“Doing Everything Except Practice”: Aaron Rodgers’ UFC 303 Visit Goes Wrong as Fans Trash Jets QB for Choosing Bucket List

Aaron Rodgers is catching more heat than a rookie in two-a-days, and it’s not from the New York summer. The Jets‘ star quarterback’s latest audible – a trip to UFC 303 in Las Vegas – has left Gang Green faithful ready to throw in the towel.

ESPN’s Instagram post showing Rodgers rubbing elbows with former teammate Marcedes Lewis at the event held at the T-Mobile Arena sparked a blitz of criticism. The four-time MVP, known for his eclectic interests off the field, raised eyebrows as fans questioned his priorities. “He’ll show up to this but won’t show up to practice 👀😂😂,” one commenter threw a verbal jab. Another fan went for the sack: “UFC >>>> Training Camp.”

While Rodgers was cage-side for the light heavyweight championship bout between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka, Jets fans were left wondering if their QB was down for the count. The star-studded card, featuring matchups like Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes and Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page, seemed to be Rodgers’ playbook for the night.

Rodgers’ attendance at UFC 303 marks his first public appearance since missing the Jets’ mandatory minicamp because of his Egyptian expedition, The 40-year-old signal-caller opted out of practice, citing a commitment that was “very important to him.” Coach Robert Saleh downplayed any concerns, emphasizing that he and Rodgers are “on the exact same page.”

Jets fans, however, aren’t buying what Rodgers is selling. The comment section turned into a virtual Dawg Pound, with one fan barking, “Addicted to not working.” Another threw a Hail Mary of sarcasm: “You wouldn’t even think he played football.”

It’s not Rodgers’ first penalty for unnecessary roughness with fans’ expectations. At UFC 302 in Newark, he stirred the pot by seemingly snubbing former President Donald Trump, only to later post a handshake photo on Instagram. Talk about a political football!

Meanwhile, Jason McIntyre of “The Herd” tried to calm the storm, exclaiming, “All the New York media can stand down. Aaron Rodgers is back from Egypt! It’s not a secret anymore!” But for Jets fans, the quarterback’s globetrotting is looking less like a secret and more like a fumbled game plan.

Aaron Rodgers’ bucket list blitz vs. Jets’ Super Bowl dreams

While Rodgers is checking items off his personal bucket list, Jets fans are wondering if he’s fumbling with the team’s shot at glory. Nine years ago, Rodgers shared with ESPN Wisconsin that visiting Egypt was high on his to-do list, right up there with hosting “Saturday Night Live.”

Former teammate Marquez Valdes-Scantling threw Rodgers a lifeline, revealing on “The Herd” that they’d worked out together in LA. “We got it in. Went out to some high school and ran some routes together,” Valdes-Scantling said. But for Jets fans thirsting for a championship, this backyard practice session isn’t quite the two-minute drill they were hoping for.

Historically, NFL stars have balanced personal pursuits with pigskin responsibilities. Brett Favre’s golf obsession and Marshawn Lynch’s Skittles addiction didn’t stop them from lighting up the scoreboard. But in the high-stakes game of New York football, Rodgers’ extracurricular activities are looking more like unnecessary roughness than a touchdown celebration.

As the Jets rev up for their 2024 Training Camp kickoff on July 27, the clock is ticking. Fans are left wondering: Will Rodgers’ world tour result in a Super Bowl parade, or is he setting the team up for a season of Monday morning quarterbacking?