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Aaron Rodgers explains why he pushed away Jets coach: ‘Not a big hugger’
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Aaron Rodgers explains why he pushed away Jets coach: ‘Not a big hugger’

Aaron Rodgers explains awkward moment with coach Robert Saleh

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh tries to celebrate with Aaron Rodgers after a touchdown against the New England Patriots on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Al Bello/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers had a simple explanation after an awkward interaction with the head coach of the New York Jets Robert Saleh went viral.

Rodgers, 40, was caught pushing Saleh, 45, away as he came in for a hug during the Jets’ win over the New England Patriots on Thursday, September 19, according to Prime Video viewers Thursday Evening Football broadcast showing Rodgers appearing irritated.

“He’s not normally a big hugger,” Rodgers said of Saleh in his post-game press conference. “So I didn’t know he was going for the hug. He likes to do the two-hand chest push.”

Rodgers added: “He talks a lot about a two-score lead, so I gave him a nudge and said, ‘Two-score lead.'”

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The Jets quarterback, returning to MetLife Stadium for the first time since last year’s Achilles injury, insisted the interaction was “not awkward at all,” a sentiment echoed by Saleh himself.

Aaron Rodgers explains awkward moment with coach Robert Saleh

Aaron Rodgers after defeating the New England Patriots on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

“Some of the stuff we talked about is giving the defense a two-score lead,” Saleh said after the game when asked about the failed hug. “And it was a two-score lead, so I think he just wanted to see something from the defense. He just reminded me it was a two-score lead.”

It was a big night for Rodgers and the Jets, who defeated the Patriots 24-3 to improve their season record to 2-1. Rodgers finished 27 of 35 for 281 yards and two touchdowns.

“This was kind of a first step into playing the way I know I can play,” Rodgers said. “I felt like I was my old self from five years ago.”

After signing a three-year, $112.5 million contract with the Jets, Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon just four plays into his first game and missed the rest of the season.

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According to ESPN, Rodgers became just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to complete 75 percent of his passes in a game and throw for at least 250 yards at age 40 or older. Tom Brady, Drew Brees And Brett Favre.

His impressive performance certainly did not go unnoticed by his head coach.

“The cool thing was he showed the mobility that we saw in training camp,” Saleh said. “He may not be what he was with his legs, but his arm is still 30 and his mind is still functioning at a high level.”

Rodgers and the Jets return to action on Sunday, September 29, against the Denver Broncos.