NFL analyst Ryan Clark seems to pounce on every opportunity he gets to take down New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is having a horrid season and is falling flat on the face of Super Bowl expectations.
Following a 19-9 loss against the Los Angeles Rams, the Jets now sit at 4-11. There’s no chance for New York to make the playoffs, which means its 14-year drought will soon get extended. This drought is the longest active postseason drought among America’s four biggest professional sports leagues (NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL).
Antonio Brown Teases Ryan Clark Online for Outrage on Aaron Rodgers
Clark, who has shared the field with Rodgers, isn’t impressed with the Jets’ QB. Clark spoke up against Rodgers’ Hall of Fame résumé, noting the aging quarterback is well past his prime.
However, while Rodgers collectively called out the media for speaking ill of him, Clark took it upon himself to address back on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”
Enjoying from a distance is Pittsburgh Steelers legend Antonio Brown, who played during Rodgers’ prime. Brown poked fun at Clark’s banter, tweeting:
“Christmas Wishes 🎁🎄 Find someone who loves you more than Ryan Clark loves talking about Aaron Rodgers.”
Christmas Wishes 🎁🎄
Find someone who loves you more than Ryan Clark loves talking about Aaron Rodgers
— AB (@AB84) December 23, 2024
What Did Clark Said About Rodgers?
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Rodgers appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he called out ESPN’s SportsCenter, which has been critical of him.
“The ‘SportsCenter’ of my youth — those guys made highlights so much fun, and that’s what they showed,” Rodgers said. “Now it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now, and they believe they’re the celebrities now.”
Hitting back on his remarks, Clark appeared on Smith’s show to clarify his take on him.
“The facts are that what he said was hypocritical,” Clark said. “The facts are that he has an issue with people talking about his play in a negative way when that’s what the film is telling us. And you know it like I know it, Stephen A. I’ve said a million times on your show that I think he’s the best quarterback I’ve ever played against, but that doesn’t in any way negate what we’re seeing from him now.
“Then there’s the arrogance, the smugness, and the entitlement he displays as a person when it comes to people who object to or see things differently from him. I’m just tired of it. I’m tired of people allowing him to say whatever he wants to say, whenever he wants to say it, without pushing back in any way.
“So if he can come for me and my colleagues, I can respond. I have no issue standing 10 toes down on whatever I say.”
The to-and-fro banter has certainly damaged the relationship and respect between Rodgers and Clark, at least from the latter’s end. Instead of continuing the ongoing beef, analyst Smith has rather advised the Jets quarterback to answer his critics with his performances.