Aaron Rodgers Shares Strong Opinions on Jets' OC Nathaniel Hackett
It's an imminent reunion bound to excite all parties involved.
After stating his intention to play for the New York Jets while appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, quarterback Aaron Rodgers gave a ringing endorsement of Gang Green's new offensive coordinator.
The Jets officially hired Nathaniel Hackett weeks before "Rodgers Watch" was even a thing, but there's no denying the coach's ties to the four-time National Football League Most Valuable Player.
“There’s a lot of reasons why the Jets are attractive, but there’s one coach who has meant as much to me as any coach I’ve ever had and he happens to be the coordinator there,” said Rodgers on the live YouTube Show hosted by the former NFL punter.
“Anybody who has been around Nathaniel Hackett knows that he brings a lot of energy, a lot of fun. He’s an incredible teacher of the game, especially the quarterback position, and he’s a really good human being,” raved Rodgers.
Rodgers, an 18-year NFL veteran, played three seasons (2019-2021) with Hackett as the offensive coordinator in Green Bay. The decorated signal caller passed for more than 4,000 yards in each of his three years executing Hackett’s scheme.
The Packers stacked up 39 regular season wins during Hackett’s three-year tenure with Rodgers throwing 111 touchdown passes to only 13 interceptions over that span. Green Bay led the NFL in yards per offensive snap (6.3) in 2020.
Rodgers won back-to-back NFL MVP awards (2020, 2021) with Hackett calling the plays, and the quarterback set career highs in completion percentage (70.7) and touchdown passes (48) during the 2020 campaign.
Rodgers took exception to the idea that Jets’ brass hired Hackett in late January as a means of increasing its chances of landing the star quarterback.
“For people to say that that was done just as an attempt to lure me is a total disservice to Nathaniel Hackett, what he’s accomplished in his career,” said Rodgers. “I’ll push back at that every time. He’s not just a [expletive] great human, but he’s a great football coach.”
Two days after Rodgers' guest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, the Jets introduced newly-signed free agent receiver Allen Lazard to the media.
Lazard, who spent his first five NFL seasons in Green Bay with Rodgers as his quarterback, also had plenty of praise for Hackett.
"He's the best teacher I've ever had in my life and that goes from school to football," said Lazard. “He makes learning fun. He allows you to go out there and just play fast and not think. Because of that is the reason why I’ve had a lot of success these past few years.”
The 6-foot-5 receiver, who signed a four-year contract with Gang Green, made at least 33 catches in each of the past four seasons. In 2022, Lazard led all Green Bay pass-catchers in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788).
Before Rodgers can officially reunite with Hackett and Lazard in New York, the Packers and the Jets must agree on a trade compensation package for the Super Bowl XLV MVP.
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