Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: Without leaks ‘it will be a little easier to win’

Less than a week after The Athletic published an article revealing dysfunction within the New York Jets organization, quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed media leaks during his latest appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.https://wordpress.com/

“There are definitely leaks,” Rodgers remarked during his Monday segment. “Some people have connections with the media, and it seems like there are motivations behind certain stories. At this point, nothing surprises me. There are always things happening within any organization that people might want to keep private, but here, it seems like those things don’t always stay private. They get exposed.”

Rodgers also reflected on the possibility of being released after the season, joking about a recent report claiming that team owner Woody Johnson consulted his teenage sons about team decisions.

“Being released would be a first for me; being released by a teenager, now that would really be a first,” Rodgers quipped with a laugh during his regular appearance on the show.

His comments came in response to The Athletic’s story discussing Johnson’s handling of the franchise. The report mentioned that video game ratings from Madden led Johnson to block a trade for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, and that his teenage sons had played a role in influencing decisions.

Later in the interview, Rodgers emphasized, “It can’t become the norm for there to be so many leaks, with people continuing to share information, whether it’s out of revenge or simply from within the organization. The standard should be that you’re not constantly raising questions for others. Leaking information shouldn’t be the accepted practice.”

He added, “Clearly, what’s best for the Jets is to stop these leaks. Once that issue is resolved, it will make winning a bit easier. While it doesn’t directly affect the players on the field, it does impact the culture, chemistry, and the overall atmosphere in the building. That’s what needs to improve.”

On Sunday, the Jets dropped to 4-11 after a home loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, has played in every game this season after recovering from an Achilles injury that limited him to just four snaps in 2023. He has thrown for 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Last month, The Athletic reported that Johnson suggested benching Rodgers in September. With just two games left in the season, the 41-year-old’s future with the team remains uncertain.

In October, Johnson fired head coach Robert Saleh and demoted offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett on the same day. A week later, wide receiver Davante Adams, a close friend of Rodgers, was traded to the Jets. In November, general manager Joe Douglas was let go, and the team has already begun searching for a replacement.