Wealthy Cimini
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets, recognized for making lots of noise when Aaron Rodgers was their quarterback, are turning down the quantity this week as they put together to face Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
First-year coach Aaron Glenn confirmed no curiosity Tuesday in revisiting his resolution to launch Rodgers in February — a transfer that sparked a torrent of criticism from the longer term Corridor of Famer.
“It isn't related to proper now,” mentioned Glenn, who has demurred from Rodgers-related questions since his hiring.
Justin Fields, Glenn's selection to switch Rodgers, will face his earlier workforce — the primary season-opening recreation in historical past between beginning quarterbacks who modified groups they began for the earlier 12 months, in accordance with ESPN Analysis.
The showdown is soaked with revenge angles. Fields acknowledged that, from a fan perspective, “The storyline is loopy. I imply, that is why the NFL set us up for Week 1, only for that.”
In his subsequent breath, Fields insisted he will not enable it to impression his method to the sport.
“There isn't any storyline for me,” he mentioned matter-of-factly. “It is ball for me, so I am going to allow you to guys type of deal with the storylines, the information strains and stuff like that. Within the locker room, we simply hold it straight ball.”
Different gamers have been noticeably clipped of their responses when requested about dealing with Rodgers.
Rodgers' two-year run in New York was an epic failure, from his season-ending Achilles damage within the 2023 season opener to a disappointing 5-12 file final season. Glenn determined to make a change, parting with Rodgers and signing Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract.
Rodgers, who landed with the Steelers in June, ripped Glenn throughout an April look on “The Pat McAfee Present,” claiming the brand new coach confirmed no respect in how he dealt with the ouster.
“That is been gone, so I am not going to reply questions on guys that are not right here and what I noticed,” Glenn mentioned earlier than apply Tuesday. “Proper now, I am what our guys can do.”
Upon being employed, Glenn watched each play from the 2024 season, and he in all probability rewatched lots of them in current days to organize for Rodgers, who did not play within the preseason. He declined to share any ideas on what he noticed from the four-time MVP.
“Similar to I mentioned, I am not going to sit down there and reply questions on what I noticed again then,” Glenn mentioned.
Glenn did have some good issues to say. He mentioned Rodgers is “a future Corridor of Famer, everyone knows that, so he will trigger issues it doesn't matter what.” He believes the Jets' defensive gamers realized so much from being round him.
“I do assume there's some worth to our guys with the ability to be part of that,” mentioned Glenn, including that these gamers “had a very good relationship” with Rodgers. “He is talked to them nearly soccer typically and our guys, they actually took that in, and so they've grown from all these issues. So, there's worth to creating certain that you just're on a workforce with a participant like that. I do know he helped these guys so much.”
Fields mentioned he has by no means met Rodgers, apart from exchanging jerseys with him after a recreation a number of years in the past. Now they've swapped groups.
“Cool, calm, collected,” Fields mentioned, describing his mentality as he prepares for his Jets debut.
Fields mentioned he “thought of” returning to the Steelers in free company, although it is believed the Jets' assure ($30 million) was significantly better than the Steelers' provide. Fields began the primary six video games for Pittsburgh final season whereas Russell Wilson was injured, however he was benched regardless of a 4-2 file.
He insisted he has no sick emotions towards the Steelers.
“No, under no circumstances,” he mentioned. “Like I instructed you guys earlier than, I am an enormous believer in every part occurs for a purpose. I used to be in a spot final 12 months the place I used to be in a position to see the sport from a unique perspective. I realized so much from Russ and simply all the opposite vets there, so under no circumstances.”
