Title: Aaron Rodgers Defends Nathaniel Hackett, Slams Broncos Coach Sean Payton
Date: July 30, 2023
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has come to the defense of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett after Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton made derogatory comments about him. Rodgers expressed his disappointment with Payton’s remarks in a recent interview.
“It made me feel bad that someone who has accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some easy fall if it doesn’t go well for that team this year,” Rodgers told NFL+ after practice. “I think it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth.”
Payton had previously referred to Hackett’s coaching tenure with the Broncos last season as “one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.” He also blamed Hackett for quarterback Russell Wilson’s career-worst season. Additionally, Payton took a swipe at the Jets, insinuating that they were destined for failure with their high-profile offseason acquisitions, including Rodgers.
Rodgers, who maintains a close relationship with Hackett, found Payton’s comments surprising and uncharacteristic of a coach’s behavior towards another coach. The Broncos coach later issued an apology, acknowledging that his remarks were a mistake.
The Jets and Broncos are scheduled to face off in Week 5 of the upcoming season, which adds an extra layer of anticipation to the matchup.
For Rodgers, coming to Hackett’s defense is not just about supporting any coach but someone he deeply admires. The quarterback described Hackett as “arguably my favorite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL.” He cited their successful stint together with the Green Bay Packers, where Rodgers won the NFL MVP twice under Hackett’s guidance. It was Hackett’s achievements that helped him secure the head-coaching position with the Broncos.
Hackett’s tenure in Denver, however, ended in disappointment as he went 4-11 before being fired. Nevertheless, Jets head coach Robert Saleh saw great potential in Hackett and brought him in to replace Mike LaFleur as offensive coordinator. This move played a significant role in attracting Rodgers to the Jets.
“We had some great years together in Green Bay,” Rodgers expressed. “Love him and his family. He’s an incredible family man and an incredible dad. And on the field, he’s arguably my favorite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL. Just his approach to it. He makes it fun, how he cares about the guys, just how he goes about his business with respect, with leadership, with honesty, with integrity.”
Payton’s criticism has caused quite a stir among the Jets, with Coach Saleh also standing up for Hackett.
“I kind of live by the saying, ‘If you ain’t got no haters, you ain’t popping,'” Saleh stated. “So hate away. Obviously, we’re doing something right if you’ve got to talk about us when we don’t play you until [Week 5].”
As both teams prepare for their highly anticipated clash, the spotlight will be on Hackett and Payton, who have now become key figures in the Jets-Broncos storyline.