"I don't like it" - When Aaron Rodgers called out Jaire Alexander for concerning comments after Packers' loss to Giants
The New York Giants faced the Green Bay Packers in a Week 5 game in the 2022 season in London, miles away from Lambeau Field. After blowing a 17-3 lead, the Packers lost 27-22. Jaire Alexander expressed that he wasn’t worried by the loss but was looking forward to the next game against the New York Jets when they return to the U.S.
Alexander also said he would be worried if Green Bay loses to the Jets. His comment didn’t sit well with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who responded to it in October 2022.
“Frankly, I don't like all this conversation about losing next week," Rodgers said, via ESPN. "I'm a firm believer in the power of words and manifestation. And we've got to check ourselves on that because talking about that is not winning football. There was (a) conversation about it in the locker room, and I don't like it. Ja's my guy, but we don't need to be talking like that.”
The Giants were nine-point underdogs but scored 24 of the last 29 points. The only points Green Bay managed in the second half came from a safety New York intentionally gave up. Things didn’t improve when the Packers got back home either — they lost 27-10 to the Jets in Week 6, making Alexander’s comment seem eerily spot-on.
Aaron Rodgers believes words have power
Aaron Rodgers’ reaction wasn’t just about the scoreboard — it reflected something deeper he's been passionate about for years. During a Psychedelics Science conference in Denver in June 2023, he shared his thoughts about words.
“You know, words are so interesting," Rodgers said. "They have such power in their spells. There’s a reason it’s called ‘spelling,’ because the way that the letters are put together have such power.”
He often talks about the power of language, intention and energy — whether it's after games, on podcasts or at wellness events. Some people roll their eyes and call it “word salad,” but Rodgers believes in it.
It explains why Alexander’s "if we lose" statement raised concerns for Rodgers. For him, success begins with belief and belief begins with the words one speaks.