Love him or hate him, people are going to watch Aaron Rodgers.
Despite his prickly persona and willingness to shower himself in conspiracy theories, Rodgers has made himself and the New York Jets must-see TV. And after last season ended abruptly after just four snaps under center, the league feels like Gang Green owes it one. Rodgers doesn’t necessarily disagree, but he’s also embracing being one of the least likable players in the NFL.
And according to Fox Sports personality Jason McIntyre, Rodgers wants to be the villain.
“Aaron Rodgers wants to be the Villain. He has thrived on being the villain throughout his career.”@jasonrmcintyre is confident in the veteran QB’s comeback this season pic.twitter.com/mFMoma5oA6
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 23, 2024
“Regarding what Rodgers said, that’s not normal quarterback speak,” he said. “You don’t go to the podium and say, ‘Hey, if I don’t deliver, everybody’s done, we’re all toast, we’re all on the unemployment line.’ You don’t hear that. And it made me think of this quote from Sam Altman, the guy who started ChatGPT, ‘Extreme people get extreme results.’ And undeniably, Aaron Rodgers is an extremist. And that’s not a knock to say he’s an extremist…’Hey guys, I’m gonna ponder my future with the Packers and in the NFL, but first, I’m gonna do on a darkness retreat.’ That’s not normal.
“He’s an extremist…On the first date, you’re not supposed to talk about religion, politics, or exes — Aaron Rodgers is pulling up the table; he’s talking about all three of them. He doesn’t care. When he goes to the podium or podcasts, he’s talking about religion…Aaron Rodgers talks politics. He was nearly the Vice Presidential candidate for Bobby Kennedy, who he refers to as ‘Bobby,’ like it’s his boy, which they probably are buddies.
“He is an extremist. And you know what I said, extreme people get extreme results. And I am of the belief that Rodgers comes off the Achilles…this offense is going to make the jump to light speed. Now, stop me if you heard this before, the Jets are gonna be pretty damn good…Listen to Rodgers when he says this stuff — everything’s on the line. He wants to be the villain. Aaron Rodgers, throughout his career, has thrived on being the villain…
“Guys who have a chip on their shoulder, they thrive on using that as motivation…I believe Rodgers is using all this. He knows when he goes on podcasts with Joe Rogan and company and talks about religion and the vaccine, he is being an extremist. He wants you to love him or hate him.”
Only time will tell if Rodgers’ villainous persona translates into on-field success for the Jets.
[The Herd]
About Sam Neumann
Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.