Days after receiving Aaron Rodgers support, Zach Wilson sets the record straight on reports of reluctance to play

Zach Wilson knew he would be losing his starting spot when Aaron Rodgers was acquired from the Green Bay Packers. However, destiny decided to favor him, as A-Rod tore his Achilles in his debut with Gang Green and went down for the whole season. While the ex-Packers star started his rehab journey, Wilson was leading the team in offense.

However, Wilson somehow failed to capitalize on the opportunity, as he showcased a lackluster performance throughout the season before losing the QB1 role. Meanwhile, a report circulated about his reluctance to be a starter again, which now prompted a response from the signal-caller himself.

Zach Wilson shuts down speculation

Since joining the New York Jets as the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Zach Wilson has experienced the highs and lows of leading an NFL team. In his 32 games, with 31 starts under his belt, Gang Green has faced an 11-20 record.

The signal-caller has been a starter in the maximum number of Jets matches this season before losing his spot to Tim Boyle. Meanwhile, a recent report of the Athletic surfaced regarding the Jets’ attempt to reinstate him as their starting quarterback following a lackluster performance by other players in his position. Despite the team’s outreach, the QB was reportedly cautious about returning.

However, when questioned about this reluctance, Wilson emphasized his commitment to the team by expressing his willingness to step onto the field whenever the opportunity arises.

“I love the guys in this locker room and I would do anything. I think any time you have an opportunity to step on this field, you need to take advantage of it”

Before his benching earlier in the season, Wilson’s performance was a mixed bag, completing 59.2 percent of his passes for 1,944 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

The Jets, currently enduring a five-game losing streak and with a 4-8 record, are teetering on the edge of playoff contention. The recent decision to waive Tim Boyle and sign Brett Rypien from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad highlights the team’s continued search for stability at the quarterback position, while A-Rod is unlikely to resume play.

Aaron Rodgers comes to Zach Wilson’s defense

Following the swirl of controversy surrounding Wilson’s alleged reluctance to play for theJets, Rodgers emerged as a vocal advocate for the embattled player. In a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, A-Rod boasted substantial personal interactions with the young QB while hailing him as an “amazing young man.”

“I love the kid. I’ve spent a lot of time with him. I think he’s an amazing young man, and he is young. He’s early 20s, and I’ve had a blast spending time with him,” Rodgers stated via Yahoo Sports.

Wilson has been facing constant criticism from the NFL community lately. However, many sports enthusiasts also believe that his potential has been properly utilized in Gang Green and have even slammed the team for treating him like a “trash”. A-Rod also empathized with the pressure and difficulties the young QB has weathered.

The four-time MVP lauded Wilson’s resilience by acknowledging the tough situations he has navigated over the past few years. He also remarked on the signal-caller’s ability to uphold accountability, especially during trying times within the season.

“He’s gone through a lot of s— in the last three years, and he’s got every right to be frustrated and disappointed about it. I think he’s done a good job of staying up and taking accountability this year when it’s been his part to do.”

The former Green Bay Packers QB didn’t mince words in his rebuke of the report regarding Wilson’s indifference in continuing his journey with the Jets. He vehemently criticized the report as a “character assassination” made to malign and damage the young star’s reputation. He also questioned the intentions behind such tactics and expressed his disdain for the unfounded attack on his successor’s character.

“I will say this, when you have sources, right, and that’s always an interesting thing — first of all, you can go down a whole rabbit hole with actual sources, made up sources. Why is someone willing to be a source? What are they gaining out of that? On and on and on, but when you use sources, and whether intentional or unintentional, try to assassinate someone’s character, like that report does for Zach, I have a real hard time with that.”

Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who showcased his immense commitment to Wilson throughout the season, stepped forward to dismiss the report. He firmly stated that if Zach had any reluctance to play, he wouldn’t be present with the team. The HC also reiterated the signal-caller’s desire to get back onto the field by quoting that he expressed eagerness to have the ball back in his hands and his determination to play.

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