Aaron Rodgers has denied playing a role in the New York Jets' decision to fire Robert Saleh, "appealing" for fans to show "humanity" to the departing head coach and his family.
Four-time NFL MVP Rodgers appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday after delaying his weekly appearance on the ESPN show by 24 hours. He told the former Indianapolis Colts punter he "resented accusations" that he engineered Saleh's dismissal behind the scenes.
Saleh was fired by the Jets on Tuesday after a disappointing start to the season, dropping to 2-3 after back-to-back losses to the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings in his final games in charge.
There were signs of turbulence developing in Saleh and his quarterback's relationship in recent months, with Rodgers' "inexcused" absence from mandatory minicamp to visit Egypt and a bizarre moment when the quarterback shoved his head coach away as Saleh tried to hug him after a touchdown against the New England Patriots created unwanted distractions for the team.
But Rodgers spoke of the respect he has for his former HC. He said: "Yesterday was a day that reminds you of the simple fact that all of us who have played know all too well, and that's that is a tough business. It is a beautiful profession, it's incredible, it's done so much for our lives, but it's also a really tough business.
"I love Coach Saleh. We have a very solid relationship, we have since I met him in 2021. I had a nice conversation when they visited us for joint practices. He was a big reason why I came to the Jets.
"I felt like the team was a solid team. I had a relationship with Coach [Nathaniel] Hackett, obviously, and I really liked Coach Salah. I just had a lot of respect for him and it was just a reminder yesterday of how tough the business is.
"What people can forget in this is not only is Robert a fantastic human being and a damn good football coach, but he is also a family man and the business of can be hard, not just to those of us who are playing and coaching, it's tough on the families.
"Anybody that is championing this decision, I would appeal to the humanity of the situation and remind you there are other people involved and [Saleh's son] has to go to school this week and hopefully there are no kids with cruel parents who are making snide comments."
Rodgers bluntly addressed the narrative bubbling on social media that he conspired with Jets owner Woody Johnson to have Saleh fired.
"As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there, I'm not going to spend more than one sentence in response to it. I resent those accusations because they are patently false," Rodgers said.
"It's interesting the amount of power people think that I have, which I don't. I love Robert and it was one of those days yesterday."
Saleh, who has been replaced as head coach by defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on an interim basis, issued an emotional statement about his dismissal on Wednesday. He said: "To the Jets organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.
"To all of the players, I truly love and appreciate every single one of you. The character of the men in the locker room made coaching you guys the ultimate privilege. Through all the ups and downs, each and every one of you showed up every day and attacked every moment.
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"To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you. Every one of you was 'all in' and made sacrifices for one another that will never be forgotten. I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
"To the most passionate fanbase in the NFL, thank you for embracing my family. It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here. With love and regard. All gas no brake!!!"
Rodgers and the Jets return to action on Monday Night Football in Week 6, hosting AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. With the Bills sitting 3-2 on the year, the winner will take top spot in the division.
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