A recent claim by TheAthletic.com concerning New York Jets’ quarterback Zach Wilson has fueled such speculation.
On Monday, a report published by TheAthletic.com alleged that the New York Jets were keen on reintroducing their quarterback, Zach Wilson, to the lineup.
This report, however, claimed that Wilson demonstrated reluctance to return to the field.
The next day, fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in conversation with Pat McAfee, dismissed the entire assertion as “chickenshit.”
“I think it’s chickenshit at its core, and I think it has no place in a winning organization,” Rodgers said.
Aaron Rodgers calls the report that Zach Wilson is reluctant to play "chickenshit at its core." https://t.co/MQpNI8vGbA
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 5, 2023
Rodgers made it clear that he doesn’t appreciate attempts, deliberate or otherwise, to tarnish someone’s reputation the way the report allegedly did to Zach Wilson. Rodgers stated.
“When you use sources and whether intentional or unintentional try to assassinate someone’s character like that report does for Zach, I have a real hard time with that,” Rodgers said. “You’re basically saying that this kid is quitting on the team and doesn’t want to play and is giving the middle finger to the organization.”
Rodgers staunchly defended Wilson, taking umbrage with both the content of the report and the means by which it was disclosed.
“What is your impetus, what is your motivation to try and bury someone like that?” Rodgers said. “And that’s a problem with the organization. You know, we need to get to the bottom of whatever this is coming from and put a stop to it privately, because there’s no place in a winning culture where — and this is not the only time. There’s been a bunch of other leaks.”
Rodgers expressed his displeasure at the culture of leaks perpetuating such damaging stories. In the high-pressure sports environment, particularly in places like New York, leaks have always been a problem, and according to Rodgers, they always will be.
The report seemed to suggest that the Jets were at a winning stage, a claim which Rodgers refuted.
The Jets, he reminded, remained a struggling outfit, far from the winning organization the report painted them to be.
