Aaron Rodgers was a surprise absentee from the first days of Jets mandatory minicamp, for what coach Robert Saleh said was an “event that’s important to him.”
The Athletic’s NFL insider Diana Russini wrote on X that “Aaron Rodgers is skipping all of Jets mandatory minicamp this week because he prefers to be somewhere else away from football. That’s his choice.”
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First Things First host Nick Wright said on his FS1 afternoon talk show Rodgers will eventually “not so subtly scold Robert Saleh” for what the coach said about him not appearing to camp.
“In Aaron’s world, he gave (the Jets) a heads up that he’s a busy guy with important things, which is why he’s such a phony,” Wright said. “Every other player who isn’t at mandatory minicamp, we know why — money. Aaron Rodgers, ah, double booked. (He) had to make a choice. What’s more important? This other event, or the mandatory minicamp that every single one of your teammates will be at, when you are the leader of the team. This wasn’t the last second event, like the birth of a child, those things can be excused. This was, (he) had two things going on in life today, (he) chose the other. That is not sustainable for a veteran, leader quarterback of an NFL team.”
Saleh clarified he’s not disappointed in Rodgers’ decision to no-show minicamp, and that he knew Rodgers would miss time since before OTAs began in May.
Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick is also not at the team’s mandatory minicamp, but that was expected as he is holding out for a new contract after he was traded from the Eagles in March.
Fans and pundits are stunned with Rodgers not at camp, especially since he told the team at the end of last season to “flush the bulls—” so the team can focus on winning.
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