Aaron Rodgers is sticking by his offensive coach, launching his most powerful ball of the summer at Sean Payton.
The Jets quarterback was irritated by remarks made lately by Denver Broncos head coach Peyton regarding New York offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Payton’s predecessor in Denver. Payton told USA Today in a report published Thursday that Hackett’s 15-game tenure as Broncos head coach last season “was one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history.”
Payton also claimed “20 dirty hands” were involved in nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson’s career-worst season in his first year with the Broncos, and he took jabs at the Jets — Hackett’s new club, where he and Rodgers are reunited after success together with the Green Bay Packers.
“It made me feel bad that someone who has accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall if that team doesn’t go well this year,” Rodgers told NFL Network on Sunday. “I think it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth.”
Rodgers, who was acquired by New York from Green Bay in April, called Hackett “arguably my favourite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL.” Rodgers won two of his four NFL MVP trophies with the Packers in 2020 and 2021.
During an interview with USA Today’s Jarrett Bell, Payton also criticised the Jets for being the latest NFL club “trying to win the offseason,” something he claimed the Broncos did and were “embarrassed” for doing under Hackett.
When questioned about Payton’s remarks, Jets coach Robert Saleh said Thursday, “Hackett’s doing a phenomenal job here.” He also said that the Jets are just concerned with themselves, but he recognises that “there’s a lot of people hatin’ on us and a lot of people looking for us to fail.”
Payton apologised on Friday for his remarks disparaging Hackett and said he will contact Hackett and Saleh “at the appropriate time.”
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