The New York Post’s Steve Serby spoke with Klecko about his career, “New York Sack Exchange” teammates, favorite players to watch, and thoughts on Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers’ Green Bay career appears to be over after 18 seasons, and the Jets, searching for a veteran signal-caller this offseason, will likely be among his suitors. Serby asked Klecko whether he would like to see Rodgers sporting a different shade of green in the Meadowlands next season.
“I wouldn’t. I don’t see a guy like Rodgers fitting in with that mentality of them kids and everything like that,” Klecko admitted. “I could be wrong, he’s a tremendous quarterback, he’s a smart guy. I just think he could be more of a detriment, I really do.”
Klecko doesn’t have a problem with Rodgers’ talent, as he makes clear, but he does take issue with his on-field behavior.
“He has that condescending attitude about ‘Why did you give up the route? Don’t stop.’ When you know all these things, and you can help somebody, yeah,” said Klecko. “But he doesn’t do it like that. You could see it on his face on the field how he gets upset with players. “
Klecko credited another future Hall of Fame QB’s attitude and leadership when he changed teams but doesn’t believe Rodgers would act the same if he came to the Jets.
“Like when [Tom] Brady went to Tampa Bay, he called everybody the night before and told ’em why you could be great … he led these guys to believe in themselves, and they did. When things don’t go right, I can’t see Aaron Rodgers being a guy that gives a s—. I just can’t see it.”
Klecko may not be a fan of Rodgers, but he’s not the only former Jet who doubts the 39-year-old is the answer at QB for New York.
Longtime WR Brandon Marshall told the New York Post he preferred the Jets with a younger QB. The six-time Pro Bowler endorsed Las Vegas’ Derek Carr and impending free agent Jimmy Garoppolo.
While Rodgers will likely be the best QB option on the market this offseason (unless Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson becomes available), 2022 was a disappointing year for him.
The 39-year-old threw for 3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions this season. The 91.1 QB rating he posted was his lowest as a starter. He might be able to rebound in the right situation next season, but there’s still a chance he doesn’t play football at all.
On Tuesday, Rodgers announced on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he will decide whether to continue his playing career during a “darkness retreat.” Rodgers said he’ll spend four days and nights in isolation before deciding what’s best for his future.
If Rodgers decides he should come to New York and can play up to his standard, he should silence the criticism from the former Jets players.
