Aaron Rodgers attends the grand opening of Q New York, Aston Martin; Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on from the sideline.Photo:Ilya S. Savenok/Getty; Perry Knotts/Getty
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty; Perry Knotts/Getty
Aaron Rodgerswants to set the record straight as rumors circulate that the NFL star was involved with the New York Jets' decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh.
The 40-year-old quarterback appeared onThe Pat McAfee Show— often his go-to media platform when addressing the public — to deny his involvement in Saleh’s dismissal after the teamannouncedthey’re parting ways with the head coach on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
“As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there, I’m not going to spend more than one sentence in response to it,” Rodgers began when addressing the ongoing narrative among NFL fans.
“I resent any of those accusations because they’re patently false,” the Jets quarterback said, adding that his influence on the organization’s decisions isn’t as impactful as people assume. “It’s interesting the amount of power that people think that I have, which I don’t,” Rodgers said on the show.
Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets celebrates with Aaron Rodgers #8.Al Bello/Getty
Al Bello/Getty
Rodgers suggested instead that Saleh’s firing was a reminder of how “tough” the business of professional sports can be, saying, “Yesterday was a day that reminds you of the simple fact that all of us who have played know all too well, and that’s that it’s a tough business.”
The Jets star said he has “a lot of respect” for Saleh and that he has a “very solid relationship” with his now-former head coach. “He’s a big reason why I came to the Jets,” Aaron remarked during the interview.
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“To the Jets Organization, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. I will always be appreciative of the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive,” the former head coach wrote.
Head coach Robert Saleh and Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets react late in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.Jim McIsaac/Getty
Jim McIsaac/Getty
Saleh addressed “all of the players” he’s coached for the team, writing, “I truly love and appreciate every single one of you,” and commending the players who “showed up everyday and attacked every moment.”
“To my fellow coaches and staff, it has been an honor to work with all of you,” Saleh’s statement continued, before he thanked Jets fans for being “the most passionate fan base in the NFL” and for “embracing my family” during his time as head coach.“It has been a pleasure calling New York our home and we will forever appreciate all of the memories that were created here,” Saleh concluded.
source: people.com