Aaron Rodgers Rejects Jihad Ward’s Claim That Jets Mocked Injured Giants Player

Let the countdown to the Battle of New York begin.

For the first time in many years, things are looking up for both New York football teams.

The Giants are looking to build on a 9-7-1 season that resulted in the franchise's first postseason appearance since 2016. The Jets, meanwhile, are adjusting to the good life with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

There's something else, though: the two teams may have a feud to go with their sunny outlooks.

Rodgers pushed back Thursday against Giants defensive end Jihad Ward's suggestion that certain Jets were laughing after wide receiver Randall Cobb concussed Giants cornerback Bobby McCain with an illegal block during the two teams' preseason game Saturday.

"I think he's making s--t up," Rodgers told reporters.

Aaron Rodgers on Giant Jihad Ward saying Jets' players were laughing about an injured NYG player in last week's game: "I think he's making (expletive) up." #Jets

— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) August 31, 2023

Ward expressed disgust with Hard Knocks's portrayal of his actions during the game, which depicted Rodgers and him trading words without the context of McCain's injury. The series did, however, show Jets players laughing after Rodgers called Cobb out for the play.

"They know what they did. I know what (Cobb) did, coaches know what he did, my teammates know what he did," Ward said. "I'm the only one sticking up for (McCain)."

The Jets and Giants are scheduled to renew their rivalry on Oct. 29.