Jets Hall of Famer changes mind about Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets defensive legend and 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class member Joe Klecko experienced a change of heart regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers joining the franchise from the Green Bay Packers this spring. 

"He’s a different duck," Klecko said about Rodgers during an appearance on "The Jake Asman Show," as shared by Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "He really is. There’s no doubt. But as far as him as a football player, I’ve always said, as far as an accurate passer, there probably maybe has never been one as good and presently there’s not. He’s the best accurate passer in the league and a four-time (Most Valuable Player). . . . My only contention was how he was going to get along with the young guys, you know?" 

Back in February before the Jets officially completed the trade with the Packers for Rodgers, Klecko admitted he didn't want Gang Green to acquire the future Hall of Famer because he didn't see the 39-year-old signal-caller "fitting in with that mentality of them kids (on the New York roster) and everything like that." Klecko also said at the time he felt Rodgers has a "condescending attitude" he displays when "he gets upset with" teammates during games. 

To his credit, Rodgers quickly won over Jets players such as cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, safety Jordan Whitehead and cornerback D.J. Reed during springtime workouts. Klecko, who played for the Jets from 1977 through the 1987 season, compared his experiences to Rodgers' since late April. 

"I made a reference to it, because the team I was on, we grew together," Klecko explained. "That was really a cool thing because we got along so well. That’s what I was hoping, which he now has shown. He’s ingratiated the rest of the team, and he’s out there teaching guys. He’s doing the things that you see a Tom Brady do. I think he’s going to be a big surprise for everybody in New York." 

Rodgers has a history of walking to the beat of his own drum but continues to receive glowing reviews from teammates and media members, alike, during the early days of his Jets career. His next opportunity to impress will arrive when players report for training camp later this summer.