### Aaron Rodgers Disputes Role in Robert Saleh's Dismissal, Focuses on Jets' Future

In the wake of head coach Robert Saleh's unexpected dismissal, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has addressed swirling rumors about his involvement in the decision. Speaking on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers dismissed allegations suggesting he had a hand in Saleh's departure as "ridiculous."

Rodgers emphasized his respect for Saleh, attributing his move to the Jets significantly to the coach's leadership. “I love Robert and it was one of the reasons why I came to the Jets,” Rodgers said, highlighting the solid relationship they have maintained since their initial meeting in 2021.

Clarifying the nature of his conversations with Jets' team owner Woody Johnson, Rodgers noted that the call on Monday night was routine. The call followed a similar pattern as previous ones after Rodgers’ Achilles surgery last year and during his rehabilitation. They discussed the Jets’ recent 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Rodgers breaking the 60,000-yard passing milestone, and his minor ankle injury. But both Rodgers and Johnson confirmed Saleh’s future was not part of their discussion. “Woody has no obligation to let me know what his plans are,” Rodgers stated.

The news of Saleh's dismissal was a shock to many within the team. Rodgers was receiving treatment when the alert came through, and other players, including right tackle Morgan Moses and punter Thomas Morstead, were also caught off-guard. The team swiftly organized, with the players’ leadership council meeting co-owners Woody and Chris Johnson, and new interim coach Jeff Ulbrich joining them later.

A players-only meeting followed, emphasizing accountability and the interconnected nature of their performance and job security. Morstead reflected on the "natural instability" created by the head coach’s sudden departure, while Rodgers extended his sympathies to Saleh’s family, notably mentioning Saleh’s son Adam, who had trained with Rodgers during camp.

The meeting was also a platform to dispel rumors of Rodgers' influence over coaching decisions. Tight end Tyler Conklin noted that Saleh’s dismissal weighed heavily on Rodgers. "One of the main reasons Aaron came here was because of Coach Saleh and [offensive coordinator Nathaniel] Hackett," Conklin said.

Looking ahead, questions remain about who will call plays for the Jets, especially with Hackett under scrutiny for the team's struggling 27th-ranked offense. Both Rodgers and Moses acknowledged the uncertainty but expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt and elevate their performance.

Rodgers underlined his commitment to supporting Ulbrich, whom he has already had discussions with regarding the team’s future. With the Jets' playoff aspirations still within reach, linebacker C.J. Mosley summed up the situation: “We had a crack in our foundation... but it won’t tear down our house if we build it back up right.”

Focused on the path ahead, Rodgers declared, “I care about my teammates, I care about winning. I'm accountable to myself and my organization and my teammates. I got to play better. I will.”