Explaining Why Rodgers's Presence Is Important to Jets

CJ Mosley, Zach Wilson and Robert Saleh glad to have future Hall-of-Fame quarterback back in the building

His contributions on the headset are only a tiny part of it. Even without the ability to play, Aaron Rodgers brings value to the New York Jets when he's present. 

One month removed from Achilles surgery, Rodgers was back in the house at MetLife Stadium for the team's Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Sans crutches, and giving off coaching vibes, he remained on the sideline for the entire game.

"I think he was mostly in there talking to the coaches. Obviously, my headset is just with Hack [offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett], but it’s always good having him around," said quarterback Zach Wilson after the 20-14 victory that evened the Jets' overall record at 3-3.

All-Pro linebacker C.J. Mosley explained the effects of Rodgers's presence in a conversation with Sports Illustrated senior reporter Albert Breer. 

"It’s always good to see him—I missed that mustache,” said Mosley while speaking with Breer. “Just to hear his voice, to see him walk around on the sideline, getting mad at calls. And he’s just that safety net, especially for the young players on the other side and for everybody on offense. He’s one of our leaders. Well, he is our leader, obviously, the one on offense. So, just with Zach to be around him, talk to him, say what you’re seeing. I'm sure they were going over plays every time he came to the sideline."

Wilson, who played a turnover-free game, has become a protégé of the 39-year-old Rodgers.

"Just the ability to throw next to him every day, watch the way he approaches things, the way he goes through his footwork, his process at the line, asking him questions about certain plays, all the above," said Wilson on Monday. "I really enjoyed spending my time with him."

While addressing reporters the day after an upset win that was undoubtedly noticed around the league, Jets' head coach Robert Saleh neatly summarized why the four-time NFL MVP's presence is beneficial to the state of the team.

"His work ethic, his thoughtfulness, his connection that he has to people. He is an all-around human being and him being around this building is infectious," said Saleh.

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