Inspirational speeches on sports talk shows may not be the best way to motivate a struggling football team, and Aaron Rodgers is finding that out the hard way. Several ESPN analysts, all former NFL players, criticized Rodgers’ weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show, where the quarterback has been giving “Jets State of the Union” updates, for being hypocritical and out of touch with what his team truly needs. One analyst even suggested it’s more about Rodgers making extra cash than inspiring his teammates.
Jeff Saturday, a former NFL center who played with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers in 2012, didn’t mince words during his appearance on Get Up Wednesday. He questioned whether Rodgers’ actions match his words and took issue with the fact that Rodgers is making a hefty paycheck for his weekly appearances.
“That’s the problem, bro,” Saturday said. “You’re saying, ‘Don’t listen to the media. Don’t pay attention to them.’ But you’re going on for an hour a week, making extra cash. For what? Your teammates aren’t watching McAfee, bro. What are we talking about? No shot at McAfee, but in general, it’s not the way to communicate to your team.”
Rodgers’ segments on The Pat McAfee Show have often stirred debate, whether it’s his controversial takes on COVID-19, his public feuds, or, more recently, his critiques of his team’s performance. Now, with the Jets sitting at 2-5, his latest comments about the team’s attitude and leadership have drawn sharp criticism, not just from fans but from his fellow NFL veterans.
During his recent appearance on the show, Rodgers spoke about the need for his team to play with more joy and less anger. He emphasized that, as a leader, it was up to him to set the tone and help his teammates handle adversity better. “Personally, and as a team, we’re playing with too much anger, not enough enjoyment,” Rodgers said. “It’s fun when you win, of course, but I think there are ways of taking some of the pressure off. It has to start with me this week—with my energy and my approach.”
Rodgers’ words didn’t sit well with ESPN’s panel of former NFL players, who felt that his on-field performance, not his off-field speeches, should be his focus. Domonique Foxworth, a former cornerback for the Broncos and Ravens, didn’t hold back, saying Rodgers needs to focus on improving his play instead of preaching about his team’s attitude.
“Throw some touchdowns, man,” Foxworth said after hearing Rodgers’ remarks. “I get it, it’s a leadership thing, and maybe that works for them in the locker room. But my guess is, they’re in the locker room like, ‘Man, don’t throw it to the guys in the other colored jerseys, and throw some touchdowns. I don’t want to hear this.’”
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Rodgers, a four-time MVP, has not lived up to his usual standard this season, with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His inability to deliver in key moments, including costly late-game interceptions against the Vikings and Bills, has contributed to the Jets’ poor record.
Andrew Hawkins, a former wide receiver for the Bengals and Browns, added to the criticism, arguing that Rodgers is trying to address issues too late in the season. For Hawkins, Rodgers’ comments should have come during offseason preparation, not when the team is already struggling in the middle of the season.
“All this stuff he’s saying—yes, that’s what you should be doing,” Hawkins said. “But not now. That should’ve happened in April. That should’ve happened in minicamp. If you’re developing your fight strategy after the fight has started, it’s over, bro. Get in the fetal position and breathe through your nose because you lost. That’s as simple as it is.”
The frustration stems from the fact that Rodgers is reportedly earning more than $1 million for his weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show. The analysts questioned whether this was the best way for the quarterback to lead his team, especially when they’re struggling.
Rodgers and the Jets have a chance to bounce back in Week 8 with a road game against the New England Patriots. Following that, they’ll face a critical matchup on Thursday Night Football against the Houston Texans. With the team in need of wins to salvage the season, analysts and fans alike are calling on Rodgers to focus more on his on-field performance and less on his off-field commentary.
Whether Rodgers’ weekly appearances will continue to be a talking point or if his play will start to back up his words remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pressure is mounting for him to deliver where it counts—on the field.
