Aaron Rodgers’ arrival with the New York Jets was supposed to mark a new chapter for the franchise. However, he missed almost all of last season due to a torn Achilles, and the 2024 season has been anything but a success.
Sitting at a disappointing 4-11 record with two games left in the season, the Jets find themselves out of the playoffs and mired in dysfunction. Recently, questions about Rodgers’ future with the team have reached a boiling point. While the NFL world is already buzzing, Hall of Famer Michael Irvin didn’t hold back while calling Rodgers’ recent actions “desperate” in his bid to stay with the team.
NFL Legend Michael Irvin Mocks Aaron Rodgers For ‘Begging’ to Stay With The Jets
When the Jets acquired Rodgers, the veteran quarterback took a $30-plus million pay cut. As rumors swirl around his uncertain future, Rodgers was recently asked if he would be willing to take another pay cut.
“Yeah, I’m open to everything,” Rodgers said. “I’m open to everything.”
Irvin took aim at Rodgers for hinting that he’d take a pay cut to remain with the Jets for another season, calling out his desperation.
“He’s flat-out begging,” Irvin said. “He’s begging!”
Mimicking Rodgers mockingly, he added: “I’ll give back some money; I’m willing to be a mentor, though nobody has ever mentored me!”
.@michaelirvin88: Aaron Rodgers is begging to stay with the New York Jets next season. pic.twitter.com/iWqpQDZYow
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) December 23, 2024
The harsh criticism explains how many feel about Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP who is trying to cling to his career despite diminishing returns on the field. Meanwhile, the 41-year-old hasn’t shied away from addressing his uncertain future.
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers joked about the possibility of being released by the team and took a jab at Jets owner Woody Johnson.
There was a recent report that Johnson is often influenced by his teenage sons, Brick and Jack, on football matters (though the Jets denied it). This didn’t stop Rodgers from poking fun at the situation.
“Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first,” Rodgers mused.
The chaos extends beyond Rodgers. Midseason firings of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas have left the team without direction, and leaks from within the organization have only added to the instability. Recently, there are rumors that star wide receiver Garrett Wilson may request a trade in the offseason.
Rodgers expressed frustration with the culture during his interview with ESPN, saying, “What’s best for the Jets is not having these types of leaks all the time… It has an impact on the culture and the chemistry and the overall energy of the building, and that’s what needs to get better.”
Despite the turmoil, Rodgers has made it clear that the Jets remain his “first option” if he chooses to return for a 21st season. He also reiterated his willingness to take a pay cut, saying, “I think I’ve already proven I’m willing to take a pay cut.”
However, reports suggest the Jets are leaning toward parting ways with the quarterback, with new leadership likely to influence that decision.
NFL Legend Shannon Sharpe Also Criticizes Rodgers
During a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers pointed out that the constant leaks around the Jets organization are 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.”
Rodgers 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.”
Rodgers’ 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.
