The New York Jets are one of the most talked-about teams in American sports today, ever since four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers joined the team. While the team seems ready to take center stage for a Super Bowl run, they aren’t really too happy about playing off-Broadway during the preseason.
Aaron Rodgers New York Jets Practice Clips | via YouTube
While the new quarterback is more than happy to be the new toast of the town, he and his teammates will receive plenty of media scrutiny before they play under the bright lights of New York City. Although the team and their new leader made it clear they weren’t interested, the NFL is forcing them to take part in the upcoming season of ‘Hard Knocks’. The Jets were one of only four teams that could be highlighted on the show in 2023 (per league rules), and the squad was likely chosen due to their acquisition of Rodgers.
‘Hard Knocks’ is a reality TV series produced by NFL Films that follows a team through its training camp and covers the team’s preparation for the upcoming football season. Since it first aired in 2001, the show has been known for up-close looks at the lives of the players as they deal with practice, injuries, personal struggles, and final cuts. In the past, it has been critically acclaimed for introducing fans to a more personal side of the game.
In what has turned out to be an uncomfortable situation, New York head coach Robert Saleh made it clear that he and his players aren’t interested in all the attention. With the stakes at an all-time high, the Jets and their new riverboat gambler at QB really don’t want to tip their hand. He’s also made it clear that he will only allow cameras access to certain parts of training camp, but some – like players being cut – will be deemed as strictly off-limits.
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As far as Rodgers is concerned, his first season with the franchise will unfortunately start off with an unwanted annoyance. The 39-year-old veteran has never been shy about any subject, and he’s been pretty forward about his feelings on this topic, as well.
“I understand the appeal with us. There’s a lot of eyes on me, a lot of eyes on our team. A lot of expectations for our squad,” Rodgers commented to TV station KPIX while taking part in the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe this weekend. “They forced it down our throat, and we have to deal with it.”
After some really prolonged negotiations that went on for at least six weeks, the Jets finally acquired Rodgers in late April. In the exchange, New York received Rodgers, the No. 15 pick in the ’23 draft, and a ’23 fifth-round pick (No. 170). The No. 13 pick, a ’23 second-round pick (No. 42), a ’23 sixth-round pick (No. 207), and a conditional 2024 second-rounder went over to the Packers.