It’s hardly been a week since the NFL Draft, and Malachi Corley has already established a friendly equation with Aaron Rodgers. The New York Jets selected the wide receiver as the 65th overall pick after trading up seven spots in the third round. The ‘YAC King’ is known for his physicality on the field and would be one of the backups to Garrett Wilson.

Entering the professional league, especially with a historic franchise like the Jets, can be daunting. The West Kentucky rookie was understandably nervous about joining his first team in the NFL, but he had just the right person to go to!

When Malachi Corley rang up Aaron Rodgers after his draft

In the 2024 NFL Draft, the rookie achieved what many college players dream of – getting a chance to play under one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league. In a recent interview with SNY, Corley shared how he got in contact with Rodgers straight after being picked by the Jets. “So my agent is Aaron Rodgers’ agent as well,” explained the WR. “…As soon as I heard my name called, I was like edgy. Got to get Aaron on the phone right now.”

Corley confessed he felt like “a little kid talking to a grown-up” and that he asked “every single question imaginable.” The 22-year-old further shared how he expressed his excitement about working with the veteran, and Rodgers reciprocated the emotion. “So being able to have a veteran guy like that who’s gonna be a Hall of Famer, who’s won MVPs, who’s led a great team. [It’s an] unbelievable feeling there’s somebody that I’m extremely excited to work with,” added Corley.

Rodgers had some sound advice for the newbie as well. The Super Bowl champion advised Corley to have a “clear mind” and “be tunnel vision.” The quarterback further stressed the importance of consistency “because it’s not about getting here, it’s about staying here.” Having gotten these golden mantras from his mentor figure, the rookie also had a conversation with the No. 1 WR, who had been his idol since high school.

Corley opens up about his talk with ‘idol’ Garrett Wilson

The third-round pick joins Garrett Wilson and recently signed Mike Williams in the receivers room. HC Robert Saleh quoted Corley as being an “angry runner” as to why he was sold on the WR. “We love his style of play, He’s going to bring an added element that we don’t have.” he said, as per the team website. The receiver was already getting familiar with his teammates and talked about the respect he holds for Wilson.

“He just told me how excited he’s to have me on the time, and I am excited to work with him too,” shared Corley in the interview. The rookie revealed how he has been following the 2022 draft since his high school days. “When I was in high school, you know, he was at Lake Travis, doing his thing out there, and you know, I’ve been idolizing that guy since I was younger.”

Malachi Corley starts his journey into the Jets with two elite teammates, extending a warm welcome to the rookie. While it will take some time for the WR to become the starter, the experience to gain from the journey is ample!