Giants Linebacker Irked by Portrayal of Aaron Rodgers Roast on ‘Hard Knocks’

Giants linebacker Jihad Ward expressed his dismay over his portrayal on HBO’s Hard Knocks during an on-field interaction with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

During the episode of Hard Knocks, an interaction between Rodgers and Ward went viral, in which the quarterback claimed he “didn’t know” who the linebacker was. 

“See, the thing is, they’re going to entertain. They’re going to show his part -- HBO... ‘Hard Knocks.’ They’re going to show his part. They weren’t even in the whole scenario of what really went down. They're going to show his side of the story. ... It’s all about Aaron Rodgers at the [end] of the day... They’re going to show his part and make me look like a sucker. But I ain’t going for that,” said Ward after practice on Wednesday, via ESPN. 

The incident occurred on the drive after Jets wide receiver Randall Cobb hit Giants defensive back Bobby McCain with an illegal block. Ward shoved Rodgers on the next drive, at which point the two got in each other’s faces and were chirping. 

Ward indicated he was sticking up for McCain, who was in concussion protocol this week as a result of the illegal block. Cobb was flagged with a 15-yard penalty. 

“My side of the story is I’m not going to let none of my teammates be backed down like that,” Ward said, when asked about his side of things. “I’m going to ride for my teammates.”

The Jets and Giants are slated to face off during the regular season in Week 8 on Sunday, Oct. 29 at MetLife Stadium. Ward indicated he’s anticipating the matchup. 

“It’s cool, though. That’s how they roll,” Ward said of the Jets. “I think we play them soon, it is what it is.”