Aaron Rodgers knew his trip to Egypt during the Jets’ June minicamp was going to lead to a fine and criticism but he defended his choice.
Rodgers spoke to the media on Wednesday after the team’s first training camp practice.
It is the first time he met with local reporters since he skipped the two mandatory minicamp practices in June to travel to Egypt instead.
“I made it a point to be at every OTA,” Rodgers said. “I was at the physical day, as a part of the minicamp. Missed the two practices. Had talks with all my teammates about it. I think they understood it was more of an issue outside of the building than it was inside the building.
“[Coach] Robert [Saleh] and I are great — we had great conversations throughout the offseason. Had a fun one last night in his office until later on. It is what it is. I’m an adult, I knew what I was getting into, I knew the fine that was coming and also knew how much I wanted to be in Egypt. I wish there hadn’t been a conflict scheduling-wise, but it was what it was.”
Rodgers said he has been interested in Egypt for three decades. He described riding a camel while on the excursion with friends.
The 40-year-old quarterback confirmed he was fined by the Jets for missing the practices. The CBA stated the Jets could fine him $50,861.
Rodgers said when he planned the trip, he used last year’s offseason schedule as his guide.
But the Jets did not have a minicamp last year because they were playing in the Hall of Fame Game and had to report to training camp early.
As for his surgically repaired Achilles, Rodgers said he feels good but still needs training camp reps to feel fully back.
“I think it’s going to take a little time,” Rodgers said. “I feel great. The numbers — we track all the numbers out west where I work out and have for a decade — my movement stuff is tracking the exact same as last year. Actually, a little bit stronger with some of the squatting that we did. I just need the reps. The last 5 percent of being 100 percent is just the mental part.”
Rodgers said he believes the roster is better this year than last year, particularly along the offensive line.
He said the goal for the Jets is “New Orleans,” site of this year’s Super Bowl.
“It has to be the goal,” Rodgers said. “The beauty is, every single year there’s eight to 12 teams, maybe — probably less — but eight to 12 teams that can actually do it, and we’re one of those eight to 12.”