Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL today. The title of the recent Netflix documentary about his departure from Green Bay, tearing his Achilles early in his tenure with the New York Jets, and his subsequent recovery is perfectly titled: “Enigma.”
Rodgers is talked about a great deal because, while he is polarizing, he is also one of the best players in NFL history. Because of his individual success, much of what he says and does, as well as what is said about him, is magnified, oftentimes to the extreme.
But what can be said about the four-time NFL MVP is also true about just about every player, fan, coach, and people in general: many love him, and many do not care for him.
Former Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Has Some Great Relationships with Current and Former Teammates
Rodgers’ close friendships with former Packers teammates David Bakhtiari, Davante Adams, AJ Hawk, and Clay Matthews are well-known. However, other teammates have also spoken highly about him in the past.
Last year, former Green Bay wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling said of his former quarterback, “Man, he’s one of the greatest [teammates] you’ll ever find. He cares more about his teammates than about the game of football. You know, I think that’s something that people really don’t understand. Because people get this perception of him that he’s this diva or all about himself, that’s the furthest thing from the truth.”
Jordan Love, Rodgers’ successor with the Packers, said of his former teammate, “I was able to watch a great quarterback, how he works every day, how he handles business in the locker room, interacts with teammates, how he attacks every day. Just being able to sit back as a quarterback and observe him, observe his footwork, how the ball comes out of his hands, just how he practice every day and takes that into the game. There’s just very valuable stuff. I was able to sit for three years and kind of just pick his brain and watch him work.”
But, as is the case with just about everyone, Rodgers also has had teammates that do not care for him, and one in particular may end up leaving the Jets if the future Pro Football Hall of Famer is brought back in 2025.
New York Jets Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson Does Not Get Along with Aaron Rodgers
When the Jets first acquired Rodgers in a trade with the Packers, wide receiver Garrett Wilson was excited. Catching passes from a quarterback of Rodgers’ caliber would only help him be more successful, and he was coming off of winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
But, as mentioned, Rodgers got hurt early in 2023 and missed the season (except for four snaps). When he reported to camp this summer, it was with the intention of elevating New York to Super Bowl contenders.
Apparently, his work ethic and demands from his wide receivers did not mesh with Wilson, and the two blew up at each other in a now infamous interaction.
Since the Jets acquired Adams in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, Wilson has seen his targets decrease. He still has 90 receptions for 987 yards and six touchdowns, but he is not happy. Not happy with Rodgers, to be precise.
According to a report by Ian Rapoport, if New York chooses to bring Rodgers back in 2025, it may come at the expense of Wilson coming back too:
“While Wilson will not publicly say it, those who know him well believe he’s been frustrated at the lack of looks from Rodgers while wondering what else he can do to fix the relationship.
“Is getting open not enough? Those who study the film will notice him being open while the ball goes elsewhere.
“Wilson has not requested a trade, but if Rodgers is back, that is one of the options for how to proceed.”
If true, if Wilson refuses to sign an extension if New York bring Rodgers back in 2025, the Jets will be faced with an awfully tough decision.
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