HBO’s “Hard Knocks” happened this fall, though Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets were reluctant initially. However, Rodgers was excited about meeting narrator Liev Schreiber as a part of this iconic documentary.
Rodgers’ arrival to the Jets this summer and his starstruck meeting with Schreiber as he arrives via helicopter at the training camp was a part of the first episode of the season Tuesday night.
The new Jets quarterback introduced himself and made everyone do the same. He told fellow quarterbacks, “It’s the voice of God! You guys didn’t say hi? Go say hi! It’s the voice of God!.”
He later convinced offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as well to “Go say hi! Don’t be an as****. He’s nervous, and he wants to meet people.”
Schreiber, the HBO show’s longtime voice, was excited to meet Rodgers, too.
Robert Saleh, the Jets head coach told Schreiber: “I had no idea you were the voice of Hard Knocks.”
To which, Schreiber replied: “My mom said she doesn’t even recognize my voice.”
Rodgers was asked by Schreiber why he wasn’t interested in having the show around after being thanked for his excitement about his arrival. “I think people are worried about it being a distraction,” Rodgers answered. “There’s a lot of misnomers about it. I’ve had a great experience.” He said this last month too, but it wasn’t as polite.
While playing at the American Century Championship, Rodgers said, “I understand the appeal with us. Obviously, there’s a lot of eyes on me. A lot of eyes on our team. A lot of expectations for our squad.
“They forced it down our throats, and we gotta deal with it.”
Meeting Schreiber was an upside for him.
Rodgers adapted to his new role with the Jets and embraced the “Hard Knocks” cameras well. The episode highlighted Rogers’ relationship with backup quarterback Zach Wilson, who lost his starting job last season before his arrival, and Rodgers mentoring him.
The 39-year-old had played for the Green Bay Packers his entire life and was only recently traded to the Jets in April. It’s been a decade since the franchise has been to the playoffs, and the multiple-time MVP has brought high expectations.
For the Jets, for better or for worse, this season is all about Rodgers, “Hard Knocks” is a testimony to that.
