The New York Jets have undergone significant upheaval this season, beginning with the early October firing of head coach Robert Saleh by the ownership group led by Woody Johnson. Just weeks later, in mid-November, general manager Joe Douglas was also shown the door, adding to the tumultuous state of the organization. These drastic changes have left the Jets reeling, with the franchise struggling to find its footing amidst ongoing turmoil.
During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke candidly about the role of ownership in creating a successful football team. He emphasized that, in his view, ownership must not only hire the right coach and general manager but also fully support them throughout the ups and downs that come with leading a team.
Without this foundational support, Rodgers suggested, the playmakers on the field cannot perform to the best of their abilities. He pointed to the Detroit Lions’ ownership backing of head coach Dan Campbell as an example of how positive support from ownership can make a difference in building a strong and competitive team.
Rodgers’ comments on ownership and support were further probed during his Wednesday press conference. When asked if he believes the Jets ownership has publicly supported its coaches and general managers in recent times, Rodgers’ response was sharp and pointed.
“Is that a rhetorical question?” Rodgers fired back, as reported by The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt. He went on to explain his stance, citing both positive and negative examples from his time with the Green Bay Packers. “I cited an example I’ve seen. There were other examples in Green Bay, both for and maybe not as for whoever was in charge. But I think it’s an important part of ownership to hire the right guys, set the vision, and support them when the outside world is trying to tear them down.”
Rodgers’ remarks highlighted his belief that successful teams require unwavering support from ownership, even in challenging times. He stressed that maintaining a unified front is crucial for the morale of the team and the coaching staff.
The press conference continued with Rodgers engaging the media directly, asking them if they had witnessed “public” and “supportive” comments from Jets ownership about their coaching staff and general manager. When the room responded with a resounding “not really,” Rodgers nodded and said, “Yeah, there’s your answer.”
The exchange was widely interpreted as a jab at Jets owner Woody Johnson and his perceived lack of support for key members of the team’s leadership. Rodgers appeared to be calling out the inconsistency and absence of public backing from ownership, which, in his opinion, is vital for a team’s long-term success.
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The situation has become even more complicated for the Jets, who have struggled under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. Since Ulbrich took over, the team has gone 1-6, failing to find the spark needed to turn the season around. Interim general manager Phil Savage has similarly been unable to make much of an impact in his short time at the helm.
The Jets have not won a game since Savage stepped into his role a couple of weeks ago, adding to the mounting pressure on the franchise to find answers.
Rodgers’ comments have brought into focus the critical relationship between ownership and the on-field product. He emphasized that the culture of support, or lack thereof, can make or break a team.
His reference to Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions underscores how vital it is for ownership to remain steadfast, particularly when external criticism is at its highest.
The Lions, once considered a perennial underdog, have made significant strides under Campbell’s leadership, largely due to the belief and backing from ownership. Rodgers seemed to imply that the Jets could benefit from a similar approach, suggesting that without this kind of support, success will be hard to come by.
As the Jets continue their challenging season, it is evident that the franchise faces some difficult decisions ahead. The firing of both Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas has left a leadership void, and the underperformance under interim leadership has only compounded matters.
With the offseason approaching, it seems likely that the Jets will need to take a hard look at their organizational structure and consider bringing in a stable and supportive leadership team that can restore confidence both on and off the field.
Aaron Rodgers, now 41, has been in the league long enough to recognize the dynamics that contribute to winning and losing cultures.
His recent comments serve as a reminder to ownership that true success in the NFL is about more than just making hires—it’s about fostering an environment where coaches and players alike feel valued and supported.
Whether or not the Jets’ ownership will take Rodgers’ words to heart remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the veteran quarterback has strong opinions about the kind of backing that leads to championship success.
With the Jets continuing to struggle, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what changes are made in the coming months.
For now, Rodgers has made his stance clear: without committed and vocal support from the top, it’s difficult to build a winning franchise.
