“All eyes on me!” This should be the title of Aaron Rodgers‘ biography because he can’t get any respite from unwanted attention. The latest issue chasing him is him missing the New York Jets’ ‘mandatory’ minicamp for a trip to Egypt. It has not sat well, especially with the football enthusiasts. Now, one of the Jets‘ own has come out and voiced his opinion against this.

Speaking on the ‘Carton Show’ on the 3rd of July, Legendary wide receiver, Plaxico Burress explained why it was important for Rodgers to be present there for the minicamp. The 40-year-old veteran with 19 years of experience and 4 MVPs is certainly the face of the franchise. So, we can make a case backing the ex-Jets WR, when he said, “The point is that it’s not a good look for his teammates. Jets need everything they can get. All hands on deck. Aaron Rodgers needs to be there. It’s a bad look for the team.”

‘AWOL AARON’ in all caps would grab your attention when you would watch the clip. But you might be thinking that, is missing the minicamp in June worth creating this much hype. Well, this is exactly what the show’s host, Craig Carton asked, when the former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier quickly replied with a no. The LB said, “You said he had 4 MVPs, a 20-year veteran. I don’t think you’re winning and losing games off of minicamps.” Plaxico did agree with him to some extent, but he said it’s his absence that he has a problem with. Especially when all the other QBs were there.

However, a report from SNY’s Connor Hughes reads that the Jets teammates had ‘zero issues’ with their seasoned QB’s absence. This is because the 40-year-old was part of the team’s workouts and organized team activity workouts. Interestingly, it was all voluntary. He didn’t have to attend. In fact, the Jets players are surprised by all the chit-chat that has been going on outside of the franchise.

Now that Rodgers is back on US soil, let’s look at another part of the report which says that his absence was due to a pre-planned trip.

Aaron Rodgers Egypt Expedition

The former Green Bay Packers WR, after spending 18 seasons with the team, joined the Gang Green in 2023. However, Rodgers’ 2023 season ended after four games due to an Achilles tendon rupture. That is when he originally pieced this trip together. The QB has been looking forward to it ever since he started his recovery. Just the thought of it gave him peace.

No doubt it was one of the lowest points in Rodgers’ career. So, what could have been better than to do something he has always wanted to do? He has been a long-time admirer of the Egyptian culture. In the bucket list, he shared with ESPN Wisconsin nine years ago, visiting the land of the pharaohs was right up there with hosting “SNL.”

After his injury, a trip to the ‘Land of Pharaohs’ was exactly what he needed. At 40, recovering from an Achilles rupture is no small feat—it’s a battle that tests every ounce of strength and patience. But his journey wasn’t just about healing; it was about finding solace and inspiration in the ancient wonders of Egypt.

Back home, his trip has been well-received by the Jets. HC Robert Saleh was quick to silence the critics, reassuring everyone that the two have been in close contact. He has even acknowledged the importance of this trip for his key WR, saying, “He had an event that was very important to him.”

All-in-all, there is no denying that it was an ‘unexcused’ absence. But if it’s helping Rodgers in his recovery, then, surely, even Plaxico Burress will let the issue to rest.