Aaron Rodgers took his offensive linemen on Vegas trip (via Imago and X)
To build a rapport with his New York Jets teammates, Aaron Rodgers went to several dinner parties and showed up at basketball games in the 2023 offseason. As the Jets season ended early again, the veteran quarterback decided to rekindle the bonding phase once more.
Rodgers missed the entirety of the last campaign after suffering an Achilles tear on the opening day. As a result, he did not have much of a chance to spend much game time with his protectors, the Jets’ offensive line. He gathered the 11 linemen and flew them to Las Vegas over the weekend.
While Baltimore was getting ready for a playoff game, Rodgers, Mekhi Becton, Wes Schweitzer, Connor McGovern, Joe Tippmann, Max Mitchell, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Xavier Newman, Dennis Kelly, and Jake Hanson were attending the Vegas Golden Knights NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Schweitzer later shared a group photo on his Instagram. Jets writer Harrison Glaser later tweeted a screenshot of the picture on X.Aaron Rodgers played golf with his Jets teammates in Vegas
Watching a hockey game wasn’t the only reason the 40-year-old, along with his Gang Green, made the long journey from the Big Apple to Sin City. Prior to enjoying the cold for once inside the T-Mobile Arena, the group had a few swings on a golf course.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Image via SI)
McGovern shared a video via the Jets X account, stating that Rodgers “isn’t actually human.” Why? Because the four-time NFL MVP nailed a hole-in-one in Hole 17. That’s impressive considering he had surgery just a few months ago.
This was a great gesture from Aaron Rodgers to go on a trip with the O-line, keeping in mind that some of them may not even be in New York next season. Becton, more so than the others, came under serious scrutiny for consistently being the weakest link on the Jets frontline.
According to Pro Football Focus, the 24-year-old got only a 53.2% grade for his spoils last season. In the 985 snaps he played last season, Becton led the league in giving up the most sacks with 12 and second in penalties with 18.
Not only that, the Jets line has faced several injury issues, not just in the 2023 season but over the last couple of years. Hence the several changes in almost every game. Head Coach Robert Saleh said: There’s definitely something that we’ve been studying over the last couple weeks—to try to get a beat on it and get a head start. It’s been that group for the last two years, and it’s taken a beating. But at the same time, there’s something with the O-line group that is different.Robert Saleh said
Unlike them, Rodgers will be sticking around for at least a few more years. For their sake, let’s hope he stays healthy in 2024.
