New York Jets superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers has attained a reputation as one of the better quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. His talent and production have been undeniable, and he will become a first-ballot Hall of Famer not too many years from now.
However, over the last couple of years, he has also developed something of a reputation as a diva. His departure from the Green Bay Packers, his dishonesty about being vaccinated against COVID-19 and his decision to force the Packers to trade him last offseason to the New York Jets have ruffled feathers in the wrong way.
After tearing his Achilles on the Jets’ first offensive series of this season, Rodgers was actually the recipient of some sympathy from sports fans. But he recently talked about returning to game action in December, only to change his mind, causing people to again accuse him of being all about himself.
Rodgers said this week that aborting his comeback attempt wasn’t his choice, and it all caused Nick Wright to go on a rant during Fox Sports 1’s “First Things First” where he called Rodgers “the most disingenuous athlete of my lifetime.”
NFL News & Rumors: Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets Updates
Rodgers further inflamed his critics when he recently fired back at them by requesting people to disclose their vaccination status before interviewing him. Two years ago, he had claimed he was “immunized” against the novel coronavirus when asked by the media, but it turned out he hadn’t gotten any sort of vaccination to protect him from the pathogen.
At age 40, the big question is how well he will be able to play when he returns next season, assuming he does return. But perhaps an even bigger question is whether the Jets will have a strong enough team around him to give him the support he needs.
They have a poor offensive line, a lack of a reliable playmaker at wide receiver other than Garrett Wilson and some needs on the defensive side of the football.
Without Aaron Rodgers, the Jets are 6-10 and have been eliminated from contention for a playoff spot.
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