Aaron Rodgers’ old comments on Nathaniel Hackett will have Jets fans swooning

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has made his love for Nathaniel Hackett clear. Some old comments on the now-Jets OC have fans hoping for a reunion.

If the Packers want to get something out of their contract with Aaron Rodgers, this year is the window to trade him.

So it’s been obvious to link the quarterback to the New York Jets, who have openly stated they’re looking for a veteran quarterback and just hired his former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.

The working relationship and respect between Hackett and Rodgers is strong. Old clips of Rodgers talking about his then-OC prove that.

Jets QB target Aaron Rodgers joked about leaving with Nathaniel Hackett in 2020

“Hack has been a really important part of our culture change and a part of our success on offense,” Rodgers told reporters in 2020. “I love him. Hope he doesn’t go anywhere — unless I do.”

Little did Rodgers know that Hackett’s movements would have that clip replayed on a loop in 2022 and now 2023.

So if it came up when Hackett took the head coaching job in Denver, why does it matter to Jets fans now? Because circumstances are very different this time around.

The Packers had every reason to hold on to Rodgers going into the 2022 season. They were coming off their third consecutive 13-win season complete with an NFC North division title. They had aspirations of contending for a Super Bowl.

Now coming off an 8-9 campaign and missing the playoffs, the perception that the team can contend for much of anything is missing. Cashing out on Rodgers makes a whole lot more sense.

Rodgers reportedly doesn’t have a no-trade clause, so he couldn’t guarantee a move to the Jets himself, but they’re one of only a few teams that check the necessary boxes for a trade. They can afford the trade and the contract. They’re in the AFC. And mutual interest could only help the deal get done.

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