Aaron Rodgers and Sean Payton Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock; Charles Baus/CSM/Shutterstock
Aaron Rodgers channeled Will Smith‘s notorious Oscars rant whereas feuding with Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton.
Payton, 59, took over for former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett earlier this 12 months, signing with the Colorado staff forward of the 2023 season. Hackett, 43, is presently working as offensive coordinator for Rodgers’ new staff, the New York Jets.
Hackett was axed by the Broncos after a less-than-impressive 4-11 file within the 2022 season — and Payton made it identified that Denver followers may count on extra from him this season. He not too long ago instructed USA As we speak that Hackett did “one of many worst teaching jobs within the historical past of the NFL,” asserting that he deliberate on “doing the alternative.”
Rodgers, 39, got here to his coach’s protection on Sunday, July 30. “I really like Nathaniel Hackett, and people feedback had been very shocking, for a coach to try this to a different coach,” he mentioned in an interview with NFL+ after follow.
Rodgers wasted no time firing again at Payton, including, “It made me really feel dangerous that somebody who has achieved loads within the league is that insecure that they must take one other man all the way down to set themselves up for some straightforward fall if it doesn’t go effectively for that staff this 12 months. I feel it was manner out of line, inappropriate, and I feel he must maintain my coach’s title out of his mouth.”
Hackett beforehand labored with Rodgers for a number of years, and the duo led the Inexperienced Bay Packers to grow to be the best scoring offense within the NFL within the 2020 season. Although they’ve each moved on from the Wisconsin franchise, Rodgers and Hackett’s bond remained intact.
Aaron Rodgers throughout staff actions on the Atlantic Well being Jets Coaching Middle Duncan Williams/CSM/Shutterstock
“My love for Hack goes deep, you understand, we had some nice years collectively in Inexperienced Bay,” he mentioned on Sunday. “[We] stored in contact, love him and his household, he’s an unbelievable household man and an unbelievable dad. And on the sphere, he’s arguably my favourite coach I’ve ever had within the NFL. Simply his strategy to it – he makes it enjoyable, how he cares in regards to the guys, simply how he goes about his enterprise with respect, with management, with honesty, with integrity.”
Rodgers performed quarterback for the Packers from 2005 to 2022, formally signing with the Jets in April in a transfer that Payton claimed was extra involved with “pomp and circumstance.” In accordance with the Broncos coach, the Jets are a “dream staff” that will not be capable of reside as much as the hype.
Payton later apologized for his controversial remarks, admitting it was “a mistake” and that he may use “a little bit bit extra filter” in his interviews.
Whereas followers are trying ahead to seeing Rodgers make his Jets debut, the athlete took a major pay reduce upon leaving the Packers behind. His restructured two-year deal ensures him $75 million, in comparison with the $110 million he would have earned ending his four-year settlement together with his former staff.
Join Us Weekly’s free, each day publication and by no means miss breaking information or unique tales about your favourite celebrities, TV exhibits and extra!
“The staff gave up important items for it to be only a one-year deal. I’m conscious of that,” Rodgers instructed ESPN on Wednesday, July 26. “Something may occur with my physique or the success we’ve this 12 months, however I’m having a blast, so I actually don’t see this as a one-year-and-done factor. We’ve all turned the web page. It’s a brand new chapter. I feel it’s going to be thrilling for Inexperienced Bay, transferring on. It’s positively been actually enjoyable for me out right here.”
