New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers admitted on a 2022 taping of ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ that he is good friends with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Nonetheless, the pair shared an awkward interaction on the field in 2022.
Vrabel, 49, became the second candidate (after former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera) to interview for the vacant Jets coaching position this week. The Titans defeated Aaron Rodgers’s Green Bay Packers team 27-17 in a poor 2022 season for both sides.
During the contest, Vrabel walked onto the field to check on an injured Tennessee player. Rodgers, likely frustrated by his side’s poor play, attempted to make a quip in the direction of the Titans coach.
He came out very concerned for his player and I just wanted to hear what the conversation was. I had a couple comments over there for Mike. He didnt really say anything back,” Rodgers told McAfee in 2022.
Vrabel kind of blew me off but I would’ve done the same thing after what I said to him. I was trying to get a reaction out of him, but he stayed above it. I said something about him personally and he didnt want to respond.
In Vrabel, New York would secure one of the winningest coaches in recent memory. He went 54-45 in his seven seasons in Tennessee, reaching the playoffs three times and the AFC Championship Game in 2019.
What was Aaron Rodgers saying to Mike Vrabel here? pic.twitter.com/LXF4B9LllN
CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 18, 2022
The 49-year-old left the organization following the 2023 campaign after a poor 13-21 record over his final two seasons. He spent this year as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns.
Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan indicated that he expects to also interview for the vacant position – current interim coach Jeff Ulbrich expects to do the same.
Whether Vrabel, Rivera, Ryan, or Ulrbich will be coaching Rodgers next season is another question. The Jets quarterback hinted that Sunday’s contest against the Miami Dolphins may be his last in the Big Apple.
“I’m just more resigned to the reality of the situation,” Rodgers admitted midweek. “I think there’s going to be change here, and if I’m a part of the change, then I just want to make sure everybody knows I have nothing but gratitude for my time here.”
In 16 games this season, the 41-year-old signal-caller has completed 63% of his passes for 3,623 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
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