New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers makes first public comments on the firing of HC Robert Saleh
When New York Jets owner Woody Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, most people quickly wondered what role quarterback Aaron Rodgers played in the decision. The Jets' offense has been out of synch all season and Rodgers has been visibly frustrated on several occasions. There was an incident on the sidelines in Week 2 […]
When New York Jets owner Woody Johnson fired coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, most people quickly wondered what role quarterback Aaron Rodgers played in the decision.
The Jets' offense has been out of synch all season and Rodgers has been visibly frustrated on several occasions. There was an incident on the sidelines in Week 2 where it appeared that Saleh was going in for a hug with Rodgers, but Rodgers proceeded to push him away. Both sides brushed it off after the game.
There aren't a lot of details out there about Rodgers and Saleh's relationship, but given Rodgers' polarizing personality, it didn't take long for people to wonder if he had any influence on the Jets parting ways with Saleh. Rodgers joined The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday to share his thoughts on Saleh's firing and if he played any role in it.
"As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there, I'm not going to spend more than one sentence in response to it," Rodgers said. "And that is that I resent any of those accusations because they're patently false. It's interesting the amount of power that people think that I have, which I don't. But, I love Robert, and it was one of those days yesterday."
Rodgers went on to say that he found out about Saleh's firing while rehabbing in the Jets' facility on Tuesday morning. When McAfee brought up the phone call that was made from Johnson to Rodgers following their loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Rodgers said there was no mention of Saleh and Johnson was simply checking up on him. Johnson echoed that sentiment during his press conference yesterday.
Rodgers wrapped up his interview with McAfee with some kind words for Saleh and his family.
"I just want to say, first of all, thank you to Robert," Rodgers said. "Thanks for bringing me in and getting on board with that. Obviously there's words that we share privately, but I'm thankful for Robert. I'm thankful for his leadership for our team. I'm thankful for the conversations that we were able to have and him trusting me, and the way he cared for his players. Big love out to his family, wife and kids."
Rodgers makes it clear that not only did he have anything to do with the decision to fire Saleh, but the two of them had a close relationship and Rodgers was blindsided by the move. Each person will make their own evaluation of his comments as to whether or not they believe him, but Rodgers and the Jets are likely to move forward and not touch on the subject much more.
New York will push ahead with defensive coordinator Jeff UIbrich as the interim head coach. At 2-3, the Jets are far from out of contention and still have plenty of time to right the ship. They have a huge matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, in which the winner will take possession of first place in the AFC East.
Robert Saleh couldn’t carry the weight of his own words and that’s why the Jets fired him
Just two years ago, Aaron Rodgers spoke in front of the New York media for the first time about why he wanted to come to the New York Jets, and his first reason was Robert Saleh. All it took was five games and four plays for everything to change. The New York Jets fired head […]
