Ex-Jets QB Aaron Rodgers already calling out one of his Steelers WRs

Rodgers offered some tough love to his young WR.
Former NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Former NY Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers might have a new uniform, a new home, and a new team, but some things never change. The former New York Jets quarterback is already making headlines in Pittsburgh Steelers training camp for publicly critiquing one of his wide receivers.

This time, the target is second-year pass catcher Roman Wilson. Rodgers offers some constructive criticism to his teammate when speaking to reporters on Wednesday, insisting the talented young wideout needs to “get out of his own head” to take the next step.

Now, in Rodgers' defense, this likely wasn't intended in a negative light. The four-time MVP went on to call Wilson a "good kid," while praising his work ethic and desire to keep improving. Still, Jets fans have seen Rodgers criticize his receivers publicly before.

Just last season, Rodgers made waves in New York when he called out veteran receiver Mike Williams after a costly route error, igniting the infamous “red line” saga. The Wilson situation feels a little different, but it's hard not to draw comparisons.

Aaron Rodgers' latest comments bring Jets fans back to the Mike Williams drama

The Jets’ decision to release Rodgers this offseason officially marked the end of a turbulent two-year run in New York. After arriving in 2023 with sky-high expectations, Rodgers tore his Achilles on his first drive with the team, missing the entire season in the process.

He returned in 2024 and appeared in all 17 games, but he looked like a shell of his former self. The new Jets regime moved on after the offseason in a move that felt inevitable at the time.

Aaron Glenn was brought in to be the team's new head coach, while Justin Fields was signed to be Rodgers' replacement. The future Hall of Famer found a new home in Pittsburgh after the Steelers missed out on multiple preferred options, including Fields.

Rodgers has received mixed reviews from Steelers camp this summer, with many insisting he still has the arm talent of one of the best quarterbacks in the game, while others have noted his increased lack of mobility. Rodgers still has the arm, but his age is showing.

As for the subject of his tough love, Wilson was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Steelers, although he appeared in just one game as a rookie due to various injuries. He's expected to be a key piece in Pittsburgh's receiver room entering 2025.

But as history has shown with Rodgers, that only holds true if the longtime Packers quarterback signs off. He’s always had his favorites, and it seems Wilson may already be on thin ice.

If Wilson wants to keep Rodgers happy, step one might be learning where the red line is and making sure he never crosses it. Just ask Mike Williams.

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