Watch: Aaron Rodgers Leaves Fans Stunned After Pushing Coach Who Wanted a Hug – ‘He’s Not a Big Hugger’
In a recent “Thursday Night Football” matchup, the New York Jets triumphed over the New England Patriots with a score of 24-3, marking a significant moment for Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was making his return to MetLife Stadium after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. Despite his age and the quick succession of games over 11 days, Rodgers showcased exceptional skill, completing 27 of 35 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns. In contrast, the Patriots’ quarterbacks struggled significantly, combining for just 120 passing yards.
Post-game, Rodgers expressed satisfaction with his performance, emphasizing that he felt like himself again. However, the game also sparked controversy online due to a moment between Rodgers and Jets head coach Robert Saleh, which was perceived by some as awkward or indicative of a rift. Both men later clarified that their interaction was lighthearted, with Rodgers not realizing Saleh was reaching for a hug, leading to humorous exchanges about their differing styles of celebration.
Looking ahead, the Jets anticipate a challenging upcoming schedule but are optimistic about their trajectory under Rodgers’ leadership, who might not shy away from some celebratory hugs in the future if their success continues.
It should have been the most uncontroversial game of any future hall-of-famer’s career. But, leave it to Aaron Rodgers to ignite online debate — all over an aborted hug.
For those of you who missed “Thursday Night Football” for some extra sleep, unless you’re a big fan of Gang Green, you made the right move: the New York Jets beat the New England Patriots 24-3 at home in a game that didn’t even seem that close.
The game marked Rodgers’ first start at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey since tearing his Achilles tendon during the first drive of last year’s season opener. If there was any trepidation there, it didn’t show.
“The 40-year-old quarterback showed no signs of the injury — or playing in his third game in 11 days — while scrambling several times and making off-balance throws all night, slicing through New England’s defense with surgical precision,” ESPN noted.
Rodgers ended up 27 for 35 for 281 yards and two touchdown passes in the performance. Meanwhile, neither Patriots quarterbacks — journeyman starter Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye, who the Pats took No. 3 in this year’s NFL Draft — were particularly effective. Brissett was sacked five times and Maye only completed four of eight passes for 22 yards; the two QBs combined for 120 yards, well less than half of Rodgers’ total.
“It felt great,” Rodgers said after the game. “I was feeling real good out there. I felt good in pregame. I told you guys after Week 1 that it’s going to be a process and I’ll continue to extend plays once I feel more comfortable. This was kind of a first step in playing like I know I’m capable of playing.
“I felt like I was, you know, myself.”
Well, he was. And, as those of you who are familiar with Aaron Rodgers, being himself always involves bringing along some controversy, deserved or not. In this case, it involved a clip of a hug gone wrong with Jets head coach Robert Saleh:
who reads lips pic.twitter.com/HDoxWuntY6
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 20, 2024
Was it a rift between the player and coach, one user wondered?
“Don’t call that”
— Immortal (@thebringerx) September 20, 2024
Or, another joked, perhaps a throwback to the days of social distancing?
“Easy, guy, I’m not vaccinated!”
— The Beard (@EerBeard) September 20, 2024
According to Saleh and Rodgers, it was more that Rodgers was trying to keep everyone’s head in the game — and that both seemed perfectly happy about it.
“Part of the things we’ve been talking about is to just give the defense a two-score lead,” Saleh said, noting how it came after a Breece Hall touchdown run gave the Jets a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. “And it was a two-score lead.”
“I guess he just wanted to see something on defense,” a laughing Saleh said. “He just reminded me that, you know, it was a two-score lead.”
Rodgers, similarly amused, backed this up, noting that the enthusiasm caught him off-guard.
“He’s not a big hugger, usually” Rodgers said with a smile. “I didn’t know he was going for a hug. He likes to do the two-hand chest-push, as well.”
“So I kind of gave him a push and said, ‘Two-score lead.’”
However, New York has plenty to celebrate before going into Week 4 — and, with some extra rest, they’ll be playing the so-far disappointing Denver Broncos, who are 0-2. That, however, leads into a rough stretch where they play the surprising 2-0 Minnesota Vikings, the 2-0 Buffalo Bills and the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers before going to New England to play the Patriots on their home turf.
If they arrive in Foxborough having managed to win the lion’s of those games, one imagines Rodgers won’t be averse to a hug from Saleh, two scores up or not.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...