Aaron Rodgers, the veteran quarterback, stirred up some controversy last month by missing the Jets’ mandatory minicamp. Instead of attending the two crucial practice days, Rodgers chose to take a brief vacation to Egypt. Although he had been at camp for the previous 10 days, his absence during the mandatory days raised eyebrows.
Rodgers addressed the situation on “Pardon My Take,” explaining his perspective on the team’s schedule. “They can arbitrarily put a tag on whatever week of OTAs they want and say, ‘This is the minicamp week,’ which makes it somehow more mandatory than the other weeks,” Rodgers said. He pointed out that while the minicamp week was labeled as mandatory, it was essentially part of the OTAs (Organized Team Activities), and he had already participated in the first 10 days.
Despite the media making a story out of his missed minicamp, Rodgers emphasized that it was just two days of OTAs he missed. He also downplayed the significance of his vacation, explaining that his trip to Egypt was not an issue within the team’s locker room. However, the Jets did fine the 40-year-old for his “unexcused” absence.
Rodgers’ relaxed approach to the situation reflects his confidence in his standing with the team and his belief that the brief absence did not impact his preparation or team dynamics.
Why Aaron Rodgers skipped Jets minicamp for Egypt
Aaron Rodgers stirred up controversy when he skipped the Jets’ mandatory minicamp for a pre-planned vacation to Egypt, a trip he had arranged over a year in advance during his Achilles rehab. Describing it as a “bucket list” adventure, Rodgers explained that during the difficult rehab period, he decided it would be fun to plan a trip with friends in mid-June, thinking it wouldn’t interfere with his team’s schedule.
“Back in the doldrums of the rehab, I thought it would be fun to put together a trip with some friends,” Rodgers shared. “We wanted to plan it kind of the middle of June. Looked at the previous year’s schedule and felt like I was going to be safe.”
When Rodgers later realized the mandatory minicamp coincided with his trip, he tried to adjust his plans. He communicated with head coach Robert Saleh and his teammates, informing them about his upcoming absence. “I made it a point to be at every OTA,” Rodgers said. “I was at the physical and media day before the start of minicamp. I missed the two practices. I had talks with all my teammates about it. I think they understood. It’s obviously more of an issue outside the building than it was inside the building.”
Despite Rodgers’ efforts to mitigate the impact, the Jets fined him, with Saleh labeling the absence as “unexcused.” Rodgers accepted the consequences, acknowledging that he knew what he was getting into. “It is what it is,” Rodgers stated. “I’m an adult. I knew what I was getting into. I knew the fine that was coming. And I also knew how much I wanted to be in Egypt. I wish there hadn’t been a conflict, scheduling-wise. But it was what it was.”
Rodgers’ trip to Egypt, while controversial, was a long-anticipated personal goal, and he stood by his decision despite the ensuing criticism.
