To say that Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets debut was eventful would be an understatement. The four-time NFL MVP made headlines not only because of his strong play but also because of a savage on-field exchange with New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward.
Rodgers took exception to Ward pushing him after a play and the two ended up exchanging barbs. It all ended with the Jets superstar dropping a mic-drop jab at Ward by telling the Giants LB that he didn’t even know who he was.
Jihad Ward Rips Aaron Rodgers, Jets
After the game, Ward clapped back at Rodgers and the Jets by explaining his side of the story. The 29-year-old accused Rodgers and Co. of laughing after Jets wide receiver Randall Cobb’s blindside hit on Giants safety Bobby McCain. According to Ward, he was only standing up to his injured teammate when he challenged Rodgers on the field.
New footage of Cobb’s hit has surfaced courtesy of HBO’s Hard Knocks program, and the Jets are seen discussing the incident after Cobb was hit with a penalty for the hit. This included Rodgers questioning his wide receiver about his decision to take McCain out:
Aaron Rodgers Claims Jihad Ward is ‘Making S**t Up’
Rodgers himself has caught wind of Ward’s accusations and the four-time All-Pro quarterback has decided to clap back. According to Rodgers, the Giants LB is merely fabricating his side of the story:
“He thought we were laughing at his teammate? That never happened and I think he’s making s**t up,” Rodgers said, via Rich Cimini of ESPN. “I don’t care.”
Aaron Rodgers clearly isn’t having any of Ward’s criticism, and the Jets superstar did not hold back in his response. The 39-year-old already got the better of Ward during the game by hitting him with what Rodgers said was an “un-comeback-able” jab, and now his savagery has spilled off the field.
These two teams face off in the regular season in Week 8 and you can be sure that there’s going to be an extra bit of tension between both sides in the next chapter of their heated cross-town rivalry.
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