Jets’ Sauce Gardner hits back at people criticizing Aaron Rodgers for missing mandatory minicamp
A frustrated Gardner lashed out on the constant barrage of criticism on Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers and Sauce Gardner (Image via IMAGO)
Sauce Gardner defended his quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the constant social media barrage. The veteran’s absence at the New York Jets mandatory minicamp has become a real issue, with several prominent analysts labeling Rodgers as irresponsible.
There’s a lot of pressure to deliver for the 40-year-old going into the second season of his Jets career. Despite the doubts about his fitness, Rodgers was a constant present in all the phases of the Jets OTAs.
However, earlier this week The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt revealed that Aaron Rodgers was and remained absent during the first two days of the mini-camp. This was backed up by Rosenblatt’s colleague and NFL insider Dianna Russini.
Although Rodgers’ teammates had no problem with the Super Bowl winner missing a few training sessions, analysts like Nick Wright called Rodgers a phony for trying to raise the Jets’ hopes up and then abandoning them.
Sauce Gardner, who remains a constant presence on social media, finally decided to speak up in favor of his quarterback. The Jets’ corner lashed at the naysayers for trying to create confusion among the players and the fans.
Are y’all really making a big deal because a 15+ year HOF QB missed 2 days of practice after being with the team all throughout Phase 1, 2, & 3 of OTA’s?? GG’s.
Sauce Gardner wrote on X (formerly Twitter)
Head coach Robert Saleh addressed Rodgers missing out on minicamp. Saleh revealed that the 4 time NFL MVP was busy with an important personal matter.
Are y'all really making a big deal because a 15+ year HOF QB missed 2 days of practice after being with the team all throughout Phase 1, 2, & 3 of OTA's?? GG's.
— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) June 14, 2024
Similar to Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed also had Aaron Rodgers’ back
Following an impressive second year in New York, racking up 62 tackles and one interception, corner DJ Reed is looking forward to sharing the field with Rodgers. Similar to his defensive back partner, Reed also chimed in with his thoughts about Rodgers.
He has been here before I was here. I think he was here the first day, phase one, phase two. He has been here for the majority of practices that weren’t mandatory.DJ Reed said per Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News
"That's our quarterback. If it's important to him, it's important to us. It's really not a big deal."
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 12, 2024
DJ Reed was asked about Aaron Rodgers not being at Jets minicamp: pic.twitter.com/aya9WsUSly
Reed only had positives to say about the former Green Bay Packers QB. The 27-year-old claimed that Rodgers’ mere presence in training energizes the players around him.
He [literally] makes everybody around him better. When A.R.’s [Rodgers] at quarterback, [even] the receivers feel a little bit better, the tight ends feel a little bit better, the running back… everybody just ups their game.DJ Reed
The Jets fans have been waiting since April last year to witness Rodgers’ magic in the gang green colors. Saleh’s men will begin their quest for a first playoff appearance since 2010 against last season’s Super Bowl runners-up, the San Francisco 49ers.
In case you missed it:
- WATCH: ‘Emotional’ Tom Brady tears up on stage after Patriots retire his iconic number 12 jersey
- ‘Candid’ Chris Jones hopes to retire together with teammate Travis Kelce: “I don’t even want my mind to go that far”
Ishan Misra
(3057 Articles Published)