Jets ramp up Aaron Rodgers recruitment, NFL world buzzes

The New York Jets ramped up their recruitment of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Tuesday.

After it was revealed that Rodgers is “open” to moving to the Jets, reports emerged that the team planned to put on a full-court press.

Rob Demovsky of ESPN reported on Tuesday afternoon that “a contingent of Jets team officials are scheduled to fly out today to meet in person with Aaron Rodgers.”

Update: Sources tell @DanGrazianoESPN and me that a contingent of Jets team officials are scheduled to fly out today to meet in person with Aaron Rodgers. https://t.co/zFEoKY9rvl

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 7, 2023

Dan Graziano, also of ESPN, added to the report with significant names. Graziano cited Woody Johnson, Joe Douglas, Robert Saleh, Nathaniel Hackett, and “possibly others” as well.

I’m told the Jets contingent on the way to California includes team owner Woody Johnson, GM Joe Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, possibly others. https://t.co/yooNauScXw

— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 7, 2023

This all is very amusing, if only for how deja vu it feels to the Brett Favre – Packers saga. And also, because Rodgers recently commented on Jets quarterback Zach Wilson on The Pat McAfee Show. Rodgers said at the time, “I hope that whoever the Jets go with at OC can come in and get he best out of Zach Wilson.. I think he’s talented enough to have a long career in the league.”

And now, word is spreading that Rodgers could usurp him anyway.

"I hope that whoever the Jets go with at OC can come in and get the best out of Zach Wilson.. I think he's talented enough to have a long career in the league"@AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/OC7ArxbIEM

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 24, 2023

Word was spreading around the NFL world after these reports emerged. As it turns out, several Jets players took note of it and decided to get in on the fun.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and superstar cornerback Sauce Gardner chimed in.

“Aye @AaronRodgers12 I promise if you become a Jet, I won’t pick you off at practice & I’ll burn the cheesehead,” Gardner hilariously tweeted.

Aye @AaronRodgers12 I promise if you become a Jet, I won’t pick you off in practice & I’ll burn the cheesehead😶 https://t.co/YTVj4H7ZRQ

— SAUCE GARDNER (@iamSauceGardner) March 7, 2023

Meanwhile, fellow rookie sensation Breece Hall also let his voice be heard.

“Don’t mind me…Just Manifesting @AaronRodgers12,” Hall tweeted.

https://twitter.com/BreeceH/status/1633190331867967490

And, elsewhere, Jets podcaster Will Parkinson posted a hysterical video of legendary closer Mariano Rivera walking to the mound, and tweeted along with it, “Nathaniel Hackett coming into close Aaron Rodgers to the Jets.”

Nathaniel Hackett coming into close Aaron Rodgers to the Jets pic.twitter.com/Xoj8EXMMoC

— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) March 7, 2023

For the Jets’ sake and Will’s as well, let’s hope that it isn’t 2001 or 2004 postseason Mariano Rivera.

Within the hour, the Jets’ plane landed in Los Angeles. So, a meeting should be taking place soon.

Former New Jersey-area reporter Josh Newman tweeted, “Just nod, don’t get weird on him, and we can have a Schefter tweet before dinner.” Sounds like Newman, much like other Jet fans right now, want that deal closed up!

Just nod, don’t get weird on him, and we can have a Schefter tweet before dinner. https://t.co/GtylnDFH8j

— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) March 7, 2023

Time will tell to see if this blockbuster move does happen.

[Rob Demovsky]