Jets Elect Triumvirate of Leaders for 2023 NFL Regular Season

Aaron Rodgers and two others chosen for team captain role

The New York Jets named three captains, one from each phase of the game, for the 2023 NFL regular season on Monday.

According to head coach Robert Saleh, the three men were selected through a vote of their peers. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers represents the offense while linebacker CJ Mosely will captain the defense. Cornerback Justin Hardee was chosen as the special teams captain coming off his Pro Bowl campaign.

In addition to the three permanently-named captains, the coaching staff will elect a fourth captain on a weekly basis.

"The three are decided by the players, and then the fourth captain is always decided by the coaches. We’ll usually pick a guy who exemplifies everything we believe in as a staff," said third-year head coach Robert Saleh.

Rodgers has taken on a leadership role since arriving in late April. The future Hall-of-Fame quarterback has been vocal in the meeting room and on the field as he helps to install offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's scheme. The four-time NFL MVP has also made a visible effort to mentor former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson.

Mosley, a ninth-year veteran who opted out of the 2020 COVID-affected campaign, enters his fourth season as a Jets' captain. The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker signed a five-year deal with Gang Green in 2019.

"He’s a stud, man. He is the captain. CJ embodies everything you want out of a professional football player," said Saleh last week.

Over the past two seasons, Mosley has totaled 326 tackles in a 33-game sample. He plans on continuing to lead by example.

"It means a lot, especially coming from my teammates. I don't take the 'C' on my chest lightly," said the 31-year-old Mosley on Monday. "Every year that I come here, I make sure I work to earn that stripe. I make sure I put in the right work ethic and lead by example the right way. Make sure I am doing the right thing by everyone."

In two seasons with the Green & White, Hardee has played more than 80 percent of the special teams snaps. Appearing in all 17 games on the 2022 schedule, he made 14 ST tackles en-route to his first career Pro Bowl selection.

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