New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has minimized the significance of his absence from the team’s mandatory minicamp in June. On the “Pardon My Take” podcast, Rodgers remarked, “When I was in the NFC North … there used to be a real thing called minicamp where it was … five practices in three days.
Now, it’s not a minicamp. They can arbitrarily put a tag on whatever week of OTAs they want and say, ‘This is the minicamp week,’ which makes it somehow more mandatory than the other weeks. But it was an OTA schedule.”
Rodgers emphasized the misinterpretation of terms, explaining, “That’s how words can be a little deceiving from time to time. You can make a story of the fact that I missed a minicamp when it was really two OTA days. I came to the first 10.”
Rodgers drew attention when he missed the Jets’ mandatory two-day minicamp, choosing to vacation in Egypt instead. Despite head coach Robert Saleh initially labeling it an “unexcused absence,” he later expressed support for Rodgers’ decision.
As per the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, the 40-year-old quarterback is subject to fines for his absence. Rodgers acknowledged this, stating, “I’m sure I’ll get fined for that.”
Rodgers’ absence comes after he tore his Achilles just four snaps into his Jets tenure last season. For the upcoming campaign, he will have new teammates, including former top-10 pick wide receiver Mike Williams and veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
Looking ahead to the season, Rodgers expressed optimism, saying, “I always like our chances.”
The Jets will hold their first training camp practice on Wednesday.
