Rodgers chemistry “exactly where we want it”

One absurd story throughout the offseason has been the back-and-forth between New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Heated arguments during practice turned into “explosion” situations between Jets players — though all signs pointed to genuine competition rather than displeasure with each other's company. And as the Jets prepare to face San Francisco on Monday, New York fans are likely to be excited.

Speaking to DJ Siddiqi of RG.com, Wilson believes the chemistry between him and Rodgers – and Rodgers' health – should not be a cause for concern for Jets fans.

“Our chemistry at the end [training camp] was exactly where we wanted to be. And we were able to play against other teams in joint training sessions – instead of against our own defense, which is one of the best in the league – [that] is the place where you really see where you stand and how you perform,” Wilson began.

“This is the closest thing to game day before the season. We really attack these days. We feel like our chemistry is where it needs to be and we're excited to go out there and show that on Monday.”

A big part of that chemistry was that Rodgers was healthy and available to the team throughout the offseason (aside from the minicamp absence that upset mainstream media journalists), and the Jets wide receiver mentioned that in his discussion.

“It was great to have him back in training camp this year,” Wilson said. “I know we – the whole team – had a lot of energy, especially with him back. We really got better every day.”

As most Jets fans know, Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury after four snaps in Week 1 last season. And despite concerns that the 40-year-old quarterback has lost his stride, Wilson says the New York quarterback looks as good as ever.

“Oh yeah, man,” Wilson says when asked if Rodgers looks good after his injury. “He looks like the Aaron I saw as a kid, the Hall of Famer we all know… Just the way he approaches his preparation and his recovery throughout the week; when you play until you're 40 and you're in the league for 20 years, that doesn't happen by accident. It doesn't happen because you don't do it on purpose.”

The Jets wide receiver thanked the New York quarterback for teaching him something important to extend his career – recovery.

“The main things I've learned from him are how important recovery is, how important preparation is, and how important it is to know what the opponent is going to do,” Wilson says of Rodgers. “He's such an intellectual guy. Whenever we talk, they're all really insightful to me, to be honest. It's hard to pick just one, but he's special. I try to soak it all in and be a sponge every time I'm around him, even if it's been two years.”

That mentorship has played a big role in Wilson's recruitment for the 2024 season. And with the four-time NFL MVP in his ear, there's a real chance Jets fans will see a breakout season for Wilson this year.

“Everything he says, I learn from him. I'm blessed to be able to play with someone like him, especially towards the end of their careers when they have a lot to offer intellectually.”