Former pro praises Aaron Rodgers for encouraging 'player empowerment'

"I can't sit here at this desk as a player and talk about player empowerment, and not applaud what Aaron Rodgers is trying to do," former NFL defensive end and current analyst Marcus Spears said during an ESPN segment. "It would be an oxymoron for me to come on and say, 'Well why the hell would he want (tight end) Marcedes Lewis and (wide receiver) Randall Cobb?' But [Dan Orlovsky], you made a great point, like some familiarity going into a new situation after all of that time and looking out for other guys." 

Specifically, Spears was referencing a report from Tuesday that claimed Rodgers had given the New York Jets a "wish list" of players he'd like for them to pursue before he officially joins them via a trade from Green Bay. Among the individuals on that list were Green Bay teammates such as Lewis, Cobb and wide receiver Allen Lazard. 

It was reported later on Tuesday the Jets and Lazard had agreed to a deal, and Rodgers confirmed during his Wednesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" he intends to play for New York during at least the 2023 season. 

"The dynamic of the NFL and locker rooms are, all guys ain’t going to like the guy," Spears added about Rodgers. "And some guys are going to be his friend until the end and they’re going to ride with him. I got to applaud him for trying to do that." 

Meanwhile, Rodgers told McAfee on Wednesday he hasn't "been holding anything up" about a trade that will occur whenever the Jets meet the Packers' asking price for the future Hall of Famer, per ESPN. 

Rodgers may not have been "holding anything up," but it's clear he got the Jets' attention well before Wednesday.