Aaron Rodgers is a once-in-a-generation talent. A QB like him is very rarely seen, performing the way he does at the age he is at right now. With a monumental Brady-like shift, the QB has gone on to play for the New York Jets. Since he has been in the Big Apple, he has been trying hard to get integrated into the sports culture of the city. Sadly, during one of the OTAs, he reported getting a calf injury. Since then, there has been a lot of judgment from analysts, media, and fans. However, his coaching staff and teammates have shown him the ultimate support. A teammate even let go of some of his own money for him.
Interestingly, one of the defensive players of the team has taken a pay cut to accommodate the QB in the team. The Jets’ player spoke about it and mentioned how he had no second thoughts while being selfless for the team.
The sacrifice the Jets’ defense made for Aaron Rodgers
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While making a blockbuster trade like the one for Rodgers, the Jets had to keep in mind their cap space. Signing a huge quarterback like A-Rod is bound to be heavy on the pocket. In terms of other players’ contracts, sometimes they need to be amended to accommodate the game-winning players. Interestingly enough, Carl Lawson, the defensive end of the Jets, did so of his own volition. The defensive end himself made it clear that he was willing to take a cut for a QB of Rodgers’ caliber. As per New York Post, the DE took a whopping $6 million pay cut to stay with the Jets.
He even spoke about how it was one of the easiest decisions he has made. He spoke about the decision and said, “Almost like God is talking to me. Cause my career started chasing this quarterback. I got four sacks against him, and my career damn near ended in the pursuit of this quarterback. So, kind of a no-brainer from upstairs, you feel like, ‘Hey, you need to be here.’” Interestingly, the defensive end has had a brilliant record with the Jets in the past.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Lawson’s past with the Jets
Lawson has only played 19 games with the Jets. In those 19 games, the DE has had a whopping 18 solo tackles. Moreover, he also has 15 assisted tackles, putting his combined at 33. He also has 9 tackles for losses throughout his career with the Jets. All in all, Lawson’s performance has not been too shabby and the defensive end has showcased a lot of potential in just 19 games.
Lawson’s willingness to take a pay cut to accommodate another player has showcased the defensive end’s moral fiber as well as his selflessness. Only time and the regular season will show everyone if his selflessness was well-placed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: “Love still being part”: Aaron Rodgers’ former flame Danica Patrick’s racing passion lives on at Indy 500