The New York Jets‘ offseason been one wild ride. Edge rusher Haason Reddick made a trade request amid his hold out, not showing up for the minicamp. But that was not the only question engulfing the franchise. Aaron Rodgers also missed out on the final pre-season workout for an “unexcused” reason, according to HC Robert Saleh. Now that reason is out in the open, Rodgers shared his thoughts on how he feels about the preseason practice. 

SNY’s Connor Hughes first reported on why the veteran QB was MIA. Even though A-Rod had been at camp for ten days, he skipped two mandatory practices. As it turns out, Rodgers’ absence from the NYJ minicamp wasn’t a slip-up—it was a planned detour to Egypt. According to Hughes, Rodgers booked his trip while in the midst of recovery from his 2023 Achilles tear. Even though his absence created some noise around the Jets’ camp, A-Rod was pretty straightforward as he addressed the matter.

During a live appearance on The Morning Show with Boomer & Gio on Tuesday, the Jets’ star QB talked about the upcoming season and was asked about the opening game against his hometown team, the San Franciso 49ers. Citing that it was a big game for Rodgers to get back on the field, the host asked, “Do you want to play in preseason? Do you want to get out there? Do you want to feel the rush again?” before such a fixture.

The former NFL MVP replied, “I mean I don’t think I need to as long as I’m making the right reactions in practice.” Rodgers further added, “I obviously didn’t get to play a whole lot last year. That’s kind of a joke. But I was able to be back at practice. I think so I didn’t miss the entire year. Obviously I was here for 10 of the 12 OTAs uh in training camp, so that’s important obviously.” 

Rodgers’ first season with the Jets was cut short after he suffered a torn left Achilles against the Buffalo Bills, just four snaps into his first game. Even though he skipped the minicamp, Rodgers was present there for the initial 10 OTAs. Downplaying his absence from the minicamp, he said, “There’s a little bit maybe change in speed and mindset because you know you can get hit when you’re out there. But preseason is not real football, I’ve said that before, it’s just it’s different.”

Even though veteran NFL players skipping minicamp is nothing new, given how last season ended abruptly for Rodgers, one would think of making most of the lost time would be key to his and Jets’ hopes for the coming season.

When the news of Rodgers skipping minicamp surfaced, questions were asked, especially after backup QB Tyrod Taylor leading the offense, suggested some internal communication gaps. Saleh also mentioned that he didn’t plan on playing Rodgers in the pre-season, to which the QB said it was “news to me,” further hinting at everything not being fine. 

However, Robert Saleh dismissed any such concerns. Speaking on July 12, a day after Rodgers’ announcement, Saleh said, “Aaron and I are on the exact same page. There’s no issue between Aaron or his teammates, for that matter. It’s more of an issue for everyone outside the building than it is inside.” 

Many Jets players also cited they had no issues with the Pro Bowler missing the minicamp and highlighted his participation in organized team activities. Team owner Woody Johnson brushed off the whole situation too, pointing out that the 2023 trade star was almost always around for the voluntary spring workouts before minicamp. 

As for Rodgers, the $50,000 fine slapped on him didn’t faze the California standout. Addressing the media on July 24, after joining the training camp, Rodgers said he knew the consequences of his absence.

“I’m an adult. I knew exactly what I was getting into. I knew the fine was coming. I knew I wanted to be in Egypt. I wish there hadn’t been a scheduling issue, but that was how things were,” he said. The trip, planned during his Achilles rehab, was meant to avoid clashing with team activities. 

A-Rod’s vacation and comments didn’t slide past the critics. Former New York coach and other players are ripping into the QB for throwing coach Saleh under the bus. 

Eric Mangini and ex-NFL stars blast Rodgers over minicamp drama and coach Saleh situation 

Former Jets’ HC and sports analyst Eric Mangini didn’t hold back, ripping into Rodgers over his decisions. Appearing on First Things First, on August 2, he blasted the Super Bowl MVP for publicly contradicting coach Saleh, calling it embarrassing. “I don’t know why Rodgers has to go out of his way to embarrass Saleh. … You don’t want distractions, stop creating them. You don’t know if you’re going to play, go ask somebody.” 

Ex-Patriots receiver Julian Edelman and ex-wideout Torry Holt also weighed in. During an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on June 22, Edelman called out the veteran QB for his minicamp absence. He fired shots with a Tom Brady comparison, saying, “I was with Tom Brady in his 25th year or 23rd year, and he started missing OTAs here and there, but he never missed a mandatory minicamp. I just thought it was a bad look.”

Former WR Holt chimed in, stating missing minicamp shakes up team vibes and feels like entitlement. “[The Jets] revamped their offensive line, they have talent on the perimeter, and they’ve got Breece Hall in the backfield. Mandatory mini-camp is when it all starts, but the main guy is not there,” Holt asserted. 

The Jets offseason situation hasn’t been helped by Haason Reddick’s hold out amid a push for a long-term contract. The player is set to make $14.25 million in base salary in the final year of his deal, though that payment is not guaranteed. Reports suggest Reddick may settle for a more guaranteed structure if the Jets don’t increase his earnings significantly. The franchise shot down his trade request, clearly stating that they won’t trade him.

As the regular season looms, many eyes will be glued to the happenings at the New York Jets. Can Aaron Rodgers and Co. respond to their critics emphatically?