Aaron Rodgers Calls Out Anonymous Sources for Zach Wilson Character Assassination
Aaron Rodgers doesn’t want to hear the Zach Wilson slander.
The four-time NFL MVP stood up for his embattled teammate Tuesday during an appearance on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show and blasted anonymous sources cited in a Monday report by Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Those sources told Russini that Zach Wilson is “reluctant” to return to the field for the Jets, and Rodgers strongly suggested there is no place in a “winning culture” for such leaks to the media and questioned the motivation to harm a teammate’s reputation.
“When you use sources, whether intentional or unintentional, and try to assassinate someone’s character, like that report does for Zach, I have a real hard time with that,” said Rodgers. “… That’s a problem with the organization. We need to get to the bottom of wherever this is coming from and put a stop to it privately. … I think it’s chicken s— at its core, and I think it has no place in a winning organization.”
"When you use sources to try and assassinate someone's character like that report does for Zach I have a real hard time with that..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 5, 2023
You're basically saying that this kid is quitting on the team and doesn't wanna play" @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/b9WNCSIoKB
Rodgers expressed love for Wilson and contempt for players who speak with the media off the record as anonymous sources.
“I have had relationships between media people over the years,” added Rodgers. “You get to know them, but if you’re gonna say something like that, you should put your name on it and stand behind it.”
Rodgers went out of his way to defend the beleaguered Wilson, who has been been benched in each of the past two seasons.
“I will tell you that I love the kid and I have spent a lot of time with him, and I think he is an amazing young man,” Rodgers said. “… He has gone through a lot of s— in the last three years, and he has every right to be frustrated about it.”
The Jets (4–8) have yet to announce who will be under center for the team when it faces the Texans (7–5) at MetLife Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Signs point to a potential return of Wilson after the club waived Tim Boyle on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, New York signed quarterback Brett Rypien off the Seahawks practice squad.