Zach Wilson was ‘excited’ to learn idol Aaron Rodgers would be his mentor as the starting quarterback of the New York Jets in 2023 and beyond.
Late last month, the Jets finally completed a sensational trade with the Green Bay Packers to acquire the veteran quarterback. Rodgers, the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a fifth-round pick were sent to New York in exchange for the 2023 13th overall pick, a 2023 second-round pick (no.42), a sixth-round pick (no.207) and a conditional second round pick in 2024.
The arrival of Rodgers symbolises an exciting era for New York after Wilson’s development slowed the progress of an exciting, young team. The Jets enjoyed a promising 2022 season only for poor quarterback play to derail a playoff push as the team finished 7-10 - and bottom of the AFC East.
Wilson has thrown for just 4,022 yards across his two-year career, compiling 15 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. Amid rumours a veteran star was going to come in as the starter for 2023, the 2021 second overall pick infamously told reporters he was going to ‘make that dude’s life hell in practice every day’.
While he meant it in a positive way, Wilson’s quote hit headlines - but he has a deep-lying respect for Rodgers. Speaking back in October, Wilson said: “I’ve been watching him since I was a little kid, trying to replicate the way he throws, the way he plays the game.
“We didn't have an NFL team in Utah. I wouldn't say I was a Packers fan. I was just an Aaron Rodgers fan. I grew up watching him.
“I always liked watching their games because of him and kind of where he was at. He was a quarterback I tried to replicate and steal things from.”
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After the Jets’ 2022 season unravelled, the franchise informed Wilson they would explore adding an experienced veteran and the 23-year-old accepted the decision. However, he was reportedly ‘excited’ to learn Rodgers was to be the veteran, according to Sports Illustrated.
Whilst much has been made of Wilson's struggles, his reaction sums up the fact that he has generally handled the situation as well as could be expected and accepted the cards he has been dealt by the Jets. Whilst Rodgers is now the undisputed starter, Wilson has shown few signs of kicking up a fuss and instead seems intent on learning under his new teammate.
Rodgers enjoyed 18 years as a member of the Packers, winning one Super Bowl ring and a number of individual accolades. However, Green Bay expressed a willingness to move off the veteran quarterback this offseason and progress with young signal-caller Jordan Love, which opened the door for the Jets.
Rodgers will now lead New York against other star quarterbacks in the division, including Buffalo Bills superstar Josh Allen and Miami Dolphins ace Tua Tagovailoa. It will be interesting to follow the narrative throughout the season, particularly after the four-time MVP endured a difficult season himself in 2022.
The 39-year-old tallied 12 interceptions - the most he has thrown in a single campaign since 2008, which was his first year as a starter - while he also failed to post a single game of over 300 passing yards for the first time in his career. His passer rating of 91.1 was also the lowest since he took over from Brett Favre in Green Bay as he led the team to an 8-9 record.
