New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t present for mandatory minicamp this week. It's awfully peculiar, given its "mandatory” nature. Furthermore, head coach Robert Saleh described Rodgers' absence as “unexcused,” adding another layer of mystery to his ongoing truancy.
There’s no indication that a team-based standoff over money or direction is occurring, nor does it appear to be emergency-related. No, the four-time MVP simply had an “event” that was more important to him. What’s more important than mandatory attendance at your job?
If anything, that makes his oddly-timed sabbatical even weirder. Reports are that Rodgers began planning this top-priority trip while he was still injured, and the Jets were made aware of the scheduling conflict when their offseason workout dates were released. He communicated his expected absence well in advance. That doesn’t mean Saleh approved or granted his vacation request. No, Rodgers simply doesn’t care, because he’s above the team.
'This is a trip that Rodgers originally started planning back when he was still injured' - @Connor_J_Hughes on Aaron Rodgers' minicamp absence. Hughes also. noted that Rodgers is out of the country. #Jets
— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) June 12, 2024
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In the interest of fairness, Rodgers participated extensively in the voluntary portion of the Jets' offseason program. Veteran players who will be first-ballot Hall of Famers often choose to skip voluntary workouts. Rodgers was likely present because he was aware of his impending absence at mandatory minicamp. That’s called trying to smooth things over, like buying flowers for your wife before you mess up.
It's all led to more talking points, debates, and distractions than the Jets would prefer to be the center of this time of year. It's disappointing for an organization that's squarely in Super Bowl-or-bust mode. Saleh himself is entering a fate-deciding campaign. His job is at risk. He'd understandably prefer to have his franchise quarterback present for what's considered mandatory to 89 non-Rodgers players (Haason Reddick notwithstanding, who's also absent for contract-related reasons).
Rodgers isn't a young developmental quarterback. Missing reps isn't going to hurt his individual confidence, but it could have a larger impact on team-bonding chemistry. After all, Rodgers has played a whopping four offensive snaps with the Jets heading into his second season in East Rutherford.
Look, this isn't the first time Rodgers has skipped mandatory camp. He did so in 2021 with the Green Bay Packers, who too were ticked by his nonattendance. Rodgers responded to criticism by winning his fourth (and currently) final MVP. The 10-time Pro Bowler understandably doesn't recognize his minicamp attendance as important, notable, and certainly not as "mandatory."
That was however his 17th season with the familiar surroundings in Green Bay, and this is his second, effectively his first, with the Jets after suffering a season-ending injury four plays into Week 1 last season.
The Jets also have a ton of new starting offensive linemen, including a bookend duo of Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. They drafted Olu Fahsanu, another offensive tackle who may protect Rodgers this season, in the first round. All three likely preferred to see their quarterback work alongside them during mandatory portions of the calendar.
The Jets have the loftiest of goals this season. Every rep matters when you're striving for a Lombardi. Rodgers has skipped camp before without it remotely impacting his illustrious on-field results. This situation could be different given the expectations and surroundings. If the Jets struggle throughout 2024, the tough-questions-only media in New York will routinely point back to this absence. Rodgers cracked the door open for that potential criticism.
He better deliver.
