Aaron Rodgers denies firing New York Jets coach Robert Saleh: ‘Wrong’

Aaron Rodgers I had a short and sweet message for everyone who thought he was responsible for being named head coach of the New York Jets Robert Saleh fired.

“As far as the ridiculous allegations out there, I’m not going to use more than one sentence in response to them,” Rodgers, 40, said during an appearance on Wednesday, October 9 The Pat McAfee Show. “I reject these allegations because they are patently false.”

Rodgers added with a laugh: “It’s interesting how much power people give me. “Which I don’t.”

There were rumors about Rodgers’ involvement in Saleh’s firing, which was announced on Tuesday, October 8, following ESPN’s release Adam Schefter Jets owner reported Woody Johnson called Rodgers personally on Monday night, just hours before Saleh was fired.

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“Yeah, I talked to Woody,” Rodgers told McAfee, 37. “Woody called me Monday night. We had a short conversation. I really appreciated the call. It was a real call. He just asked me how I was doing.”

The conversation took place the day after the Jets’ 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London, a game in which Rodgers awkwardly twisted his ankle.

“We talked about the game and how disappointed I was with my performance and that I’m going to play better and we’ll get things under control,” Rodgers continued. “And then we hung up.”

Saleh was fired after a disappointing 2-3 start to the season. In a statement to ESPN on Wednesday, Saleh said: “I am grateful to the Jets organization for the opportunity to work with so many incredible people. “I will always appreciate the love and support from everyone at 1 Jets Drive.”

Rodgers spoke fondly of his former head coach, explaining that his admiration began when the quarterback was still a member of the Green Bay Packers.

“I love Coach Saleh,” Rodgers enthused. “We have a very solid relationship. We have known him since I met him in 2021. We had a nice conversation when they visited us for joint practices. He was one of the main reasons I came to the Jets.”

Rodgers was traded to New York in April 2023 after 18 seasons in Green Bay.

“What people can forget is that Robert is not only a fantastic person and a damn good football coach, but also a family man,” Rodgers said. “He has seven children, he has an incredible wife. The business of football can be tough, not only for those of us who play, train and of course take on personnel matters and responsibilities, but it is also tough on families.”

Robert and his wife, Sanaa SalehThey have two daughters and five sons together, including their eldest son Adam, with whom Rodgers has a special relationship.

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“Adam is my little throwing buddy from training camp. “I love Adam,” Rodgers gushed. “He’s an incredible, incredible boy.”

Rodgers added: “To anyone who supports this decision, I would just like to appeal to the humanity of the situation and remind them that there are other people involved. “Adam has to go to school today or this week. Hopefully there won’t be any kids with poor parents who make aside comments to him.”

Ultimately, Rodgers said he thought the coach’s firing showed how callous and merciless the world of football can be.

“Yesterday was a day that reminds you of the simple fact that all of us who have played know only too well that it is a tough business,” admitted Rodgers. “It’s a wonderful job. It’s incredible. It has done so much for our lives. But it’s also a really tough business.”