New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, poses for an image whereas Jets’ proprietor Woody Johnson gestures after a information convention on the Jets’ coaching facility in Florham Park, N.J., Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Seth Wenig, Related Press
Inexperienced Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) throughout a joint NFL soccer coaching camp apply Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, in Inexperienced Bay, Wis. The quarterbacks at the moment are teammates after the Jets traded for Rodgers. Matt Ludtke, Related Press
Since information broke Monday in regards to the long-awaited commerce sending quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Inexperienced Bay Packers to the New York Jets, a preferred aspect story has revolved round what's going to occur to Zach Wilson.
Social media customers have jokingly introduced up a second from January when Wilson — responding to experiences on the time that the Jets would search to herald a veteran quarterback to regular the place — stated he would “make that dude’s life (obscenity) in apply day-after-day,” because the Deseret Information beforehand reported.
Effectively, Rodgers had his personal response to that quote when it was introduced up by a reporter Wednesday throughout his introductory press convention in New York.
“He’s gonna make my life (obscenity) in apply, and I’m gonna make his life heaven off the sector,” Rodgers joked, in line with a number of experiences.
The 18-year NFL veteran, although, added that he hopes to assist the embattled Wilson, the No. 2 total choice within the 2021 draft who was benched twice final season.
“A part of my aim right here is to assist him get his confidence again,” Rodgers stated, per the NY Every day Information’ Pat Leonard.
Wilson, who starred at BYU and Nook Canyon Excessive earlier than getting into the NFL, was a Day 1 starter for the Jets within the 2021 season, and at occasions throughout his rookie marketing campaign, the quarterback confirmed flashes of his lofty potential.
However after an damage sidelined him in the course of the early weeks of his sophomore season in 2022, Wilson struggled by means of a lot of the yr and ultimately was benched twice in favor of much less ballyhooed quarterbacks on the Jets’ roster.
That prompted loads of criticism of the 23-year-old professional quarterback, even whereas Jets brass, like head coach Robert Saleh, professed they weren’t giving up on him.
Wilson, who’s now anticipated to again up the four-time NFL MVP Rodgers, has two years left on his rookie contract with the Jets.
The 2 quarterbacks confronted one another in the course of the 2022 common season, when New York beat Inexperienced Bay 27-10.
Wilson accomplished 10 of 18 passes for 118 yards within the sport because the Jets’ offense was powered by its speeding assault, which put up 179 yards. Rodgers, in the meantime, accomplished 26 of 41 passes for 246 yards and a landing.
“They smoked us final yr, so I knew they'd staff,” Rodgers instructed reporters Wednesday.
Inexperienced Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) throughout a joint NFL soccer coaching camp apply Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, in Inexperienced Bay, Wis. The quarterbacks at the moment are teammates after the Jets traded for Rodgers.
Matt Ludtke, Related Press
On Tuesday, staff common supervisor Joe Douglas expressed optimism that Rodgers’ addition shall be factor for Wilson, giving him an opportunity to be taught from one of many sport’s greats.
“Zach’s ceiling is limitless. The chance to shadow and be with a first-ballot Corridor of Fame QB shall be a terrific alternative and expertise,” Douglas stated, in line with NFL reporter Ari Meirov.
Earlier than Wilson’s rookie season, the Packers and Jets held a be a part of apply earlier than a preseason sport between the 2 groups. Since then, Wilson and Rodgers have reportedly struck up a friendship.
“If I may spend extra time with him and simply hold asking him questions, I might,” Wilson stated on the time, as beforehand reported by the Deseret Information.
Now, he’ll get that probability as Rodgers’ teammate.
Rodgers, for his half, seems to be embracing the chance to mentor Wilson. In January, throughout an look on “The Pat McAfee Present,” Rodgers had some recommendation for the younger quarterback.
“I believe he’s tremendous gifted,” Rodgers stated of Wilson, as beforehand reported by the Deseret Information. “I believe a bit of humility is nice for all of us, at varied occasions in our careers.”