Ditched by Aaron Rodgers for Davante Adams, Ex-Packers WR Defends Jets QB for Missing Mandatory Minicamp

Aaron Rodgers finds some unexpected support! The New York Jets QB dominated the headlines recently, for all the wrong reasons after missing the mandatory minicamp. The issue became even bigger after the Jets HC Robert Saleh called it an “unexcused leave.” While some experts question Rodgers’ commitment to the team and the sport, the NFL star still has some friends left!

The man in question is none other than James Jones, the former NFL WR. The California native played 8 seasons with Aaron Rodgers at the Green Bay Packers and won a Super Bowl together. James had 5,195 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns for the Green and the Gold. But that was not enough for A-Rod, as he chose the current Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams as the best wide receiver he has played with at the Packers. Despite the snub, James still has Rodgers’ back!

James Jones stands up for Aaron Rodgers

In an episode of FS1’s SPEAK, James Jones questioned the coverage around Aaron Rodgers skipping the Jets minicamp. The 40-year-old attended all the voluntary OTAs and participated in charity events before missing the camp due to a prior commitment. On June 14, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner defended his teammate from criticism and wondered why Rodgers missing “2 days of practice” was a “big deal.” Jones echoed the same sentiment and added, “What drama?”

The former Packers No. 89 also repeated Gardner’s point that the QB attended 1,2 & 3 of OTAs and claimed, “He could have sat out and not been at this.” He also cited the Jets boss Robert Saleh praising Rodgers for mentoring the youngsters. “He has been the best that he possibly could be since he’s been at Jets… He has done every single thing right since he’s been at New York Jets,” said James Jones.

The New York Jets will hold their training from July 27 onward. Jones opines the whole issue will be lost in the shuffle as the team begins practices and starts playing preseason matches before the regular season kicks off in September. Rodgers will be eager to put his cleats back on and if another of his teammates is to be believed, Aaron can achieve greatness with the franchise next season.

Aaron Rodgers to lead the Jets to playoffs?

It is no secret that the New York Jets are a struggling franchise. Since the 2010 season, Gang Green hasn’t qualified for the NFL playoffs. Hence, Woody Johnson & Co. brought in Aaron Rodgers last season to pull the Jets out of the mud. Unfortunately, a freak Achilles injury kept that from happening, as A-Rod missed the entire campaign. But, according to David Bakhtiari, the 2024 season can be a turning point for both the team and their star QB.

“I know that his fire is burning really hard,” said the former Packers OT and Rodgers’ teammate. He continued, “I think for sure they make the playoffs and then after that, I mean, all you need is a ticket to the dance.” Bakhtiari’s prediction is certainly a bold one, but not out of the realm of possibility. With existing talents like Garrett Wilson, and Sauce Gardner and new additions like Mike Williams and Malachi Corley, the Jets have the ingredients for a successful team under Rodgers’ leadership.

Aaron Rodgers, 40, will be the oldest active NFL player in the 2024 season. As his four NFL MVP awards suggest, the veteran has seen it all and done it all. Can he turn the clock and finally end the Jets’ misery? Fans will find out very soon.