Are the New York Jets Turning into the New York Packers?
Aaron Rodgers will likely be playing for the New York Jets this upcoming season. He told "The Pat McAfee Show" last month that that was his intention.
The legendary Green Bay signal-caller will be leaving the state of Wisconsin after 18 magical seasons. However, the 4-time MVP will not be the only former member of the Packers going to play or coach in the Big Apple.
Green Bay connections that will be joining Rodgers with the Jets
Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett
Before becoming Head Coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022, Hackett was the Packers Offensive Coordinator for three seasons (2019-2021). He helped the Packers become the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense in 2020 (31.8). He also helped Aaron Rodgers win back-to-back MVPs (2020-2021). Hackett is one of the best offensive assistants in the sport and will help improve the Jets offense in 2023.
WR Allen Lazard
After four seasons in Green Bay, Allen Lazard signed a new 4-year deal with New York this offseason. Lazard is coming off a career year in which he set career-highs in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788). The 6-5 Lazard emerged as a top target for the Packers during his career after going undrafted out of Iowa State. He became a star in Green Bay after coming over from the Jaguars in 2018.
QB Tim Boyle
New York signed veteran backup and former Packers signal-caller Tim Boyle earlier this week. Boyle was a backup to Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay for three seasons (2018-2020) before joining the Lions (2021-2022) and the Bears (2022). He has knowledge of the offensive system that Nathaniel Hackett will implement with the New York. Along with Rodgers, he can help the Jets offensive players learn it.
Head Coach Robert Saleh
No, Robert Saleh did not come from the Green Bay Packers. No, Robert Saleh has never coached for the Green Bay Packers. But do you know who he is great friends with? Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur. In fact, Saleh was the best man at LaFleur's wedding. They also coached together at the University of Central Michigan (2005) and with the Houston Texans (2008-2009).
The LaFleur-Saleh connection has to be a big part of the reason Rodgers wanted to come play for New York. Both are player-friendly coaches who understand the game at a very high level.
