Aaron Rodgers supports Zach Wilson, labels his refusal to play a fabrication while blasting Jets for media leaks

As the New York Jets embarked on their new season, the team faced an early setback with quarterback Aaron Rodgers sidelined due to injury, despite an initial season-opening victory led by Zach Wilson. However, as Wilson aimed to reclaim his starting role and showcase his prowess, he encountered stumbling blocks that eroded the trust of head coach Robert Saleh.

Adding to the woes, a report surfaced questioning Wilson’s willingness to reclaim his starting role, intensifying the scrutiny on the young quarterback. In the midst of these complications, former Green Bay Packers player Aaron Rodgers stepped forward, not only to support Wilson but also to express his deep admiration for the young quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers defends Zach Wilson

The report, which circulated on Monday, suggested that the Jets were eager for Wilson to resume his starting position, but the quarterback was allegedly hesitant to do so.

Despite the speculations, Rodgers, appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday and expressed unwavering support for Wilson, emphasizing his fondness and admiration for the young quarterback. The 39-year-old spent considerable time with Wilson, hence he knows the QB well enough to refer to him as “amazing” and conveyed a sense of camaraderie with the struggling player.

“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 during the show.

While acknowledging the challenges that Wilson has faced in his third year, including being benched twice last season and recently losing his starting role to Tim Boyle, the four-time MVP empathized with the quarterback’s frustration and disappointment. Aaron has been a vocal supporter of Wilson since arriving in the Big Apple, hence regarding the situation, he noted that Wilson has “every right to be frustrated” considering the adversity he has encountered throughout his young career.

“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,” Rodgers commented.

While head coach Robert Saleh refuted the specific claim that Wilson is reluctant to return, the report also suggested a potential discussion between Wilson and Rodgers about his comeback, a detail yet to be addressed. Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing controversy, the Jets made a move by releasing Tim Boyle on Tuesday, according to ESPN.

Aaron Rodgers criticizes Jets for media leaks

During his fiery response on Tuesday, Aaron Rodgers also vehemently criticized the published report on Zach Wilson. Rodgers, known for his candid remarks, called the report a “character assassination” aimed at burying Wilson and damaging his reputation, amid his own return rumors.

The 39-year-old, who recently made his return to the practice, also conveyed his displeasure with the use of anonymous sources and questioned the motives behind such leaks. He further detailed the potential harm they can cause to a player’s image.

“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.”

Despite no public statements from Wilson regarding his willingness to play, Rodgers expressed his frustration at the implied narrative that Wilson was “quitting on the team” and giving the “middle finger to the organization.”

In defense of the report, Dianna Russini, senior NFL insider for The Athletic, reiterated the journalistic integrity of their reporting. However, Aaron Rodgers remained adamant in his criticism, urging the organization to identify and address the sources responsible for what he deemed “chicken s—” leaks to the media.

What’s your opinion on the Zach Wilson drama?