Aaron Rodgers and His Jets Teammates Engulfed in Entertainment Capital of the World
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Aaron Rodgers is living the dream life.
Seemingly embracing all things New York, the superstar quarterback is experiencing a major change of pace from his former home in small-town Wisconsin.
"Green Bay is an amazing place. We played there for a long time, but you don't have opportunities like that," said Jets' receiver Randall Cobb, a longtime Rodgers' friend. "You can't go to Broadway or go watch a show. There is no Broadway [in Wisconsin]."
Eager to explore his new surroundings, Rodgers has embarked on many off-field adventures that have taken him through the heart of the Big Apple and beyond.
In the past month, Rodgers has found himself amidst the electric atmosphere of Madison Square Garden, attending a thrilling Knicks playoff game. He was joined by none other than Sauce Gardner, the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. After the game, which was also attended by emcee Jack Harlow, Gardner stated it was one of the best days/nights he had in a while.
Rodgers further dove into the world of NY and NJ sports having also made an appearance at the Rangers-Devils playoff game at MSG. New Jersey being his new home, playing with New York on his helmet, he reveled amongst some of the most passionate fans in the Metropolitan area.
Aaron Rodgers interacts with director Spike Lee at MSG
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
"He has these opportunities. He used to go to [Milwaukee] Bucks games all the time, but that's a two-hour drive. It's 40 minutes here," said Cobb.
The outings haven’t been limited to sporting events as Rodgers attended not one, but two Taylor Swift concerts, where he danced and sang along with thousands of adoring fans. The pop sensation's electrifying performances left him awe-struck and rejuvenated. As the end-of-show confetti fell, Rodgers was seen on video basking in the championship feeling, exclaiming the "Jets have won the Super Bowl.”
This past week, Rodgers sat front row at a performance of the Broadway musical "Wicked," alongside fellow teammates CJ Uzomah, Tim Boyle and Chris Streveler.
"We have nice talks about Broadway shows sometimes, which is nice, because I'm a big Broadway guy," said Uzomah after a May 23 practice. "He's a big Broadway guy, doing stuff in the City."
It was reported by one of the lead actors, Jordan Litz, that Rodgers was heavily invested the show, cackling along at all the jokes and had a good time.
As Rodgers continues to explore his new home, he discovered a shared affinity among his fellow Jets players for the Jersey Shore.
During a press conference last month, Rodgers expressed his admiration for the reality show "Jersey Shore," admitting that he, too, was a fan. Jets second-year running back Breece Hall seems to share those same feelings. The Iowa State product was seen at The Block in Long Branch, fine dining alongside teammates. Braxton Berrios was known to patronize this steakhouse during his Jets' tenure.
Hall was later spotted where everyone pumps their fists and smacks the walls, DJais in Belmar, one of the notable and most popular clubs at the Jersey Shore.
Taking advantage of his new surroundings, Rodgers and teammates have found a perfect blend of sports, culture, and leisure, immersing themselves in the vibrant tapestry of New York City and New Jersey.
"The opportunity to go and be a part of the City and get to feel the City and see all the things, I'm sure he's enjoying that," said Cobb.
Forging new friendships and creating lasting memories already, the tone that is being set is full-steam-ahead and couldn’t be more of an exciting time for Gang Green.
Follow Amanda Shinn on Instagram (@jets_nashinn)
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