old former Pro Bowler Duane Brown, former first-round draft pick Mekhi Becton and swing tackle Max Mitchell.

The Jets must decide by Tuesday whether to pick up the fifth-year option on Becton’s rookie contract.

Turner has appeared in 91 NFL games and has made 75 career starts for the Miami Dolphins (2014-16), Broncos (2016-18, 2022) and Packers.

–Field Level Media

Apr 26, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) addresses the media during the introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers honors word, works out with Jets on Thursday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made good on his word that he would work out with the team on Thursday.

Rodgers, 39, vowed during his introductory press conference Wednesday that he’d be on the field.

The Jets released a video of Rodgers’ involvement over social media, showing the QB throwing a pass to former Green Bay Packers teammate Allen Lazard.

A four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers added Wednesday that he intends to be at the team’s offseason programs. The Jets’ OTAs are slated to start on May 22, while the team’s mandatory minicamp will be from June 13-15.

–Field Level Media

Apr 26, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left) and owner Woody Johnson pose for a photo during the introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: ‘I’m not here to be a savior of any kind’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Aaron Rodgers was all smiles as he held up his No. 8 jersey with the New York Jets on Wednesday.

A new number with his new team represents a clear turning of the page for Rodgers, who addressed the New York media at his introductory press conference.

“I’m not here to be a savior of any kind,” said the four-time NFL MVP, who joined head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas on stage.

It all starts with the jersey number for Rodgers, who elected against wearing his traditional No. 12 in New York even with the blessing of Hall of Famer Joe Namath.

“There have been some iconic names to have played here, probably none more iconic than No. 12,” Rodgers said. “I heard what he said about unretiring his number, but to me (No.) 12 is Broadway Joe. I didn’t even want to go down that path and I’m excited about going back to my college number.”

Namath led the Jets to their lone Super Bowl appearance in 1969.

“That Super Bowl III trophy is looking a little lonely,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers, 39, however, would not commit to playing beyond this upcoming season.

“Right now, I’m just going to focus on this season,” Rodgers said. “I’m excited to be here.”

The Jets paid a significant price to wrest Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers.

The teams swapped first-round picks, allowing Green Bay to move up two spots to No. 13. The Packers also are receiving one of New York’s two second-round picks, No. 42 overall; a 2023 sixth-round selection; and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that will become a first as long as Rodgers plays 65 percent of the Jets’ offensive snaps next season.

In addition to receiving the 15th overall pick from Green Bay, the Jets picked up a fifth-round selection.

Rodgers has thrown for 59,055 yards, 475 touchdowns and 105 interceptions in his 18-year career with the Packers, who drafted him 24th overall in 2005 as an eventual successor to Hall of Famer Brett Favre.

Speaking of Favre, the Hall of Fame quarterback sent the following text message to ESPN in regard to Rodgers:

“Aaron will do great!!!! He will handle the transition as well as anyone. (He’s a) very smart and instinctive person, on and off the field. In other words, you’re not going to catch him by surprise very often.

“And I think (he’s) the best at making everyone around him better. I would rather not bet at all than bet against him.”

Rodgers’ long run with Green Bay, which included the Super Bowl XLV title in 2010, ended with two-plus tumultuous years between the franchise and star player.

Rodgers was named NFL MVP in 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021, but he endured one of the worst seasons of his career in 2022. He completed 64.6 percent of his passes for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns while tossing 12 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) leaves the field following the Packers' victory over the Seattle Seahawks during their NFC divisional round playoff football game on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay defeated Seattle 28-23. Apc Packers Vs Seahawks 2210 011220 Wag

Aaron Rodgers posts goodbye message to Packers fans

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Aaron Rodgers posted an in-depth farewell to the Green Bay Packers and their fans on Tuesday evening with his trade to the New York Jets imminent.

Rodgers will be introduced by the Jets Wednesday afternoon after the terms of a long-awaited trade for the four-time MVP were reportedly finalized Monday.

Rodgers spent 18 seasons with the Packers, succeeded Brett Favre as their starting quarterback and led them to one Super Bowl title.

“I’m not sure it’s possible to fully express the gratitude that I have to the @packers, our incredible fans, the state of Wisconsin, the thousands of players that I crossed paths with, the incredible men and women who work for the organization, and the amazing people who I got to meet along the way, in one post with 10 pictures, but I hope you read this and feel my heart and soul, filled with love, joy, and peace about my time in green and gold,” Rodgers wrote.

“I grew up in Green Bay, drafted at 21, fell in love with the game, met some lifelong friends, and take with me memories that will last a lifetime.”

Rodgers took the time to name employees in Green Bay’s equipment department, training room, weight room and public relations department.

He paid tribute to the late Ted Thompson, the longtime Packers general manager who drafted Rodgers No. 24 overall in 2005, and mentioned current general manager Brian Gutekunst among a list of “stewards” of the organization, despite airing grievances with Gutekunst and the front office in the recent past.

“To the fans, THANK YOU,” Rodgers wrote. “You made every run out of the tunnel special, every home game magical, and it was my honor to be your QB.”

The Jets and Packers swapped first-round picks in this week’s draft, allowing the Packers to move up two spots to No. 13. Green Bay will also receive one of the Jets’ two second-round picks, No. 42 overall; a 2023 sixth-round pick; and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that will become a first as long as Rodgers plays 65 percent of the Jets’ offensive snaps next season.

In addition to receiving the 15th overall pick from Green Bay, the Jets picked up a Packers fifth-rounder.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates after rushing for a first down during the fourth quarter of their game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Mjs Packers Bears Packers19 3137 114468354

Jets GM: Aaron Rodgers deal ‘historic trade’ for franchise

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New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas labeled the team’s acquisition of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers as a “historic trade for the franchise.”

Douglas also said Tuesday that he felt “honored” that the four-time NFL MVP wanted to play for the Jets.

“Obviously, Aaron’s one of the best quarterbacks to ever play this game,” Douglas said. “To have an opportunity to add a player of that caliber, you’re always going to look into it and how it fits within our culture, within our team.

“Obviously, it goes back something I said to you guys in Phoenix (at the NFL owners’ meetings), it’s a real credit to Robert (Saleh) and his staff and what he’s been able to implement with our players and with everybody here that a player of Aaron’s caliber would even want to come here. We’re all excited to add someone of his character and his ability.”

Douglas’ comments came one day after the Packers agreed to trade Rodgers to the Jets in a deal that saw the teams swap first-round picks, allowing Green Bay to move up two spots to No. 13. The Packers also are receiving one of New York’s two second-round picks, No. 42 overall; a 2023 sixth-round selection; and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that will become a first as long as Rodgers plays 65 percent of the Jets’ offensive snaps next season.

In addition to receiving the 15th overall pick from Green Bay, the Jets picked up a fifth-round selection.

“We’re comfortable with how this deal is shaped,” Douglas said. “In any negotiation, I don’t think anyone walks away where you feel you won everything. But ultimately our goal from the beginning was to add Aaron to the team. We were able to agree to terms on that (Monday) and excited to get him in here.”

Rodgers is expected to solve the Jets’ long-running quarterback woes and help the team make a run at the playoffs. New York had high hopes that its selection of Zach Wilson with the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft would go a long way toward solving that problem, but that has yet to be the case.

Douglas, however, said Tuesday that the addition of Rodgers could be a positive for Wilson.

“I feel like this is going to be a great thing for Zach,” Douglas said. “And I spoke to you guys at the combine and Zach’s ceiling is unlimited.

“No one works harder, no one loves ball more than Zach Wilson. And him having the opportunity to really shadow and be with a first-ballot, Hall of Fame quarterback every day, every hour he’s in the building, that’s a great opportunity and a great experience.”

Wilson, 23, has completed just 55.2 percent of his passes for 4,022 yards with 15 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 22 career games (all starts).

Rodgers, 39, has thrown for 59,055 yards, 475 touchdowns and 105 interceptions in his 18-year career with the Packers, who drafted him 24th overall in 2005 as an eventual successor to Hall of Famer Brett Favre.

Rodgers’ long run with Green Bay, which included the Super Bowl XLV title in 2010, ended with two-plus tumultuous years between the franchise and star player.

Rodgers was named NFL MVP in 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021, but he endured one of the worst seasons of his career in 2022. He completed 64.6 percent of his passes for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns while tossing 12 interceptions.

–Field Level Media