Zach Wilson was supposed to be taken under Aaron Rodgers‘ tutelage, but that doesn’t seem to have happened. Rodgers praised the 2021 No. 2 pick in public, referring to him as a “amazing young man” in December. However, a recent rumor claims that the two quarterbacks’ connection became more symbolically and literally apart.
The four-time MVP was working out in California during the early stages of his recovery from the Achilles tendonitis he suffered on his fourth play as a New York Jet.
That reintegrated Wilson into the group. But additional subpar play resulted in his benching. It was then said that he was reluctant to return beneath center.
According to reports, head coach Robert Saleh urged Rodgers to talk to Wilson and persuade him to do so. But it doesn’t seem to have worked, as Wilson’s perception of Rodgers “soured”.
Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers fractured relationship
Even during Rodgers’ rehabilitation, Wilson reportedly informed coaches and staff that he “was under the impression he’d have a direct line” to him, but he “barely heard from” him, according to The Athletic.
Upon the release of the report, Rodgers attacked the leak within his own team on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He said , “We need to get to the bottom of whatever this is coming from and put a stop to it privately. There’s no place in a winning culture (for this),”
Zach Wilson with Aaron Rodgers
Wilson only made the decision to resume his starting position, according to The Athletic, in response to the public outcry following reports that he was hesitant to do so because of “his previous conversation with Saleh” and his “fears of getting injured behind the Jets’ makeshift offensive line.”
Saleh allegedly informed Wilson when he was first benched that the organization would attempt to trade him during the offseason; but, after Rodgers sustained an injury, the team passed on veterans like Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz, and Colt McCoy. According to reports, Saleh even believed that it would be a “miracle” if Wilson led the Jets to eight victories. Seven were won by them.
