Source Gardner doesn’t want to hear any criticism of the quarterback.
While the Jets and their confused fans are worried about Rodgers missing the team’s mandatory minicamp from June 11-13, Gardner is trying to tell them the truth about the 40-year-old.
“Are you really going to make a big fuss over a 15+ year Hall of Fame QB missing two days of practice when he was with the team through phases 1, 2 and 3 of OTAs? GG” Gardner Post to X Wednesday night.
Gardner noted that Rodgers participated in the Jets’ overtime activities in late May and early June, a period he could have sat out due to his veteran status or because he was recovering from a torn Achilles.
Still, Rodgers has been described by some in the football media as arrogant and even a bad leader after he missed practice this week for an event “important to him,” according to Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
The flames of speculation were further fuelled by former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, who played for the team for 13 years. Commented Rodgers’ absence ‘was costly’
At the same time, Rodgers’ absence in mid-June, even if it was truly that brief, is unlikely to have a significant impact on a 2024 season that will incorporate months of careful game planning and practice.
Gardner, 23, has not been shy about voicing his support for Rogers in the past.
“Every time he walks into a room it will shake,” Gardner said. He said this last September. “He’s a natural leader. He’s a fun guy to be around. He’s definitely transformed the organization in a lot of ways.”
Rodgers wasn’t the only notable Jets player leaving Florham Park this week.
Newly acquired edge rusher Haason Reddick also missed minicamp due to a lingering contract dispute, but Reddick Defended himself about XHe called the stories about him “folly.”
Naturally, Jets fans are more eager than ever for a chance to see Rodgers on the field, having played just four snaps before rupturing his Achilles tendon prior to the start of the 2023 season.
Without Rodgers, the Jets finished the season 7-10 for the second straight season despite a defense that ranked third in expected points added per play (EPA).
Instead of No. 8, Jets quarterbacks Zach Wilson, Trevor Simian and Tim Boyle finished the game with a combined 3,355 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, completing a dismal 59.4 percent of their passes.
The team’s offense ranked 29th in points per game, scoring 22 or more points just three times.
Even though Rodgers is over 40 and has suffered a season-ending injury, the Jets are confident the quarterback can return to his former dynamic self, a four-time MVP winner who can elevate an offense stuck in limbo.
The Jets are scheduled to remain off the practice field until training camp begins on July 24.
Until then, the NFL world will continue to keep a close eye on Rodgers’ activities on and off the field.
