New York Jets’ Owner Woody Johnson: Aaron Rodgers ‘Never Left Football’

RALPH VENTRE

Distraction? What distraction?

New York Jets’ owner Woody Johnson claims quarterback Aaron Rodgers is “one hundred percent” committed to the upcoming football season.

During an interview on Fox News Channel with host Jesse Watters, Johnson answered a question about the future Hall-of-Fame field general having been rumored as a potential Vice Presidential choice by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

“He is getting back to football, one hundred percent. He never left football. That was a momentary distraction, maybe like going in the dark room or whatever. But he’s back 100%. Great leader,” said Johnson after chuckling.

The 40-year-old Rodgers, who was not chosen as Kennedy’s running mate, has voiced his support for the third-party Presidential candidate. Instead of hitting the campaign trail, Rodgers is seemingly poised to complete his comeback from Achilles surgery. The four-time NFL MVP went down only four plays into the 2023 season opener.

“I tell the receivers, ‘You count to 10, hold your hands up and look around, the ball will be there.’ He’s gonna be really good. If we can keep him on his feet, which I think we can, it’s gonna be an exciting start to the season,” said Johnson during the April 8 guest appearance that lasted a little longer than four minutes.

Prior to arriving in New York last spring, Rodgers passed for 59,055 yards and 475 touchdowns during a storied tenure with the Green Bay Packers. He ruptured his Achilles on September 11 and returned to practice in December.

Rodgers was present in Florham Park for the start of the team’s voluntary nine-week offseason program, which kicked off April 15.