Another day, another Aaron Rodgers controversy.
The “Enigma” has become a major topic of conversation around NFL circles, especially after a move to the New York Jets and his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Moreover, after promising a Super Bowl to the team’s fanbase and finishing with fewer than five wins, the noise around Rodgers keeps getting louder.
Shannon Sharpe Criticizes Jets QB Aaron Rodgers
During an appearance on McAfee’s show, Rodgers recently pointed out that the constant leaks around the organization were a major problem.
“There are some interesting things that go on in every organization. Some that would like to be left uncovered, but it seems like there are those that don’t always get left uncovered. They get covered,” he said. “It can’t be the norm that so many leaks and so many people continue to have conversations whether it’s getting some sort of anger, revenge, or even with people who are still in the building.”
That is when he attempted to paint the leaks as a reason for the Jets’ lack of success this season.
“Obviously, what’s best for the Jets is not having these types of leaks all the time. When that gets figured out, it will be a little easier to win,” Rodgers said. “That doesn’t have a direct impact on the players on the field but it does have an impact on the culture and the chemistry and the overall energy of the building. That’s what needs to get better.”
His comments did not sit well with ESPN analyst and NFL legend Shannon Sharpe. Immediately, he pointed out Rodgers’ own shortcomings to help establish the culture as the 40-year-old veteran on the team.
“I love how he talks about the culture and the energy when that wasn’t an issue with the mandatory mini-camp,” Sharpe said.
Of course, Sharpe is referring to a mandatory mini-camp that Rodgers opted to miss out on. Described as an unexcused absence by then-head coach Robert Saleh, the situation caused Rodgers to receive a ton of flack as it was seen as a hindrance to developing chemistry.
Further, he would go on to compare Rodgers to other all-time greats like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, who regularly attended mini-camps and OTAs. According to Sharpe, Rodgers is being hypocritical and his behavior is not befitting of a typical leader.
“The great thing about a leader, that’s what I tell young people today: you can never ask more than you’re willing to give,” Sharpe said. “You can’t ask somebody to do something that you’re not going to do your d**n self.”
He would cap it off with a simple statement: “I look at Aaron Rodgers as an influence in the locker room, not a leader in the locker room. They’re two different things.”
The evisceration by Sharpe isn’t completely surprising. Over the last few weeks, many NFL legends have taken shots at Rodgers, both for his recent play and comments. Even former Dallas Cowboys great Michael Irvin was fed up with the situation, claiming that the four-time MVP was “begging” for a job after he agreed to take a pay cut to stay with the Jets.
Additionally, his own fanbase is starting to turn on him as well. After he called out fan-favorite and homegrown talent Garrett Wilson, the New York fans had a field day with him for his substandard play. The worst of the situation came from Dan Graziano of ESPN and Ryan Clark in particular.
While Graziano laid into him for “fooling” teams into keeping up with his antics, Clark went in on him for being “tone-deaf, unaware, and arrogant.” All year long, dysfunction has been spreading around the Jets. Unfortunately, Rodgers has been a catalyst for it rather than a balm.
With reports suggesting that the team is likely to move on from him next season, we might be seeing the last few weeks of quarterbacking from a once-great player.