New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has now completed his second day of Organised Team Activities (OTA's) with the franchise, and revealed all in post-session press conference.
Rodgers is now getting used to life at the Jets after making the blockbuster trade from the Green Bay Packers earlier this year. But Rodgers' second day of OTA's almost ended in disaster as he suffered an injury scare to his calf, but the 39-year-old was able to complete the session.
The former Packers quarterback didn't always attend the early sessions when back in Wisconsin, but opened up about how important it was to establish team chemistry ahead of an all-change 2023 season. Rodgers also lifted the lid on head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, revealing some information about their preparation.
"When you're in the same offense for a long time, the offseason is really for the young players," Rodgers said when being asked why he attended the first two OTA sessions. "But, with a new offense and it being my first year here, I really wanted to be around for at least some of the beginning things to just let them know how I like to do things.
"Some of the code words, some of the little adjustments, some of the ways I see the game. The worst thing you can have is sitting in a meeting and seeing the coach up there just talking the entire time with no interaction.
"That might be the standard at some places but that's just never felt like the right way to do things. It needs to be a free flowing conversation between the coaches and the players. Need feedback, need to call on guys. I'm allowed to do some of that stuff, and I think it's important that they're paying attention. Then they know that at any point they can get called on to answer a question or something.
Rodgers may have made some adjustments due to the major change, but the quarterback is still working alongside some familiar faces. While Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb have also switched the Packers for the Jets, Hackett is the offensive coordinator after leaving Lambeau Field in 2021 following a three-season stint.
"I love Nate (Hackett) so much, he's so fun to work with. He has the ability to bring the same type of energy everyday without any stimulants.," Rodgers said when being asked what it's like reuniting with Hackett. "I don't think he drinks any coffee, but he's just the same energetic guy everyday.
"He's got a great way of teaching, where it is interactive. And he and I have spent a lot of time after hours going back through certain concepts that we like, renaming a few things, subtle adjustments. Then bringing some concepts back because he's been in Jacksonville, Buffalo... it's a conglomeration of all sorts of things. It's been great, I love him so much."
Finally, Rodgers opened up about Saleh, the head coach that essentially pleaded for the quarterback at the end of last season. Saleh straight away announced that the Jets were seeking a 'veteran quarterback', and weeks later Rodgers joined the franchise.
"I love working with Robert, he's been a lot of fun,! Rodgers added about Saleh. "I've had a tonne of respect for him over the years going against them. I enjoy the way he leads the room and goes about his business and the meetings.
"I've been telling some friends who ask what it's like, and I really enjoy the freedom of expression. Guys are themselves, all the time. They enjoy showing their personalities off.
"He allows for the silliness at times, and I think the latitude of the personal expression is important to guys feeling comfortable. Not too comfortable. He does a good job at balancing accountability with freedom.
"I appreciate that about Robert, It's simple too. The game can get complicated by the 'gurus' who often believe they've made up football, and there's a lot of them around the league. They're all good hearted people for sure but at it's core it's a simple game and Robert does a good job keeping it simple."
