Aaron Rodgers praised for being more than a QB for Jets

It's hardly a secret that the health and play of quarterback Aaron Rodgers will likely determine whether or not the New York Jets come close to ending the longest active playoff drought in the four major North American sports leagues.

Fans won't get a true look at Rodgers' recovery from the torn Achilles he suffered last September until the Jets open the upcoming regular season at the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9, but teammates are already impressed with what he's offering the club as an on-the-field leader.

"He’s a legit player-coach. That’s exactly what he is," linebacker C.J. Mosley said about Rodgers during a Wednesday chat with Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. "He’s playing the game, but he’s also putting people in the right positions and making checks. And if someone — whether it’s the guard, center or receiver — if they mess up, they’re going to hear it."

It's hardly a hot take to say that Jets owner Woody Johnson ran it back with head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett for another year because they're backed by Rodgers. Thus, the future Hall of Famer should serve as the loudest voice on practice fields and in huddles.

"He’s been there, he’s done it, he’s won a Super Bowl, he’s been the MVP of the league," Mosley added about Rodgers. "He’s found ways to win when the clock says 'zero.' He’s found a way. What he demands from his offense and his teammates, you have to respect. He’s a great leader. He might have a different style with the way he leads. People might not like how he leads off the field when he’s not in the building, but when he’s around us in the building he’s always sharing information, making us better."

Specifically, Rodgers and young wide receiver Garrett Wilson have been spotted during training camp having some animated conversations following plays that went poorly for the team's offense. On Wednesday, both players brushed off any concerns related to potential arguments that arise amid hot summer football practices.

"You can’t coach everyone the same way," Rodgers said on Wednesday. "Certain guys, you can get on them. Certain guys you’ve got to pull aside and talk to. Certain guys want to have it out on the field. Some guys will pull you aside in the locker room. It just depends on the guys. You’ve got to set a standard and hold guys accountable to that standard at practice and the way you want to see things run. Sometimes you’ve got to infuse a little bit of energy."

Rodgers gave the Jets just four offensive snaps in his first season with the organization, is coming off a serious injury and turns 41 years old this December. While he undeniably has plenty to teach players such as Wilson about what it takes to win at the highest level, such lessons probably won't mean much for the 2024 Jets if Rodgers doesn't stay healthy and reclaim the form that made him an MVP as recently as February 2022.