Aaron Rodgers caused a stir in June when he skipped the New York Jets’ mandatory minicamp due to what head coach Robert Saleh explicitly called an “unexcused absence.” Now we finally know why the star quarterback wasn’t there: Rodgers was traveling to Egypt on a pre-planned trip, according to SNY.
The 40-year-old former NFL MVP, who is entering his second season with the Jets, originally booked the trip while he was recovering from his 2023 Achilles tendon tear, according to Connor Hughes, giving himself “something to look forward to during one of the lowest points of his career.” Rodgers, who has taken trips abroad before, has apparently “long admired Egyptian culture.”
The former Green Bay Packers point guard thought the Jets’ offseason schedule would be complete by the time he flew to Egypt, Hughes said, and the team was informed of the schedule overlap when it finalized its minicamp dates (June 11-12). Saleh abruptly informed reporters of Rodgers’ absence early in that camp, revealing only that the quarterback was attending an important personal event.
Team owner Woody Johnson later downplayed Rodgers’ absence, noting that the 2023 trade acquisition was in near-full attendance at New York’s voluntary spring training before minicamp.
Several Jets players have since told SNY that they have “no problem with Rodgers missing minicamp,” also noting the Pro Bowler’s participation in team-sponsored activities. The Jets, meanwhile, reportedly announced Rodgers’ absence in this manner because they “did not want to set a precedent for players missing mandatory workouts for pre-planned travel.”
Regardless, Rodgers is expected to be back by the start of 2024 training camp; rookies are scheduled to report July 18, and veterans July 23.
News Source : www.cbssports.com
Gn sports
