Aaron Rodgers’ Jets teammates already notice drastic locker-room shift
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers has already made an impact in the New York Jets locker room, according to his teammates. Second-year player Solomon Thomas, who lived through the failed Zach Wilson experiment, noted the drastic shift in the team’s energy and mentality since Rodgers joined the team in a trade from the Green Bay Packers earlier this year.
“The room is buzzing right now—the building is buzzing—and it’s buzzing for a reason,” Thomas told ESPN. “You bring in a solidified Hall of Famer like Aaron Rodgers, and it’s going to change some things. His leadership, his knowledge, the way he plays the game—you know he’s going to put up points and you know he’s going to play smart football. It brings a whole new youthfulness around this team, even for the vets.”
Rodgers, who spent 18 years with the Packers, winning four MVP awards and a Super Bowl championship in 2011, joined the Jets in April. Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, had a rocky start in his rookie season, suffering an injury in the preseason and struggling when he returned to action. He completed only 54.5% of his passes for six touchdowns and seven interceptions in nine starts before being replaced by backup Mike White.
White, who was more popular in the locker room, signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency, leading to open lobbying from Jets players for Rodgers to come to New York. Now that he’s officially on the team, there’s no quarterback controversy.
Rodgers has been seen bonding with his new teammates around New York, including sitting courtside at a Knicks playoff game with cornerback Sauce Gardner. Thomas, who joined the Jets in 2022 after being drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, played in all 17 games last season and logged 26 tackles.
FAQs
Q: What team did Aaron Rodgers play for before joining the Jets?
A: Rodgers played for the Green Bay Packers for 18 years before being traded to the Jets.
Q: Was Zach Wilson successful in his rookie season?
A: Wilson had a rocky start in his rookie season, suffering an injury in the preseason and struggling when he returned to action. He completed only 54.5% of his passes for six touchdowns and seven interceptions in nine starts.
Q: Who replaced Wilson at quarterback?
A: Backup Mike White replaced Wilson and was more popular in the locker room but left the team in free agency.
Q: What impact has Aaron Rodgers had on the Jets?
A: According to his teammates, Rodgers has brought a new energy and mentality to the team, with his leadership, knowledge, and smart football play.
Teammates of Aaron Rodgers on the Jets have observed a significant change in the locker room.
The New York Jets’ locker room is buzzing with excitement since Aaron Rodgers joined the team this spring in a trade from the Packers. Rodgers, a future Hall of Fame quarterback, has already made an impact on his new teammates, according to second-year player Solomon Thomas. “The room is buzzing right now – the building is buzzing – and it’s buzzing for a reason,” Thomas said in an interview with ESPN. “You bring in a solidified Hall of Famer like Aaron Rodgers and it’s going to change some things.” Thomas praised Rodgers’ leadership, knowledge and playing ability, stating that his presence has rejuvenated the whole team, even seasoned veterans.
Rodgers’ arrival has put an end to any quarterback controversy that plagued the Jets last season. Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, fell short of expectations, starting only nine games and completing just 54.5% of his passes for six touchdowns and seven interceptions. Backup Mike White took over, but the locker room was clearly behind him instead of Wilson.
The lack of belief in Wilson spilled out into the offseason, with players such as Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner openly lobbying for the Jets to acquire Rodgers. With Rodgers officially in the fold, there’s no more controversy, and Rodgers has already been seen bonding with his new teammates all over New York. Rodgers even sat courtside with Gardner at a Knicks playoff game at Madison Square Garden last month. Thomas, who was a top draft pick in 2017, joined the Jets in 2022 and appeared in all 17 games last season, logging 26 tackles.