The biggest question surrounding the New York Jets’ surprising decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh this week involves how much influence Aaron Rodgers had on the decision.
The Jets quarterback has denied what he calls the “patently false” allegations that he asked team owner Woody Johnson to fire Saleh, who had a 20-36 record in three-plus seasons in New York.
Whether Rodgers had input or not, the fact remains that star players have sent many coaches packing. In fact, former NFL star Mark Chmura, now a radio host with ESPN Milwaukee, recalled a similar situation in Minnesota years ago. He claims his former Green Bay Packers teammate, Brett Favre, reportedly got Vikings head coach Brad Childress fired 10 games into the 2010 season.
The fact Favre served as Rodgers’ mentor three seasons with the Packers only makes the story more intriguing … as does Chmura’s claim Favre was sitting in a deer stand when he allegedly talked to team owner Zygi Wilf.
Chmura shared the tale Wednesday on the Jen, Gabe, & Chewy show.
“When [Favre] was with Minnesota, second year they’re not playing as well,” Chmura said. “‘Chilly’ goes up to him and says, ‘I’m going to pull you out of the game.’ And we all know No. 4 … he said ‘No.’ And they got into a fight on the sideline.
“Do people know this, or no?”
“I’m unfamiliar,” co-host Jen Lada responded.
“So Chilly is replacing Brett, Brett runs onto the field, says, ‘You’re not replacing me,’ plays the rest of the game. Get into a huge fight after the game.
“Brett’s in a deer stand on Tuesday, Zygi Wilf calls him up and is like, ‘What should I do?’ And Brett said, ‘Fire his a**.’
“What does Zygi Wilf do? Fires him.”
Chewy on how Brett Favre got Brad Childress fired after a loss to the #Packers 👀 pic.twitter.com/jRzJl6IRIJ
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) October 9, 2024
Chmura concluded: “This is the exact same story, the exact same story, what went on here. Aaron Rodgers, I guarantee, I guarantee he told Woody Johnson to fire (Saleh).”
Favre and Chmura were close friends who reportedly shared many partying adventures during their time together in Green Bay, so he’s got credibility on the matter.
[ESPN Milwaukee]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.