Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets — a pairing that started with fireworks but now feels more like a sitcom nobody asked for. Jets fans are used to drama, but Rodgers finding “comedy” in the idea of being released? That’s a plot twist straight out of “The Office.”
With the season not exactly going as planned, his casual take on a potentially franchise-altering moment has fans scratching their heads, laughing nervously, or both. Some see it as confidence, others as downright cringe.
Aaron Rodgers’ ‘Comedy’ on Release Sparks Fan Frustration
NFL insider Rich Cimini dropped the scoop on X (formerly known as Twitter), noting Rodgers again brought up the possibility of being released after the season.
But the QB didn’t just mention it; he found humor in the situation, saying, “I’ve never been released before. Being released would be a first. Being released by a teenager would also be a first. … I find the comedy in all of it. If that happens, it’s a great story.”
Jets fans weren’t laughing.
The comment instantly triggered reactions from frustrated fans already weary of a disappointing season.
One fan called it outright embarrassing, declaring, “How embarrassing for everyone. Rodgers and [Woody] Johnson are perfect matches.”
How embarrassing for everyone. Rodgers and Johnson are perfect matches https://t.co/gAoS3dXfXt
— Mario Puig (@ProSetFormation) December 23, 2024
Another fan chimed in, expressing relief at the idea of moving on: “Let’s move on from Rodgers.”
This frustration echoes concerns over Rodgers’ decision-making, with critics pointing to moments where he prioritized Davante Adams (even in tight spots) over open receivers like Garrett Wilson.
I don’t think Wilson will complain. I’m sure he’s tired of being open as it’s been shown on film on several occasions and yet Rodgers will force it to Adams, example on 4th n 4 at the 12 or so he forces a throw to Adams while Wilson is open on a drag. Let’s move on from Rodgers.
— Jesse (@79USMC) December 23, 2024
Some saw his quip as a veiled jab at Jets ownership, suggesting Rodgers might want out.
“Taking a jab at the owner’s son is not a great strategy for staying. If he wants out, who could blame him?” one fan commented.
Taking a jab at the owner’s son is not a great strategy for staying. If he wants out, who could blame him?
— Carmelo (@amusedwriter1) December 23, 2024
A wild card suggestion even popped up: “The Jets should sign [Sam Darnold], and the [Minnesota Vikings] should get Rodgers.”
While far-fetched, it highlights the discontent brewing in Jets Nation. With just two games left, Rodgers’ remarks might not sit well with teammates still fighting for pride.
Rodgers Cuts Through the Noise: No Sugarcoating as Jets Face Harsh Reality
Rodgers is keeping it real as the Jets limp toward the end of a brutal season. After their 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Rodgers wasn’t sugarcoating anything: “I think we’re kinda past the ‘keeping it positive’ thing. I think it’s just about perspective. Perspective informs your truth and your truth makes your reality.”
"The last two weeks we can really see who's on board moving forward and who is ready to get out."
– Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/fH4iU5Imy4
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) December 22, 2024
With the Jets at 4-11 and already out of the playoff picture, Rodgers isn’t pretending there’s a magic fix. He threw for 256 yards and a touchdown, but he knows reality bites.
“What you’re focusing on is the most important thing now,” he added, signaling that these last two games aren’t just a throwaway — they’re about setting the stage for the future.
The Jets might be down, but they’re not out. Rodgers is here to make sure of it.
NFL Legend Shannon Sharpe 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.”
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.
