Aaron Rodgers has been the story for the New York Jets throughout the season. Even after suffering a season-ending injury four snaps into the 2023 campaign, seemingly derailing what appeared to be a promising season, Rodgers was the sun around which the Jets orbited.
Whether or not the quarterback could make a miraculous recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon and return this season was a frequent storyline. A comeback even being a remote possibility demonstrated the work that Rodgers put in. He initially rehabbed the injury on his own but still attended games. Later, he rejoined the team and his efforts at practice impressed his peers.
So it probably shouldn’t be a complete surprise that Rodgers was named the Jets’ most inspirational player, as voted on by his teammates.
“He loves his teammates, and his teammates love him,” Jets coach Robert Saleh told ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “He’s so intentional with how he approaches everybody in the building. He’s very thoughtful in the way he does things, and he’s a tremendous human. He’s really well deserving of this award.”
However, Rodgers has become an irritating figure for many NFL fans who believe he constantly seeks attention. This week’s controversy involving Jimmy Kimmel provided the latest example of someone who just can’t resist being in the spotlight. So when Cimini shared the news of Rodgers being honored by his teammates, fans scoffed on social media.
Brb I’m trying for the world record for longest eye roll
— Jord (@Lord_of_Jord) January 5, 2024
Legit one of the saddest things I’ve ever heard. https://t.co/PqEaUJx1Uv
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) January 5, 2024
Wow, that’s a pathetic statement on the culture in the Jets locker room. https://t.co/DelSrJ6arm
— Clean Observer (@Hammbear2024) January 5, 2024
Should have been Breece, absolute dawg who carried a lot of the offense when they utilized him. They would have lost more games if he did not play.
— Toska (@ilirtoska) January 5, 2024
He inspires the team to be extremely selfish and to force yourself into the media. Great role model
— LaMelo Ballin (@LaMeloIsBallin) January 5, 2024
An excruciating amount of effort goes into inflating this sad man’s already-bloated ego and affirming the absolute nonsense that spills out of his mouth every day. https://t.co/YpgB9cjrEw
— Scott Nover (@ScottNover) January 5, 2024
Rodgers is under contract for two more years, so the Jets are hoping that he’ll be able to inspire his teammates on the field next season.
