Despite Inviting $100K Fines, Aaron Rodgers ‘Earned’ His Absence From Jets OTAs Per Former Packers Teammate

There was a notable absence in the New York Jets minicamp on Tuesday. The Jets star QB Aaron Rodgers did not show up in the mandatory minicamp on June 11, causing a stir among fans and media. Additionally, there are reports that he might be missing June 12 camp as well.

As a result, Rodgers could face CBA fines, which is likely to be around $100K, for missing the camp. While it’s a big deal for players to miss mandatory camps, for Rodgers, it might not be such a significant issue. In fact, according to his former Green Bay Packers teammate, A-Rod has “earned” his miss from the Jets’ OTAs.

Not a big deal?

In a recent episode of SPEAK, Joy Taylor, LeSean McCoy, Dave Helman and James Jones reacted to Aaron Rodgers’ absence from the mandatory minicamp, as well as Robert Saleh’s “unexcused” comments on it. During the discussion, former Packers and Rodgers’ ex teammate, Jones, highlighted why Rodgers’ skipping the mandatory minicamps is fine, and not a big thing. He said that since joining the Jets, A-Rod has fully committed to the team, participating in every offseason activity. He’s been present at everything, including mini camp, where typically veterans don’t take many reps.

As per Jones, in minicamp, rookies usually get most of the reps while veterans like Rodgers often just coach them. Jones added that during his time in minicamp, the veterans were in sneakers, not taking reps, just helping the young players. The 40-year-old further continued, “I know mandatory on there and this is minicamp, you’re not taking any reps. Aaron Rogers has done everything he needed to do offseason wise since he’s become a New York Jet. This is absolutely nothing.”

In short, James highlighted that Rodgers, being a veteran and having already done everything he has been asked to do, has earned his absence from the mandatory minicamps.

But the question is: Why Rodgers has actually missed the camp?

Where was Aaron Rodgers?

Aaron Rodgers’ absence from the New York Jets minicamp has raised some eyebrows. Typically, veteran players like Rodgers have the flexibility to miss OTAs (Organized Team Activities), but missing a mandatory minicamp is more significant. Rodgers didn’t attend the minicamp starting on Tuesday, June 11, and he won’t be present on Wednesday, June 12, either. Jets head coach Robert Saleh clarified that Rodgers had informed him beforehand about an important event he had to attend.

Although his absence is officially “unexcused” and will result in CBA fines, Saleh emphasized that the communication with A-Rod had been good, and his presence at the facility for media day on June 10 was noted. Furthermore, Rodgers is not the only notable absence; Hasson Reddick, a new Jets pass rusher, is also missing as he seeks a new contract. According to NBA New York, “Both players could be fined $16,953 for missing the first day of minicamp and $33,908 for the second day for a total of $50,861.”

Rodgers, who is recovering from his Achilles injury of 2023, aims to lead the team to their first playoffs since 2010, ending the longest playoff drought in North American sports.