Aaron Rodgers clearly has Nathaniel Hackett’s back.
The Jets quarterback responded to Broncos coach Sean Payton’s comments in a USA TODAY interview calling Hackett’s time in Denver as the head coach in 2022 “one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.”
There was plenty of blame to go around last year for the Broncos’ ugly campaign in which they finished 5-12. But Payton specifically targeted Hackett, who was fired last December.
FanDuel Sportsbook Massachusetts $1,000 NO-SWEAT BET
21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
- Related: Mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts on FanDuel. Get started with a $1,000 no-sweat bet
Rodgers, who reunited with Hackett in New York this offseason, didn’t take too kindly to Payton’s comments.
“Yeah, I love Nathaniel Hackett, and those comments were very surprising, for a coach to do that to another coach,” Rodgers said during an appearance on NFL+ on Sunday. “My love for Hack goes deep. We had some great years together in Green Bay. … He’s arguably my favorite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL. His approach to it, how he makes it fun, how he cares about the guys. Just how he goes about his business with respect, with leadership, with honesty, with integrity.
“It made me feel bad that someone who’s accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall if it doesn’t go well for that team this year,” he continued.
“I thought it was way out of line, inappropriate and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth,” Rodgers concluded.
Payton has since walked back his comments, calling what he said a mistake.
Rodgers and Hackett spent the 2019-2021 seasons together with the Packers. Green Bay was the NFL’s best scoring offense in 2020 under Hackett as its OC, and Rodgers won consecutive MVP awards (2020, 2021) while with him.
Hackett was hired by the Jets in January to be their new OC before New York traded for Rodgers in April. And even though Hackett’s time as head coach in Denver was forgettable, Rodgers has plenty of confidence in him.
The Jets and Broncos meet in a Week 5 matchup at Mile High Stadium.
