Even after vehemently expressing indifference towards getting featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series throughout the offseason, the New York Jets was selected among the four finalists for the documentary series in early June. One of the biggest reasons behind their appearance was the Green Bay Packers’ former star, Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron’s transfer to the Jets was one of the biggest NFL acquisitions in years and the NY-based franchise has been under the spotlight one way or the other ever since. However, following Tuesday’s “Hard Knocks” season premiere, one NFL analyst claimed the version of the quarterback in the series contradicts his real personality.
Colin Cowherd questions Aaron Rodgers’ image
During Fox Sports 1’s show “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” on Wednesday morning, host Colin Cowherd offered his thoughts regarding the season premiere episode of ‘Hard Knocks’ saying HBO did their best to introduce a new and sanitized version of the four-time MVP.
“Aaron is selling a new version of Aaron. … It’s a sanitized presentation. … HBO and Aaron Rodgers are showing you that people are wrong, that Aaron’s a good guy. It felt like a little overkill. … I would argue, 13 years ago, I thought I was the first person and the only person, as everybody was sort of slobbering over his talent to ask real questions that needed to be asked.”
"It's a chance to rebrand."
— @ColinCowherd on takeaways from Aaron Rodgers in premiere of 'Hard Knocks.' pic.twitter.com/hpb4bN1yXD
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 9, 2023
Cowherd threw digs at the signal-caller asking why he doesn’t get along with his family while also marking his personality ‘prickly’ and ‘snarky’.
“Why didn’t he get along with his brother? Why doesn’t he get along with his parents? I don’t like his leadership. He seems prickly to me. There’s not a foxhole quality. He’s not always embraceable. He’s a little snarky. I don’t love his personality for a star quarterback. … I think what this is, what HBO is for Aaron, is actually a gift. It’s a rebrand.”
Whether the analyst’s take was an unnecessary jab or an honest reaction remains a question.
Aaron Rodgers brushes off fan taunts with poise
Aaron is expected to be benched during the entire preseason before appearing on the field donning New York’s jersey in their regular-season opener game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on September 11. Though the 39-year-old is not going to play in the preseason games, he was present in the joint practice to get some workouts in.
While the veteran was having a chit-chat with Carolina’s receiver Adam Thielen, a fan tried to agitate him by throwing some playful jabs. He didn’t keep quiet and shouted back saying, “Shut up! You’re on the other side of the fence!”
The boy replied back saying, “Come to the Queen City and we’re going to tear you up!” The banter continued for a while, albeit the 10-time Pro-Bowler’s huge grin probably signaled his ‘not-so-serious’ approach to the situation.
From Gang Green’s Jeff Ulbrich breaking down film with his unit and the media’s take on Rodgers’ arrival to Robert Saleh’s crow story and Chazz Surratt’s 53-man projections, the “Hard Knocks” season premiere has been quite interesting so far.
Have you watched the series? How would you rate it? Let us know what you think below!
