Egyptian camel ride costs New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers six figures

It was an international trip that was three decades in the making, and it wasn't supposed to conflict with New York Jets mandatory minicamp.

Future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers skipped out on two June practices in order to make a highly-anticipated excursion to Egypt, causing a media hubbub in the process.

"I originally scheduled it based on the previous year's schedule, which had us out I believe by the ninth or 10th [day of June], so once I saw the schedule I was trying to move some things around, it just didn't happen," said Rodgers following Wednesday's training camp practice in Florham Park.

Per Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rules, Rodgers was subject to a fine as the scheduling conflict reportedly costed the four-time NFL MVP close to $100,000.

"I think it might've been a little more than that [$50K]," said Rodgers. "It is what it is, I'm an adult, I knew what I was getting into, I knew the fine that was coming, and also knew how much I wanted to be in Egypt. I wish there hadn't been a conflict scheduling-wise, but it was what it was."

Rather than participate in two light springtime practices, the 40-year-old Rodgers had the chance for an experience of a lifetime.

"The last two days [in Egypt] were pretty special. The second to last day we were at the Pyramids, and the Sphinx for a private viewing. We went out into the desert on camels," said Rodgers. "It was a big animal. It was a lot of fun. Not the nicest animal. We got to watch the sun go down in the desert, watch the moon rise. It was a really special trip."

For a man who has done everything from a darkness retreat to win a Super Bowl MVP award, visiting Egypt has been a long-time goal for the grizzled veteran field general. After tearing his Achilles in the 2023 season opener, Rodgers mapped out a travel plan while stuck in the "doldrums of the rehab."

"I've been a fan [of Egypt] for three decades, ever since I was in a gifted and talented education class," said Rodgers. "We studied mythology from Egypt and Greece, those are like my top two on the bucket list."