Aaron Rodgers Gives Reason for Trip to Egypt, Jets Fine

No one is above being fined inside the halls of 1 Jets Drive.

Not even a four-time NFL MVP.

As Aaron Rodgers walked up to the podium after the first full practice of training camp for the New York Jets , the former Super Bowl champion knew that he would have to answer questions regarding his trip to Egypt being at the same time as missing mandatory minicamp - an absence that caused a stir among NFL media and even resulted in a fine for the quarterback.

“I originally scheduled it based on the previous year’s (practice) schedule, which had us out, I believe, by the 9th or 10th,” Rodgers said. “So once I saw the schedule, I was trying to move some things around. It just didn’t happen.”

Rodgers later said Wednesday that he had conversations with Jets head coach Robert Saleh and that he was fined by the team in accordance of the NFL's CBA rules of missing mandatory work for unexcused absences.

New York's quarterback, though, was not disturbed by the team's decision to fine him, and has moved forward with the understanding that everything is fine with the organization.

“Obviously, he (Saleh) wanted me to be there, and I knew the consequences if I wasn’t going to be there,” Rodgers explained. “The reaction is what it is...Robert and I are great. We've had great conversations all offseason."

As for his trip to Egypt, Rodgers detailed to reporters his trip, and the experiences that he had as he ventured across the globe to a place he was looking forward to visiting for the last 30 years.

“The last two days were pretty special,” Rodgers said. “The second-to-last day, we were at the pyramids and the Sphinx in a private viewing. And then we went out in the desert on camels.”

Rodgers and the Jets are turning the page from June's "unexcused" absence from mandatory minicamp with the start of daily practices at the team facility in Florham Park.

The 40-year-old signal-caller has been a key part of the leadership change over the last couple of years and believes this current roster is the best it has been in quite some time.

At the end of the day, though, simply winning regular season games won't be enough for Rodgers and the Jets. In the end, despite coming off a torn Achilles the year prior, the goal continues to be to reach the top for both parties.

“The goal is New Orleans,” Rodgers said refencing the site of Super Bowl LIX. “It has to be the goal...The beauty is that every single year, there’s eight to 12 teams, maybe, probably less, but eight to 12 teams that can actually do it.

“And, we’re one of those eight to 12.”