Aaron Rodgers and Woody Johnson: A Tense Relationship Unfolds
In the world of sports, where personalities often clash and stories unfold like dramatic plays, the saga between New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and team owner Woody Johnson has taken center stage. Just a day after Rodgers shared a laugh at Johnson’s expense, he offered a surprisingly terse response when asked about the owner, fueling speculation about a possible rift between the two.
Rodgers, while discussing his future with the Jets, emphasized the importance of being “in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership” if he is to remain with the team in 2025. However, when questioned about whether he believes Johnson wants him back, Rodgers sidestepped the inquiry with a curt, “You should ask Woody.”
When pressed further about any conversations with Johnson regarding his future, Rodgers simply replied, “No.”
At 41, Rodgers is gearing up for what could be the final two games of his career with the Jets, and perhaps in the NFL altogether. Despite an MCL injury to his left knee, Rodgers is adamant about playing in Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, declaring, “There is no way I’m not playing.” However, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich has remained noncommittal about Rodgers’ participation.
With the Jets sitting at a disappointing 4-11, the focus has shifted from the team’s performance to Rodgers, who continues to dominate headlines. On Monday, during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers took a jab at Johnson, referencing a story by The Athletic that suggested Johnson is influenced by his teenage sons, Brick and Jack. Rodgers quipped about never being released by a teenager, adding fuel to the fire.
A source recently told ESPN that they would be “shocked” if Johnson, 77, decides to bring back Rodgers, who is under contract for 2025 but has not met expectations. In Week 6, Johnson reportedly suggested benching Rodgers, a move that did not sit well with the quarterback, who has been battling various leg injuries to stay on the field.
In recent days, Rodgers has openly discussed the possibility of being released, potentially as soon as January 6, the day after the season ends. While he doesn’t believe it’s likely, he hasn’t ruled it out entirely, stating, “I don’t think it’s a high percentage. I think this is probably a conversation to be had, but I’m just not naive to that being a zero [percent chance].”
Rodgers expressed gratitude to the Johnsons for bringing him to New York in 2023, acknowledging both Woody and his younger brother, Christopher, the vice chairman. Rodgers and Christopher reportedly share a good relationship.
Rodgers mentioned that being asked back would be “special” as it would signify that they “see me as an important part of helping the culture, the changeover, whatever they do at head coach and helping the next wave of New York Jets. … But if they don’t, again, no offense at all will be taken.”
The four-time MVP also responded brusquely when asked about wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who has voiced frustration over his role in the offense. Rodgers seemed uninterested in explaining the decline in Wilson’s numbers.
- Rodgers has spoken to Wilson about his frustrations throughout the season.
- Wilson has not been a major factor in recent games, including a 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
- Wilson desires more targets, but “people see it differently,” hinting at a possible disconnect with Rodgers.
On Monday, Ulbrich emphasized the need to involve Wilson more in the offense, stating, “We have to find ways to get Garrett the ball more often. He’s one of the best players on our team, if not one of the best players in this league, especially at his position.”
Wilson has 90 receptions and is the fourth most-targeted player in the league (139), but his opportunities have decreased since the arrival of Davante Adams in Week 7. Since the trade, Adams has 93 targets and 56 receptions, while Wilson has 74 and 49, respectively.
Rodgers acknowledged that receivers always want the ball, but added, “There’s a ton of plays in the plan for both him and Davante. That’s how you usually scheme out plays for your top players.” He explained that coverage dictates where he throws the ball.
“We’ve moved him around a bunch,” Rodgers said of Wilson. “We give him a lot of plays where he’s number one or two in the progression.”
In injury news, rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu suffered a plantar fascia injury on his left foot and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Fortunately, surgery will not be necessary, according to the Jets.
Originally Written by: Rich Cimini
