Aaron Rodgers has expressed his love for MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” with the quarterback further revealing that he once saw a DJ Pauly D perform in Las Vegas while raving about his “dream month” following a trade completion to New York in April.
On Tuesday, after the second day of the Jets’ OTAs, Rodgers, 39, said: “I walked out today to practice and the media is always doing little videos and other things here. And the video was kind of your best Jersey Shore impression and I just sort of laughed at it.
‘And then [Jets tight end] CJ Uzomah walked next to me and he said he never watched the show. I said, “How can you not watch the show?!”
It’s one of the best shows back when MTV had content on it. It’s phenomenal.
“But I’m a fan of them all,” added the four-time NFL MVP to the Jersey Shore cast. “I actually went to a Pauly D set back in [Las] Vegas, when I used to go there a few times a year, in 2011 or something like that.’
Aaron Rodgers revealed that he once went to a DJ Pauly D show (top row, center) in Las Vegas
The 2011 Super Bowl (XLV) champion, acquired from Green Bay last month, sprained a calf while participating in conditioning drills earlier on Tuesday. Rodgers watched quarterback practice and remained on the field during practice, but was without a helmet and threw no passes.
“I don’t think it’s too serious,” Rodgers said, downplaying the injury and saying he was taking “a vet day.”
He did not limp noticeably, but stretched his lower legs and ankles several times during training. Rodgers, who was not wearing a wrap around his calves while on stage and speaking to reporters, did not know when the injury occurred.
“I don’t know,” he said with a smile. “Just run, I guess.”
Organized team activities began Monday, and Rodgers participated in practice, with the Jets tweeting photos and videos of the quarterback throwing passes.
Tuesday’s session was the first with media present, and several dozen reporters showed up to see Rodgers practice with the Jets for the first time.
“It was certainly surreal and strange to look at my locker and see the number 8, and to rock in Jets gear is definitely a little strange,” said Rodgers. “But every day there’s been something that’s been some sort of special sign or a synchronicity or just a cool moment that reminds me I’m in the right place.”
The veteran added that he is excited to arrive at the Jets facilities every day since his appeal
The 39-year-old quarterback was spotted on the sidelines on Tuesday watching practice
Rodgers also enjoyed getting to know his new surroundings – from playing Knicks and Rangers playoff games to learning where to find the team’s mailroom.
He also joked that the only things he knew about New Jersey before were Teterboro Airport and “Jersey Shore” – a reality TV series that ran on MTV from 2009 to 2012. The series follows the lives of eight roommates in a vacation home in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.
“I was sure this wasn’t a good representation of this great state,” said a smirking Rodgers before later adding, “I mean, it’s been like a dream month so far.”
With the Jets, Rodgers reunites with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who led the Packers offense during the quarterback’s final two MVP seasons in 2020 and 2021.
Rodgers (No. 8) performs stretches as head coach Robert Saleh, center, watches
There are also several other familiar faces on the field with Rodgers, including wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb and offensive lineman Billy Turner. But Rodgers also bonds with many new players and helps Hackett build the attack.
“I really wanted to be there, at least for some of the early stuff, to just let them know how I like to do things,” Rodgers said. “Some code words, some minor tweaks, some ways I see the game — just to get the conversation started.”
Rodgers’ presence has fired up many of his new teammates, who admitted to being a little starstruck when the quarterback first arrived.
“It’s lit up, man,” cornerback DJ Reed said of the energy around the team.
Saleh especially enjoyed watching Rodgers at work and interacting with the players and coaches.
“It’s been cool,” Saleh said. “I joke that at this point in his career he is closer to a coach than a player. He’s a fantastic spirit, he’s a fantastic conversationalist. It’s all been positive.’