Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets quarterback, has found himself in the league’s disciplinary spotlight once again. The NFL fined Rodgers $11,255 for a late hit during the Jets’ 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, adding another low point to a disappointing season for the veteran quarterback.
The incident occurred in the third quarter after Rodgers threw an interception to Buffalo cornerback Christian Benford—one of two picks Rodgers had during the game.
In an unusual sequence, Rodgers pursued Benford along the sideline and delivered a push after Benford had already stepped out of bounds. The play drew a flag for unnecessary roughness, and even the game official appeared amused by the absurdity of the situation, as captured in video replays.
Rodgers’ actions sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike, with some noting the rarity of a quarterback, especially one of Rodgers’ stature, engaging in such physical play out of frustration.
While quarterbacks are typically the ones receiving protection from late hits, Rodgers flipped the script in a moment that seemed to encapsulate the Jets’ struggles this season.
At 41 years old, Rodgers has endured a difficult year.
The Jets, now sitting at 4-12, have faced adversity on multiple fronts, and Rodgers’ individual performance has fallen short of expectations. This fine adds to a growing list of frustrations for the future Hall of Famer, who has already faced other league-imposed penalties earlier in the season.
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The late hit and subsequent fine are emblematic of the Jets’ disappointing campaign, one marked by miscues and missed opportunities.
For Rodgers, who joined the Jets with hopes of reinvigorating the team’s fortunes, the season has been a far cry from the success he enjoyed during his storied career in Green Bay.
As the Jets prepare to close out the season, Rodgers will likely look to reset and refocus, both to repair his on-field reputation and to find a way to lead the Jets back to competitive relevance.
For now, though, his late hit serves as a reminder of the frustrations that have defined a forgettable season in New York.
