Aaron Rodgers has had a tough start to life in New York (Image: Getty)
Woody Johnson reportedly wanted Aaron Rodgers benched just weeks into the season as the team continued to suffer. It’s believed that the New York Jets owner suggested sidelining the veteran quarterback following the team’s disappointing start to the season – with much of the blame falling on 40-year-old Rodgers.
The 2024 season had been met with high expectations from Jets fans, particularly with the return of four-time MVP Rodgers from an Achilles injury that sidelined him in his first year starting in New York. The offensive line-up was also brimming with talent, including former Rookie of the Year wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back ‘Izzy’ Abanikanda.
However, the faltered to a 2-2 start by week four, suffering losses to the San Francisco 49ers and a low-scoring game against the Denver Broncos – where only one touchdown was scored throughout the match. In this game, Rodgers completed 24 of 42 passes for 225 yards, compared to the entire Broncos offense completing 186 yards – yet Denver still emerged victorious.
Following this game, it’s reported that a meeting was called among the Jets hierarchy, during which Johnson allegedly proposed that Rodgers be benched.
The Athletic reported that the Jets’ higher-ups were left in utter disbelief when they repeatedly questioned Johnson about his decision to bench the quarterback, and each time he confirmed his stance. Despite the initial shock, Rodgers remained the starting quarterback, tasked with leading the team towards the playoffs.
The Jets’ season took another turn for the worse after Rodgers threw three interceptions during a 23-17 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings – marking a first in his two-decade NFL career with two interceptions in the opening quarter.
Johnson reportedly wanted to bench the four-time MVP just weeks into the season (Image: Getty)
Following this, head coach Robert Saleh was dismissed, and Rodgers owned up to his role in the outcome and subsequent changes on the Pat McAfee Show. He said: “If I play better, this doesn’t happen. When you make a change on the offense, it is a mirror held up for all of us that played. When something like this happens, it is a reset for everybody.”
In the aftermath, general manager Joe Douglas was also sent packing – a move in which Johnson was said to be deeply involved.
The Jets are currently third in the AFC East table, holding a disappointing 3-8 record and a two-game losing streak as they approach their week 13 clash with the Seattle Seahawks.