New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was criticized on social media by former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for his poor leadership after attacking a teammate in the press following a recent loss.
Rodgers criticized Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, saying his teammate ran an incorrect route that led to the Buffalo Bills’ interception on Monday night.
Several former quarterbacks besides Fitzpatrick have also spoken out against Rodgers’ comments, saying he should have made the comments behind closed doors.
Rodgers’ questionable comments came on Pat McAfee’s show, kicking off the interview with a cameo from new teammate Davante Adams.
“This reaction is the biggest thing I don’t understand about Aaron… can be super charismatic, his swagger gives teammates ultimate confidence,” Fitzpatrick said on X.
Aaron Rodgers’ derogatory comments about Mike Williams have angered some
Former Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has spoken out against Rodgers and his mentality
“BUT why can’t he take ALL the blame in the media and then sit behind closed doors with Mike Williams or the entire offense or the entire team or anyone else who isn’t doing his job and tell them he needs more from them ? ?’
“The need to make things right at the expense of someone less than just pains me.”
Rodger’s appearance on McAfee came the next day after the loss, meaning he had already had opportunities to address Williams directly about the play.
The Jets are 2-4 after already firing head coach Robert Saleh last week. The trade for Adams underlines the franchise’s small window to win a Super Bowl with this roster intact.
Rodgers turns 41 in December and despite being a four-time NFL MVP, there are only so many years left in his career.
Many have been critical of Rodgers’ play in his first healthy season with the Jets, and his lack of public accountability shows that it’s not all plain sailing for him in New York.
Rodgers has a chance to turn the Jets’ season around on Sunday night when the Jets take a test run against the Steelers.