Whether it was an “excused” or “unexcused” absence, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the only starting quarterback out of 32 to not report to mandatory NFL minicamps.
One former Jets quarterback has had enough.
On Wednesday, former Jets quarterback and current radio show host Boomer Esiason criticized Rodgers for becoming a “giant distraction,” especially after emphasizing the need to eliminate distractions from the team months ago.
“He’s the one who said you have to eliminate the distractions,” Boomer said. “All he is is one big giant distraction, no matter what it is. Could it be some sort of memorial funeral? Could it be a golf event? A fundraising event? It could be a million different things… but you have a responsibility for a mandatory minicamp to be there.
“Most of the stuff we’ve been speaking of in regards to him has been off the field. He’s an amazing player… whatever the event is, I’m sure it’s important to him… but it’s just another layer of (expletive) that you have to deal with.”
Esiason’s frustration is understandable. Rodgers has been a source of multiple distractions this offseason, from his flirtation with the idea of being a vice presidential running mate to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to his unexcused absence from the start of minicamp.
Jets fans are downplaying the situation, but media figures like Colin Cowherd and ESPN personalities are heavily criticizing both Rodgers and the Jets organization.
This situation is heading towards disaster, and training camp hasn’t even started yet.