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Aaron Rodgers Slams Anonymous Sources Leaking Negative Info About Zach Wilson
According to The Athletic, the Jets consider Zelch Wilson their number 14 pick due to multiple team sources' insights, as they attempted to secure Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian for the quarterback position, creating awareness of the injury risk. Rodgers, who suffered an Achilles tear in just four New Jersey appearances, found the report "disturbing" and expressed support for Wilson.
He questioned the legitimate sources behind the report, stating, "Why would anyone want to be a source? What's their motivation?" He further criticized the use of such sources to tarnish someone's reputation. Rodgers expressed his frustration, saying, "It's hard to accept when someone uses anonymous sources to try and kill someone's character, like Zach did in the report."
Rodgers felt the report portrayed Wilson negatively, implying that the quarterback was unwilling to continue playing for the team and giving the middle finger. He didn't speak on Wilson's behalf but acknowledged his teammate's journey and growth over the past three seasons.
CNN contacted Wilson to permit him to respond to the report. While Wilson has yet to publicly address the issue, he plans to speak to the media on Thursday.
Early this week, Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh remained ambiguous when asked about who would start as the quarterback in Week 14 against the Houston Texans. He denied rumors that Wilson was unwilling to return to the starting lineup. Saleh later revealed that he had just spoken with Wilson prior to the interview, emphasizing Wilson's commitment to the ball and the team.
In The Athletic's report, Wilson was portrayed as unwilling to return as the Jets' starting quarterback based on unnamed sources. Rodgers voiced his discontent with the culture of anonymous leaks within the Jets organization.
"We need to dig deeper and privately address the situation, as anonymity is never beneficial in a culture of success," stated Rodgers. He also noted that some conversations should remain private and leave the facility when discussing them.
Upon request, CNN granted the Jets the authorization to respond to Rodgers' comments on the anonymous leaks within the organization.
The Jets, aiming for a postseason appearance since 2010, waived Boyle on Tuesday and signed Brett Rypien from the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad. Rodgers was cleared to return to practice last week, with initial expectations that he would miss the entire season.
The team's upcoming playing schedule and Rodgers potential participation are uncertain.
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Chad Johnson, who once played for the Bengals, claimed on The Pat McAfee Show that Wilson was a better playmaker than Rodgers, stating, "Zach Wilson is better than Aaron Rodgers at this stage in his career. He can do more things with his legs." However, Johnson's claim does not challenge the legitimacy of the anonymous sources used in the report on Wilson's intentions regarding the Jets starting quarterback position.
For accurate information about Wilson's feelings toward his role with the Jets, you should refer to direct statements from Wilson or official announcements from the team. The provided sources do not offer any substantial insights into Wilson's viewpoint on returning as the starter.
