Allen Lazard Meets the Media, Praises Nathaniel Hackett and Aaron Rodgers
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Allen Lazard provided multiple noteworthy soundbites during his introductory press conference on Friday.
The veteran receiver, who had been with the Green Bay Packers since 2018, signed a four-year deal to join the Jets and reunite with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Lazard, who saw his role expand significantly during Hackett’s tenure in Green Bay, spoke glowingly of the Jets’ offseason coaching hire.
"He's the best teacher I've ever had in my life and that goes from school to football," said Lazard about his prior experience with Hackett.
The 6-foot-5 receiver credited a portion of his success to Hackett allowing him to “play fast.”
Hackett was the offensive coordinator in Green Bay for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. After lasting only 15 games as the Denver Broncos' head coach in 2022, Hackett landed a job with the Jets as Mike LaFleur's replacement this past January.
Lazard went from being an undrafted free agent, who was claimed by the Packers off Jacksonville’s practice squad, to emerging as one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ top targets.
The Iowa State product made at least 33 receptions in each of the past four seasons. In 2022, Lazard led all Green Bay pass-catchers in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788).
WR Allen Lazard led Green Bay in receptions last season.
Kirby Lee / USA TODAY SPORTS
Looking forward to reconnecting with the four-time NFL MVP-winning field general, Lazard provided insight on his relationship with Rodgers.
“He called for me to be in the game in a lot of heavy pressure situations and has always believed in me,” said Lazard. “As a wide receiver, the best relationship you can have is with the quarterback. The relationship I've had with him has been phenomenal and obviously there is an inclination that he's coming here.”
Although the Packers and Jets still must reach a trade agreement for Rodgers to switch teams, Lazard sounded confident that he will again catch passes from his old quarterback in 2023.
“Sitting here today, obviously it feels good 12 is going to be my quarterback again,” said Lazard.
Over 57 regular season games with Green Bay, Lazard has caught 169 passes for 2,236 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has made five career playoff appearances, totaling 11 catches for 200 yards and one score.
Lazard has the ability to complement emerging star Garrett Wilson as the Jets’ clear-cut WR2. Wilson, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, gained 1,103 receiving yards on 83 catches in 2022.
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