Aaron Rodgers denies having a role in the Jets' decision to fire Robert Saleh, says the 'ridiculous allegations' are 'patently false'

Aaron Rodgers called the conspiracy theories that he had something to do with Robert Saleh’s dismissal “ridiculous” and “patently false.”

Rodgers, during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” said he felt badly for Saleh and publicly thanked him for everything. Rodgers also said multiple times that he loves Saleh and he was “a big reason” why  he came to the Jets.

“As far as any of the ridiculous allegations out there, I’m not going to spend more than one sentence in response to it and that is I resent any of those accusations because they’re patently false,” Rodgers said. “It’s interesting the amount of power that people think I have, which I don’t. But I love Robert.”

Jets owner Woody Johnson fired Saleh on Tuesday. Johnson said it was “my decision and my decision alone” to move on from Saleh with the Jets off to a 2-3 start.

Rodgers was in the trainer’s room when he learned of it and said the players were caught off guard.

“Everyone was feeling for Robert and worried about him,” Rodgers said.

"As far as any of the ridiculous allegations that are out there..

I'm not gonna spend more than one sentence in response to it..

I resent any of those accusations because they are patently false" ~ @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive https://t.co/jHz7zDLnto pic.twitter.com/wrRzN9Rnd1

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2024

Rodgers rehashed the story that Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. Rodgers said Johnson called him on Monday night to talk about the Jets’ 23-17 loss to Minnesota in London and see how he was feeling after spraining his ankle. Rodgers said Johnson never mentioned his plan to relieve Saleh of his duties during that five-minute conversation.

“We talked about the game and how disappointed I was in my performance and that I’m going to play better and we’re going to get this thing turned around and we hung up,” Rodgers said. “Woody has no obligation to let me know what his plans are. Whether or not he knew what he was doing at that moment was inconsequential. I just appreciated the call that he was checking on me.”

There was a report that Saleh was ready to strip offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of his play-calling duties. The Jets’ offense has been mostly ineffective and uninspired since Hackett was hired last year. Rodgers is close to Hackett. The speculation became Rodgers went to Johnson and Saleh was let go.

Johnson named defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich interim coach. Rodgers acknowledged there “has to be some change” and said he’s “on board’ with whatever Ulbrich does regarding the offense. Jets passing game coordinator Todd Downing – and former Titans offensive coordinator -- could take over the play-calling duties Monday night against Buffalo.

“I think there was going to be some things that needed to change regardless of what happened to Robert,” Rodgers said. “I know there were a lot of things that were swirling out there. ‘Brich and I have talked a couple of times and I’m on board with whatever he decides as far as the offense goes. I want to do what’s best for the team. We’re throwing our support behind Coach Ulbrich. Whatever he believes is best for the team is what we’re going to go with.”

Saleh released a statement on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to the Jets organization and love and appreciation for the players and his coaches.

“I wish you all the very best of luck for the remainder of the season,” the statement said in part. Saleh closed it with “All Gas No Brake!!!,” his signature phrase when he took over the Jets in 2021.

After news of Saleh’s dismissal broke, the Jets held a team meeting with Ulbrich and then a players-only meeting. A big topic was each player holding himself more accountable for the situation.

“This was definitely a wake-up call and an eye opener for a lot of people,” linebacker and captain C.J. Mosley said. “We have to take some type of accountability on how we cannot let this stop us from achieving our goal but also make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.”

Tight end Tyler Conklin said Saleh’s ouster “falls on all of us.” Conklin also said none of the players believe Rodgers had anything to do with it and that seeing Saleh lose his job “weighed heavily” on the quarterback.

“Aaron probably took this harder than almost anybody,” Conklin said. “One of the reasons he came here was coach Saleh and coach Hackett and the roster they assembled and what coach Saleh built here. It’s not true at all.”

Rodgers threw three interceptions on Sunday and said if he played better Saleh would still be the coach. He holds himself accountable for that and not for anything more.

“I don’t feel like I need to defend myself or say anything,” Rodgers said. “There’s always going to be narratives and conversations about what I think and how much power I have and how much influence I have. It’s not something I worry about. I care about my teammates. I care about winning. I’m accountable to myself, my organization, my teammates. I got to play better. I will.”