Inspirational speeches on weekday sports talk shows apparently are not the way to galvanize your teammates.
Several former NFLers-turned-ESPN personalities ripped Aaron Rodgers’ weekly “Jets State of the Union” addresses on their network’s own “The Pat McAfee Show” for being hypocritical and ironically sending the wrong message, with one even describing it as a cash grab.
“That’s the problem, bro. That’s the problem is what you’re saying — do your actions meet your words?” longtime NFL center and 2012 Packers teammate Jeff Saturday said during “Get Up” on Wednesday. “‘Let’s not listen to the media. Let’s not pay attention to them. But I’m going to go on for an hour a clip, making extra cash. To go do what? You’re talking to your team through — they don’t watch McAfee, bro. What are we talking about right now? No shot on McAfee, obviously. I’m just saying, in general.”
Rodgers’ appearances with McAfee have always sparked much debate, usually for the off-the-field and often un-fact-checked discussions, be it about COVID or his feud with Jimmy Kimmel.
This time, it’s his discussion of his 2-5 team that is causing some blowback.
ESPN’s panel of former NFL players all but rolled their eyes hearing Rodgers discussing how his team is playing with too much anger and not enough enjoyment and how he needs to be a great leader.
Saturday’s quip about the money aspect referred to Rodgers making more than $1 million for his weekly appearances on the show, as The Post exclusively reported last year.
“Personally, and as a team, we’re playing with too much anger, not enough enjoyment,” Rodgers said during his segment Tuesday. “It’s fun when you win, of course, but I think there are ways of taking some of the pressure off. And it has to start with me this week — with my energy and my approach. We have to respond to adversity a little bit better, and I have to lead the way with that.”
Domonique Foxworth, a former Broncos and Ravens cornerback, essentially said Rodgers needs to play better rather than preach about his team lacking enjoyment.
The four-time MVP has 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions and has not delivered in the clutch, throwing costly late interceptions vs. the Vikings and Bills.
“Throw some touchdowns, man” Foxworth said after hearing Rodgers’ speech. “I get it, it’s a leadership thing and maybe that works for them in the locker room. But my guess is they’re in the locker room like, ‘Man, don’t throw it to the guys in the other colored jerseys and throw some touchdowns. I don’t want to hear this.’ And I get it, every week on McAfee, that’s fine, that’s your thing, whatever.’”
Andrew Hawkins, a former Bengals and Browns receiver, said Rodgers is a few months late with his pleas to his teammates.
“All this stuff that he’s saying, yes, that is what you should be doing — not now. That should’ve happened in April. That should’ve happened in minicamp,” Hawkins said. “If you’re developing your fight strategy after the fight has started, it’s over, bro. Get in the fetal position and breathe through your nose. Because you lost. That’s as simple as it is.”
Rodgers and the Jets have a get-right spot on the road in Week 8 against the Patriots before they host the Texans on Oct. 31 for a critical “Thursday Night Football” clash.
