Aaron Rodgers’ absence from the New York Jets’ mandatory minicamp earlier this offseason was the talk of the NFL town for more reasons than one, but Rodgers’ qualm with head coach Robert Saleh on the matter boils down to one thing.
As Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported, Rodgers did not particularly like the fact that Saleh characterized his absence as unexcused when the four-time NFL MVP notified the team of his whereabouts in advance (h/t Rivka Board of Jets X Factor).
Jets: Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh avoid rift after minicamp controversy
Rodgers’ time away from the team was rather controversial seeing that he spent that time at an event in Egypt. His presence was highly anticipated at minicamp for leadership and camaraderie building, despite it being practice at the end of the day.
Saleh likely did not mean to ruffle feathers, though he spoke on the situation candidly as he’s known to do. However, it is unlikely that a rift will spring up from this dynamic, which is a good thing for the franchise as they approach a 2024 season that carries massive expectations for them.
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Rodgers is ready for training camp & has his focus on the 2024 season
Even better, Rodgers is feeling good after recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 1 of the 2023 outing. Per NBC Sports on X, Rodgers has Egypt in his rearview mirror and is zeroed in on getting ready to lead his teammates next season. That’ll begin at training camp starting on July 23, which Rodgers is reportedly prepared for (h/t CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr):
“Had a beautiful trip to Egypt,” Rodgers said. “This is like the last marker. Summer’s over on Sunday. Walking up on 18 (18th hole at American Century Championship) is super bittersweet, but it’s fun to be out.”
The California native has a deep pool of talent to utilize in both the passing and ground game for the upcoming campaign. Further, his offensive line, headlined by Tyron Smith and Olu Fashanu is strengthened and will be primed to protect him well in his age-40 season. Should the Jets deliver on offseason expectations and win the AFC East while making a strong push for the Vince Lombardi trophy next winter, this minicamp situation will become nothing more than a blip in time.
