“If I don’t do what I know I’m capable of doing, we’re all probably going to be out of here.” This declaration from Aaron Rodgers of how important the upcoming season is for the New York Jets speaks volumes about the pressure everyone is facing, including Robert Saleh. Things would have focused on the Jets’ dream of playoff glory. But turbulence hit the camp when Rodgers got involved in the thickest of the pre-season dramas. Wasting no time, the rumor mill suggested a fractured relationship between veteran QB and HC Robert Saleh, which frustrated A-Rod’s former teammate.

On July 18th, retired NFL wide receiver James Jones spoke candidly on SPEAK, making it clear what Rodgers and Saleh must do to clear the air. He said, “They don’t have no choice but to make this work and work together.” Jones didn’t mince words. Then the 40-year-old turned his attention to the Gang Green HC and said that he would be OUT before he could celebrate another touchdown! “You’re gone! Aaron is gone! Your head coaching chance is gone, Saleh. You’re out. Get out of here!”  

His serious tone soon shifted to sarcasm. Just as quickly as he used to dash toward touchdowns from the wide areas. Jones shared a story with all present on the show to draw a playful reference to the whole controversy. He recounted how his sons were excited about NCAA football. However, their constant fights and arguments led Jones to take a firm stance against them by saying, “No NCAA!”

Jones said that they heard the NO and became “Angels” for the next two days to prove they could work together. But why share his kids’ tale to draw comparisons between a controversy involving two professionals? He used this story as an analogy to drive home the point that Rodgers and Saleh need to team up like never before.

The former Packers receiver concluded his narration by highlighting, “If Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh do not make this work, they are going to be playing with my kids in NCAA!” He said it in a dramatic tone, with the straightest of faces. No wonder Jones was direct with his message for Saleh. He was teammates with Rodgers in Green Bay, from 2007 to 2013 and again in 2015.

But what is this controversy? It’s surrounding Rodgers’ infamous Egypt trip and the Jets’ minicamp. Yes, you read that right. Months have passed, but it remains a topic of discussion despite that. At this rate, New York will have more drama brewing than deli coffee!

Aaron Rodgers and Robert Salah must find a point of reconciliation

Aaron Rodgers was all over the headlines in the spring, as the media and experts questioned his leadership. Fans were turning against the veteran for ‘missing’ the mandatory minicamp. And even Saleh could not escape the media questioning. But the HC maintained his calm. He said, “It’s unexcused, but he had an event that was really important to him.” During the time, this response seemed OK. But clearly, it did not sit well with Gang Green’s number one QB.

On the 16th of July, Dianna Russini of the Athletic reported, “Rodgers went to Robert Saleh to question why he would call it [Egypt trip] unexcused.” Well, the QB was unhappy with Saleh over his chaotic handling of the situation. Reportedly, the franchise had prior knowledge of the plans. However, despite that the HC chose to use the term “unexcused.” If seen from this perspective, one could understand Rodgers’ frustration.

But the HC ‘apparently’ had a reason for framing his statement like he did, per the Athletic report. Russini wrote Saleh’s choice of words was ‘to show everybody that he’s not the GM’. The football world is now seeing a problem stemming out of the story that could have been over within a day. It has unfortunately become one big off-season headline that does not seem to go away.

And now, the end of July is fast approaching! It not only marks that the Jets’ training camp will kick off but also highlights the return of their star QB from injury. So, fans will be hoping that their two key pieces find a way to glue together. James Jones also echoed this thought when he said, “They both need each other to make this thing go and be successful!”

With the new season on the horizon, neither Rodgers nor Saleh can afford to be at odds as they dream of leading the Gang Green to glory. Do you think the skies will clear over the MetLife Stadium? Let us know.