Aaron Rodgers may often come across as one of the most polarizing figures in the sports world, but according to New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson, the quarterback’s private persona paints a vastly different picture—one defined by generosity, thoughtfulness, and a deep sense of camaraderie.
Johnson, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury, the same devastating setback Rodgers suffered at the beginning of last season, opened up about how the future Hall of Famer helped him navigate the challenges of rehabilitation. Speaking on The Official Jets Podcast, Johnson shared an anecdote that revealed a side of Rodgers rarely seen in public.
“A Complete Departure From His Public Image”
“I mean, guys don’t know how amazing Aaron is—how amazing of a person he is,” Johnson said. “And Aaron, to his credit, he doesn’t try to combat anything he sees in the media about himself. Obviously, he’s got to see it, you know what I mean? People say he’s not a good teammate, that he’s self-centered—bro, he’s none of that.”
Johnson believes Rodgers is intentional about not addressing the criticism. “He just doesn’t care enough to go and correct you guys. He cares about what people in his circle think about him,” Johnson explained.
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Rodgers’ Thoughtful Gesture
To illustrate Rodgers’ generosity, Johnson recounted a story from his injury recovery. Facing a trip to Los Angeles for medical treatment, Johnson considered chartering a private jet but quickly realized how costly that would be. Instead, he reached out to Rodgers, who owns a private jet, and asked if he could use it for the trip. Johnson was fully prepared to pay whatever Rodgers requested for the flight.
Rodgers, however, had other plans.
“I’m getting on the flight, and I text him, ‘Hey, by the way, you never sent me the wire information to pay for this flight,’” Johnson recalled. “Keep in mind, these flights from coast to coast are at least $30K. And Aaron basically goes, ‘Don’t worry about it.’”
Initially, Johnson resisted, insisting on paying. But Rodgers wasn’t having it.
“He’s like, ‘Don’t worry about it. You’re a great guy. You handle everything for everybody in your life. Now is the time for you to focus on receiving help and letting that happen. Let me do this for you.’”
Johnson admitted he became emotional after the exchange, overwhelmed by the kindness and encouragement Rodgers had shown him.
Debunking the Narrative
For Johnson, this story is proof of Rodgers’ true character, one that contradicts the negative narratives often perpetuated about the quarterback.
“I just gotta let y’all know—it couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Johnson said of Rodgers’ supposed reputation as a difficult or self-centered teammate. “This guy’s an amazing person and an amazing teammate.”
Johnson’s story adds a humanizing layer to Rodgers, who has often been a subject of media scrutiny for his off-field antics and outspoken opinions. According to the Jets defensive end, the quarterback’s public persona is not an accurate reflection of the man his teammates know and respect.
A Teammate Who Leads With Compassion
For Rodgers, it seems the opinions of those closest to him matter far more than public perception. His willingness to help Johnson during a challenging time is just one example of how he values the relationships within his inner circle.
As Johnson put it, “He’s not just a great quarterback—he’s a great person. And I think people need to know that.”
