Stephen A. Smith's Controversial Prediction About Aaron Rodgers Sparks Debate

Stephen A. Smith has always been a serious advocate for New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers over the years, but coming off a torn achilles at the age of 40 isn't going to be easy, but Smith hasn't lost all hope yet.

Rodgers last fully healthy season came in 2022 with the Green Bay Packers , throwing for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns. However, in the two years prior, he combined for 85 touchdowns. In 2020, he threw a staggering 48 touchdown passes.

If he even still has an ounce of that greatness left inside him, he will be effective, and the Jets have surrounded him with an extremely solid supporting cast, and Stephen A. Smith remained very optimistic on ESPN's First Take Wednesday morning.

"Aaron Rodgers, healthy, is one of the all-time great... He's a BAAAAD man!" Smith said.

Smith added, "Back-to-back 13-3 seasons, back-to-back league MVP honors, 48 touchdown passes in 2020."

He didn't hold back at the others on the panel who expressed some doubt in Rodgers, and Smith has not wavered one bit in his confidence in one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever do it.

The Jets open the season against the reigning NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, September 9th, with high expectations surrounding a New York team that is desperate for success.

Related: Joe Burrow Shares Heartfelt Moment With Parents Post-Practice

Related: Breece Hall Amazed By Former College Teammate Brock Purdy's Development