Albert Breer Highlights 'Good Sign' for Rodgers and Jets
Aaron Rodgers wasted no time with his new team last week.
He was asked about practicing at the New York Jets' facility during his introductory press conference on Wednesday, April 26 and the 39-year old quarterback indicated he was ready to get started.
"Does tomorrow count? Yeah, tomorrow. I’ll be in there tomorrow," said Rodgers.
Making good on his word, the future Hall-of-Famer was present in Florham Park on Thursday. Documenting the occasion, the Jets' social media staff shared a video clip of Rodgers tossing a ball to receiver Allen Lazard, who was his top target last year in Green Bay.
Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated national writer Albert Breer apparently likes what he has seen over the past week. Breer dedicated a portion of his "MMQB Takeaways" article to Rodgers and his future with Gang Green.
From "MMQB Takeaways" on May 1:
"It’s a really, really good sign that Aaron Rodgers is already taking part in the team’s offseason program. That, and Rodgers’s designs on playing two more years, were part of the Jets’ discussions with the quarterback before the trade. And that renewed investment, and fire, are important, in that we’ve seen what an older quarterback scorned (Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre) can do with that sort of motivational wind at his back.
Here’s what Robert Saleh has seen so far: “We’re a really, really young team, especially on offense, and just to watch him and Nathaniel [Hackett] and the way they communicate together, he’s already made his presence felt with regards to meetings and input, just discussions on all of the different things we’re trying to get accomplished on offense.
“He’s a tremendous human, first and foremost, Aaron is. Just listening to him, there are little, subtle things I’m not going to get into, but he definitely cares about people, and you can tell in the way he speaks to people. So we’re really fortunate that he’s here.”
- Albert Breer
Breer pointed out that Rodgers' current behavior is a pivot from the superstar quarterback's approach to the 2022 offseason, when he chose not to participate in the Packers' voluntary program.
"I’m an old guy, so I want to be part of a team that can win it all. I believe that this is a place we can get that done," said Rodgers at his inaugural Jets' presser.
A reunion with Lazard and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett are likely two key reasons why Rodgers appears energized to play in New York.
"A big reason I’m here, I gotta mention, is Nathaniel Hackett," said Rodgers. "Hack and I became really close friends three years in Green Bay. I love him, like a brother, and I believe in him. I’m really happy to be back working with him again."
In three years together (2019-21), Rodgers and Hackett ran a Green Bay offense that powered the franchise to 39 regular season wins. Rodgers won back-to-back NFL MVP awards in 2020 and 2021.
Meanwhile, Lazard went from undrafted free agent to top target over his time with Rodgers as his quarterback. The 6-foot-5 pass-catcher led the Packers in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788) in 2022.
READ MORE:
Albert Breer’s Winners and Takeaways From the 2023 NFL Draft
Rodgers Brings Super Bowl Aspirations to Gang Green
Sauce Gardner Ready for Aaron Rodgers to Take the Reins
Hiring Hackett Big Reason Why Jets Landed Rodgers
