In a whirlwind week for the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers addressed rumors surrounding head coach Robert Saleh’s unexpected dismissal, forcefully denying any involvement during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
The Jets’ front office dropped a bombshell on Tuesday, parting ways with Saleh after a rocky 2-3 start to the season. Speculation quickly pointed to Rodgers, the franchise’s high-profile quarterback, as the catalyst behind the firing. However, the 40-year-old Super Bowl champion shut down these rumors emphatically.
“As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there, I’m not gonna spend more than one sentence in response to it, and that is that I resent any of those accusations because they are patently false,” Rodgers said, asserting his lack of influence over the decision.
Rodgers went further, expressing his admiration for Saleh, who he credits as a primary reason he joined the Jets. “I love Coach Saleh. We have a very solid relationship… He was a big reason why I came to the Jets,” Rodgers revealed, emphasizing their bond. “It was just a reminder yesterday of how tough the business is.”
Despite Rodgers’ denial, the quarterback admitted he spoke with team owner Woody Johnson the night before the decision was made. “Woody called me on Monday night. We had a short conversation,” Rodgers explained, noting that their discussion focused on the quarterback’s performance and his ankle injury, sustained during the Jets’ loss to the Vikings in London.
The Jets’ offense has struggled mightily this season, with Rodgers’ own performance under scrutiny. His three interceptions in the recent Vikings game, including a pick-six and a crucial late-game turnover, painted a bleak picture of the team’s prospects. The Jets, desperate for a turnaround, saw no choice but to make changes.
“Yesterday was a day that reminds you of the simple fact that all of us who played know all too well: it’s a tough business,” Rodgers reflected. “It’s a beautiful profession… but it’s also a really tough business.”
Rodgers highlighted the broader impact of Saleh’s firing, emphasizing the human side of the decision. “What people can forget in this is not only is Robert a fantastic human being and a damn good football coach, he’s also a family man. He’s got seven kids and an incredible wife. It’s tough on the families,” he said, revealing his close bond with Saleh’s family, including his son Adam.
As defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich steps up as interim head coach, team owner Woody Johnson expressed confidence in his leadership. “He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team,” Johnson stated, aiming to stabilize the franchise’s rocky start.
Despite Saleh’s departure, Rodgers insisted he isn’t expecting radical changes but did acknowledge the team’s need for adjustments. “There was going to be some things that needed to change regardless of what happened to Robert. We just haven’t been playing consistent football on offense,” Rodgers admitted, suggesting the team’s struggles were systemic.
With the Buffalo Bills up next on Monday Night Football, the Jets face an uphill battle. All eyes will be on Rodgers and Ulbrich as they attempt to salvage a season already fraught with turbulence.
