Aaron Rodgers reveals most important relationship of Jets tenure

It appears the bond formed between New York Jets starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and backup Zach Wilson means as much to the future Hall of Famer as it does to the third-year pro. 

"Well, there are a lot of guys that have really made me feel comfortable here and have made me feel at home," Rodgers told reporters, per the Jets' website. "I think as much as anybody the relationship with Zach has been the most important one because him and I already had a friendship and coming in here and knowing that I am coming into be the guy, where he has been the guy and he has dealt with so much scrutiny in the media and ups and downs his first couple years, for him to embrace me the way he has (has) been fantastic."

Wilson and Rodgers spent time together during joint training camp practices involving the Jets and Green Bay Packers when Wilson was a rookie in 2021, and Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah noted this past winter that the signal-callers already had "a good relationship" at that time. Rodgers, of course, joined the Jets from the Packers this spring after Wilson was benched on multiple occasions last season. 

Rodgers said earlier this summer he hopes Wilson will use the upcoming campaign to "focus on the opportunity in front of him to learn with a guy who loves him and cares about him and wants him to be great and wants him to do incredible things every day and be better." The 39-year-old is expected to start for the Jets across at least the next two seasons, but Wilson potentially could stay with the club long enough to take over as the team's QB1 in 2025. 

"I love him," Rodgers added about Wilson during his latest comments. "I really care about him and I want to see him grow and get better and to watch me and to be in my hip pocket and to learn as much as possible." 

For now, Jets fans are concentrating mostly on how Rodgers will and/or won't play over the next several months. As of Friday afternoon, OddsChecker had Gang Green tied for fifth among the betting favorites at +1300 odds to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LVIII. 

The Jets close Week 1 with a home game against the division-rival Buffalo Bills this Monday night.