Aaron Rodgers Defends Jets Rookie Zach Wilson Against Character Assassination
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers slams media's character assassination of teammate Zach Wilson, responding to rumors that Wilson was hesitant to reclaim starting position post-benching Rodgers defends Wilson's integrity
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke out against the media's "character assassination" of his teammate, Zach Wilson, following reports that Wilson was hesitant to reclaim the starting position after being benched earlier in the season. The Athletic reported that the team wants Wilson to start in their Week 14 game against the Houston Texans, but Wilson was reportedly concerned about the risk of injury.
After tearing his Achilles just four snaps into his time in New Jersey, Rodgers dismissed the report as "chickensh*t at its core," and affirmed his admiration for Wilson. During his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday, he questioned the credibility of sources and their motivations.
Continuing in this manner, when using sources to intentionally or unintentionally attack someone's character, as was done in the report about Zach, I find it incredibly difficult to accept. How else can you interpret it? Essentially, it implies that this individual is abandoning the team, has no desire to play, and is disrespecting the organization.
"I prefer not to speak on his behalf. He will have the opportunity to speak this week and I will allow him to do so. He has faced numerous challenges in the past three years and it is understandable that he feels frustrated and disappointed."
CNN has contacted Wilson to provide him with the chance to respond to the report. Wilson has not publicly addressed The Athletic's report and is expected to address the media on Thursday.
Earlier in the week, Jets head coach Robert Saleh declined to confirm who would start at quarterback for the Week 14 game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. He did, however, dismiss reports that Wilson is hesitant to reclaim the starting position. "Let's be clear, if [Wilson] was reluctant to play, he wouldn't be here," Saleh stated on Monday. "I coincidentally just finished talking with him. He came in about a half hour ago and we had a really good conversation."
Added Saleh, "The young man is eager for the ball and to lead. He is confident that he is the top quarterback in the room and the ideal quarterback for this team, the one who can give us the best opportunity to win."
Rodgers (right) and Wilson (left) participate in drills during practice.
Rich Schultz/Getty Images/File
Saleh commented on the situation, stating, "We're in a society where kids are so worried about their draft status that they miss bowl games. If the discussion about Wilson's reluctance leaked to the media, I don't believe it accurately represents his mindset. He just wants to play." The Athletic reported anonymous sources discussing Wilson's hesitation to return as the Jets starter.
Four-time NFL MVP Rodgers voiced his frustration with the Jets organization's culture of anonymous leaks. "We must uncover the source of these leaks and address them privately. This behavior has no place in a winning culture. This isn't an isolated incident; there have been numerous leaks."
Rodgers emphasized the importance of discretion within the locker room, stating that certain discussions should remain private and not be shared outside of the team. He emphasized the need to address the issue and eliminate any breaches of trust.
CNN has provided the Jets with an opportunity to respond to Rodgers' remarks on anonymous leaks from within the organization. The Jets, aiming for their first postseason berth since 2010, released Boyle and brought in Brett Rypien from the Seattle Seahawks practice squad on Tuesday. There was a ray of hope for the team last week when Rodgers was cleared to practice, despite initial expectations that he would be out for the rest of the season.
However, it is still unclear when he will be able to play, if at all, this season.
