Former Patriots great Julian Edelman has expressed his disappointment with Aaron Rodgers' recent absence from the New York Jets' mandatory minicamp, calling it a "bad look" for the team's leadership.
Former New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman has weighed in on New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' absence from the team's mandatory minicamp, stating that it sets a poor example for the rest of the locker room.
In an appearance on Fox Sports' "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Edelman shared his perspective on Rodgers' decision to skip the minicamp, which has drawn significant attention and criticism.
Edelman Criticizes Rodgers' Absence from Jets Mandatory Minicamp
"I think it's a bad look for your leader, for whatever reason, to go and miss an unexcused absence," Edelman said. "I was with Tom Brady in his 25th year or 23rd year, and he started missing OTAs here and there, but he never missed a mandatory minicamp. I just thought it was a bad look."
Edelman explained that in his experience, it's important for team leaders to show up and be present when required, especially during crucial events like mandatory minicamps.
Edelman Criticizes Rodgers' Absence from Jets Mandatory Minicamp
"I know a lot of people do things differently," Edelman acknowledged. "But God forbid the New York Jets start 1-3 at the beginning of the season, which they start with the [San Francisco] Niners, Tennessee [Titans], [New England] Patriots and someone else regardless. We all know the Patriots are no good, but that defense is still the same defense, and that's who Aaron goes against."
Edelman expressed concern that Rodgers' absence could become a distraction if the Jets struggle early in the season, potentially affecting team morale and focus.
Edelman Criticizes Rodgers' Absence from Jets Mandatory Minicamp
"If they go 1-3, this is going to be such a big distraction for that locker room. Because everyone is going to be talking about it – this is New York City. It's the media capital of the world," Edelman said.
While acknowledging that Rodgers' recent Achilles injury may have factored into his decision to miss the minicamp, Edelman believes his presence would have been beneficial for the team, particularly given the recent turnover and challenges they face.
"I'm a big Aaron Rodgers fan, but if I was in that locker room, and Aaron Rodgers wasn't there for three days on the mandatory minicamp, having played four snaps off an injury when we have two new receivers, a bunch of new linemen that we added to the team, with a CBA that doesn't allow us to practice a lot, I guarantee there's four or five guys – six, seven, eight, nine guys in that locker room – sitting there like, 'Where's he at?'"
Edelman emphasized that he understands the importance of maintaining fairness within the locker room, but he questioned whether Rodgers' absence could set a precedent that undermines team unity.
Despite the Jets' prior knowledge of Rodgers' absence, Edelman believes it sends the wrong message to the team, especially considering the importance of mandatory minicamps in team preparation.
"The best I can answer this right now that I feel solid about is that he is somewhere that they could not excuse and maintain credibility with the rest of the locker room, but would be expected, would not be an out-of-left-field thing for him," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said in a recent interview on "The Rich Eisen Show."
While the specific reasons for Rodgers' absence remain unclear, Breer suggested that it may involve one of his known retreats, which he has publicly discussed in the past. However, the Jets have stated that they communicated to Rodgers that his absence could not be excused, in order to maintain fairness and team unity.
"They communicated to him that they wouldn't be able to excuse him for that, and again, it's because that's how you maintain credibility with your locker room," Breer added. "You can't do something for one person that you wouldn't do for other stars of the team, let alone, like, guys on down the roster, right?"
Ultimately, Edelman believes that Rodgers' absence sets a poor example for the team and could have negative consequences if the Jets start the season poorly. While acknowledging Rodgers' talent and contributions, he emphasizes the importance of leadership and accountability in a team environment.
