Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets tries to celebrate with Aaron Rodgers after a touchdown against the New England Patriots on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Al Bello/Getty ImagesAaron Rodgers had a simple explanation after an unpleasant interaction with the head coach of the New York Jets Robert Saleh went viral.
Rodgers, 40, was caught shoving Saleh, 45, as he passed him a hug during the Jets’ victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday, Sept. 19. Prime Video viewers Football on Thursday evening The broadcast suggested that Rodgers seemed irritated.
“He’s not usually a big hugger,” Rodgers said of Saleh in his postgame press conference. “So I didn’t know he was going for the hug. He prefers to do the chest bump with both hands.”
Rodgers added: “He talks a lot about a two-point lead, so I just gave him a nudge and said, ‘Two points ahead.'”
Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL, but it’s often his off-field antics that get people talking. Rodgers – who was the Green Bay Packers’ superstar quarterback for 18 seasons before joining the New York Jets in April 2023 – came under fire in November (…)
The Jets quarterback, who was returning to MetLife Stadium for the first time since his season-ending Achilles tendon injury last year, stressed that the interaction was “not at all awkward,” which Saleh himself confirmed.
Aaron Rodgers after the victory over the New England Patriots on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images“One of the things we talked about was giving the defense a two-point lead,” Saleh said after the game when asked about the botched hug. “And it was a two-point lead, so I guess he just wanted to see something on defense. He just reminded me that it was, you know, a two-point lead.”
It was a big night for Rodgers and the Jets, who dismantled the Patriots 24-3 and improved their early season record to 2-1. Rodgers finished the game completing 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns.
“That was kind of the first step to playing the way I can,” Rodgers said. “I felt like myself from five years ago.”
After signing a three-year, $112.5 million contract with the Jets, Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon just four plays into his first game and missed the rest of the season.
Aaron Rodgers is known not only for his career in the NFL, but also for his A-list relationships over the years. Us Weekly confirmed in February 2021 that the athlete was dating actress Shailene Woodley, shortly before the quarterback announced his engagement. Rodgers shared the news during the NFL Honors Awards, where he (…)
According to ESPN, Rodgers was only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to complete 75% of his passes in a game while age 40 or older and throw for at least 250 yards. Tom Brady, Drew Brees And Brett Favre.
The impressive performance certainly did not go unnoticed by his head coach.
“The cool thing was he showed the agility we saw in training camp,” Saleh said. “His legs may not be what they once were, but his arm is still 30 and his mind is still working at a high level.”
Rodgers and the Jets return to action at home against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, September 29.
