When it comes to Aaron Rodgers’ leadership style, it appears the New York Jets quarterback favors a “do as I say, not as I do” approach.
At least that’s how three ESPN analysts — all of whom are former NFL players — see it following the Jets’ latest underwhelming loss, a 37-15 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football.
On Wednesday’s episode of Get Up, the show discussed Rodgers’ latest appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, in which the four-time NFL MVP offered a string of clichés about his 2-5 team not playing with enough joy. And when it came time to react, Domonique Foxworth all but rolled his eyes, quickly pointing to Rodgers’ play as one of the primary reasons for New York’s disappointing start.
“Man, throw some touchdowns,” Foxworth said, matter of factly. “I get it, it’s a leadership thing and maybe that works for them in the locker room. But my guess is they’re in the locker room like, ‘Man, don’t throw it to the guys in the other colored jerseys and throw some touchdowns. I don’t want to hear this.’ And I get it, every week on McAfee, that’s fine, that’s your thing.'”
Domonique Foxworth has seen enough of Aaron Rodgers trying to send messages via ‘The Pat McAfee Show.’
“Man, throw some touchdowns. I get it, it’s a leadership thing and maybe it works for them in the locker room. But my guess is they’re in the locker room like, ‘Man, don’t… pic.twitter.com/iq5VaIBVZb
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 23, 2024
Jeff Saturday — who spent a season playing alongside Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers in 2012 — quickly interjected, pointing out the hypocrisy of the 10-time Pro Bowl selection recently pointing the finger at the media while also doing weekly appearances on PMS.
“What you’re saying — do your actions meet your words?” Saturday asked. “‘Let’s not listen to the media. Let’s not pay attention to them. But I’m going to go on for an hour a clip, making extra cash.’ To go do what? You’re talking to your team through — they don’t watch McAfee, bro… No shot on McAfee, obviously. I’m just saying, in general.”
Andrew Hawkins added to the pile on, stating that Rodgers’ attempts at leadership are too little, too late.
“All this stuff that he’s saying, yes, that is what you should be doing — not now. That should’ve happened in April. That should’ve happened in minicamp,” the former NFL wide receiver said. “If you’re developing your fight strategy after the fight has started, it’s over bro. Get in the fetal position and breathe through your nose. Because you lost.”
Andrew Hawkins on Aaron Rodgers: “All this stuff that he’s saying, yes, that is what you should be doing — not now. That should’ve happened in April. That should’ve happened in minicamp… if you’re developing your fight strategy after the fight has started, it’s over bro. Get… pic.twitter.com/uf3G75bqsk
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 23, 2024
At the crux of the complaints regarding Rodgers seems to be a general exhaustion, which is understandable considering how much time ESPN spends talking about the Jets. At this point, there’s nothing the quarterback can seemingly say to compensate for his lackluster play — not that that will stop him from trying. And unless he and the Jets are able to turn their season around on the field, his weekly paid appearances on the McAfee Show will only add to that irritation.
[Get Up]
