Jets' Aaron Rodgers, Robert Saleh downplay the hug that wasn't
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers talks with head coach Robert Saleh during the first quarter of an NFL game against the New England Patriots on Thursday at MetLife Stadium. Credit: AP/Adam Hunger
Aaron Rodgers and Jets coach Robert Saleh had a strange exchange after the Jets scored their second touchdown in Thursday night's 24-3 win over the New England Patriots.
Saleh went to hug Rodgers when he came off the field with the Jets ahead 14-3. Rodgers pushed his coach away and said something to Saleh.
Both men downplayed it and said their exchange had to do with the offense giving the defense a two-score lead.
“Part of the things we’ve been talking about is just get the defense a two-score lead,” Saleh said. “It was a two-score lead. I guess he wanted to see something on defense. So he reminded that we have a two-score lead.”
When it was suggested to Rodgers that it was an awkward exchange, he didn't agree.
“Awkward, no. It’s not awkward,” Rodgers said. “He’s not a big hugger, so I didn’t know he was going for the hug. He likes to do the two-hand chest push as well. But he talks a lot about two-score leads. So I just kind of gave him a push and said, ‘two-score lead.’ That’s what happened.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
