For 10 seasons, Clay Matthews and Aaron Rodgers were key members of the Green Bay Packers, leading the way on their respective sides of the ball.
Matthews, a Packers Hall of Famer and feared outside linebacker, has since retired. However, Rodgers, a four-time MVP quarterback, continues to play for the New York Jets.
The success these two have had together, including the 2011 Super Bowl, is much different than what Rodgers sees in New York. The Jets haven't lived up to the hype since he was traded from Green Bay to New York last season.
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Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews after being handed the championship belt after the Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 6, 2011. (left) points at Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers. (Imagine it)
Matthews admitted in an interview with FOX News Digital this week that it was hard to watch his friend and former teammate struggle.
“There's no one who's a bigger fan of Aaron than I am, so it's tough to watch,” Matthews said, also discussing his upcoming appearance at Lambeau Field for the Crown Royal Rig Thanksgiving Day. “It's fun to watch the Jets. Obviously, Davante was over there. I mean, they have star power up and down the offense, but unfortunately they're not hitting the mark. It's hard to watch. ”
The Jets were expected to break a 13-year playoff drought as Rodgers recovered from an Achilles injury he suffered on the fourth snap of the 2023 season.
Aaron Rodgers points out Jets' biggest hurdle: 'It's us versus us'
Instead, they sit at 3-7 through 10 games and effectively need a win to have a legitimate chance.
As Matthews mentioned, the Jets have a lot of star power on offense, with Davante Adams, an old friend from his time with the Packers, joining the Jets after being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.
But the old bond with Rodgers that was fatal in Green Bay has yet to be resolved with the Jets. And until Adams arrived, Rodgers hadn't found the consistency he wanted, and the record shows.
The Jets rank 26th in total offensive yards (298.5 per game) and 17th in passing yards (211.7 per game).
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Bryn Anderson)
As Rodgers said on his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the Jets' biggest hurdle is “us vs. us,” and Matthews said Rodgers is trying to lead by example behind closed doors. I know.
“I don't know if a lot of words will help,” Matthews said.
“I think he's just staying the course. I mean, for a 20-year veteran, he's been through everything. He's been battle-tested, and he's clearly now But he's one of the best. He can make all the throws. I don't know what the moral should be. I always hear them say things like, “We need to choose that.” I'm not sure that many words will help regarding that. above. '
“Jets, it's been a long time since we've been in the playoffs. It's been a long time since I've felt confident that they've had a winning season. Things need to change, but unfortunately, I don't know if this is the way to go.” Perhaps in the second half. It may be the year to pick it up, but it's hard to sled when the future seems bleak. ”
Will Rodgers be involved in the future beyond the 2024 campaign? He is under contract through the 2025 season, but no compensation is guaranteed. Rodgers may choose to retire.
But Matthews doesn't think that will happen, especially given the way this season has gone.
Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews speaks during a press conference prior to the 2024 Packers Hall of Fame Induction Banquet at Lambeau Field on August 29, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Imagine it)
“Aaron is too competitive. Let's see how he feels. Obviously, it's back after that Achilles, but it looks like it's behind him now. With a knee that limits his mobility and I’m dealing with some hamstring issues,” Matthews said.
“I know last year in Green Bay, I wanted to come back and finish on a high note or at least continue. As a competitor, you have to look in the mirror so to speak and have that look. But I I still think he's able to make all the throws and do what he has to do. ”
Return the favor with Crown Royal
Matthews is a Jets fan when supporting Rodgers, but he will always be a Packers fan. That's why we teamed up with Crown Royal, the official whiskey sponsor of the NFL, in its fourth year of existence. Kick off with Crown Program.
This year, Crown Royal will not only wow NFL fans with players like Matthews, but also support the military with a unique wheeled tail featuring the Crown Royal rig, a purple 18-wheeler that will be patrolling NFL stadiums. Gate has been released.
Before his former team's game against the Miami Dolphins, Matthews not only spoke about his excitement to return to Lambeau on Thanksgiving night to interact with Packers fans, but also why this tailgate is so important. Phan will be working with Crown Royal's long-standing partner Packages from Home to curate care packages for military personnel.
The 18-wheel Crown Royal rig tours various NFL stadiums across the country in support of the military. (Crown Royal)
“I think even more important is how Crown Royal is giving back to the military community, particularly through the Purple Bag Project,” Matthews said. “By handing over parcels from the homeland to the troops, we provide them with items that will boost their morale.
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“The Packers will host a prime-time game on Thanksgiving. We get to celebrate great football and celebrate giving back to the military community. It just represents what great things are all about.”
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