Aaron Rodgers, cool and aware of the moment, came strutting toward the HBO cameras during the first episode of “Hard Knocks,” which premiered this week. If the producers hadn’t preconceived that this would be the first scene of practice, Rodgers made the decision an easy one, given his genteel approach and trademark casual manner with which he greeted the hype of his arrival at New York Jets training camp.
He was engaged, no longer detached. He was curious, no longer indifferent. He looked refreshed, no longer burdened. The dude is a superstar, after all — a GOAT-tier quarterback still capable of elite bleating as he begins his 19th season and a charismatic television personality when he chooses to be. For as much as Rodgers and the Jets seemed uninterested by the intrusion of this preseason documentary before taping began, it’s also an opportunity to acquire valuable influence over how his New York experiment will be perceived. Rodgers understands this better than anyone. He is already using the platform to present a fuller image of himself after years of endless controversy, bouts of dissension with the Green Bay Packers and odd behavior that saw him drift into conspiracy theories.
Weird Aaron was nowhere to be found in the “Hard Knocks” season debut. For certain, he still exists. But with the future Hall of Famer trying to make an impression on his new franchise, there’s a grander story to tell. There’s a grander way Rodgers wants to be seen. While these five episodes figure to embellish the tale, “Hard Knocks” will also help frame Rodgers’s greatest responsibility now. As a leader, he must supply the young Jets with stability.
‘Hard Knocks’ returns and, yes, it’s basically ‘The Aaron Rodgers Show’
It’s something Rodgers didn’t have to do with Green Bay because the Packers knew him so well and built around him accordingly. It’s safe to assume Rodgers will play well, even though he turns 40 in December. Behind center, he has always been a stabilizing force. He’s too smart, too consistent and too capable of pulling a rabbit out of his hat at any time. If he stays healthy, he will find ways to win and keep the Jets in the playoff picture. But if he truly wants to chase that elusive second Super Bowl title, Rodgers cannot be the legendary player who often acts above it all.
He must stabilize the Jets with his example, his voice, his willingness to share and his commitment to sticking with a process that is certain to annoy him at times. Maybe familiarity and growing frustration made him retreat into that unbothered state in Green Bay. The Jets need all of Rodgers, though. They need the on-field brilliance, and they need the man willing to come down to their level and show them the way.
Teammates have always followed Rodgers, even when the chemistry wasn’t ideal, because he was The Franchise playing for a franchise that specializes in sustainable success. The Jets, on the other hand, haven’t made the playoffs for 12 straight seasons. During that span, they’ve had one winning season and two .500 records. “Follow me!” won’t cut it from Rodgers. He can’t take for granted that every player can walk this walk.
In New York, players are still pinching themselves. They remain in disbelief that they get to play with Rodgers. After a 2022 season in which a 7-10 record could’ve easily been 10-7 with even solid quarterback play, the Jets have gone from having QBs who held them back to trading for a legend who raises expectations.
