Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is nearing the end of a contentious two-year tenure with the New York Jets. Despite the fact that he outrageously called these last two seasons the “best to years of my life,” the fact of the matter is that very few people believe him. He missed all but four snaps of the 2023 season due to a torn Achilles and his 2024 season has been riddled with injuries, drama, and plenty of blame being thrown his way.
Regardless of whether one blames Rodgers or the Jets organization for their many failings this year, the fact of the matter is that the future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback is highly unlikely going to be back in New York next season. Needless to say, the last two years did not go the way he nor the team thought it would.
Former Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Has Been Criticized for How He Treats Teammates
The end of Rodgers’ time in Green Bay was, in a word, messy. He was publicly unhappy with the team’s decision to draft Jordan Love in 2020, a perceived slight that he used as motivation to elevate his play and win two more NFL MVP Awards.
It is very important to note, as people look back on his career and the end of his time with the Packers, that Rodgers never once took out his anger or frustrations on Love. Instead, he befriended him and mentored him, something he wished Brett Favre had done for him.
Indeed, there are many, many examples of current and former teammates praising Rodgers for his leadership and for the way he treats others.
But there are also examples of teammates who have expressed frustration with how he reacts when things do not go his way on the field. In a recent report by Rich Cimini of ESPN, an incident earlier this season, in which Rodgers explained in great detail how former Jets wide receiver Mike Williams ran a wrong route, was highlighted as one that some players did not appreciate.
Williams, as fans may recall, was traded after New York acquired Davante Adams.
Former NFL Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick Gets Brutally Honest About Aaron Rodgers
In that same report referenced above, former Jets quarterback and current NFL analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick gave a brutally honest take on Rodgers and how his personality affects his teammates.
“The Mike Williams red line saga was a tough look on his leadership,” Fitzpatrick told ESPN. “He will take the blame in press conferences, but a lot of times it feels empty to me because of the field body language and eye rolls during the game.
“His arrogance works for teammates when they’re winning and can be infectious, and a positive, for the team. But it is hated by many that don’t know him because it comes across as smug.”
“I’m sure most of his teammates really like being around him and gravitate to his energy,” Fitzpatrick said. “I know for a fact he treats people the right way in the building, which is great to hear, but he has become such a polarizing figure — because you’re either with him or you aren’t.
“If you’re not [with him], then you’re stupid [in Rodgers’ eyes] — a weird, childish stance that I have to imagine alienates a lot of people once you stop having daily interactions with him.”
Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy was once criticized by fans and some media members for calling Rodgers a “complicated fella.”
It sounds like the bigger spotlight of New York and its intense media coverage has led many to reach the same conclusion.
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Aaron Rodgers Makes Arguably His Most Outrageous Statement Yet
- Green Bay Packers Drop Historic Josh Jacobs Announcement Prior to Week 18 Matchup with Chicago Bears
- Former Green Bay Packers Kicker Set to Make Jets Franchise History on Sunday
- “Preparing for It;” Packers Fans Explode After Former QB’s Retirement Statement
- Packers Fans Flood Bears Social Media After Caleb Williams Decision for Week 18
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
