Aaron Rodgers has opened up on his bizarre sideline exchange with Robert Saleh, insisting he wasnt expecting his New York Jets head coach to go in for a hug.
The quarterback was in brilliant form on his first return to MetLife since tearing his Achilles, but a hugely positive night took a tense turn at the end of the first quarter.
Returning to the sidelines after throwing his first home Jets touchdown, head coach Saleh went in for a hug – only to be pushed away by his veteran QB.
Explaining the situation to reporters after the game, Rodgers said: It wasnt awkward at all. Hes not a big hugger, usually, I didnt know he was going for the hug. He likes the two hand chest push.
He talks a lot about two score leads so I gave him a push and said two score lead.
Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh had a seemingly tense moment during the Patriots game
Rodgers gave Saleh a light shove and stared him down for a couple of seconds – he said afterwards that the moment wasnt awkward at all
Rodgers and Saleh are pumped.#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/b3aSB0VgsM
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 20, 2024
Saleh also laughed off any talk of a rift between the pair, saying post-game: Part of the things that weve been talking about is to give the defense a two-score lead.
It [wasnt] a two-score lead so he wanted to see something on defense.
On social media, fans jumped to Rodgers defense and hailed his attitude, insisting it is exactly what the Jets need as they aim for the Super Bowl.
One wrote: I understand. Game aint won yet and Saleh wants a hug. This that Kobe mentality that this team needs.
The Jets are now 2-1 for the first time since 2015, and face the Denver Broncos next as they look to continue their winning streak.
Rodgers explained his side of the story on the podium with reporters after the victory
Opposing quarterback Jacoby Brissett did get a hug on the field after the Jets big win
Rodgers and Co lost on the road to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 but have since bounced back with victories over the Titans and Patriots.
Rodgers himself was in imperious form, throwing another two touchdowns in his best performance yet in Jets green.
He completed 27 of his 35 passing attempts – a much higher completion percentage than Weeks 1 and 2, and he left the game with a QBR of 81.8 percent.
Rodgers now has five touchdown passes for the season, the joint-most of any QB in the league – although he has played a game more.
