Rodgers's OTAs Report Card Highlighted by Perfect Practice Attendance

Jets' superstar quarterback likes 'where we’re at' as team breaks for a short summer

Aaron Rodgers arrived in New Jersey for his introductory press conference on April 26 and never left.

"I’m going to be here for the foreseeable future," said Rodgers on the day he was introduced at the New York Jets' facility in Florham Park. "I think it’s important, obviously, I know the scheme that [Nathaniel] Hackett’s putting in, there’s some tweaks, but I want to get to know the guys and be around the facility."

As it turned out, the foreseeable future was the entirety of Jets' organized team activities.

"I did, yeah," said Rodgers after the final practice on June 9 when asked if he attended all of OTAs.

Even after straining his calf during the warmup period on May 23, Rodgers remained with the team.

"I originally planned on being back on the West Coast for at least a week to get with my bodywork people and my trainers," said Rodgers. "But when I hurt my calf, it was best that I was here the entire time rehabbing and just being around the guys."

Sidelined for practice drills, the grizzled veteran took the field in an instructional role of sorts.

"The on the field stuff was really important as we start to work through some of the adjustments and signals," said Rodgers. "Just kind of being the other voice in the room with Hack [Nathaniel Hackett] in the installs and in the QB room. It’s fun to come to work and be excited about what we’re doing."

Rodgers's time with the team has helped speed the adjustment process in the new offense installed by Hackett.

"I love the communication, pre-snap, post-snap," said Saleh about the deployment of Hackett's scheme. "I love the meetings and the conversations that have been had and very confident that we’re going to hit our stride when we need to."

With the team deciding to forego minicamp next week, Rodgers will finally head back west next week.

"I’m going to get back to the West Coast and get with my workout folks out there. I got a Lake Tahoe trip and that’s about it," said the California-born quarterback.

Rodgers will leave Florham Park with a sense of accomplishment from the last six weeks of work.

"I like where we’re at and I appreciate, as every player does, that Rob [Saleh] cut the last week [mandatory minicamp]," said Rodgers. "Giving us some more time out of the building I think is really important for guys to at least take a week to vacation to clear their head."

Even when he wasn't practicing, Rodgers was involved with teammates through social activities. 

"It made for a lot of opportunities for some get togethers in the City," said Rodgers. "We had some good team dinners and a lot of hangout time, so that was good."

Enjoying the entertainment capital of the world, the future Hall-of-Fame field general attended two NBA and one NHL playoffs games at Madison Square Garden.

"Being able to spend some time, it was great," said cornerback Sauce Gardner after joining Rodgers for a New York Knicks' Eastern Conference semifinals game. "Everybody knew who he was. I was able to just try to be in his shadow a little bit."

Rodgers also showed his appreciation for the arts, attending a Taylor Swift concert at MetLife Stadium and subsequently visiting Broadway to watch "Wicked."

"We have nice talks about Broadway shows sometimes, which is nice, because I'm a big Broadway guy," said tight end C.J. Uzomah after a May 23 practice. "He's a big Broadway guy, doing stuff in the City."

Whether it was on the field, in the meeting room or on Broadway, Rodgers has made for a memorable arrival with his new team.

"It was a lot of fun, actually, the last six weeks have been about the most fun I’ve had in a while," said the 39-year old quarterback, who has passed for 59,055 yards and 475 touchdowns in his NFL career.

READ MORE:

Jets' Offseason Moves Provide Plenty of Support for Aaron Rodgers

Players Dismissed until Training Camp as Jets Close Out OTAs

Jets May Be Strongest Contender for HBO's 'Hard Knocks'

Impending FA Dalvin Cook Could Land in AFC East, Possibly with Jets

'Worried' about Week 1, Bills' QB Labels Rodgers 'One of the Greatest'