Jets center Joe Tippmann ignores sophomore-slump talk, praises Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets center Joe Tippmann is so locked in on nailing the details of his mentally taxing position that he has no time to worry about the sophomore-jinx nonsense that he's heard about.

Perhaps that's why the athletically gifted center — a 6-foot-7, 300-plus-pound, self-professed student of the game — is a copious note-taker who spends extra time after practice re-reading his notes and watching extra practice film to ensure he understands all aspects of his job and those of his fellow offensive linemates.

"The offense is in (Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers') hands, but I also want it to come through me to make sure I get everyone on the offensive line on the same page," Tippmann said. "My job is to lead. A lot of guys don't like the center position because in addition to the snapping element of the job, there is the blocking element as well. I love all of that. I like having the actual weight and pressure of the position on my shoulders."

Tippmann was initially thrust into the starting lineup at right guard in Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season because of a rash of injuries that decimated New York's offensive line. Then the former Wisconsin star was moved to center when Connor McGovern suffered a season-ending knee injury at midseason. Tippman played center in college.

"There were times last year when I wasn't as familiar with the offense as I am now," Tippmann said.  "Now, I know exactly where I am going and how I can communicate in a way that's going to help all the guys all the way down the line get on the same page. That's something that has been huge for me and a testament to what we did during organized team activities earlier this spring."

There is another reason for Tippman's rise up New York's depth chart.

He has been endorsed by the guy who wears No. 8 on his jersey, the guy who earned the NFL MVP award four times, the guy who is the undisputed leader of Gang Green who fans hope stays healthy enough to return the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010 — thus snapping the longest active playoff drought in the NFL.

"I learn something new from Aaron every day," Tippmann said, who noted Rodgers' attention to detail.

"We were in the early stages of camp last year when he pops into the offensive line room. I'm running with the third group and Aaron points at the tape and starts coaching me up on offensive line technique and says, 'I think if you step with a little more width in this situation, you are going to be able to get your helmet around a little bit further and you won't step on the other guys.' I did exactly what he said the next day and you know what, he was absolutely right. He not only has helped me with my technique, he has helped me get better in all aspects of the game."

Tippmann, who made 14 starts as a rookie, played well enough to earn a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team. This past spring, NFL.com named him to its 2024 preseason NFL All-Breakout team.

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks, a former NFL player and scout, called Tippmann "a scrappy blocker with exceptional length and athleticism."

"(He) could settle into his role in Year 2 and show more dominance after flashing blue-chip potential," Brooks added.

And while he appreciates the recognition, Tippmann, 23, remains solely focused on the most important element of NFL life.

"What's most important to me is winning," Tippmann said.  "I want to be a great player ... the best at my position within my division and in the entire NFL."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.