From Hard Knocks to 'VEEP', More Distractions For Rodgers, Jets
Aaron Rodgers, January 2024:
“Everything that we do has to have a purpose. The bull(bleep) that has nothing to do with winning has to get out of the building.”
Fast-forward to ... Rodgers running for Vice President?!
X/ @RobertKennedyJr
So much for "flushing the b.s." distractions from the New York Jets. Despite his mandate, the quarterback this week made very non-football headlines by being a candidate for Vice President of the United States and releasing a statement clarifying his stance on the 2012 Sandy Hook school shootings.
On March 26, Robert F. Kennedy will announce his official running made for his 2024 Independent Party Presidential bid. He reportedly reached out to approximately 10 potential Vice Presidents and received positive feedback from only two: Rodgers, and former pro wrestler and Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura.
With the election in November - right in the middle of the NFL season - Rodgers' involvement would certainly be a major distraction to the Jets. Question is, would it even be legal under NFL rules?
Jets owner Woody Johnson had to officially leave the organization to be part of Donald Trump's cabinet from 2016-20 (ambassador to the United Kingdom). But with Rodgers being an active player, it's murky territory. He also has zero political experience, which makes it all the more intriguing.
Rodgers, who is rehabbing his torn Achilles from last season, isn't technically required to be at Florham Park until training camp in late July. Obviously, the Jets would like him around for OTAs to build relationships with new offensive linemen, receivers, etc.
There are no NFL rules specifically against a player running for political office. Rodgers hasn't commented on his potential candidacy, and likely won't if/until Kennedy Jr. nominates him.
Last season the Jets endured HBO's Hard Knocks and Rodgers' injury on the fourth snap. But if Rodgers runs for Vice President of the United States during the season, we ain't seen nothing yet.
The first Vice Presidential debate, for what it's worth, is scheduled for Sept. 25 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, about an hour from Jets headquarters.
