“He is going to come through for us,” Jets’ Jermaine Johnson strongly backs QB Aaron Rodgers for big season

Veteran Jets quarterback drew a lot of criticism after not showing for minicamp even though he seemed healed up from his Achilles injury but teammate Jermaine Johnson backed him to have a great second year in the Big Apple.

“He is going to come through for us,” Jets’ Jermaine Johnson strongly backs QB Aaron Rodgers for big season

Jermaine Johnson strongly backs QB Aaron Rodgers for big season (Image via IMAGO)

Jermaine Johnson did not get to play much with Aaron Rodgers last season, which made the third-year linebacker even more eager to share the field with someone he grew up watching. In Johnson’s eyes, Rodgers is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Rodgers joined the New York Jets team with a chip on his shoulder, taking the gang green back to the playoffs after a decade. However, the Super Bowl winner only into the fourth snap of his Jets career tore his Achilles, missing out on the entire season.

YouTube video

The Jets failed to recover from the major setback and finished with 7 wins. In the meantime, Rodgers went through rehab and healed in record time. Johnson saw the recovery process firsthand, which only increased his admiration for the 40-year-old even further.

During a recent appearance on The NFL Insider with Tom Pelissero, the 25-year-old delivered high praise for Rodgers.

First ballot Hall of Famer, [that will never change]. I am just excited to play with him. I grew up watching him. I am excited to be his teammate; I know he is going to come through for us.
Jermaine Johnson said

Jermaine Johnson shed light on the mood inside the Jets locker room when Aaron Rodgers missed mini-camp

Despite Rodgers’ experience, his actions and comments can throw people off. It may even appear as if the 4 time NFL MVP is an irresponsible individual.

Jets' Jermaine Johnson strongly backs QB Aaron Rodgers for big season
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

Fans definitely latched onto the narrative after Rodgers did not show up for the Jets minicamp in June. The three-day training session is mandatory, and everyone’s presence, including the veterans on the roster, is necessary.

This drew much ire from fans and analysts alike. However, Johnson revealed that it did not have any impact on the team whatsoever.

Zero impact. We didn't care. He [Rodgers] had stuff he had to handle.
Jermaine Johnson said

The Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh, was aware of the whereabouts of the 10-time Pro Bowler. Later, Rodgers disclosed that he traveled to Egypt to spend some time reflecting on himself.

Johnson added that this wasn’t a bother because the quarterback had attended all the voluntary sessions before the minicamp.

He was at all the voluntary stuff. It doesn't really make sense to scrutinize a guy who's been at all the stuff he didn't have to be at.
Johnson quipped

The 2022 first-round pick had a minor breakout season in 2023. He accumulated 36 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pick-6. After completing their pre-season games, the Jets will face off against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.

In case you missed it: