Why wasn’t New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers at mandatory minicamp?

It hasn’t been the best start to life for Aaron Rodgers in New York. Indeed, the former Green Bay Packers star suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in his debut Game for the Jets in Week 1 of last season. Since then, it’s been a long road back and now with pre-season minicamp starting, he’s a no-show leaving us with more questions than answers.

Aaron Rodgers not present for Jets’ mandatory minicamp

According to New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not attend the mandatory minicamp and what’s more, is that his absence was not officially excused. While it’s important to note that Saleh explained that Rodgers had a previously scheduled event that is “important to him”, it’s also worth noting that the veteran signal-caller will now be subject to a fine due to his failure to show. To be clear, the amounts that he will have to pay are $16,953, $33,908, and $50,855 in fines for missing all three days, which is a total of $101,716.

To be fair, Saleh was in no way surprised by Rodgers’ absence, however, the Jets coach did disclose that though a previous conversation with Rodgers did take place, it does not mean that his failure to attend the camp could be “excused.” Speaking with the media Saleh shed a little more light on the situation. “Aaron and I spoke before OTAs started. He’s been very good in communication. He’s been here the entire time. It’s unexcused, but he had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated,” Saleh said.

Regarding what event Rodgers was attending instead of training camp with the Jets, there has been no official word, but it should be said that Rodgers wasn’t the only one who didn’t show up. There was also Jets pass-rusher Haason Reddick, who is currently in the process of negotiating a new contract. Like Rodgers, his absence was deemed as “unexcused.” As for the four-time MVP, the hope is that he will be able to play his first full season with the Jets having sat out the entirety of the last campaign - as mentioned above - due to injury. If the Jets are to contend this year, his performance will key to that cause.