Aaron Glenn’s latest comments sure sound like a subtle dig at Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Glenn didn’t say Aaron Rodgers’ name on Wednesday, but he didn’t need to. When the new Jets head coach was asked about quarterback Justin Fields following the team’s first open-media OTA practice of the spring, his praise seemed to carry a little extra weight

And for those listening closely, perhaps his words carried a hidden message as well.

“I really like how authentic he is,” Glenn told reporters this week. “There’s nothing fake about him. He’s not trying to be a celebrity quarterback.” Instead, Glenn praised Fields for the work he’s doing “behind the scenes” to build chemistry with his teammates and establish himself as a leader quietly and without the spotlight.

Whether intentional or not, it’s hard not to hear those comments and think of Rodgers, whose Jets tenure was defined by more headlines than highlights.

Still unsigned as we approach the end of May, Rodgers remains in NFL limbo while Fields is busy earning the trust of his new team and the confidence of his new coaching staff.

Aaron Glenn and the NY Jets are happy the Aaron Rodgers era is over

Fields wasn’t brought to New York to be a "celebrity quarterback." He was brought in to be a leader and a high-upside swing at the most important position in the sport.

That tone has been clear since the day the Jets made the move to acquire him, and it's only grown louder under Glenn. Fields is saying all the right things, but more importantly, he's earning the trust of teammates behind the scenes.

The shadow of Rodgers still looms large over Florham Park. Rodgers’ 2024 season — his only healthy one with the Jets — was underwhelming both on the field and off it. Despite playing all 17 games, Rodgers looked like a shell of his former self.

And when the season ended, he didn’t go quietly. Instead of supporting the new regime, he publicly bashed the organization, including Glenn himself, during an offseason media appearance. He remains unsigned, and each passing week without a decision further justifies the Jets’ choice to move on.

This is no longer Rodgers’ team. Aaron Glenn has made that clear. The focus now is on building something sustainable, something unified.

Fields might not be a former MVP or Super Bowl champion, but he’s bringing the kind of authenticity and quiet leadership this organization desperately needs. And judging by Glenn’s comments, the Jets finally feel like they’re heading in the right direction.

The Jets are embracing a new identity under Glenn, and even if Fields doesn't turn out to be the long-term quarterback solution the team has been seeking, it's evident that a new era is underway in Florham Park — no more Aaron Rodgers and no more celebrity quarterbacks.

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